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Thirteen Reasons Why
- By Jay Asher
- Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Common Sense Media says
Disturbing suicide novel examines bullying, indifference.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this bestselling novel is about a teen girl's reasons for committing suicide, which she articulates in audio tapes she sends to 13 people, mailing them on the day of her death. The book includes discussion of rape, voyeurism, underage drinking,
sexism, revenge, and survivor's guilt -- and at least one of Common
Sense Media's parent reviewers worries that Hannah's revenge tapes were a
"romantic takes on the outcome of suicide." There are messages here about the importance of treating people with kindness -- and of the price of inaction -- that parents and teachers may want to help teen readers think and talk about.
What's the story?
When Clay Jensen receives audio tapes in the mail, he's horrified to hear his dead crush's voice coming out of the stereo. Hannah lists 13 reasons why she killed herself and the 13 people responsible for it. Clay is wracked with guilt as he waits to hear how he could have been involved in her tragic decision.
Is it any good?
First-time author Jay Asher's story presents the dark side of teen life: drinking, sex, rumor mills, suicides, cries for help, inept or absent adults, and the mean spirit that surrounds the general high school student body. Here everyone's a victim, an enabler, or a perpetrator, and some of the characters are all three, including Hannah Baker. Her tapes and reasoning are, at times, just as selfish and mean as those she accuses. And while we see some of the 13 not showing much remorse, the majority are already burdened with "should haves" when Hannah's tapes arrive.
Teens will identify with the sometimes-oppressive culture of high school. For any teens who've had dark thoughts of their own, the aftermath of Hannah's decision and the conclusions Clay reaches will hopefully make them think again. But this book has messages that will reach all teens: Hannah warns that we must "be careful how you treat people, you never know how it will affect them." Readers will also realize that inaction -- whether to stop a crime or a rumor or talk to a troubled student, friend, or child -- can be just as damaging as deliberately inflicting pain.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the topic of suicide. Do books and movies that tackle tough topics like this one glamorize suicide and other dangerous behaviors, or do they provide an important outlet -- and opportunities for discussion?
Hannah warns her listeners to "be careful how you treat people, you never know how it will affect them." Is this something that teens need to be reminded of? Do you see a lot of bullying and indifference at your own high school?
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AGE
I disagree when it said the messages in this book aren't good. Sure, its about teen suicide, and that is a very bad thing, but that isn't what the book is about entirely.
In my opinion, the book is about how every little action that you do can affect someones life without you even realizing it. I think it can teach us all that no matter how good someones life looks on the outside, it can be crumbeling on the inside, so just treat each other with kindness and respect. It really helped me out alot.
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AGE
Perfect in every way
I absolutely loved this book. It's my favorite book of all time. This book is gorgeously written, haunting and just all over great. It deals with topics such as rape, murder, drugs, alcohol, depression and, of course, suicide. Though I know some parents will be a bit protective with letting their kids read this because of the topics but the book is amazing and letting your kid read this will only broaden their horizon and teach them about valuable life lessons. Man that sounded cheesy.
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AGE
should learn earlier then being too later
I read it when i was 12, and i think it was kinda cool. And it kinda help me act the way i shouldn't be acting.
For parents who think its not appropriate for 13 below. Isn't it better to know things earlier? i mean some kids go through it earlier then 13. so its just a thing to think about, people will have to learn/know later on they should be prepared....
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AGE
A fantastic book.
I love this book. It's tearjerking and heartfelt, and I couldn't stop reading. I think all teens today should read it, but only if they're mature enough to handle the concept. Suicide is a scary subject, but one that should be talked about.
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AGE
The only redeeming character is a boy that befriended the main character. Ironically the suicide girl wants to make him feel badly after she committed suicide. At the end of the book it depicts this boy as feeling responsible and feeling that he should try to help other lonely kids. So if this book conveys the msg don't say anything that is mean, fine, but the msg should also include if you feel someone might commit suicide seek help from an adult. Responsible adults were absent from this book. It is a depressing book and unfortunately does not present information on how to deal with a suicidal person.
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AGE
Older Teens Must Read
When Hannah Baker commits suicide, Clay Jensen loses his crush. Things get strange when he finds a package full of audiocassette tapes on his door step.
With these, he is guided around town by the voice of the deceased Hannah Baker. Clay Jensen learns the thirteen reasons why she killed herself.
This book is definitely a darker one, but it teaches many things to children. Some may say it's a bit harsh, but it's very important.
It teaches children not to judge, or at least tells them judging is wrong. It also shows the negative affects of bullying rather than showing humor in negative remarks, violence, and other actions. In the end, the main character is enlightened and helps a student that may spiral into the same problems Hannah had. All of the concerns listed are shown as bad in the book. It's educational and teaches good morals.
I read it and I'm 12, but I'd say it's for 13 year olds. Parents should read this and decide based on the material in it and how mature their child is. This is not a novel for children under the age of 10, that's for sure.
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AGE
Excellent Book
I don't see what's terrible about this book. It talks about sucicide, and how she was depressed. Like thousands of teens are today.This book could be very educational, and could teach teens how to choose their actions wisely.
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AGE
so good i read it in a day
This book was really good. There are some things in this book that I would not reccomend for younger teens. But otherwise it was good. It kept you thinking and you were drawn in by the tapes.
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AGE
my opinion,
i think it can be very confusing, and possibly too deep for younger people, I'm 15 and i could barely fight back the tears at times...
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AGE
A Harrowing Read that Doesn't Stand Up to Close Examination
Thirteen Reasons Why is wracked with emotion, and can be hard to read the first time, purely because it has the power to devastate the reader. But do not be taken in by this- though the message is good, characters developed, and plot well-timed and executed, I find that I like it less and less each time I read it. After reading, you are supposed to feel sympathy for and be understanding to people with suicidal thoughts. I know people who have attempted suicide, and I feel for them and understand their struggles, but I just could not stand Hannah. Humans need love and attention, so I understand why Hannah put herself in the position to be hurt again and again, but she went looking in all the wrong places. It's an accurate portrayal- often teens don't go to parents or counselors for help - but infuriating (perhaps this is Asher's intention). Hannah's suicide wasn't drawn to be inevitable, which made it all the more tragic tragic, but it was romanticized. Hannah seemed almost a hero for sticking through these trials leading up to her suicide, and Clay loves her through it all. Suicide in and of itself doesn't seem a crazy or dark option- merely one that cannot be taken back.
There is a more graphic scene near the end, when Hannah allows a boy she doesn't like to fondle her. Teens drink and party often.
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| Author: | Jay Asher |
| Book type: | Fiction |
| Genre: | Contemporary Fiction |
| Publisher: | Razorbill |
| Publication date: | October 8, 2007 |
| Number of pages: | 309 |
| Paperback price: | $16.99 |
| Publisher's recommended age(s): | 9 - 12 |
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