The Heartwrenching Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

 

Hello fellow readers! In this blog, I will be reviewing Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I read the book last year for my banned book project, which had many controversial bans and challenges due to the abuse, drug use, and teen suicide. It was ranked 6th in the American Language Association for the most banned book in 2018. Following this, I can understand why there were so many people trying to ban the book because the main story line revolves around our main character, Hannah Baker who commited suicide. 

Like the name of the novel, the book showcases 13 reasons why Hannah Baker committed suicide. Documented in 13 cassette tapes, each one is about one of the 13 people who contributed to her depressed mental state and eveutually her death. It's an absolute roller coast full of emotions instead of excitement. Reading the heartwrenching descriptions narrated in her own voice really makes a difference to the story. 

We are introduced to Clay Jenson, he is not one of the reasons but Hannah feels like he should know why she took her life. We follow him around town as he listens to the tapes. It isn't easy since the recorded voice of Hannah makes Clay emotional. As he goes through all of the tapes, he realizes how much pain Hannah was going through all alone. One of which was experiencing her best friend being raped by Bryce Walker, a football player from school. After listening to this, Clay breaks down and eventually throws up soon afterwards. 


Although the age recommended to read this book is 13, I feel that it should be at least 16+. If interpreted the wrong way, I could see there would be emotions from the book giving the readers some feelings to commit suicide. But I do not agree with the reason to ban this book entirely since it has its value, like the courage Hannah had and raising awareness for suicide prevention. Asher knew that it was going to be controversial, so he made sure the idea of reaching out for mental help when needed was clear. Even the official website for the book was directed towards different crisis helplines and suicide prevention cites.


I think the best part was the incredibly well illustrated details and the careful descriptions of emotions, which was the a major part of the book. The author does an outstanding job of making the reader feel like they are also listening to Hannah speaking through the pages. I would give this book a heavily solid 10/10!

PS: This book was not based on a true story. I know this is a frequently asked question.

Hope you enjoyed!
Helen




Comments

  1. CaliSeptember 29, 2022 at 2:11 PM

    Helen, I'm glad you reviewed this book! I've never read the book, but I have watched the series and it was definitely a hard watch at times. I never knew the age rating was 13+ for the book, but the tv show is definitely 16+, as the physical representation of the events going on in the books can affect someone younger a lot differently. I really liked the way you shaped this blog, but I wished you could talk more about some of the characters, as you only told us a little about the two main characters. But even so, great job!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lynn LeeSeptember 29, 2022 at 10:42 PM

    Hi Helen! I read this book a few years ago and yes I agree with you that it should be 16+ as it does deals with many topics that could be a little tough for the younger age group. And yes again, there are many values to this book to show readers as they get older, the different meanings to what life can be and raising awareness.
    (i might need to reread this book and rewatch the show to relive the experience of going through the amazing work of jay asher omg)

    ReplyDelete
  3. RicoSeptember 30, 2022 at 12:37 PM

    If you enjoyed the book that much, I have to try reading it. I've heard of it before but never understood what it was about until reading this review. Thanks very much for your good explanation, I hope to read this book soon.

    ReplyDelete
  4. LenaOctober 6, 2022 at 6:20 PM

    HI Helen! I was excited to see that you reviewed this book because I've been considering reading it. I watched part of the series a while ago but I've never actually read the book. After reading what you wrote, I agree that it should be 16+ because I can see how some parts could be misinterpreted. I love the way you described the book at the end, and I will definitely be reading this soon.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Chloe N.H.October 17, 2022 at 11:44 AM

    Great review, Helen! I think you did a good job on introducing the story, and why you like and would recommend it. While I haven't read the book, I have seen some of the show and I agree with how you said that it should be 16+. Since you had such a interesting review, I think I might pick up the book since I liked the show!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Emmie VargasOctober 24, 2022 at 8:43 PM

    Helen! This book seems very interesting. I appreciate books that are informative and bring light to real problems in the world such as mental health in this case. Your summary is very well done. Great work choice and still keeping the plot ambiguous but still giving the readers important generic information. Keep up the great reviews! :) - Emmie

    ReplyDelete
  7. Sophia DeltasNovember 9, 2022 at 5:21 PM

    Yesss Helennn!
    I love thirteen reasons why too, but I definetley agree it should be 16+. I'm glad you put a sort of trigger warning in the review, because although I appreciated the gravity of the book, I can also understand how it can be too much. I felt like I was Clay while readng it, mentally throwing up on multiple occasions. This reveiw said everything it needed to say, and is still mysterious. Good job! -Sophia

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