I, like many, watched the tv series first. I have no regrets about that as reading the book after gave me amazing insight into characters I already knew. What i didn't expext was the level of heartbreak I would feel reading it. Such a good, important, moving book!

I enjoyed this title although I didn't feel that it was quite worthy of the hype, and perhaps that's why I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would. Hype is a very dangerous thing for a book because it leads to people being easily disappointed. Having said that, this was still an enjoyable read and I can see the book appealing to teenagers and young adults. The topic i.e. suicide, is a difficult one to write about and I thought the author did a great job of creating an engaging story around such a difficult topic.

I'm sorry I did not receive a notification on this and did not download it in time to review. However the TV series is very good and maybe I will someday read the book.

13 reasons why a young girl killed herself.
The reasons are actually people.
Some hurt her, some misunderstood her, some did horrible things.
And no one had cared enough (or so Hannah thinks) to be truly for her.

The story of the novel is well-known, so I am not going there.
I have mixed feelings about this. I understand that the impact is aimed at caring more, be here more, have our eyes more opened for the others and their pain and problems. And I could not agree more! Very few go the extra mile for the others (and if the said others are not quite lovable ones, it is even worse) - and I need to play that unselfish motive at my mind´s player more, too.
But while the book is impactful and very well-crafted, it feels emotionally manipulative. True, not all of the manipulation is negative in itself and it is the prerogative of literature to try to get the readers at the point the author has in mind. But the suicide and the teenage angst are very powerful weapons and teenage mind might be very fragile and very open to the unhealthy appeal of "I will show them!" by taking their own life. And Hannah has this attitude.
She is also not that lost, too, as the book would like to suggest. The suicide was not the impulsive decision. Was it not some weeks before the tapes went out that she had drawn and delivered the maps?
And yes, Hannah is (clinically) depressed. And we all should learn more about this subject. And we need to be more open to all the signs. But...still. Will people be more selfless, more attuned to the others because of the tragedy? Some will - but these are probably in the better category yet. Some can learn. And some will continue in their ways - and they need someone else to stand up against them and fight them for the better world. And Hannah´s story does not cover that aspect. The victim mentality hurts souls of the victims - and the way out is only through all the mess and pain to become the more strong, more wise person. This is hard, yes. But this is the most important lesson.
So while the discussion of the suicide and mental health is very important, I would love to have a more positive model of strenth here. While Clay can offer that, I would wish that for Hannah, too. And I am not saying that coldly and paternizingly, I am saying that as a fellow victim mentality´s occasional sufferer, too.

I'm not sure saying I enjoyed this book is the right way to phrase it. I found it interesting, captivating and sad all at the same time. It's easy to see how seemingly small events can bubble up in to something that feels like too much, and that's not something I had realised properly before. I like the way the book was laid out with the different tapes splitting the story up. I haven't yet watched the Netflix series but I will do now!

Provided by NetGalley for an honest review.

I was pleasantly surprised by this book! The internal monologue of the main character was interesting. I found the ups and downs and her mood swings a touch scary, but you can see why the story holds an edge because of this.

The story moves along at a good pace and you do wonder what happened and what’s coming next. Good twists and turns!

I found the ending a little bit of a let down. It was all a little too neat.

You know a novel is going to be problematic when the Samaritans produce guidance specifically for it’s readers. Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of Hannah Baker, a suicidal teen who takes her own life, but not before recording thirteen sides of cassette tape (ask your parents) giving the “reasons” for her death – essentially naming and shaming those who have wronged her and caused her to take her own life.
I can’t even begin to explain how mad that ridiculous premise makes me. The depiction of mental health issues in the book is awful; truly a dreadful way to depict depression and glorify suicide. I thought it was at best crass and unhelpful and at worst dangerous. So, I’ve made my own special little mixtape explaining my thoughts and feelings, called:

Thirteen Reasongs Why I Did Not Care for This Novel

Side A

1.Squeeze – Up The Junction

(A blow by blow account of a doomed situation)
Issue number one – the writing.

