I requested this book because it also ties into the new Netflix show, and I always prefer to read the book before i watch the show.
Although there are italics to differentiate the 'audio' from the main male character I found it hard to remember who's voice it was I was reading. For me it would have been nice to have more of an insight into the other characters, to understand the impact the story had on them.

Heartbreaking, eye-opening, complex and sometimes chilling. Honestly, this book left me speechless. I read it all in a day. It feels weird to say I enjoyed reading it due to the subject it covers, but I did. It kept me hooked the whole way through and I think Asher dealt with a sensitive subject in a clever and absorbing way. I would recommend this book to anyone, although trigger warning (suicide is the main theme).

So the big discussion with this book is does it glamorise suicide? I don't think it does. The main message of the book is how easy it is to destroy someone's state of mind and make them feel worthless. This needs to be read by teenagers and the people who work with them. So many adults dismiss verbal bullying and 'rumours' as they believe they are not aggressive: well this book shows how damaging it can be. A very powerful and well written book.

I’ve wanted to read this book for a long time, years, in fact. I never got round to it. I watched the entire Netflix series in one day, which wrecked me and made me cry for two days. So when I saw this pop up on NetGalley I had to request it. Thirteen Reasons Why is one of the saddest, moving and most riveting YA books I’ve ever read. I loved it even thought I feel weird and uncomfortable about loving something so sad. As I’ve seen the show I kind of knew what to expect with this one, but as always, the book was much better. Netflix did a good job adapting it. I loved the way the book was structured, one chapter for each side of a tape, with Hannah’s words on the tape overlapping with Clay’s memories and experiences while listening to the tapes. This works really well. I was heart-broken for Hannah. I felt everyone on the tapes deserted to be there for being such horrible people. I also felt sorry for the people who hurt Hannah so much she took her own life. They weren’t monsters, well not everyone, they were people, who were thoughtless and stupid the way people can be, who had no idea what the consequences of their actions would be. Bulling is something very real and it happens to kids every day. I was bullied. Suicide is also something that happens far too often. Thirteen Reasons Why doesn’t have a good ending but it deals with something painfully real. This book will stay with me for a long time. You must read it.

This was an engaging read it an interesting structure. Nothing too surprising though food for thought, and leaves you wondering what happens next (although the ending does offer a neat enough resolution). An interesting structure and the dual narrative actually added to the plot rather than just being there for the sake of it as with many novels. I also enjoyed the fact that nothing was sensationalised or overly dramatised for effect and the act of suicide itself was not the main focus.

It took me a few chapters to get into this book, but I liked the way it was written, from two different viewpoints and persevered and I'm glad I did.
Sad at times, it tells of the tragic suicide of a young girl who, despite showing signs of mental struggles, just doesn't seem to get the help she needs.
Her tapes are a way to tell those that even an action that can seem inconsequential at the time, can literally be the straw that breaks the camels back.
That said I never really warmed to Hannah, even though I felt so sorry for her, but Clay was a lovely boy and made the book hopeful rather than just bleak.
Well worth a read.

Since the release of the television show on Netflix, I think this one has divided people's opinions; it's like marmite, you either love the show or hate it.

To be honest, i'M still not sure what to think of the storyline as a subject like suicide will always invite such divisive opinions from many different people. But I thought the book was well written, regardless of the matter. It showed such raw emotions and such suspense throughout the entire novel. I had only skimmed through the story this time as I had already listened to the audiobook but I have, to be honest, I thought the audiobook was so better because it was someone else reading the book out to me instead of my mind, and given the awful plot it was a better idea. Overall, I thought Asher did an excellent job taking such a sensitive subject and not being afraid to tackle this.

I'm a little late to this party. I hadn't heard of this book until my teenage daughter discussed the TV show with me. She was distraught by it but thought it was a very important show that all teenagers should see. Now I prefer a good book and this is definitely a good book. It's a quick read but it completely immerses you into the world of the teenager, Hannah. It has vibes that make you sad and uncomfortable yet it's not overbearingly depressing. The story is told by the narrator who explains what led to her untimely death, the author is very good at making you feel very different feelings about each character as the narrator explains their role in her life and eventual death. It's a harrowing read at times but ultimately I would definitely recommend this to anyone.

