Book Review: Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why

Introduction

The story begins with Clay Jensen, a high school student, returning home to find a densely packed package awaiting him. Inside the package are seven cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker herself, the girl he likes and his classmate who tragically committed suicide two weeks prior. Clay is initially reluctant to engage with the tapes Hannah left behind. In his mind, because Hannah is gone, her secrets should be buried with her. Hannah's only instruction was: listen to the tapes and discover how each person contributed to her death, then pass them on to the next person on the list of 13 names that came with the package. There are 13 reasons why Hannah Baker took her own life, and Clay Jensen is one of them.

Book Review: Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why

This story deviates from murder plots or typical dramas commonly found in clichéd narratives. Instead, Hannah recounts a series of distressing, small incidents—the kind that can significantly impact a young woman's journey toward maturity. Many of these incidents involve minor bullying, such as when Hannah kissed a boy in the park, and he spread a rumor that she was “easy,” escalating to the point where pictures were circulated. During the times she was signaling her intent to end her life, the students, her so-called friends, and the school staff failed to take meaningful action. In this narrative, everyone is both a victim and an offender, including Hannah Baker. Although some of the 13 characters do not exhibit much guilt, most are burdened with regret when Hannah’s tapes reach them.

As I continued reading, I discovered the reason Clay was on Hannah’s list. He had liked her for a long time but allowed societal pressures to keep him distant from Hannah's troubles. While others violated Hannah's trust, not just in herself but in others as well, Clay's transgression was "neglect." He simply failed to intervene and protect Hannah, which he felt he should have done. This underscores the broader theme of the book: the impact of inaction and the weight of missed opportunities to help someone in need.

For me, this book is truly remarkable. The author skillfully constructs the narrative and develops the characters' perspectives, particularly those of Clay and Hannah. If you overlook the details of the story, you might mistakenly believe Hannah is irrational, but in truth, she herself is guilty of failing to practice good citizenship at times. The suspense surrounding who is next on Hannah’s list adds an element of thriller to the story.

Thematic Analysis

What Thirteen Reasons Why effectively accomplishes is prompting readers, especially teenagers, to reflect on their actions and consider how being part of a popular or high-ranking group can sometimes involve stepping on those who are more vulnerable. Teens will recognize the sometimes-cruel nature of high school life. Jay Asher successfully portrays the darker aspects of teenage life: drinking, smoking, vices, suicide, depression, bullying, and cries for help. Through this, Hannah’s character is essentially conveying the message: “Be careful how you treat people, because you never know how it will affect them.” Readers will also come to realize that inaction—whether it involves stopping bullying, dispelling rumors, or reaching out to a troubled student, friend, or child—can be just as damaging as intentionally causing harm.

I recommend this book not only for teens but for parents as well. It serves as an eye-opener, revealing that a teen’s life doesn't revolve solely around studies and school activities. Many parents, often due to work and busy schedules, may not spend enough time with their children. This book might encourage them to be more open-minded about their children’s actions and consider the underlying causes instead of jumping to conclusions and assigning blame.

Conclusion

For us teens, we can particularly relate to this novel because of the rumors and teasing that occur around us every day. Although the book is somewhat lengthy, the plot is engaging and maintains the reader's attention. It can heighten awareness of our surroundings and encourage more careful consideration of our actions. The topic is very realistic and could happen to anyone. I believe it is an important book to read, as it teaches us how small actions, such as teasing someone or spreading rumors, can profoundly impact people. Often, we don't realize the extent of our influence on someone's life until it's too late to make amends.

References

• Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen Reasons Why. Razorbill.
• Smith, J. (2019). Understanding the Impact of Bullying in High School. Journal of Adolescent Research, 34(3), 345-360.