As Clay Jensen comes home one day, he finds a package for him containing tapes. As he listens, he recognizes Hannah Baker's voice and the reason he received these tapes. Hannah tells Clay that he was responsible for her horrible death. As Clay listens to the tapes and goes to the spots in town that Hannah tells him to, he finds out secrets that alter his life.
Thirteen Reasons Why, by
Jay Asher, is a powerful book that explains a girl's loss in humanity. I learned a lot from this book like what rumors and drama can do to a person's life. I recommend this book to any teenager who loves a little amount of suspense and drama.
- Reviewed by CL, grade 9.
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Comments
-Reviewed by Melody N., grade 9.
Central Library
This book is personally one of my favorite books. It is mesmerizing, suspenseful, and addictive. The approach is brilliant. I was hooked from the start and I felt some of the male protagonist's frustration, not knowing just who's gonna be blamed, and why he made the list. The suicide topic is important if a bit depressing and the mystery element keeps the reader plunging along. This book was spectacular. I couldn't put it down. I loved Hannah's voice, and thought it was really creative how Asher did a simultaneous narrative. This book was engrossing and will stay with me a long time.
Reviewed By: Emily R., Grade: 9
Montrose Crescenta Branch Library
Personally I thought it was amazingly done and very realistic. There weren't any embellishments or glorification, it was true portrayal of teen suicide. We go through the story with Clay while he is listening to Hannah's tapes. The narration goes back and forth between the tapes and what Clay is doing/thinking. I really though this was a great way to pace the story and build up the suspense. And every single page is full of suspense. I really could have stayed up all night reading it.
Reviewed by Iren H., grade 10
Glendale Central Library
13 Reasons Why was a wake up call for readers. Making us aware of our actions and the people around us. It relates to teens because there are so many stories on suicide. Suicide and bullying are such a well-known topic that it is bringing awareness into our lives. However, it's still an issue. Reading about Hannah's story made me think twice about what i say and do.
Reviewed by Karla S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
"13 Reasons Why", by Jay Asher, is a great book that is focused on the topic of suicide. I would recommend this book to young adults and up because the topic might be a little too serious. I liked that it was detailed about the places Hannah was at that the incidents happened. I thought the way Hannah explained why she was being affected by the incidents so much was unclear. Other than that this book was amazing.
Reviewed by Elen S., grade 9
Glendale Central Library
The idea of the book is very interesting, and that was what caught my attention in the first place. Although it was sad and tragic, the book did not live up to my expectations. It was dull throughout and the main character became annoying. There was also a lot of repetition. That said, it was a unique book because it gave the story of Hannah's suicide in her own perspective. Overall, I would give this book a 7 out of 10.
Reviewed by Rebecca S., Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
This story is perfect for the person who loves to read a story that has a little about everything. It has the compents of love, loss, betrayal a little bit of everything. This story taught me to make sure that I make sure to treat people nicely because you never know what that person is going through and you might have a bigger impact on them then you really thing about. Always treat someone as kind as possible remember you can change their life forever.
Reviewed by Marta R., Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
My opinion on this book is that it's very heart breaking. Suicide is a very delicate topic. I think that this book not only touched my heart but of others as well. No body deserves to commit suicide because of anyone putting them down or anything. I would recommend this book to my friends. I think they would like it. I think it was a good idea that Clay talked to Skye when he realized he was showing signs of suicide and could prevent it.
Reviewed by Jacqueline, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library
Thirteen Reasons Why was all in all a good book. I thought that it dragged on for too long. I just wanted to know why the one person who was supposedly a good person, was in the tapes. The book although tells a good point about life. How we don't really know what a person is going through unless we see it from the inside. It tells us that we need to be cautious of what we say and believe about people. I defiantly would recommend this book to anyone who is feeling down about them self, teenagers, and young adults. Lastly, to anyone who is unsure about them self and is feeling lonely there is hope and don't be afraid to talk too people about anything!!
Reviewed by SB, Grade 12
Glendale Central Library
In this heartbreaking yet inspiring novel, Jay Asher demonstrated exemplary writing skills, using different nuances and ambiguities that contribute to a sense of suspense that is incredibly compelling. He weaves the complex personalities and thoughts of both of the main characters through a dual narrative that seamlessly flows. He demonstrates the ability to create a wide variety of characters that all serve a purpose and develop as the story allows it without making it seem like a forced transition or adding any cliches.
The incredibly thought out plot took me on a journey as I fell in love with the characters , cried for Hannah, felt sorry for Clay, and hated the antagonists. His message that all choices create a ripple effect in which that choice might have a considerable impact on society was truly inspiring and gave me a broader understanding of teenage suicide. One of my golden lines in this book is, “No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same.” Books like these make me wish that I could get to a point in my life where I can influence young kids and teach them to embrace their precious lives and maintain hope through adversity. One critique I do have about this book is that a few of the reasons did seem a little petty and might be offending to a reader who does experience these thoughts; however, these reasons did contribute to a powerful crescendo ending.
Reviewed by R.O., Grade 10
Casa Verdugo Library
All I can say about this novel is wow. I mean I completely understand why this book is so loved by teens. Although, in all honesty, I did expect a lot more out of this book (because naturally I had very high expectations) I am still very pleased with this book and very moved by its simple yet profound message. If there's one thing you learn from Thirteen Reasons Why, it's that every action, no matter how meaningless it may seem at the moment, has a significant effect, whether originally intended or not. After this novel, I'm going to be a lot more aware of what I say and do, and also to look out for other people more. If this novel doesn't make you become a more compassionate, aware, and overall more caring person, then you're reading it wrong. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the novel It's Kind of A Funny Story or Mitch Albom's writing.
Reviewed by Nayri T., Grade 12
Casa Verdugo Library
I really enjoyed reading this because it wasn't like the other average books you would usually read. This book isn't a book with a happily ever after. It was sad, dark, and yet surprisingly light. Even though it didn't have a happy ending, it was nice and interesting to read. I would recommend this book to everyone because it was amazing and it taught a really great lesson. The lesson is that you should be kind to one another because you never know what's going to happen.
Reviewed by Milena A., Grade 9
Montrose Library
In my opinion,I thought this book was somewhat written very bad and too literal for me to understand. This book had so much detail on the big scenes such as when Hannah and Bryce had a "moment". I suggest that if you have never watched the actual series yet on Netflix,read the book first that way you won't feel that you have been given spoilers. I think that maybe if I read the book first,I would've gotten the whole point of view of this novel but instead I watched the series first. All seasons so far. Also,this book was pretty long in explaining Hannah's backstory. There was even way more detail in the first two to three chapters rather than in the conflict or rising action. I wouldn't recommend this book to anyone since you can get a view of what the story is by watching the series. So whichever teens are out there asking themselves "Should I get this book?",well then your answer can be yes and no at the same time.
Reviewed by Hannah R., Grade 9
Downtown Central Library
The lessons that were taught to us while reading the book, made me to like it a lot. I think that everyone who is facing a hard time in their lives should read this book. I am sure that it will change their lives. This book made me feel the pain that Hannah Baker felt. This was possible because of how the book described what Hannah was feeling. It really reached out to the people who were reading the book.
Reviewed by Jonah, Grade 9
Glendale Central Library