Thirteen Reasons Why

Book Details

Author: Jay Asher

Reading level: Young Adult

Trade Paperback: 336 pages

Publisher: Razorbill; Reprint edition (June 14, 2011)

Language: English

Source: National Bookstore (Market Market)

Book Synopsis

Clay Jenkins returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers 13 cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker--his classmate and crush--who committed suicide two weeks earlier.

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers. (taken from fantasticfiction.com)

Book Review

Thirteen Reasons Why has been inside my mobipocket reader for quite some time, I haven’t got the motivation to read it. But then I found myself buying a copy as a birthday gift and I got the best gift I had for  myself in years.  

I admit, I struggled a bit because this is my first two simultaneous narration – Hannah is talking, Clay’s thoughts are running. It gave me a hard time but I got used to it and finished the book in a day. I loved this book because it is very compelling. You will get into Clay’s shoes. You will feel what he felt, the frustration, desperation, and guilt. You will also experience Hannah’s life, her choices, actions and thoughts. This is one of the books whose plot I will never forget because it is written in a unique manner. Thirteen Reasons Why is a must-read book. It talked about themes that are real and really going on in schools today: bullying, depression, love and suicide. It’s heartbreaking.

The book revolved around a set of cassette tapes explaining why a young girl, Hannah Baker, committed suicide. The tapes are passed around to people who, in one way or the other, had a part in her decision. It is a poignant tale about the consequences of our actions and how it affects others. No matter how small they may be for us. In a way, I think this book will change how you will treat other people.

It was just sad that no one seemed to hear her silent pleas. Probably, if someone just stood up for her and became a friend, it wouldn’t happen. Thirteen Reasons Why does not only discuss how the mind of a suicidal teen works, but it gives its reader hints on how to answer their silent pleas.

A must-have book on your shelf! :)

Favorite Quotes

“No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same.” 

“You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything.” 

“A lot of you cared, just not enough.” 

“Sometimes we have thoughts that even we don't understand. Thoughts that aren't even true—that aren't really how we feel—but they're running through our heads anyway because they're interesting to think about.” 

“When you try rescuing someone and discover they can't be reached, why would you ever throw that back in their face? —Hannah Baker ” 

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