Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

"I guess that's the point of it all. No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same" (Asher, 2007, p. 156).

My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher, is a brilliantly, painful look inside the life of a modern teenager. As a work of fiction, Asher was able to bring to life Hannah Baker, a teenage girl who recently committed suicide. Hannah was a typical girl who struggled to block out the dark moments in her life, eventually leading to her own demise. Before she died, Hannah left behind a bundle of cassette tapes which she recorded herself. These cassette tapes listed the thirteen reasons why she decided to commit suicide, naming each person and reason behind her decision. After each of her intended listeners heard her story, they were instructed to pass the tapes onto the next person on the list. Because of the intensity and the controversial truth, Hannah left a second copy of the cassette tapes with a trusted ally, who promised to release the tapes publicly if the listeners did not follow her instructions. The story leads the reader on a suspenseful journey into the life, secrets, and ending of Hannah Baker.

Although Hannah is one of the main characters, Thirteen Reasons Why includes a double narrative. The story follows Clay Jensen, as he listens to Hannah’s recordings on the cassette tapes. Clay spends an entire night in angst, following Hannah’s directions as she takes him on a scavenger hunt to locations of sentimental value to her. The reader lives both Hannah’s life and Clay’s reactions in one single storyline. As Clay finds out the truth, he is overwhelmed with guilt and an odd sense of satisfaction as Hannah’s decision is finally rationalized. In the end, Clay mails the tapes to the next person and goes to school to face his guilty peers. As he is about to enter class, Clay sees an outcasted classmate in the hallway and attempts to reconnect with her before it’s too late.

Because of the controversial topics and graphic imagery, the book is best suited for older high school students and adults. There are explicit words used, as well as situations involving drugs, alcohol, and sex that make this book inappropriate for anyone younger than a high school senior. Although it would be difficult to incorporate this book into a classroom setting, it has opened up the discussion of sensitive topics, such as depression and suicide. Because of the popularity of the book, it is most valuable to school guidance counselors or teachers that lead a humanities course.

A major strongpoint in Thirteen Reasons Why is the use of cause and effect. While most readers understand the main message of seeking help, the underlying message of unintentional harm is vital. Most of the characters did not expect themselves to be a reason in Hannah’s death since they thought their role to be insignificant in her life. The book intends to shed light on being aware of other’s emotions, being less self-involved, and being kind. If readers are looking for another story involving themes of self-worth and peer ridicule, Siobhan Vivian’s The List is a good read, especially if searching for a less violent outcome.

Personally, I loved the concept of Thirteen Reasons Why. I believe the way the story was organized intrigued the reader more than if death was the surprise ending. I was able to connect with Clay Jensen in the sense of feeling both helpless and regretful. In high school, I had an acquaintance that was known to be depressed and suicidal. When she wouldn’t show up to class, it was known that she was either in rehabilitation or in the hospital for a suicide attempt. On the days she did attend class, I did not try as hard as I should have to make her feel included. I did speak to her several times, but like Clay, I was fearful of what others said about her. Thankfully, she was able to overcome this period in her life and is living her dream as a world traveler, as per the last time we spoke.

Thirteen Reasons Why was made into a Netflix series! The series is produced by Selena Gomez, and while the storyline was altered slightly for entertainment purposes, the overall message of seeking help and cause and effect are made clear. The series currently released the second season, but if you have not watched any of it yet, I suggest you give it a chance. There are very explicit scenes in this show that intend to portray the occurrences of teenage life. Watch the trailer for the first season below!

Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen Reasons Why. New York City, United States of America: Razorbill.

Vivian, S. (2014). The List. New York City, United States of America: Scholastic.