Thirteen Reasons Why

Wow. I think every HS student should read this. Mostly it explains just how stupid, or unintentional actions and comments can lead to bigger things. Sure there are more details but no spoilers here. Just read it!

I read this book because my two daughters read it and there has been a lot of talk about it. With teen suicide in the news so often I hoped it would be a book that would give them insight into how small things can have big consequences, how to be a better friend, and how to be stronger than the haters. The book does a good job dealing with the first two concerns I had, but really, in my opinion, blew it on the third.

The MC in this book, Hannah, records tapes that "explain" her reasons for committing suicide and sends them to people she feels were a part of her decision. Each recipient gets to hear how everyone else on this list drove her to take her life. We "listen" to the tapes with Clay, a boy who had feelings for Hannah but never really reached through to her. His agonized reaction to the tapes was the part of the book that annoyed me. Here was this "perfect boy" (?!) who would have been there for Hannah, the boy she could have turned to, but instead pushed away, and she sends him the tapes to add to his agony. She is gone, his life will never be the same, she has taken him down with her. Her final act is so selfish and hurtful. While it may or may not be realistic (read other reviews for dissenting opinions) it does not bring anything positive to the discussion every parent should be having with their children. ( )

https://hazelgevans.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/book-review-thirteen-reasons-why/ ( )

Ugh ugh ugh. I thoroughly hated the experience of reading this book. ( )

Loved it. Loved Clay and cried on his tape. The last person was cruel. The ending wanted me wanting more. But, reading it the second time seemed not as thrilling. I have to forget it completely if I want to feel like what I felt when I first read it but, I think its one of those one time books. ( )