13 Reasons Why I Liked "13 Reasons Why"

I recently read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher, as it is part of the summer reading list for my Fall student teaching placement! I had first heard of the book a few years ago in my YA Literature class (which inspired many of the posts from my 100 book quest, but my classmates gave it mixed reviews, so I decided to skip it, until I saw it again on the summer reading list, and figured I'd give it a shot.

Note: This book contains mature themes that some people may find difficult to read about, including suicide and sexual assault, involving teens.

This book revolves around a series of cassette tapes (yes, cassette tapes, and this book was published in 2007), left behind by Hannah, a teen girl who has recently committed suicide, something her classmates are left shocked and confused by. But should they be so confused? The tapes, which are secretly being passed around, according to the late Hannah's instructions, detail 13 reasons why Hannah made the choice she did...in her own words. Days before Hannah's tragic death, she created these tapes, and ensured that they would be passed along to the people whom she talks about, and to, in these tapes, so that they would know the part they played in her decision. Clay, a boy who barely knew Hannah, but perhaps wanted to, finds himself with the tapes at the beginning of the book, and we follow his roller coaster of emotions as he listens to the tapes, trying to figure out how he fits in, and what he possibly could have done wrong to Hannah.

Now you're probably thinking...wow this sounds awfully depressing. Why would you even want to read this? (Unless you're like my sister, Kate, who loves reading depressing books :-p). I'll tell you why...in 13 reasons. =)

1. The book is suspenseful. Despite the dark themes, it's a page turner. I devoured it in two days, wanting to know what role Clay played in Hannah's choice to end her life, and why she felt she had no other choice.

2. The cassette tapes were an interesting touch. As someone familiar with cassette tapes (my first one was Backstreet Boys' "Millennium" by the way :-p), I was intrigued by the idea that a modern book would feature such outdated technology. An author's note in the back explained that books so quickly become dated anyway, but to purposely choose a dated piece of technology, and to have the characters acknowledge this, can remedy that problem.

3. It doesn't hold back. This book stares tragedy and heartbreak in the face, and brings all the emotions with it, in a real, raw way. It was hard to read at points, but all of the hardship that the characters faced wasn't exaggerated or cheesy. It was purposefully written and necessary to the story.

4. It leaves you feeling at least a little uplifted. You know while reading the book that Hannah will still be dead at the end, no matter how much you root for her. However, the author does add a spark of hope in the end that will, ideally, help lift you out of the sadness, at least a little.

5. It doesn't shy away from real teen issues, such as sexual assault. As much as it was hard to read about it, this kind of thing isn't discussed enough I don't think. Teens are often afraid to come forward and ask for help, especially when someone they know is involved. Awareness should be raised, and in its own small way, this book does that.

6. The book weaves different events together, with some interconnecting with others a year later. It demonstrates the ripple effect nicely.

7. This book does not condone or glamorize suicide. That is a real fear, considering that many teens are reading this book, and could get the wrong idea. However, despite Hannah's rationale for her choice, Clay is the strong voice that reminds us that Hannah did have other choices, even if she couldn't see that. In fact, the author noted that many teens recognized themselves in Hannah, and it scared them enough to reach out after reading this book.

8. The double narrative style of the book is well done. It goes back and forth from Hannah's voice on the tapes to Clay's responses, verbal and nonverbal, and the two characters are distinct from one another. (Readers of Veronica Roth's Allegiant will appreciate the good example of a dual narrative, as Roth disappointed many readers when trying this!)

9. I can't vouch for this, but I've heard that this is a good one to listen to on audiobook, for those who may prefer listening to someone read over reading themselves!

10. It's not one of those instant YA cult-following books/series where everyone jumps on the bandwagon. People love it or hate it. It's a hard book to get through, and it's not for everyone. Some people think that it isn't well-written, that it isn't believable, etc. I like that there is some dialogue, and back and forth between readers. Not everyone has to love it. Decide for yourself!

11. It's different. How often do you see a concept like this in a book, let alone a YA book? If nothing else, it's not your run-of-the-mill vampire, dystopian YA trilogy! Nice to see some fresh ideas for a change!

12. It's easy to relate to Clay, as you, too, want to stop Hannah, to reach out to her and tell her that there are people who care about her, and that she has options.

13. It teaches a lesson. As cheesy as it sounds, this book reminds readers, especially young readers, that all actions have consequences, and that even the smallest action can have a huge impact on someone's life, positive or negative. This is something that even adults need to remember more.


So I hope that I've convinced you to at least give this book a try. Though it is YA, I think that adults can benefit from reading it just as much as young people. In fact, I am a little wary of the fact that Shenendehowa has included it on their summer reading list for incoming 8th graders, even though it is marked as "for mature readers" (They've also included Sold, which is a wonderful book, but once again, dark). But if you can handle the dark, sad themes in the book, I think you'll find that it is a compelling read that will make you think.