Book Review: 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.
–From Goodreads
Hauntingly appropriate for this title.
First Thoughts:
This is going to be a hard read, I can already tell.
***
My Review:
Although I know it could never happen (too many parents wanting to shield their children), I think this book should be read by every teen out there. Yup, every single one.
With Clay as a guide, we find our way through Hannah’s life and the reasons why she ultimately decided to end it all. Meeting Hannah through her cassette tapes was so heart wrenching. The raw emotion that emanates off these pages, both from Clay’s point of view and Hannah’s, is so beautiful and difficult at the same time.
I found myself so angry at Hannah for her choice, but also so angry at everyone else the story revolves around. It only takes one person, just one, to reach out. This story creates a need for each person who reads it to look deep down into their past and come to terms with what led you to this point. What has shaped you, to be you?
I’m sure this review is a bit broken and confusing, but only because that is how I feel after reading this book.
Final Rating: 5 Keys to My Heart
[+/-] Click to see rating.
4 Comments
Jenn (Books At Midnight)
Thank you for participating in The Saturday Network! 🙂
And nice review. It seems I definitely, definitely need to read this! It's always that ONE thing that can make a difference…
Eva
I think this is an important book for teens too! Or adults who live/work with them. 🙂
Robby
I have yet to read this book. I hope I get the chance, soon enough.
Kelly
I read this book last year and loved it too, it's so touching. Great review! 🙂