I hated the fact that the book was written as a continuous account of everything Clay did over the course of one night. I didn’t see the point of him wandering round his town, visiting the scenes of the events Hannah was talking about on the tapes. Also, as someone who spent their teenage years making hundreds of mixtapes, they’re always 90 minutes long. So that’s 9 hours and 45 minutes of continuous observation about a boy listening to a tape. No wonder I kept zoning out.

2. The Smiths – Heaven Knows In Miserable Now

Issue number two – the characters.

I found Hannah to be a difficult character to like. Yes, she had a lot of really bad stuff happen to her, but the way that she talked about every single thing that had annoyed/upset her started to grate after a while. And I hated the way that Clay took the responsibility for something that clearly wasn’t on him. His inclusion in the tapes made me hate Hannah even more. Everyone else was basically a dick.

3. The Manic Street Preachers – Suicide is Painless

Issue number three – the glamorization of suicide.

When people kill themselves, they leave a void. A gap in a photo. An empty place at the dinner table. A silence so loud it’s deafening. They do not die in a blaze of vengeful glory. I hated – hated- the way that Hannah’s death wasn’t discussed except in the context of guilt from those who had wronged her before she died. There was nothing about the physical pain, the dreadful, messy, gut wrenching last moments of Hannah’s life, let alone the impact of her death on her family and friends – the anger, the sadness, the lack of understanding, the sheer agony that her suicide caused. Her death was framed as a way of getting revenge and I worry that this could be inspirational to people who are struggling in real life.


4. Tori Amos – Happy Phantom

Issue number four – getting revenge from beyond the grave.

Similarly, the disembodied voice of Hannah getting her revenge from beyond the grave was incredibly worrying. Hannah. Was. Gone. She did not get her revenge. She wasn’t laughing it up in the afterlife. When she passed away, everyone lost – including her.

​5. Metallica – The Unforgiven

Issue number five – the blame game.

I really took offense to the idea that someone has committed suicide because they were perfectly happy but then you were horrible to them and now they’ve had to go and commit suicide.

No.

I’m sure there are many, many people out there who have had a loved one take their own life and have endlessly blamed themselves for the situation. I’m sure they’ve thought over and over about their actions, the things they said, the texts they didn’t send, the way they didn’t want to ask if everything was ok because they didn’t want to pry. If this has happened to you, I want you to know that IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT. I hate that Thirteen Reasons Why totally ignored Hannah’s obvious mental health issues and made out that she would be perfectly happy if it weren’t for her classmates actions.


6. The Smiths – There is a Light that Never Goes Out

Issue number six – the presentation of depression inevitably ending in suicide.

Suicide does not have to be the end result of depression. There is always help out there and people who will listen to you (I’ve included links at the end of this post). I hated that Hannah only made one vague attempt to get help from a teacher but because he didn’t ask the right questions she completely gave up – and then blamed everyone for not noticing her depression (peak whiny moment – I cut my hair guys – you should have spotted the signs!) Again, there will be people out there blaming themselves for the suicide of a loved one and this book reinforces that guilt which is so, so wrong.

Side B

7. Metallica – St. Anger

Issue number seven – I’m suicidally depressed but I’m going to present it as coherent anger.

Just – WTF. People who are suicidal are literally not thinking straight. They’re certainly not coherently planning their revenge. I hated that anger was the only emotion presented by Hannah and that all of her sadness/lack of personal care wasn’t shown. At worst this could make someone not associate their own feelings with those of a depressed person and at best was plain unrealistic.

8. Death Cab for Cutie – I Will Follow You Into the Dark

Issue number eight – the romance.

Hannah deliberately used Clay’s feelings about her to guilt him into thinking that he’d done something wrong. I thought that was extra specially messed up.

9. The Cure – Boys Don’t Cry

Issue number nine – the way the storyline backs up the lies mental illness tells you.

Mental illness is like a little voice in your head, tellingly that you’re not good enough, that people won’t care about you, that they’d be happier if you weren’t here. I thought that Thirteen Reasons Why backed this up – Hannah was bullied and broken, she had no way of fighting back, therefore the only way for her to get her revenge was to die and leave the tapes as her legacy. This is all kinds of wrong. There’s always another way out. Hannah did not have to die to resolve this situation.


