Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
October 18th 2007 by Razorbill
Hardcover, 288 pages
Borrowed
Its a normal day for Clay Jensen but when he returns home from school to find a mysterious package with his name on it, his normal day is pretty much over. When Clay opens the package, inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker who committed suicide two weeks earlier. On each tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life and Clay is one of those reasons.
Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. Live and in stereo. No return engagements. No encore. And this time, absolutely no requests. I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.
What a unique and interesting idea to tell the tale of suicide from the victim. The concept behind the plot is what made the story so intriguing, each chapter in the story is a cassette tape, each side a piece of the story and after you listen (read) the first cassette it becomes almost imperative that you listen through to the end and discover why Hannah did what she did and why these people are being held responsible for her death.
In the opening scene after Clay opens the package and his initial shock wears off, he inserts cassette one of the seven he's received and begins listening to the story of Hannah Baker, offering an explanation of the way Hannah was feeling and each tape representing a person who contributed to those factors. At first, I didn't know if I liked the idea of blaming another person for a suicide but as you hear the things that Hannah went through, it made sense that she would leave these tapes to these particular people. Although I think the reasons behind Hannah's suicide (despite one) were ultimately trivial, broken up and connected they became huge in Hannah's life and for the reader. All of the circumstances start piling up and even I thought how much more can this girl take...why is this happening to her over and over?
In the end, Clay nor the others mentioned on Hannah's tapes are responsible for Hannah's suicide, when it comes down to it Hannah made that decision and no one can make you kill yourself but they all defiantly played a role in Hannah's life. I think the importance of the book is that it signifies how we treat people, how are actions can effect a person so deeply and alter the course of their life. Hannah was desperate by the end but never really reached out, nor did anyone notice. It certainly made me wonder what have I said or not said or what I have seen but not really bothered to notice.
This was a well written novel. I thought Asher's talent in telling Hannah's story shinned with the fact that while reading this I forgot a male author wrote it, I felt so connected to Hannah it felt like Id crawled inside the book and was right beside her. Throughout the tapes I almost forgot that she was already gone, at times I wished the outcome would be different, I wish Hannah was still alive, that someone on those tapes would reach out and change the decision she already made.
Rating
Thirteen Reasons why is recommended to the mature teen/adult, 16&up content includes: language, explicit sexuality, drinking, violence, death, suicide, grief, abuse and rape.
4/5- YA, Suicide
I am really excited to read this one, not sure why I have not yet,other than time...great review.
ReplyDeleteI read this last year and I loved it. On my top 10 list. It's a really great book with a unique premise.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Tina!
Great review.
ReplyDeleteI really hate that this is a YA book though, can't get passed that. I didn't enjoy for that reason, amazing concept though.
This was a great book, probably one of the best that I read this year. I also listened to the audio, and it was great. The book is so suited to audio that its execution was perfect. Glad you liked it.
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
ReplyDeleteI really love this book. It was so interesting and original.
I really enjoyed this book a lot. It's written in a way where you can't wait to discover more and more which is probably why I read it in one sitting haha.
ReplyDeleteWow. Powerful review. I have been on the fence about this one, but your review makes me want to pick it up like today. We'll definitely have to chat once I've finished it! :)
ReplyDeleteI so would read this. I have heard nothing but good things
ReplyDeleteI adored this book. It's still one of my all-time favorites. Glad you liked it too! :)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely loved this book! I find that I am reading more and more YA books - easy reads, plot flows and the content is relevant. Have recommended this book to a few other teachers.
ReplyDeleteI just finished this book last week and absolutely fell in love with it. The topic, of course, is hard to read but I loved how the author told a story with a clear message. In the end, Hannah wasn't blaming them for her suicide, but their actions affected her life and led her to that point where she ultimately made the decision to end her life.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review and I completely agree that everyone should read this because you become so much more conscious of others and how you treat them.