Thirteen Reasons Why

This is definitely readable for middle-schoolers, although some concepts may not be understood. Generally the book didn't do well in representing and teaching a lesson of preventing teen suicide. It mainly represented suicide as a great way to make others feel terrible about themselves. It seemed rather strange that there were no responsible adults. Teaches a few good lessons and is worth a read, but it generally wasn't realistic and did not live up to expectations.

I gave this book one star, but it took me a long time to come to this conclusion. While it was well written, as far as interest and development, I have a HUGE issue with the message of the book. I was first introduced to this book by a few of my 8th graders who read it, but wanted to read as part of our after-school book club. These are the kids that are reading this book and perhaps getting the wrong message about suicide and taking responsibilities for your own actions. In this book, Hannah, commits suicide, but blames it on other people. She records messages for 13 people she holds accountable for her need to kill herself and ensures that these tapes are delivered to all 13 people. While those people played a rather large part in significant events in her life, mostly by starting rumors or doing things they felt okay about because of the rumors. This book is sending out the wrong message to children. This book was about revenge; not about suicide. Hannah wanted those people she felt slighted by to hurt as much as she was hurting. She took no responsibility in making the decision to take her own life. It is well documented that people who commit suicide do so because they know no other way to stop the pain. It is also well documented that people who commit suicide or attempt it have some form of mental illness, usually depression. None of that was brought up in this book. This book completely negates that and the author should be ashamed of himself.