“You can't stop the future, You can't rewind the past, The only way to learn the secret...is to press play.” ― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why Clay Jensen is a high school student which returns home to find a weird package waiting for him. When he opens the package, he discovers seven cassette tape recorded by Hannah Baker, a fellow classmate and friend who committed suicide two weeks prior. Hannah made her instructions clear, he is to listen to the tapes and find out how and why he is a part of the puzzle which answers the mystery as to why she killed herself. There are 13 reasons why Hannah Baker killed herself, and Clay is one of them. As confronting as the cassettes are, he is to listen to all 13 recordings each dedicated to a different person and then mail them off to whoever is next on Hannah's infamous list. What secrets will these cassettes unveil? Why was clay on the list? Could he have saved a friend? This book was definitely a gripping read which kept me on edge the entire way reading through Hannah's master narrations which allow you to picture her cool voice whilst additionally reading Clays response to each recording. Thirteen Reasons Why is not a novel which includes a big murder case or some big plot twist, rather it's a story written from the perspective of Hannah Baker which recounts the unhappy unfortunate build up of small incidents which have followed since her change in schools making a mark and an impact on her life. Each of Hannah's recordings focuses on a different issue which had affected her, primarily based around low level bullying and some of it being cases of assault exc... She tries to send signals to the people around her that she is about to kill herself, however it all goes pretty much ignored and everyone fails to do much to help. This is where Clay comes into the picture, a good kid which surprisingly ends up on Hannah's list. He had a crush on Hannah but steered himself away because of his social awkwardness and self doubt which in the end was why he was put onto the list as he simply failed to step in and defend the ridicule and rot which Hannah was receiving. To be completely honest, I have been putting this review aside for quite some time now- not exactly knowing what to say or how to address the serious issue which this novel addresses. Though in simple terms, Jay Asher has definitely put forward a cleaver and addictive novel which effectively allows teens and all readers to think carefully about how you treat others. I know this sounds really cliche, however it really teaches the readers about how being a part of a herd and a bystander can affect and tarnish others brands and their own idea on their self worth. I really enjoyed this novel as it really reflects and allows the reader to use to book as a 'manual' for how to get through high school and it really reminds individuals about how hard the social element of school can be, particularly now where social media is so accessible. I would recommend this novel to readers 14 and over as it does address some pretty confronting issues. I would also say that if you do feel uncomfortable with the subject of suicide then I would recommend you to steer away from this book. If you are feeling depressed or even suicidal I just want to say that you are loved, you are cared for and you can get help. Some great helplines which you can contact are Kids Helpline / Headspace / Lifeline / Beyond Blue where you can have private messages or even phone calls. If you do have friends which may be going through a tough time just make that you stand by them and always be a supportive friend. You should also try to convince them to get help. I have watched the Thirteen Reasons Why Netflix series which was produced by Selena Gomez and I really did enjoy it (more than the book if I am to be honest) , however it is quite different to the novel. If you have found the book confronting, then I would say not to watch the show as it is more detailed, representing each recording particularly towards the end... I normally integrate only one quote into my reviews, though I feel that this one needs to be heard and individuals need to learn to always make a positive impact on others lives no matter the circumstances... “No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same.” ― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher AUD$ 19.99 (approx.) The Young Book Critic
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