Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

ISBN: 9781595141712
Publisher: Razorbill (2007)

304 p.

Reading Level: Grades 9^th and above.

Summary:

Clay Jensen finds a package waiting for him on his return from school. In this package are 13 tapes from his classmate, Hannah. He’s had a crush on her for a while, but unfortunately she took her own life two weeks before, leaving Clay with many questions unanswered. These tapes are Hannah’s story and last message, and it is Clay’s turn to listen to them and discover why Hannah left everyone behind. As readers alternate between Clay and Hannah’s points of view, we learn how both small and large instances of bullying or rejection can snowball far too easily into a suicide. As Clay listens to the tapes and goes on a voyage, tracing all of Hannah’s painful past and the exact locations of her pain, he not only yearns for his missed chances, but he is heartbroken to discover how so many people had a part in her decision to leave this life. In listening to Hannah’s pain, Clay’s torment grows and ebbs until, hopefully, he is left with no more lessons to learn and a heart that is open and unafraid.

Critical Evaluation:

This novel is one of the most uniquely written books I’ve read in quite a while. Hannah’s voice-over, as she tells her story through the tapes Clay is listening to, is interspersed with Clay’s remembrances and agony, making for a truly painful read. Although such a plot device could have gotten repetitive, it never does, for it is always moved on by the element of suspense. Clay’s voyage through the places that Hannah mentions on the tapes literally takes him to the moments where her heart breaks, while also furthering both Hannah’s and Clay’s final stories.

The mood of this book is always one of utter sadness, whether it be for Hannah for what she went through or for Clay for hanging on while listening to all the tapes. As the author has said, “People do have an impact on the lives of others; that’s undeniable. My favorite quote came from a girl who said Thirteen Reasons Why made her want to ‘be wonderful”’ (Asher, n.d., p. 4). This book should make teens pause and listen to how each small comment can snowball into a catastrophe. Perhaps that will inspire some to lead better lives, a goal that every teen (or adult) novel should aspire to. Finally, although all readers know from the beginning that Hannah has killed herself, the ending uplifts the heart, for it always holds out more and hopes for a better future.

Reader’s Annotation:

The spools in the cassette player whirl quickly, like life. Clay sits entranced,
listening to what the cassettes tell him. Would you like to hear what Clay hears?

Author Biography:

Thirteen Reasons Why is Jay Asher’s first novel. He has worked with the public throughout his life at bookstores and libraries. His website states that “He hopes, someday, to work for a used bookstore.” (Retrieved from http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/author.php).
Asher also lists his hobbies as guitar and camping.

Thirteen Reasons Why has won numerous prizes and has received five stars from the Teen Book Review. This novel is also being turned into a feature film starring Selena Gomez from Universal Pictures and Strike Entertainment. Asher is currently working on his next young adult novel.

Genre: Realistic Fiction, suicide.

Curriculum Ties:

This is a perfect book for an English class. The multi-narrative thread can be used
as a perfect example of foreshadowing and characterization.

Booktalking Ideas:

-Were the alternating narrative voices compelling enough to drive the story forward
or were they too confusing?

-Do you think everyone on the tapes should be there?

-Should Hannah have reached out further, or did she do as much as she could?

  

Read-Alikes:

-Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson,
-Hate List by Jennifer Brown.
-Lessons from a Dead Girl by Jo Knowles.
-Undone by Brooke Taylor.

Challenge Issue:

Obviously, suicide is a very hard subject for teachers, parents, and librarians to delve into, as hard as bullying and rape. This novel brings all these subjects to light with a clear and unblinkered eye. I would tell a parent that it is always better to talk about what is bothering teens than wait until it is too late. From all the feedback the author has gotten, it is clear that many teens contemplate suicide, and perhaps a book like this one will let them reach out to someone before it’s too late and realize that they are not alone.

Reason to include in blog:

Ever since this book came out, I have been meaning to read it. Because of the unique way the novel is written, I had a hard time putting it down even when the tapes became too heartbreaking. This book should be in the book bags of teens everywhere before
the weight of the world descends on the most vulnerable members of society.

References:

Asher, J. (2011). Thirteen Reasons Why.
     Retrieved from http://www.thirteenreasonswhy.com/author.php

Asher, J. (2008). Thirteen reasons why: A novel. New York: Razorbill. 

Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen Reasons Why (between the lines). 13 Questions
     for Jay Asher.  Razorbill: Penguin Group.

Jay Asher. (2011). In Wikipedia. Retrieved from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jay_Asher