Th1rteen R3asons Why - Jay Asher

Although we were only required to be halfway through Th1rteen R3asons Why, I pushed much further because of the fact that the digital reading or audio version of the book enables you to connect with the book and characters in a much better way. For example, the readings of the cassettes and the interpretations of the main character are recorded in two different voices. For example, the character of Clay is read from a boy, and Hannah is read from a girl. This becomes interesting because you hear their tone of voice fluctuate throughout the book, and you feel as if these characters are actually adolescents.

            Though I have enjoyed all the other books we have read, I connected with this book by Jay Asher the most. I felt that some ways that she was bullied or harassed within the book were ways in which I have experienced or been a part of before. Within her second cassette, she talks about the “Hot or Not” list, which is something that was always taken very seriously in my middle school days (don’t ask me why I won’t have an answer).  This book should be very personal and relatable to adolescents because of bullying and inappropriate behavior. I feel that students and adolescents do not realize the power and impact that their words can have on people. Even though I have not personally been a part of or friends with someone that has committed suicide, I do know that depression and bullying can play a huge role in it. By reading this book within a classroom, students can notice how large of an impact hurtful words and other physical or mental abuse can play on someone’s life.

A key theme that ties into character development is the motif of death in this novel. With the continuous character development between both characters, we realize that from first kiss to last words, Clay finds the worth of life in this novel (through Hannah’s cassette tapes). Like I mentioned above about the power behind words, Clay discovers a possible suicide “risked” person that he seeks to change. We see him progress into this mature-like boy that becomes aware of the people that have lost hope in their own lives. With this in mind, do you think Jay Asher wrote this with intentions to prevent or become more aware of suicide? I believe this should be discussed in class. In addition, do you think that the other people that retrieved the tapes had thoughts on suicide as well, based upon the misery that they had caused Hannah? Alternatively, is this book about the value of life or death/suicide?

            Even though I began this book with background knowledge that my friends had given me, I thought this book was entirely about suicide. However, it was not until after I finished the book that the key theme is rather about the value of life than it is about suicide or death. This book captured my attention. To me, personally, it has relatable experiences and examples that can pertain to so many young adolescents. Because of this, I rate this book an A because of its plot and its controversial themes. It is difficult to write about suicide, and this author nailed it in a way that can relate to so many young adolescents.

Side note: I recently just got in an “argument” with my mom regarding the age group that fits the term “adolescents.” She claims that it only pertains to 6^th-8^th graders. However, she does have some credentials, she is a middle school educator. Just thought that was interesting. Also thought it was relevant that this book was not available in her school library. Does this mean her school censors? What do you think?