Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

This book has been a favorite in my classroom for two years now. Since the first time I book talked it, I don't think it's been on the shelf, and every student who has read it has obsessively devoured it!

The exposition is intriguing, and the story never lets up from then on out. High school student Clay Jensen returns home from school one day to find a mysterious package at his front door. When he opens the package, he finds a number of cassette tapes and instructions. He plays the first tape and is shocked to hear the voice of Hannah Baker, a former crush who committed suicide the previous week. We learn that prior to her death, Hannah recorded detailed tapes outlining the "thirteen reasons why" she decided to end her life. She states that those in possession of the tapes are one of those reasons. It is Hannah's ultimate wish that those involved come face to face with their roles in her life. Each recipient must listen to the tapes until they hear their own story, as well as the next person on the tape. After that, he/she may continue to listen or stop. The important thing is that the tapes are delivered to the next person on the list. Hannah has entrusted someone in the community with a second set of the tapes, and instructs this person to make them public should the chain stop. This is essential, as they contain many very dark secrets of some very unlikely high school students.

The story is told in alternating points of view. We hear Clay's reaction to each of the stories, and wait in anticipation to hear his role in the story. Alternately, we hear Hannah's voice from beyond tell her very real, very painful, and very surprising story. Because of this dual perspective, both boys and girls could relate and enjoy the story.

I think this book is so important for many reasons, but mostly because it shows readers not only the effects of their actions, but of their inactions. There were so many heartbreaking moments when bystanders chose to allow Hannah to suffer alone. It also shows that sometimes it is the most unlikely person who is suffering, as Hannah is a beautiful, intelligent student at her high school.

Although I knew from the start that Hannah would end her life, I found myself pleading with her to make an alternate decision right down to the very last page.