Book Review: "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

In the young adult novel Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah Baker has something to say to the people who have passed through her life: 13 reasons why they contributed to her death and how they could have helped her if they had only listened. Now, they have to listen because Hannah has recorded her reasons and sent them the tapes.

Clay Jenson isn't sure why he got the tapes; he'd admired Hannah for years but only once worked up the courage to connect with her. So Clay spends the night with Hannah's voice haunting his ears, following the events that led her to do the unforgivable.

I was intriqued by this strange and moving tale by author Jay Asher from the moment I began reading. It might not be suitable for young readers because it deals with suicide, but it is very well written and offers insight into how events can snowball and how some individuals can be crushed under the weight. It is also a good indicator of the warning signs of someone in crisis.

-- review written by Gena Fisher, Belt Branch reference assistant