Review: Thirteen Reasons Why

The Details

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Genre: YA, Contemporary, Fiction

Length: 288 pages

Release Date: October 18, 2007

Medium: Audio/Physical Copy

Rating: 4/5

Pace: Fast

Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone

“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.”

The Goodreads Synopsis

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen 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.

The Review

Trigger Warning: Suicide and Depression

First things first, if you or someone you know is thinking of suicide, seek help. There are other options.

This is a very controversial book. Depression and anxiety are heavy topics in the YA world and this book really touched on some of the issues many teens face with suicidal thoughts. Some people have said this is a terrible representation of depression and suicide, however, this emotion is so different for everyone. Nobody can say the main character, Hannah, didn’t have good enough reasons to commit suicide. They were good enough for her, as they are for many others in this world.

I really enjoyed the premise of this book. I think the tapes being left behind for those who impacted her life to listen to were compelling and original. Many times I had chills down my spine when listening to Hannah recount the many events that lead to her final days. I felt like I could relate to the stories she was describing as many teenagers go through the situations.

If you take anything from this book, let it be this…. If you see signs of depression or suicide, take action. Don’t assume someone else will.

The Characters

Hannah was the main character of this book, but I felt like she was really a secondary character there to provide the story line for Clay. It was like she was narrating the book and Clay was the main event.

Clay, was a very detailed and relatable character. While listening and reading this book, I could feel his emotions and understand what he was going through.  

The Style

I listened to the audio book from my local library and read the paperback book. The narrators, Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone, did a great job with the narration. I did feel like the narration for Hannah was older than I felt Hannah should sound, but Clay’s narration was spot on.

The paperback book was also well written. I felt like it was a fast paced book that kept my attention needing to know who and what was going to happen next. 

I would suggest the audio book over the paper back because of the type of content (the tapes). The ending also left me pondering.

The Recommendation

I recommend this book to those that don’t necessarily understand depression and suicide. It might not be the best read for those contemplating suicide or having depressive thoughts. I did find it very informative and felt as though this or something similar should be required in a high school setting. Maybe not as drastic as a successful suicide, but the premise of everyone’s impact on Hannah’s life could teach many lessons.