"Thirteen Reasons Why" (2007) by Jay Asher REVIEW

Hannah Baker is dead. Everyone knows that. Suicide. However, there is something that only a few people know: before her suicide, Hannah recorded 7 audiotapes of her story, 13 reasons why she finally considered suicide as her final option, and Clay Jensen is one of those reasons. After receiving the tapes on his doorstep one day, Clay is drawn to listen to what Hannah has to say not just about the other people involved with her problems, but about him as well. Maybe finally he could find out what kind of person Hannah Baker really was. Little does he know that what is on the tapes will change his life forever.

Simultaneously narrated from two perspectives, Jay Asher's debut novel is an accomplishment in my eyes. The concept of the writing was intriguing and well written from the perspectives of Clay and Hannah. Another thing that was extremely well done, and Asher must receive praise for this, is the emotions it makes the reader feel. When Hannah Baker is describing her life, her problems, it is depressing and I felt depressed reading it. So, great job, Jay, for successfully writing a YA novel that has more depth and emotion than the majority of other books I've read!

Though slow and awkward for a while in the beginning, Thirteen Reasons Why is a must read for all teenagers (and adults too!). It shows the effect suicide plays on its surroundings and clearly displays a message that is of great importance.

Rating: 15+
4.5/5 Stars

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