Thirteen Reasons Why

“You can't stop the future
You can't rewind the past
The only way to learn the secret
...is to press play.” 
-Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why

According to many, this book has changed and saved lives around the world. After hearing such amazing reviews, I had to read the book myself. So I ordered it from Amazon and I am so glad that I did!

Rating & Audience level

4/5

To me, this is for mature readers due to sexual references, suicide and language.

Through my eyes

WOW! That is all I have to say. I did not mean to spend my whole work day reading this book. It was so intriguing that I couldn't put it down.

The way Asher wrote this book, through both Hannah and Clays eyes, is what makes the story. The back and forth of his thoughts and her words is what I like the most.

Most people like seeing that they have packages addressed to them on their front porch. Clay Jensen was the exact same way. He carried it into his room and opened it. Inside were seven tapes, numbered 1-13 on each side. There is no letter or note inside explaining who, what, when, where and why he has these tapes. So out of curiosity, he finds a tape player in the garage and puts the first tape in, presses play and is taken back by what he hears.

Hannah Baker was the typical new girl in town. She fit in at one point, but then high school slapped her in the face. After many tragic events that had happened in a short amount of time, she took her own life.

"Hello boys and girls, Hannah Baker here," these were the words that came through the radio. In the beginning, Hannah explains why she has made the tapes. There were thirteen main reasons why she decided to take her own life. Each one of those reasons is a person. When the person who has the tapes finishes them, they are to pass them on to the other person. If that person does not pass them to the next, a second set of tapes is going to be released for everyone to hear. What Clay didn't understand is why he was on the list. He was always so nice to Hannah.

Throughout the book, each person has who has affected her life has a side of a tape. Each story has a special spot in the town where the event talked about took place. Clay travels to each spot and listens to the tape. Little by little, Clay comes to realize that he loved Hannah. He misses working with her. He misses her touch. He just misses her.

After finding out where he stood in the tapes, he finished them all. Clay passes the tapes on to the next person. He realizes that he needs to be there for other people who are distancing themselves, making obvious changes in their lives and anyone who needs someone to talk to. The tapes changed his life completely.

Many people would not agree with her choice of suicide because they do not think that the things she went through are agreeable to take their own life. After reading many reviews about the hatred towards Hannah, it upset me because not everyone can handle anything. People are all created differently. I cry at the drop of a dime. Thomas on the other hand could have his hand cut off and not shed a single tear. That is why suicide is one of the top 5 reasons for death around the world. Yes, there could have been a lot more serious issues with her but she took all she could handle in the world. I really did enjoy the book and I would read it again!

The raw and intense emotions throughout the book is what held me on to each and every word that Asher wrote. He wrote about a topic that people do not take lightly. In my eyes, he made it easy to read and it has helped many people pull through any problems that they may have been dealing with. Asher also opened the eyes to all the kids who ever bullied someone. Just remember that your words can hurt someone deep. 

If your having problems, talk to someone. Anyone. Talk to me. I’ll listen. I can’t promise you that I have all the answers, but I’ll listen to you. And I will send you virtual hugs and videos of kittens. They won’t be a solution to your problems, but even just a smile helps a bunch to brighten your day.

There are also many other ways to get help. http://www.suicidehotlines.com is a great place to go. All you have to do is choose your state and call. Someone is there 24/7 to here you, help you and give you a outlet.

Jay Asher also has a website to leave your own thoughts, stories and to help one another. http://www.13rwproject.com/#/reviews/312

The book has changed many lives, maybe it can change yours too.