I loved this book when I originally read it about 8 years ago but having seen the TV show I enjoyed it the second time even more.
I was actually surprised how true to the book the TV show is, there are a few noticeable changes but not as many as you would expect for a 13 part series. Its hard to wrap my head around a young girl committing suicide and then effectively blaming other people for it and while that still causes a question in my mind I had more empathy with Hannah this time.
I really would consider this book one of my all-time YA favourites and I am pleased it has been given a huge boost thanks to the netflix show.

I am very much a believer that a TVs adaptation can never do a book justice, so when a TV show affects me as much as this one did I have to go to the source material.

The book was certainly traumatic and my mind was filled with anger and sadness that so many small acts could end in such a way, but I found the book to be somehow less than what I expected. There was no real resolution after such a traumatic evening, Clay seems almost numb, there was no confrontation, no reaction and for me worst of all no consequence.

The acceptance that this was like a documentary, just a linear explanation with no punishment to be meted or culpability owned up to ,just frustrated me and in a way made me less sure that the book would be a positive thing to inform parents or those teens in the throes of dark times. The show seemed to be more dynamic and thought provoking because it actually showed the horrendous fallout both from the seemingly small acts of selfishness, wilful ignorance or straight out arrogance that led to Hannah's death and the effect that the revelations on the tapes had on those thirteen individuals and Hannah's parents.

Good but not great.

I read this book after watching the TV adaptation of it. What can I say? It is a must read for any teenager and (in my opinion) does not glorify teenage suicide at all. It shows the importance of being aware of how our words and actions can effect those around us, and the devastating consequences when a young girl does not feel like she has a voice. Heartbreaking and utterly compelling. A superb and highly recommended 5 stars.

Recently filmed as a thirteen-part Netflix drama executively produced by Selena Gomez, Thirteen Reasons Why was the first novel by the award-winning author, Jay Asher. It is the type of book readers will either love or hate, but it should definitely come with a warning. This story is NOT an accurate representation of depression and suicide.

Yes, suicide. A teenaged girl has committed suicide, shocking everyone who knew her. No one could understand why, but thirteen people are going to find out. Clay Jensen is the ninth person to receive a box of thirteen audiotapes from Hannah Baker. However, Hannah died two weeks ago. As she premeditated taking her life, Hannah recorded thirteen stories involving people from her school that caused her to snowball into deep depression and despair. Desperate to find out why his name features in Hannah’s story, Clay begins listening to the tapes in order, putting together the events that led to Hannah’s death.

What follows is a heart-breaking story showing the impact individuals have on other people’s lives, often without realising it. In some cases, the characters only played a minor role in Hannah’s life, whereas others caused significant damage. The saddest thing is, Clay could have helped Hannah, but she had pushed him away.

At times, Hannah seemed like the horrible person, calling all these people out on petty little things, but these things, along with the more horrible ones, all built up to create a life that did not feel worth living. It is eye opening how much a small action, comment or rumour can so drastically alter someone’s future.

Bearing in mind that depression affects everyone differently and has numerous causes, some readers may feel disgusted at Hannah’s extreme action, but this is the fault of the author. Jay Asher fails to completely describe the emotional torment that Hannah felt, and only someone who may have been through a similar situation, or worse, will fully be able to understand the impact everything has had on her mental health.

As Hannah beleaguers her listeners, the thirteen people start to feel like the victims rather than the “attackers”, which is most probably not what the author was intending. Now, these people will have to live their lives believing they caused a girl to commit suicide when really they were only 1/13th of the reason. Although, before criticising this novel, keep in mind it is a work of fiction.

What is most painful about Thirteen Reasons Why, is not Hannah’s plight, but the reaction Clay has to hearing Hannah’s story. Unlike the other people Hannah accuses, Clay is not one of her antagonists; all Hannah wants to do is to say sorry.

It is up to the reader to judge whether Thirteen Reasons Why is worthy of praise or not. Those without an understanding of depression may dislike it on account of misunderstanding Hannah’s reasons, whereas others may feel insulted that she killed herself over things that could have been eased had she told someone. Personally, I understand where Hannah is coming from, and although I would not go to the extremes Hannah did, I do not think she was selfish or stupid or any other insult that may befall her.

