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.
Ask me what Thirteen Reasons Why was about before I read it and I'd say suicide; now, however, I'd say repercussions.
In this thought provoking novel we follow Clay, a self professed "good guy", on the worst night of his life as he learns what led to his long-time crush's suicide. Hannah's left behind a set seven cassettes with thirteen stories that illustrate the consequences of seemingly minor actions and how things can get totally out of hand very easily. She starts in the beginning, with an innocent first, and weaves together the tale of thirteen people who had irrevocable impacts on her life- and, ultimately, her death.
I felt so bad for Clay, and found myself asking why Hannah felt compelled to make everyone feel so miserable, especially Clay. But as I read on I realized it wasn't just a suicide note blaming everyone for her choice; it was a confession.
At the beginning I thought I knew what was what, but I turned out to be absolutely wrong. Characters that seemed villainous turned out to be relatively harmless and characters I thought were harmless were anything but. The story may have been one of increasing darkness, but in the end there was a ray of hope. And after having suffered with Clay, it was all the more precious.
I'd rate this PG13 for the mature theme of suicide along with sugestive content. Really, it's just not meant for the under 15 set in my opinion.
I give Thirteen Reasons Why...
...Four Zombies!
It was one of the most thought provoking books I've read in a long time. I highly recommend this this book.
Happy reading,
Zombie Girrrr
**This book was obtained at my local library. I am not receiving compensation for this review.**
