#PBwkendread Review: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Title: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Published: Oct. 18, 2007
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 288
Genre: Teens, YA
Review: Library book
Buy Links: Amazon, Amazon.uk  

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers thirteen 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.

So I was looking around in the library and happened to see the title of this book. As I picked it up the title was what caught my eye to flip to the back when I realized it was about a teen suicide I figured I would give it a read.

Now this story goes back and forth between Clay and Hannah though this is Hannah talking through a recording. You see she left tapes that are to be mailed to those that are on a list of hers each person who is on that list is to hear her voice and understand what caused her to end her life. I loved how the author did it old school and had this put on cassette tapes. 

Hannah seems like a normal girl but you never really know how a person is unless you truly truly know them and even then you may not know what is going on within their head. 

I could totally relate with Hannah in a way where rumors that are started give you a reputation that isn't good and there is no way that you can tell them the truth on what really happened as everyone has their mind set to listen to the rumor. It sucks that Hannah had an experience like that because she seemed like a nice girl who would rather just stay to herself and have a close knit of friends. 

Clay poor thing he has a crush on Hannah but never could quite talk to her so for him to have to listen to this and deal with was sad. 

One thing I didn't understand with Hannah was the fact that instead of confronting one character for what he did she just added more things for him to have on her and kept the rumor mill going. I would have at least spoke to my parents or the police in that matter because that is something serious. 

I see this as a  good book for teens to read as it deals with a hard topic and that kids should reach out if you are thinking of suicide. Also speak up for those that are being pushed around by those that are your peers stand up for what you believe is right. 

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Website: www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

Jay Asher was born in Arcadia, California on September 30, 1975. He grew up in a family that encouraged all of his interests, from playing the guitar to his writing. He attended Cuesta College right after graduating from high school. It was here where he wrote his first two children’s books for a class called Children’s Literature Appreciation. At this point in his life, he had decided he wanted to become an elementary school teacher. He then transferred to California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he left his senior year in order to pursue his career as a serious writer. Throughout his life he worked in various establishments, including as a salesman in a shoe store and in libraries and bookstores. Many of his work experiences had an impact on some aspect of his writing.
He has published only one book to date, Thirteen Reasons Why, which was published in October 2007. He is currently working on his second Young Adult novel, and has written several picture books and screenplays. Thirteen Reasons Why has won several awards and has received five stars from Teen Book Review. It also has received high reviews from fellow authors such as Ellen Hopkins, Chris Crutcher, and Gordon Kormon.