Thirteen Reasons Why

When I first started this book, I was completely shocked. I thought to myself, “why on earth would someone write a book in this way?!” But it’s an amazing story. The way Hannah and Clay’s story flow and mix together is incredibly well done. Even though you know the outcome of the story at the very beginning – Hannah commits suicide – you are still hopeful that she doesn’t actually go through with it. You hear the story as it’s happening to her, with the knowledge that it’s already happened. This book also makes you aware of how you treat other people. Just a smile, a compliment, or a conversation can change a person’s life for the better.

Also, keep the box of tissues handy. You’ll need ‘em.

It was good, but it could have been better.
It started really good, was interesting and I just couldn´t stop reading it, but at the end it was like the author forgot what he did in the previous pages and the message I thought it wanted to convey got lost in some ridiculous situations.

I liked the book, but to be honest, I liked the TV series better, because it did a better job of fleshing out all the stories, and showing the viewer that even the jerks in Hannah's life had reasons that they were acting out. That said, I don't think the book could have shown glimpses of those side stories. With the book, we're meant to know Hannah's story, with some of Clay's.

A lot of the comments tend to say that the book glorifies suicide and that her story isn't believable. Those are just places where people disagree, and there will be no consensus. I didn't think it glorified suicide, but I'm reading it from an adult perspective. At my age, I know that those high school incidents will mostly fade into the background. Because of meeting up with her later in life, I know that my high school's queen bee was scared of not being popular and would act differently now. I know that a friend was dealing with all sorts of stuff at home, and no one at school knew it. I know that some kids hid the fact that they had alcoholic parents. We live with stuff until we get out. And sometimes we just count the days until we leave. But not everyone has a long term view. So many people just feel the immediate pain. And the more directions it comes from, the harder it is to deal with. We didn't see anybody but Clay miss her. We didn't see a funeral where everyone says they feel bad or they wish they's been there for her. Nothing. She pretty much just fades away, an empty chair in a classroom.

I do think the book reminds us that everything we do has an effect. If you can be nice to someone, do it. Take the time, sit on a bench and listen. And say hello and good bye, and thank you.

I really liked this book before it became a show. It really tells a story about mental health but also how your actions do affect people.

I understand she wants to explain why she liked herself but she sounds vengeful instead of making any amends or resolutions.