Thirteen Reason’s Why by Jay Asher.

Sunday, October 12, 2008

You can’t stop the future. You can’t rewind the past. The only way to learn the secret…is to press play.”

One afternoon a mysterious package arrives at Clay Jenson’s door step, with his name on it. Inside he discovers seven tapes and he’s shocked to find that there cassette’s are by his classmate and crush Hannah Baker who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Clay finds out that there are thirteen reasons why Hannah killed herself, and he’s one of them. And if he listens, he’ll find out how he impacted on her life, and how others did too. Clay spends one long night, with Hannah’s haunting voice guiding him all over their small town, and first hand into her private pain.


This book is great.

It’s as if we get two perspectives. We hear Clay, the nice boy who wouldn’t hurt a fly, thoughts on what Hannah says, what Hannah's done. The suspense leading up to his story is incredible. You feel his pain as he grows as a person and learns the truth.

And then we hear Hannah Baker’s strong voice that is so distinctive you’ll be thinking about her and what she said and what happened to her long after you’ve heard her story.

Asher writes a practically perfect novel, full of suspense, pain, sorrow and regret.

The story is beautiful and full of truth. We learn how the smallest of moves or mistakes can impact on someone else’s life in a positive or a negative way. I personally think that I learnt a lot from this story.

The end of this story is amazing and though leaves you wanting more also gives you a comfortable sense of closure.


Four stars, because even though it was so original and amazing, I was told it was phenomenal and was ever so slightly let down. But the story was fantastic and would recommend that you pick it up and give it a whirl.

2 Listener(s):

Kelsey said...

LOVE your first review, Allie! It's much better then mine was! Loved the book! Loved the review!

The Quasi-Dodgeball Star said...

Although the whole idea of Thirteen Reasons Why was pretty grim, I liked this book.

And I do agree with your review. I'm looking forward to reading more.

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