The reason I give this book a good rating lies in the quality of writing. Asher seamlessly alternates between two narratives – Hannah’s story and Clay’s reaction and reflection. Although the author may not have clearly expressed Hannah’s emotions, he successful emphasises the grief and despair Clay feels listening to the cassettes. My main concern is that Thirteen Reasons Why will only be short lived. Audiotapes were already obsolete when the book was published, but soon will there be any new readers who know what a tape is?

Very disjointed for me, hard to follow as not free flowing due to the way it was written, but an interesting insight to teenage issues

Free copy kindly received via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I was keen to read this book as everyone has been raving about the TV series. I don't get much time to watch tv, so wanted to read the book instead.

Hannah Baker has committed suicide and has recorded a collection of cassette tapes to explain her 13 reasons why and the tapes are to be heard by the people involved with the reasons. Clay, one of the POV’s of our story is one of them.

It was good how the story unfolded and a very different idea telling the story through a series of cassette tapes. It was very clever how each person linked into the story and how the events unfolded.

Unfortunately I only felt able to give this book 4 stars as I felt it was missing something but I'm not sure what. I thoroughly enjoyed this book though and would recommend it to others.

This is actually a re-read for me.
Having been interested in the TV show (and obsessing) I HAD to read the book again.
If you really want something new to obsess over, then 13 Reasons is something I definitely recommend.
This book truly makes you question life and what little things can do to create a much bigger problem.

As a school librarian and in light of the recent Netflix adaptation of this book, I have been hearing a lot of talk about this recently. Looking at some of these reviews, I have been very concerned that some of my pupils have been asking about it, so I have just read it - always the best thing to do people, as you should never rely on hearsay!
Firstly, I don't think this book actively promotes suicide. I actually think it is the intention of the author to make us think about how our actions affect other people's lives. It is not about revenge. It is about changing your actions...making time to talk to that person you think may need someone to talk to....being kinder. Listening to the tapes makes Clay appreciate that a person's actions can influence another's life in ways you do not realise and that making an effort to really get to know someone else can help them be happier if they are struggling.
However, I agree with some of the views expressed below that this is definitely not a book to be given to someone who is suffering from depression. This is not a self-help book. Hannah is in a cycle of self-destruction, a downward spiral she is not able to escape from. She has already made up her mind that she cannot carry on and I am not sure she can be diverted from her course in the end. Mr Porter tries to help her talk, but unintentionally confirms the decision she has already made. I have not suffered from depression myself, but am very aware of what this can lead to and I can see that the book could be read in a way which could offer suicide as an option to someone who is in a dark place.
If you are worried about whether to recommend this book, or allow a young person to read this, my advice would be that this is not a story for younger children - this is a dark and sometimes sexual story and does have a rape in it. I would not recommend this book for anyone under the age of 15/16, because of this.
In addition, be aware that this is not a story for someone who suffers from depression as it can be read in a way which seems to offer suicide as an acceptable option if you can see youself in the same place as Hannah finds herself, although this is not its intention. Be aware of who is reading this book. It is, however an interesting read and does open the discussion about suicide, just be careful about who you recommend this to and do talk about it with them both before and afterwards.
Having said all this, I did enjoy reading the book and don't believe that the author intends anything dark by it or suggests intentionally that suicide is a way to get revenge on others.
The Netflix series worries me far more than the book itself. This strings out the story in a way which seems to glamorise Hannah's tapes and the idea of revenge on those that caused her suffering to make it into a "teen drama full of angst".
The Netflix series is horrific. This oringinally had a certificate of 15, but this has now been amended to 18. The tv show definitely does not leave you with the same feelings as the book and most certainly is not for children. The final episode even shows Hannah sitting in a bath and cutting into her veins with a razor blade. Please do not watch this if you liked the book. Jay Asher, you should be ashamed that you had anything to do with this!

After hearing all the hype around the Netflix series I knew I had to read the book before allowing myself to watch the series. I wasn't sure what to expect all I knew about '13 reasons why' was that it was about a suicide.

The storyline was very fast paced and easy to read, I finished the book within a couple hours. Overall I think the book addresses some major issues within teen culture today, especially with regards to rumours and how an opinion about someone can have so much of an impact on their life. I think this book is good for young adults to understand the need to find the truth about a rumour before believing it and shows teenagers that it is okay to share your feelings or get help from others. Whether this is from professional help or family and friends.

I would recommend this book to a friend and would definitely encourage schools to consider putting this book on the curriculum to show how easily one rumour, and the after affects of that rumour, can have on an individual.