After having it recommend to me by a friend and then having her loan me her copy, I was very excited to read Thirteen Reasons Why. I finished it in one whole day and when I read a book that fast, you know that it’s a really great novel.

Clay Jensen has had a crush on Hannah Baker forever, but he never had the guts to really tell her.

Now he never will. Hannah committed suicide.

But before Hannah killed herself she left something behind. Seven cassette tapes. Seven tapes that tell the story of the thirteen people that caused Hannah to feel that she had no where to turn.

Each person has a story within the tapes and it is your responsibility after you listen to the tapes to pass it onto the next person.

But what did Clay do? How could he be one of the people responsible for her suicide? All through the night Clay listens to these tapes. Following Hannah’s recorded words throughout their small town and what he discovers from the tapes will change his life for forever.

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REVIEW

Thirteen Reasons Why is an absolutely compelling book. I was really intrigued by the concept and Asher really pulled off the plot amazingly. I was so moved by this story and the two main characters involved that I couldn’t put the book down until I was complete and had all the answers.

It’s such a thought provoking book that it makes you look at the way in which you treat people and how a strong exterior can hide such a fragile soul.

I sympathised with Hannah quite her a lot. It really makes you realise how it only takes one action, however small it may seem, to have a massive effect on someone else’s life.

Actually, following Hannah’s story along with Clay which was filled with raw and intense emotion, brought back a lot of rather sad memories of my own high school experience. I could relate to Hannah a lot which is probably why I felt a deep sadness towards her and I, in turn, could empathise with Clay wanting to help, but it being too late.

The book brought out all the deep thoughts and the emotions I have had regarding suicide. It was heartbreaking. In some pages the whole story got so overwhelmingly real that I started crying. It’s rare for a book to tackle a subject like suicide and have it be incredibly realistic and moving.

I’ve seen several people disagree with Hannah’s reasons, but I could really feel her pain throughout the novel. She wants to be normal; a new girl who has just moved into town, find friends, have her first kiss. All of it is spoiled. All of her dreams are shattered. The town that’s supposed to be her new home has become a hellhole for her. Everywhere she goes is a different series of hardships and painful memories. The friends that are supposed to be the ones she can lean on has betrayed her, and made themselves on her list. The first kiss that should have been the sweetest escapade and an unforgettable moment of her life has become the root of all the rumors that make her living unbearable. It’s tragic that she felt like she had nothing to live for anymore.

I have absolutely no complaints with this book, I loved it. The pacing was perfect, the writing was wonderful. I’m surprised by how much I enjoyed Thirteen Reasons Why, it definitely wakes you up to the cruel, harshness of reality which was refreshing after I have reading so many romance-orientated novels lately.

I won’t gloss over the fact that it’s a sad, thoughtful book. But it’s a must-read.

RATING
★★★★★

One of the leading causes of death amongst teenagers is suicide. The Centers for Disease control report that it is the third leading cause of death, behind accidents and homicide, of people aged 15 to 24. Even more disturbing is the fact that suicide is the fourth leading cause of death for children between the ages of 10 and 14.

If you suspect someone you know may been suicidal or you want to know the signs please visit this page. Having knowledge of this information could save the life of someone you know.

In addition to this, if you are suffering from suicidal thoughts and feel like you have nowhere to turn to, I want to promise you that there is always someone who cares and wants to listen. It could be a friend, family member, a trusted adult or authority figure, even a complete stranger like myself will be open to listen to you.

If you are having suicidal thoughts and are considering doing something drastic then please get in a touch with a suicide hotline ASAP. The list of contact information for hotlines in your country can be found here.