Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Review: Th1rteen R3asons Why

TITLE: Thirteen Reasons Why
AUTHOR: Jay Asher
OVERALL RATING: 5/5


What would you do if one of your classmates died?
What would you do, if you could have saved them?
Most of all, what would you do, if you were part of their suicide?
And...What would you do if you received audio tapes that tell the story of Hannah, and the 13 reasons why she committed suicide?

The package arrived at Clays house after school. But when he opened it, surprised to see tapes, labeled with numbers, and rules on what to do during each tape, each one containing a sad story, Clay begins to hear Hannah's story, before she ever popped a bottle of pills.
And sadly? He is one of the 13 exclusive people that will have their lives changed forever, in only one night.
Come along on Clays journey around town, as he visually watches the snowball effect that ruined Hannah's life, how it all started, and how it all desperately ended. Though, the signs were vague in the moment, before Hannah ever made the fatal choice, they now become clearer as he looks back when the signs were blasting in front of his, and his classmates, eyes. The way she cut off most of her long hair, and gave away her things, both being signs of future suicide, he should have known. But she wouldn't let anyone connect with her, because she lost her trust to anyone that tried to help. How? Her first kiss....Ruined and changed her reputation. The way people viewed her physically? Now they just want a piece of her for themselves. Her home? No longer a safe haven.
Listen to the story of a girl being used, lied to, and becoming ripped to pieces as she tries to save herself. And her life.
You may be shocked to learn how one of Clay's friends played a major role in her final days, and the fact that she could have changed one thing to lessen the chances of her death, as well as another classmates death.
Will Clay listen to all of the tapes? Or will he decide not to listen to them, which could turn these cassette's into a public show?

MY THOUGHTS:
Thirteen Reasons Why is a book that will bring you to tears, but will keep you coming back for more.
I loved how the story began with him sending out the package to the next "victim", even though you had no idea what it had to do with in the story, it made you wonder what was next.
As I got farther into the novel, it became more and more crazier, I can't even think of a better word to explain it. My feelings towards the book as it got farther into the plot, became more deeper, and sentimental.
For one thing, I thought Hannah was crazy at the beginning, but the snow ball effect kept getting worse and worse further into the plot, and sometimes I thought she did things on purpose to give her an excuse to kill herself.
And as for Clay Jensen, one of the causes of her suicide, and the main character of the story, my heart went out to him. I felt every single one of his emotions as he listened to a voice he will never hear again, explain everything from a tape player. If I were him, I probably never would've been able to handle listening to all 13 stories. I couldn't even handle seeing an empty desk, and know, someone could have changed the direction Hannah was going in, if they caught the signs. One thing, I feel strongly about, is Hannah, being somewhat of a selfish person? I think she took the quick way out of life, and couldn't handle the stress we all go through sometimes. Maybe some of it was really bad, but she could have talked to someone about it, instead of kept it inside. But, then again, I wasn't the one listening to all the false rumors, or being lied, cheated, and used.
I hated how Clay blamed himself for not saving Hannah. Her mind was made up. I don't think she tried hard enough to get the help she needed, or change the way she was going. But the more her story continued, the more desperate I felt to save her myself. And I think that is what made this whole story unique. Everything she said, and Clay did, made me depressed while reading it, and I would hate to be the 13 people to receive the tapes.
Thirteen Reasons Why was a beautiful, sad story that made me cry, and made my throat burn with sadness. Everything was connected together, in a sick twisted way. Everyone had a reason to be one of the causes, even if it was only a short add on to the snow ball effect. Each person, including Hannah, played a major role in her final decision.
I creepy sense came over me, and I couldn't control my feelings anymore. I never would have thought such a story like this existed, and I hate the fact, but love it at the same time, that I even read this book. I will never forget this story.

6 comments:

anotherpageisused said...

I LOVED this book.
It was amazing. I cried!

Great review too, Amanda(:

-Lexi

Thao said...

I hate how it's all so cruel for Hannah too, but this book is definitely an amazing one.

Flip The Page! Book Reviews said...

Wow this is such a great book!! The beginning is great and the ending is even better!@ Great review!

Christina:)

Unknown said...

aww you cried :( hehe yeah it was a really sad book. I loved it but at the same time I thought it was pretty darn heartless of Hannah to have sent those tapes in the first place. I mean that's pretty harsh

Laina said...

Yahoo won't let me talk to you, please switch to msn. And check your email!

addicted reader said...

Thanks for your wonderful comments,and the award Cassandra!