Thirteen Reasons Why

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

Words Harm You. Clay Jensen liked Hannah Baker, they worked together, he could even love her, but; what did he do wrong? Why is his name on these tapes? Why is Clay on this list? Clay will find out why Hannah committed suicide by pushing play and slowly he will begin to wander around the town listening to Hannah's voice. A page turning suspense, a teen voice with brutal honesty and one you won't forget.. ---High school students & parents need to read this book! Brilliant storytelling--Highly recommended!

The following is the review I posted to my school library blog for students:

This weekend, I read one of the best books I've had the pleasure of reading, and I just have to share. To be honest, the book didn't impact me as much as it might have had I read it in high school, or even college, but Th1rteen R3asons Why, by Jay Asher, should be on the recommended reading list for every high school student, and their parents, because it really makes you think about how the things you do impact other people. In honor of the title, I have come up with my own Th1rteen R3asons Why I think you should read this book:

1. Every single high school student will see themselves in one of the two main characters in some way.

2. It's real and honest about the trauma of being a teenager, which is rare in a book written by an adult.

3. It shows how people can become so wrapped up in their own lives that they fail to see warning signals from others.

4. Just like in real life, there is no neat, happy ending.

5. It emphasizes the need to treat other people the way you want to be treated.

6. The book highlights how easy it could be to slip through the cracks if you don't have the courage to ask for help.

7. No one wants to wake up one day to find out they are on the list.

8. It illustrates the need to speak up and tell people how you really feel, because if you wait too long, it might be too late.

9. The book reminds us all that no matter how bad you might feel about yourself, there is probably someone out there you don't even know about who thinks you're wonderful.

10. Everyone makes mistakes, but this story reminds us all how not admitting those mistakes can have a profound impact on many lives.

11. It reminds us to choose our friends carefully.

12. It's not the fact that one of the main characters is dead that counts, but the reasons why.

13. What the book is really trying to say is that no matter how bad it gets, life is always worth it.

This book is now in our collection and at the public library. Reserve your copy now, the holds list is filling up fast!

This book was a quick read and definitely worth it. The pace is fast and you don't want to stop reading until you've finished the entire book.

I sat down to read this, and I didn't stop until I finished. It was ABSOLUTELY EXTRAORDINARY! I've never felt as connected to characters in a book like I do to the characters in this book. I would HIGHLY recommend it. :) And I hope the author writes more books because I will definitely read those! :) This book deserves 6 out of 5 stars -- yes, as in an EXTRA star. :)

My friend practically begged me to read this novel. Although it took a few pages, soon I was completely hooked. It grabbed me in such a powerful way. Halfway through, I was carrying it everywhere, determined to learn more about Hannah Baker and her suicide. In a way, the reader becomes Clay Jensen. My emotions became entwined with his, as we slowly watched the downfall of this lovely human being. This book is not for the light of heart - it's raw and honest. There is no overwhelmingly happy ending, or catharsis.

Thirteen Reasons Why should be required reading, at least for middle schoolers. This novel is important. It reflects what happens when people slip through the cracks of society. In my high school, a couple students committed suicide over the four years I attended. This novel made me realize how much I wish I could have helped, how much I didn't know. The idea of others coming across this realization from reading this novel expresses how much others should give it a try.

Hannah Bakers's experiences are conveyed in such a stunning and heartbreaking method, it's impossible not to relate, or feel for her as she steadily records the ways her life began to disintegrate. And how nobody did anything to stop the downfall. Entertaining, gripping, and extremely painful, this book makes for the perfect emotional read.

You won't be disappointed.