Monday, August 23, 2010

Book Review: Th1rteen R3asons Why

From Goodreads:

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

I really REALLY enjoyed this book. It is a YA novel by Jay Asher. Brilliantly written, incredibly sad. Clay listens in agony for Hannah to explain why he is one of the reasons that she decided to end her life.

It really opened my eyes to teen suicide. I had a classmate kill himself when I was a Jr. and it really confused and upset me, even though I didn't know who he was. I even went to the funeral to try and understand. I had an acquaintance witness the violent suicide of her boyfriend. Also Jr. year (which is when this story takes place) who said something to the effect of "This is for you" or "This is because of you."' As she told me this story all I could think of was the one time she and her boyfriend had come over to my house and hung out for a little bit.

As Hannah relives her life and all the reasons why she chose to end it, I found myself sucked in. I know that there is nothing too big to handle, but I also understand that sometimes in the midst of turbulence it can feel like it is hard to get out.

If I was a high school English teacher I would make this required reading for my class. I think it was profound and I will think about it for days to come.

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