_rae_reads_ 's review for:

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
5.0

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Trigger Warning: Suicide; Bullying

Thirteen Reasons Why is an emotional, thought-provoking read that left a lasting impact on me. It’s the kind of book that makes you pause and reflect on the power of words, actions, and the way we treat others. While it’s a difficult story to get through at times, I found it incredibly compelling and well-written.

The story follows Clay Jensen, who receives a mysterious package containing cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, a classmate who recently died by suicide. As Clay listens to the tapes, he learns that each one details a different person and event that played a role in Hannah’s decision to end her life. With each tape, the weight of her story becomes heavier, forcing Clay—and the reader—to confront the painful reality of how small moments can have devastating consequences.

What stood out to me most was the raw honesty in Hannah’s voice. Her pain, frustration, and loneliness were so vividly portrayed that it felt like I was hearing a real person’s final words. At the same time, Clay’s perspective added another layer to the story—his regret, anger, and helplessness made it even more heartbreaking.

This book does an excellent job of showing how actions, even ones that seem insignificant, can deeply affect someone. Some moments were hard to read, especially as the tapes revealed darker truths about Hannah’s experiences. The storytelling format, switching between Hannah’s recordings and Clay’s reactions, kept me engaged and made the book feel immersive.

While Thirteen Reasons Why is not an easy read, I think it’s an important one. It sheds light on bullying, mental health, and the ripple effect of our choices. It’s the kind of book that stays with you long after you turn the last page.