10. Kate Bush – Hammer Horror

Issue number ten – the portrayal of Hannah as a villain

I really, really didn’t like the way that Hannah was shown as both a victim and a villain. She was clearly ill so I don’t think it’s appropriate to present her as some kind of evil genius, laughing in her grave. Horrible.

11. Talking Heads – Road to Nowhere

Issue number eleven – the crass depiction of the suicide game

Call me old fashioned, but I don’t think that the tragic death of a teenage girl should be turned into a bloody treasure hunt. Someone who is suicidal is by definition not thinking straight and the idea that their death can become some kind of sick game seemed completely crass to me.


12. Nirvana – Rape Me

Issue number twelve – the rape scene

Ah, the rape scene. I hated everything about it – the way that Hannah does nothing then outs the raped girl on the tapes, the way that it’s written almost as an inevitability – drunk girl at a party, guess what’s going to happen next? and the way that there’s no follow up, no repocussions, no advice or help for the reader. I thought it was totally irresponsible way to portray something so serious.


13. REM – Everybody Hurts

Issue number thirteen – the completely wasted opportunity to have a decent, informative discussion of mental health issues

Depression, anxiety, low self esteem and a whole smorgasbord of other horrible mental health conditions can affect anyone at any time. I really disliked the entire portrayal of mental health issues throughout this novel and thought that it was such a wasted opportunity to have a realistic portrayal of depression. I’m hoping that responsible parents/guardians/teachers/caregivers will use Thirteen Reasons Why to broach the subject of mental health with teenagers and I’m pleased to see that there’s lots of information out there – well written, professional, decent information – to accompany the series. However, it makes me angry that charities have had to respond in such a way specifically because Thirteen Reasons Why is so problematic. I hope Jay Asher has made some pretty hefty donations to these organisations.

I'd already seen the TV series of this before reading it, so I knew basically what happened. I have to say I liked the TV series a little more just because they were able to show a lot more detail in the flashbacks/tape stories. I was surprised at how quick the book was! I actually read it entirely in one sitting. (Well, I got up to pee once or twice, but aside from that I didn't put it down from start to end.) It's short and compelling and easy to read and quite awesome. A few details were changed for the TV series as well, and yes a few things added in, which if I had read this first would have made me go hmmm, but as I said I liked how they were able to flesh out some of the stories a lot more.

I watched the series a few months ago, unbeknownst to me that the book existed. I am not here to speak about the series but I feel it necessary to mention that I was left unsettled by the series finale. In search of answers, I discovered that a book existed and that it was featured on NetGalley. The difference between a book and its movie counterpart can be quite glaring at times and so I assumed that the book would make more sense seeing as how books usually provide a better explanation of a deeper why beneath the surface why. What I observed was that the movie pretty much followed the book to a close T and although it provided more insight, it left me even more rattled.

Suicide is a severe decision. I don’t think suicide can ever be justified; however, in the past (real-life and books read), I have been able to understand why someone may resort to giving up.

It is not to be taken lightly.
It is not funny.
It is not cute.

More importantly, suicide is the decision one (usually) takes when it feels like the tremendous emotional pain, hopelessness, helplessness and despair will never end and so ending the suffering seems like the better end of the deal.

So Mr. Jay Asher, I refuse to accept a character who takes the time to purchase cassettes, label them, draw a map, record reasons (albeit pathetic ones) filled with jokes, puns and the likes and still find an accomplice to carry out her sinister plan after she’s gone but refuses to make a meaningful attempt to get professional help even though it was suggested by someone in authority (who ends up being the culmination of her suffering).

No. I refuse to accept this. And so, these 13 reasons were simply excuses; 13 people to blame for the character’s decision to give up.

On the bright side, the book was well-written in terms of grammar and choice of words.

There has been so much talk and hype about the Netflix series of Thirteen Reasons Why that I have shied away from it. I always fear that when this happens it turns out to be a disappointment. I am also a big fan of reading the book before watching a film or tv adaptation.

