"Thirteen Reasons Why" is a best-selling Young Adult novel by Jay Asher. It's a haunting story told by high schooler Clay Jensen, an all-around nice guy and friend to troubled (and recently deceased) classmate, Hannah Baker.
Hannah's death comes as a shock to many, but unbeknownst to them, she has set a plan in motion to explain it. Not to everyone - just to the people who were, whether directly or indirectly, involved in her passing.
It's an easy, exciting read and (hallelujah!) a new concept. While aimed at a teenage demographic, the writer does not condescend or 'dumb it down', and still manages to capture accurately the sometimes horrific sub-culture that is High School, USA. The dialogue is smart and relate-able, and most importantly, believable.
Asher has found a new way to discuss an old, much talked-about subject: Bullying. It happened when I was in school, and it happens now. We hear about it more now thanks to social media, and that also contributes to more drastic actions by teens and unfortunately, frequently dismal outcomes. This is what we see (or hear) happening to Hannah Baker. A new student at a new school whose world is slowly destroyed by others, some never realizing the damage they've done. He also conquers a the difficult topic of suicide, and reminds the reader that oftentimes a person's screams for help are just whispers. But if you listen, you can hear them. Unfortunately for Hannah, they didn't listen. Now she'll make sure they do...
Anyone who is in high school, has a child or relative in high school, or who simply wants to be more aware, should read this book. Not only does it shed light on the real struggles (and perceived "life altering" effect of those struggles) that teenagers face, it also reminds us that what we do and say to others has meaning. Sometimes a flippant remark can remain lodged in someone's psyche indefinitely. We should all be more careful with how we treat each other. The Bible says the power of life and death are in the tongue [Prov. 18:21] and sadly, sometimes it's more true than we want to know.
To learn more or purchase this book: http://www.amazon.com/Thirteen-Reasons-Why-Jay-Asher/dp/159514188X/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&sr=&qid=
To find mental health counseling in your area: https://therapists.psychologytoday.com/rms/
And finally, if you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1 (800) 273-8255.
