Author: Jay Asher
Published: 2007
Genre: YA Fiction
"Would you want the ability to hear other people's thoughts? Of course you would. Everyone answers yes to that question, until they think it all the way through. For example, what if other people could hear your thoughts? What if they could hear your thoughts...right now?"
Clay Jensen has a chance to experience that very ability when a strange shoe box arrives on his doorstep. Inside are 7 cassette tapes, which when played, reveal the voice of Hannah Baker, Clay's classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice explains that there are 13 reasons why she decided to take her life, and Clay is one of them. Now he needs to find out why.
Guided by Hannah's voice and a map that she drew, Clay takes a tour of the different places that played a significant role in the last months of Hannah's life. Each location is accompanied by a piece of Hannah's complicated, interwoven story -- starting with a seemingly harmless high school prank and ending with the infamous party that claimed the life of another classmate. Clay's narration alternates with Hannah's as he pieces together the motive behind her death, and in doing so, uncovers some sinister secrets that his classmates are desperately trying to keep hidden.
I didn't really know what to expect when I picked up this novel. I saw on sites like Amazon and Goodreads that it was highly rated, but my research didn't go much past that point. Then, on my birthday, I found a copy at the local thrift store and decided to pick it up. Initially, my mother wasn't crazy about the idea of reading a novel that dealt with teen suicide. However, curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to try reading it one morning. She finished it later that afternoon! With her endorsement, I jumped right in! Once I started, I couldn't put it down! In the book, Clay had this need to keep listening to the tapes; he couldn't stop. That's how I felt while I was reading. I needed to figure out where the story was going, what twist or turn would be revealed about Hannah's life. It was exhilarating!
I loved the alternating narratives. Hannah would say something on the tapes, to which Clay and the reader would react simultaneously. I think it was that back and forth action that made the book such a fast read. I also felt that the characters were relatable. Many teenagers can empathize with Hannah's feelings of loneliness, and even betrayal. I'm sure even more can relate to the confusion and helplessness that Clay feels throughout the book. The combination of these things is what made me decide to give the book the rating that I did. The reason why I did not give it a full 5/5 beans, was that I felt that Hannah's decision to send the tapes (even with the intention of revealing the truth) would cause more pain and suffering to others. It was an act of revenge, which is something that I, on principle, refuse to endorse.
The subject matter is tough. No one likes to hear about suicide, especially when it's a young person who takes his or her own life. Other difficult topics come to light throughout the story, but I won't spoil them here for you now. Parents and teachers should be aware if they have children who want to read this book. That being said, use it to start a conversation about suicide and what the signs are in someone who is contemplating taking their life. The more aware you are, the more you can help!
Finally, if you decide to read this book, let it serve as a reminder of how you should treat others. Do you remember the "Sticks and stone may break my bones, but words will never hurt me" comeback from your grade school days? Asher's novel gives testimony that this little phrase may not be true. Words hurt! Especially during those volatile high school years. The things you say to another person may affect them more deeply than they let on. The consequences may extend far beyond hurt feelings! So be kind to people! Smile at them when they pass by you in the hall. Pay them a compliment. Be there to listen to them if they need it, and throw a little love their way!
"Love your neighbor as yourself." Mark 12:31
Kaylee says:
Kaylee! I read this book one summer around the end of high school and loved it. I especially enjoyed how the plot is affected by the knowledge of her eventual death. It is impressive how the author can keep the reader interested even though the ending is clear. (It is also always fun to read a book with your name in it. It made everything more impactful.)
ReplyDeleteThat's really true! There's no happy ending, and you know it before you even start reading. It's a testament to Asher's storytelling ability for sure.
DeleteWow! What a powerful review of this book. Thank you for that reminder at the end. We all need to be aware of the feelings of others. Pray for those who are experiencing pain and loneliness, and be a friend to them.
ReplyDelete