Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher(Razorbill, Hardcover)
Rating:
This book isn't out until October 18th but I just had to post on it right away. Why? Because this is absolutely my favorite book of the year. Put it on your wishlist now and when you get it, be prepared to sit down and read it cover to cover. Here's the premise...Clay Jensen returns home from school one day and finds a package of 13 tapes on his front door step. Only, the tapes are from a girl in his class that committed suicide.
Here's a short excerpt to show you what a great writer Jay is (and I'm paraphrasing)...
"Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. Live and in stereo. I hope you're ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you're listening to these tapes, you're one of the reasons why. I'm not saying which tape brings you into the story. But fear not, if you received this lovely little box, your name will pop up...I promise. Now, why would a dead girl lie?"
Each of the 13 tapes tells the story of one person and how they contributed to Hannah's suicidal state of mind. This is a story of Hannah, but also of Clay who is the narrator. This book sat on my bookshelf for months and I kept thinking, oh, I don't want to read a depressing book right now. But I promise, this book isn't the average dying-teen book. It's so much more. It's the story of how one boy copes with the death of a girl he liked. And it's the story of how each action affects someone else. And it's the story of how brutal high school can be. And it's the story of the importance of connections, how tenuous they can be and how strong they can be. I haven't read a book that was so riveting and thought-provoking in years. I know you can't judge a book by it's cover, but in this case, it really captures the tone of the novel.
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I can't wait to read this one! I've seen some other reviews and have been obsessively checking the library to see if it's in the system yet! You're right we do seem to have similar tastes so I'm sure I'll love it too!!!
ReplyDeleteWow, this sounds really good. I'll add this to my wishlist right away!
ReplyDeleteWoah, sounds a little intense! I'm glad to know of it though so thanks for your review!
ReplyDeleteWow, I just got finished reading this one yesterday. Its a very good story and kept me interested.[started it the day after I bought it, finished it same day.] I highly recommend it...Jay Asher...He is a wonderful author. I look forward to reading more books like this from him...!
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting book that gives you a lot to ponder about during, and after you've finished reading it. Truly an impacting book.
ReplyDeletei read this book, it is amazing and i loved it.
ReplyDeleteThis book was amazing! It was very sad (i cried) but you should DEFINITELY read it! It was intense at times but very...enlightening...well sort of. It makes you think... I'll leave it at that. Now. GO! Go down to Barnes and Noble RIGHT NOW and pick up a copy!!!!!! And then stop at Wal-Mart on the way home and pick up a tissue box!!
ReplyDeleteah this is a goooood book!
ReplyDeletei cried... and then read it again and you know cried
it really opens up your eyes about suicide and how one little thing can turn into something so big
everyone should read it! its amazing
I'm not really good at picking out books, I'm not even that good at answering people when they ask "what type of books do you read?" This book just kind of caught my eye when I was walking around a store and I thought it sounded good.
ReplyDeleteI at first wasn't to interested in reading it because I was in the middle of another book, but I finally picked it up and couldn't put it down. I finished this book in three and a half days, reading in class, at break and lunch at school, even my boyfriend got irritated with me because I was reading so much. I just couldn't help it. As a teenager I can relate to this book, understanding the points Jay is making through Hannah's story.
Although, this could be a great book for adults too. Helping to understand what kids lives could lead to. It does seem kind of a long shot to say that high school could make a kid kill themselves, but I absolutely believe it, mostly because I have seen multiple of my friends come close to it.
Please never underestimate what high school can do to your kid.
No matter who you are, you should read this book.
I love it, I'm sure anyone would.
wow this sounds like a great book and my friend says the charcther hannah sounds a lot like me , i hope not, guess ill have to read it .to truly find out.
ReplyDeletei get what you mean. this is a review back from 2007 but i came back to it because i love this book so much.
ReplyDeleteCheck out my interview with Jay Asher on www.jodikendall.com!
ReplyDeleteI love this book i read cover to cover in one day.. i found it in the Teen Vouge mag. and i told my mom to get it and boom my life changed. This book shows you what a little thing can do to a person..and it can go in to a big snowball
ReplyDeleteLOVE IT
Monique
hi,
ReplyDeletei saw this book on a teen reading website and it truly intrigued me, but i think i may be a little young to read this. if anyone can give me an idea about what ages this would be appropriate for or what kind of mature content there is besides suicide. if you could awenser my question that would be great.