Thirteen Reasons Why

TITLE: Thirteen Reasons Why
AUTHOR: Jay Asher
RELEASE DATE: October 2007
PUBLISHER: Razorbill
PAGES: 288 pages
GENRE: Realistic Fiction, Chick Lit
OVERALL RATING: 4/5
APPROPRIATE AGE: grades 8-12 

SUMMARY: Hannah Baker commits suicide, but before she does, she creates a series of audiotapes that she mails to thirteen different people to explain how they had a part in her decision to end her life. 
Clay Jensen is one of the people on Hannah's list. As he begins listening to the tapes, he wonders what part he played in Hannah's decision. Clay never did anything to hurt Hannah, actually the complete opposite, he had a crush on her. But other than working together at the movie theater, he was never able to get up the nerve to let her know how he felt. But as he listens to the seven tapes, and hears Hannah's voice all over again, he begins to wonder if not doing something, is really the reason why. 

FAVORITE QUOTE: This quote comes from Part 3 and shows how Clay reacts to listening to one of Hannah's tapes:
     "Then come to realize that you're making mountains out of molehills. Realize how petty you've become. Sure, it may feel like you can't get a grip in this town. It may seem that every time someone offers you a hand up, they just let go and you slip further down. But you must stop being so pessimistic, Hannah, and learn to trust those around you. So I do! One more time."
      The last movie of the night is playing so the box office is empty. I stand in the swirling marble floor surrounded by posters of coming attractions. This was my chance, at this theater to reach Hannah. It was my chance, and I let it slip away.
     "And then, well, certain thoughts begin creeping around. Will I ever get control of my life? Will I always be shoved back and pushed around by those I trust?" 
     I hate what you did, Hannah. 
      "Will my life ever go where I want it to?" 
     You didn't have to do it and I hate the fact that you did.  
     "The next day, Marcus, I decided something. I decided to find out how people at school might react if one of the students never came back. As the song goes, you were lost and gone forever, oh my darling Valentine."
     I leaned back against the poster, locked behind a plastic frame, and I close my eyes. I'm listening to someone give up, someone I knew, someone I liked. I'm listening, but still, I'm too late.     

WHAT I LIKED: This book was definitely a page turner. I couldn't put it down, constantly wanted to know who the next person was on Hannah's list. What did they do to push Hannah over the edge. I think I read this book in about a day. While the whole premise of the story, someone committing suicide, is completely morbid; it was nice to hear Hannah explain each situation. How something so little can build and build. It makes you understand, that if you don't have a support system, if you  don't have friends to talk to, that it truly can feel like the end of the world. 

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE: I know the point behind the story was for people to realize how they treat others. How would things have changed, if you would have just talked to that girl in girl in the hall or not spread the rumors you heard? I didn't like the idea of placing blame on other people for a decision you make. 

READALIKES: All the Bright Places by Jennifer Niven

BOOK TRAILER: wasn't able to find an official book trailer for the book, but I invite you to visit the Official website for Jay Asher's debut novel, Thirteen Reasons Why:  www.thirteenreasonswhy.com  and read more about the anti-bullying discussions as well as Jay Asher's Author Tour: 50 States Against Bullying.