Often I do not write introductions to my reviews. In fact, the last time I can remember doing so was with the wonderful PUCKER by Melanie Gideon, qui I read in 2006. HOWEVER, THIRTEEN REASONS WHY, the debut novel from author Jay Asher, is the kind of book as it's begs an introduction. So if you'd like to skip down to the third paragraph for the "meat" of the story, I will not hold it against you - but you'll be missing something big.
If you-have the opportunity to read only one novel this year, THIRTEEN REASONS WHY shoulds Be That book. It's sad, amazing, Heartbreaking, and hopeful, all at the same time. I dare you to read it and not so Become Immersed in the Story That You lose track of time and your surroundings. You'll cry, several times, while reading this story. You'll no choice goal-have to think about your actions and wonder what kind of effect it --other They Have people. And, in the end, you might also find the need to say "thank you."
Now, one to the story ...
When Clay Jensen finds a package On His front porch, he's excited. A package for _him_? With no return address? What Could Possibly it be? What is Clay finds a shoebox full of cassette tapes contents, each marked as "Tape 1: Side A," "Cassette 1: Side B," etc. Of course he rushes to the old radio / cassette player In His dad's Garage to check out thesis mysterious tapes.
And soon wishes, wholeheartedly, that 'he'd never picked up That stupid package from His front porch.
What he hears When He inserts That first step is the voice of Hannah Baker. Hannah, the girl he'd crushed on for along than he Could remember. The girl he Went to school with. The girl he Worked at the movie theater with. The girl Who HAD changed, Drastically, in the last several months. Hannah Baker, the girl Who Committed Suicide.
Clay soon realizes That thesis tapes are not just a suicide notes are not, really, Even a clear-cut rendition of why she About did what she About did. Instead, thesis Reasons are thirteen - thirteen people, to be exact - who created a snowball-effect of events led Hannah to Believe That suicide That Was Her only option. Purpose is why Clay On That list? Possibly How Could he be one of the Reasons That She killed herself?
As the day goes on, Clay Becomes obsessed with listening to the tapes. And what he hears frightens _him_, disturbs _him_, and, in the end, leads to realizations _him_ That he Would Have never expected. As Clay listens to the role That thirteen people, Including himself, led in the ultimate death of Hannah Baker, His view of the world, and himself, Drastically changes.
You will love this book, Because You will not be ble to help yourself. You will feel what feels Clay. You will, in a very strong way, experience the highs and lows of Hannah's life right along with her. And there is nothing, in my opinion, better That Could speak for the authenticity of a book. Read THIRTEEN REASONS WHY. And then, if you're like me, you'll read it again. And, Hopefully, none of us will ever forget it.
Reviewed by: Jennifer Wardrip, aka "The Genius"
