Book: Thirteen Reasons Why
Author: Jay Asher
Release: October, 2007
Source: Borrowed
Summary:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker -- his classmate and crush -- who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
Hannah's voice tells him that there are thirteen reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.
Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself -- a truth he never wanted to face.
Review: Thirteen Reasons Why is the most heartbreaking novel I've read in awhile.
Admittedly, I avoided this story ever since it came out. But then a friend brought it one day for me to read, and I trust her judgement in books, so I gave it shot. And Thirteen Reasons Why blew my mind, tore my heart out, and patched it all together again.
The main character role, I would have to say, is split between the obvious choice Clay, and then Hannah. I feel like we got to know Hannah more, because she really is the main speaker throughout the story. Yet, I also feel like Clay is a solid character, but Hannah seems more prominent.
If you want to read a story that will take you through a whirlwind of emotions, then read Thirteen Reasons Why.
Highlights: This book is like nothing I've ever read. It's emotional, and it left me with a heavy feeling once I was done (I can't even describe it past that, but it's a book that made an impression on me). This story is powerful, and I know I'll be looking forward to whatever Asher comes up with next.
I also love how if you take off the book jacket and look inside, it's a map (and it fits with the story). Definitely an interesting touch.
Lowlights: I don't even know. Maybe some more depth to Clay?
Rating: 
