Saturday, September 4, 2010

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

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:   



Lea


12 comments:

  1. Great review! I REALLY need to read this.

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  2. Glad you enjoyed it so much! I loved it too! :D I just wish I had my own copy of it, because the cover & book is amazing. (I like being able to flick through the pages.)

    I liked the ending. It just shows how much Clay changes, to help out a potential.

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  3. Brilliant review! This has been on my TBR pile forever, and I just haven't pushed it up. I probably should, eh?

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  4. This was a very emotional one. Glad you enjoyed

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  5. i just adore this book its so thought provoking im glad you liked it

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  6. Ive read this book as soon as it arrived in our library many moons ago .I loved it as I enjoy this theme.
    Authors like it are Melody Carlson, Terri Blackstock , I never promised you a rose garden and Lisa,Bright and Dark.

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  7. Awesome review. I love how your reviews are simple, to the point, and cover all the bases :)

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  8. I love how different this book is as well! :)

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  9. I've heard nothing but great things about this book. I really should read it some day...

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  10. I've been waiting to read this book for three years. It's always checked out of the library with about fifteen holds on it, and I keep thinking 'It'll come out in paperback soon', but then it never does.

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  11. This is the second review I've read of this book and each review makes me want to read the book even more!

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