When my cousin visited me last weekend, she recommended Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher as a light read. The novel is about a Clay Jensen, who receives cassette tapes from Hannah Baker, a classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. There are 13 tapes in total and Hannah explains all the reasons and people who were involved in her decision to end her own life.
Well, I didn’t like it.
I liked some parts, of course. It was interesting enough to make me finish the book in 2 days, but it left an awkward taste in my mouth when I finished it. What mostly bothered me about the novel were Hannah herself, Clay himself, and my interpretation of how suicide is portrayed. If I had to list one thing I liked, it would be the little reminder that our actions all have an effect on other lives.
Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. Live and in stereo. No return engagements. No encore. And this time, absolutely no requests. I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.
Sincerely, Loewe 