Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Author: Jay Asher
Perma-Bound Catalogue #: 40739
Description: When high school student Clay Jenkins receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering and heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah's voice recounting the events leading up to her death.
Rubric Rating: Level 3 - Laud It
Why I Read It: A friend recommended I add this book to my reading list. I finished it in one sitting.
Lori's Notes: Thirteen Reasons Why is an emotionally charged novel regarding the suicide of Hannah Baker. The novel opens with Clay Jenkins holding a box. The box contains 13 tapes recorded by Hannah Baker who we learn has recently committed suicide. (It was not lost on me that this is a Baker's dozen). Hannah records her 13 reasons with instructions to forward the tapes on to the next person on the list along with the threat that the tapes will be released publicly if her instructions are not followed. We "listen" to Hannah's voice recounting the reasons for her decision to commit suicide. However, I kept wondering whether she was giving an explanation or simply laying the blame for her actions at other people's feet. (This imagery is also seen in her dream sequence in the park where she imagines her feet have grown enormous. You wonder if Hannah isn't blowing things out of proportion). Nothing in Hannah's life seemed insurmountable. She had multiple opportunities to speak to people. Her choices were her own. Although a difficult topic to discuss, this book is a good conversation starter. The book will evoke an emotional response from most readers. For me it was anger; however, for others it may be sorrow and for some understanding. We are all connected and we touch each other's lives in so many big and small ways. Sometimes it's one small act that can make all the difference. And teens crucially must remember to think before they act. This book could be the prompt for someone to get the help that they may need, so it is a definite must have for every library.
Recommended Readers: Grade 9 and Up. Because of the subject matter, sensitivity to the topics of suicide and mental health is imperative.
Themes: Suicide, Friendship, Relationships, Mental Illness, Teenagers, Decisions, Bullying.
Cross-Genre Links:
Book Website: www.thirteenreasonswhy.com
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health: www.camh.ca
Canadian Mental Health Association: www.cmha.ca
Music: Everybody Hurts performed by REM
Music: How to Save a Life performed by The Fray
Post Reading Discussions and Activities:
- Did you like this book? Why or Why not? What was your emotional reaction to the novel?
- Do you think Hannah's reasons are legitimate? Does she implicate herself as one of her reasons?
- What sort of help could Hannah have received if she was a part of your school community?
- Discuss how suicide is a selfish act. (Possible topics include forgiveness, regret, and the effects on those left behind)
- How do you think Clay's life changes because of Hannah?
Other Titles by Jay Asher:
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