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A review by graciegrace1178
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
4.0
Easy read dealing with heavy stuff, so it’s a fantastic book for voracious readers like myself. We’re forced to take a moment to step back and breathe and really *consider* the words on the page. Consider their implications and why they’re so important and how they apply to us in the here and now.
I saw the Netflix series before reading this book, so the visuals were already in my head, and the plot was already neatly outlined. But I was still taken aback by the real ness of it. The characters who reflect the high school experience so well. Well done, Mr. Jay Asher. Well done.
My only criticism? I wish it could’ve been a tad more descriptive at times. Like I said, I already had the Netflix-provided imagery, but I wish I could’ve seen things from Asher’s direct POV in the book.
EDIT: those marking it down on reviews because it glorifies suicide- I’ve gotta disagree. I was absolutely of that opinion after watching the series but now...now I get it a little more. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect the opinion that does say the book glorifies suicide, but hear me out. Hannah’s story isn’t meant to glorify suicide. It’s meant to make us contemplate all the various factors that can contribute to someone’s self-image and quality of life. It’s meant to make us realize that we never know what’s going on in someone’s head.
Hannah needed help. And she tried to get it, but she had various blocks in one way or another and ultimately that led to her end. The process in the book might seem romanticized at times, but really it’s just a story about a girl. It’s an account to help people see themselves and others in a different light. It’s supposed to highlight means of self-awareness and improvement as well as emphasize empathy. At least, that’s my take.
I saw the Netflix series before reading this book, so the visuals were already in my head, and the plot was already neatly outlined. But I was still taken aback by the real ness of it. The characters who reflect the high school experience so well. Well done, Mr. Jay Asher. Well done.
My only criticism? I wish it could’ve been a tad more descriptive at times. Like I said, I already had the Netflix-provided imagery, but I wish I could’ve seen things from Asher’s direct POV in the book.
EDIT: those marking it down on reviews because it glorifies suicide- I’ve gotta disagree. I was absolutely of that opinion after watching the series but now...now I get it a little more. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, and I respect the opinion that does say the book glorifies suicide, but hear me out. Hannah’s story isn’t meant to glorify suicide. It’s meant to make us contemplate all the various factors that can contribute to someone’s self-image and quality of life. It’s meant to make us realize that we never know what’s going on in someone’s head.
Hannah needed help. And she tried to get it, but she had various blocks in one way or another and ultimately that led to her end. The process in the book might seem romanticized at times, but really it’s just a story about a girl. It’s an account to help people see themselves and others in a different light. It’s supposed to highlight means of self-awareness and improvement as well as emphasize empathy. At least, that’s my take.