So, I finally picked this book up and was expecting to be let down. I am really pleased to say that I was pleasntly surprised Whilst aimed at the teen market, this made good reading for me (who is a good deal older than a teenager sadly!!).

The story comes about because Hannah, a teenage school girl, has recently committed suicide. No one at school knows the reasons why. But sometimes mysteries can be solved, and whilst Hannah is no longer around in person, before she killed herself she made tapes, and left instructions for those left behind to hear the truth.

There are thirteen reasons given for why Hannah took her life, and these only become slowly apparent as we turn each page. We follow the tapes from the perspective of Clay, a classmate who also had a massive crush on Hannah, and who is passed the tapes (which means he is one of the thirteen reasons).

The book is well written, and carries a thread of suspense all the way through. Why would Clay, someone who liked Hannah be involved? What happened that was so bad she felt she couldnt go on? What happens behind closed doors? What effect does the way we treat someone really have on them?

This is a thought provoking book that, as I am sure it is designed to, makes you as a reader really think about the way you treat others, how hard being a teenager is, and how sometimes things on the outside aren't always how they seem on the inside.

I would highly recommend this book, not only to young adults, but to fully grown up ones too :-)

This is a very good book, and although it has been made into a Netflix tv series works much better as a book.

A definite must read

I did not enjoy this book. I found it to be well written but I did not think the plot was good enough. I really did not like Hannah and found it hard to be sympathetic towards her.

After watching the tv show I don’t have any interest reading and reviewing this book due to its content. Thank you for accepting me for review.

Despite what people may have heard or read this book doesn’t encourage teenage suicide nor does it romanticise the idea of suicide. I can’t speak for the popular Netflix series inspired by this book, simply because I haven’t watched it.

It’s important to bear in mind that teenage brains aren’t fully developed until they reach a certain age in adulthood. Adults think with the prefrontal cortex, the rational part of the brain, which isn’t fully developed until the age of 25. This is why a teen is more likely to make rash, illogical, dangerous and impulsive decisions. Everything is overly dramatic and every slight is the end of the world as we know it.

In the mind of teenager every insult, imagined or real, is a reason to make a decision you can’t just undo.

The reader meets Hannah after she has made the decision to end her life. After she has convinced herself that there is no other way out of her situation other than killing herself.

Ultimately in the midst of all the drama and overhyped teenage interactions Asher is trying to deliver an important message. When someone reaches the end of their tether, and leans towards jumping off the nearest cliff, they will send out subconscious signals. The signals are there for us to see, hear and read, we just need to acknowledge them. Instead of ignoring the changes in behaviour, appearance or the almost indiscernible cries for help, we need to open our eyes and try to help.

The story starts with Clay Jensen receiving a box full of tapes, a spoken testimonial from a dead girl. A girl he knew, a girl he kissed, and a young girl who somehow thinks he belongs on a list of people who pushed her towards suicide. He has to deal with the emotional upheaval caused by this unexpected accusation and the experiences Hannah has been through. Clay also has to deal with the fact he will eventually come face to face with the other people on the list. The people who ignored her, turned her away, ridiculed and assaulted her.

Suicide brings an element of desperation with it, but also one of selfishness. Suicidal thoughts are all encompassing, especially when depression is part and parcel of the equation. There is no room for thoughts of what those left behind will have to deal with. The why, the who and the fact they didn’t see it coming and couldn’t stop it. Even when there is light at the end of the tunnel Hannah is already so enveloped by her own darkness that she chooses self destructive behaviour instead of choosing a path other than death.

I could go on and on about this book. It isn’t just a straightforward ‘everyone was mean to Hannah and that’s why she is dead’ scenario. Hannah isn’t exempt from criticism. She makes mistakes and some dodgy choices, especially in regards to Jessica and Bryce.

Hopefully this read will make someone reconsider their actions and behaviour towards their fellow humans. Teens really need to take on board that actions have consequences, rumours ruin lives, bullying is destructive and suicide is a one-way ticket with no return.

A fantastic novel that goes so far beyond the young adult genre, this book will make you think about your life and how your actions affect those around you. The smallest of gestures can make a big difference, and this book serves to emphasise the difficulty of fitting in at a young age. I was gripped from the very beginning, and I’m sure you will be too.

