A Review of Jay Asher’s Novel Thirteen Reasons Why

Introduction

Thirteen Reasons Why, written by Jay Asher, is arguably one of the most impactful books I have ever read. With themes centered around bullying and suicide, the book takes readers through the final days of Hannah Baker’s life, culminating in her tragic decision to end it. Asher offers a poignant exploration of teenage life in high school and the various forms of bullying that can occur. Although many of the incidents Hannah experiences may seem minor or trivial, Asher effectively demonstrates how they accumulate to inflict profound pain and problems. Every form of bullying, regardless of its perceived insignificance, is harmful. It can lead to depression, feelings of isolation, and in extreme cases like Hannah’s, suicide.

The Story

The novel opens with Clay Jensen, a classmate of Hannah’s, who returns home from school to discover a package on his doorstep with no return address. Intrigued, he opens it to find seven cassette tapes, each narrated by Hannah herself before her death. The tapes serve to explain the thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Before her suicide, Hannah placed a map in the lockers of the individuals mentioned on her tapes. The map had specific points that they were meant to follow as the story unfolded through the tapes. Hannah’s instructions were clear: they must listen to each tape, follow the map, and then anonymously send the tapes to the next person in line. Failure to comply would result in a second set of tapes being released to the entire school, revealing the actions of those involved to everyone, including teachers.

Key Reasons

The first tape is addressed to Justin, who is the catalyst for many of the subsequent events in Hannah's life. Justin was Hannah's first kiss, but he starts a damaging rumor suggesting it was more than just a kiss. At that time, Hannah was the new girl, while Justin was popular, leading everyone to believe his version of events over hers. Justin is not only reason number one but also reason number ten. He is the only person to appear twice on the list. Besides starting the rumor, he later allows a girl to be raped at a party, standing by as a passive observer. Hannah accidentally witnesses this and is too shocked to intervene, but she knows Justin enabled it by watching the door to ensure no one interrupted.

Another significant reason is a “hot or not” list that objectifies Hannah by naming her "best ass," while comparing her unfavorably to her best friend, who made the "not" list. This incident leads to a physical altercation, leaving Hannah with a scar. Another tape is directed at a boy who would peep into her room at night and take pictures. Hannah invites her friend, Courtney, over to catch him in the act, but Courtney later spreads false rumors about Hannah and uses her for transportation to a party.

The remaining reasons include a boy who stands her up and then attempts to take advantage of her, a classmate who steals and reads her personal notes aloud, people mocking her poetry, a car accident caused by a knocked-down stop sign resulting in a classmate’s death, and a teacher/counselor who fails to provide adequate support when Hannah reaches out about her suicidal thoughts. Clay’s reason is also significant, but revealing it would spoil an essential part of the story.

Conclusion

While each reason may not seem overwhelmingly significant on its own, the cumulative effect becomes unbearable for Hannah. The book guides readers through her emotional unraveling, leading to her tragic decision. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to both teenagers, who may find it relatable, and adults, who should be aware of the dynamics within high schools. This novel also highlights the warning signs of someone who is depressed and considering suicide. Reading this book can profoundly alter one's perspective on how we treat others. It has made me more conscious of my words and actions towards others. Everyone should read Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher at least once in their lifetime.

References

Asher, J. (2007). Thirteen Reasons Why. Penguin Books.