Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is a mysterious, eerie book yet it is both hard hitting and powerful. It is based around Hannah Baker, an intelligent, rather popular and what first appears an ordinary school girl, however recently she committed suicide. She could no longer cope with the cruel, harsh world she lived in and simply gave up on all the disloyal people around her, who constantly disappointed her. Another big character in the book is Clay Jensen, a high school student, who was one of the thirteen reasons why Hannah Baker took her life.
Clay Jensen returns home one day, not long after Hannah's death, to find a package full of cassette tapes that she recorded. All of the tapes include the reason why she died and who caused them. Each person who was the cause of her death was sent the tapes, where they had no choice but to listen to them and pass them on. If anyone failed to pass on the tapes, it was given out to the public and of course anyone who makes an appearance would be a disgrace forever, so Hannah gave them the benefit of the doubt.
Thirteen Reasons Why is truly remarkable because each word fits perfectly and you are constantly wanting to find out who is next on Hannah's list. Also, it is an amazing book, because it covers so many issues young people go through everyday, and it teaches how to cope with these situations. The story is told by Hannah, but there is a mix with Clay's thoughts which gives a balance. At first Clay is portrayed as being confused, however he begins to understand Hannah's view on the world, as well as becoming frustrated because he missed the signs of her suicide.
Furthermore, Jay Asher's book is definitely a story you remember because you start to think about life and different people's attitudes and behaviour. You begin to learn that the actions you do can potentially affect someone's life. I recommend this book to everyone as it truly is amazing! It is beautifully written, with so many emotions and feelings portrayed. Moreover, this book is life changing!
• Buy this book at the Guardian Bookshop.
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