*Full review available on the blog*

Twisted

Hannah Baker is the new girl. She quickly falls victim to taunts, dares, jokes that aren't funny and most of the stuff that falls under 'high school horror.'

Gradually, it becomes difficult for her to simply shrug it off. She's not the only victim, there are others. They are part of her story, as are the perpetrators. She wasn't listened to when she was alive, but now they all have to listen. Or their secrets will get out.

She's pushed over the edge, she tries again. She will give life another chance. But it always gets too much, she keeps finding herself in the line of fire. She feels it easier to give up. But she won't take the reasons why with her to the grave. No. She wants justice, acknowledgement.

There are 13 stories, 13 reasons for her final choice. You will want more... I absolutely cannot contain my excitement at the prospect of a second season. It would be interesting to see where it takes us.

Having watched the first season of the tv show adaptation of this book and 'enjoying' it so much, I was very interested in reading the original. I was not disappointed. Both versions have their own strengths. There were stark structural differences, characters were more 'fleshed out' in the TV version and there was considerably more back story.

Though I loved this book. While I wasn't anticipating the arrival of the next story, as I already knew what was coming, I was able to appreciate the storytelling in its own right. This book primarily follows the characters Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker, they are connected. Asher tells their stories simultaneously, there are no split points of view. I was glad for this more natural approach.

This book, and the show, has sparked much controversy for its glorification of suicide. An idea I disagree with. There is no glorification; Thirteen Reasons Why shines a harsh, intrusive, spotlight on the conditions that lead to such a horrifyingly destructive choice. This is a mature book. The story is plausible. When you are a teenager everything feels so heightened: love, pleasure, anger. Everything feels personal. This is a book filled with teenager angst, life's injustices and alienation. A must read.

You will never be able to prepare for this book, you will not enjoy it. It's twisted. You will want to stop reading. You will procrastinate, not wanting to uncover yet another reason why... But you won't be able to repress the urge to finish it. You won't forget the story.

I received this book through NetGalley.

Thirteen Reasons Why is a YA book that everyone was raving about in YA past and when I saw that it was available on NetGalley after the show was released, I jump at the chance to read it, however, I did not think that this was worth the hype that it has and had back in the day.

I hate to compare it to the Netflix show but I felt that the pacing was much better in the show than it was in the book as it did just feel really rushed in comparison to the show which had better pacing.

The characters were also not as fleshed out as I would have liked and they were not as developed as a whole in the book. I also really didn't connect to Clay as much which is the biggest shame about the book.

Overall, while I did enjoy 13 Reasons Why it did not live up to Netflix counterpart which was really disappointing.

Clay Jensen comes home to find a parcel on his doorstep with 13 cassette tapes inside. The tapes contain the last words of Hannah Baker, a girl he knew, who took her own life.

He has no other option but to listen to them and uncover the secrets they’re hiding. 13 people’s lives are about to be ruined when Hannah spills her secrets.

Clay is curious as to why he has the tapes-as far as he is aware, he never did anything bad to Hannah. In fact, he loved her.

The story is told through Hannah’s narrative and Clay’s first person as he reacts to her stories.

It’s sweet- but also gripping. Some of the stories had me hooked and I flew through this book! There are definitely trigger warnings to depression, suicide and rape…so be aware.

I enjoyed it though, which surprised me!

The story is written well and the layout made it easy to read.

I felt like I knew Hannah better than Clay though, I don’t know if this is the point of the story, but I would have liked to know Clay before he got the tapes because his life seemed to end up revolving around everything he heard.

Despite this, it’s a fast paced read, and doesn’t feel too squashed together. Everything fits, intertwines, and doesn’t feel forced.

I liked this book- I know many have problems with it but I can see why, but I liked it 🙂

4/5 Stars. It had some flaws but it’s a great story.

Thanks for reading!

I thought this book was interesting and quite thought provoking. It took me a while to read it but I'm glad I did.

I read this after watching on Netflix and although every different I really enjoyed the book and think everyone should read it first.