Angela's Review of "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher

After Hannah Baker commits suicide, thirteen tapes in a shoebox show up on Clay Jensen’s doorstep. There are 13 reasons and 13 people on the tapes, all who have a connection (snowball type effect) that led Hannah to make the decision she did. Once the tapes are listened too, the next person in line receives the box of tapes.

It’s Clay’s turn and he’s unsure why his name is included at all.

I bought this book on a Friday afternoon, and by that Friday night, I had read the entire thing. I couldn’t help myself. Told in first person from Clay’s perspective, we follow along his journey as he listens to the tapes with Hannah’s voice and the map of their town she had slipped into his locker before she died. If you purchase the hardback copy, the map is included on the inside of the book jacket—a nice addition.

The emotions portrayed in the book are all over the place. Not only did I feel so much pain for Hannah and the rumor that started everything, but witnessing Clay’s reactions, his helplessness, is painful as well.  Now, the entire story isn’t a complete downer, if you will, especially since the topic is a horrible one. There are moments of lightheartedness as well. But it is the suspense that will keep you turning each page.

The writing is fantastic. Well done. The overall voice is strong and compelling. Now, I must admit I struggled a bit with the shifting between Clay’s thoughts (printed normal) and Hannah’s speaking on the tapes (printed in italics). It does take some getting used to, but don’t let that hinder you.

This book renewed my faith in the YA genre. It really did.   FIVE ANGELA STARS *****


Five Stars:    Loved it. Read it in one day; Couldn't put it down
Four Stars:    Liked it; Read it in a week; Good read; Entertaining
Three Stars:   It's ok. About a Month to read; Average story
Two Stars:     Didn't like it. Took longer than a month, but I finished it.
One Star:        Hated it.Took several months to read. Bored to death.

(All my reviews are based upon my personal feelings, regardless of past or present hype for the book. I don't believe in book bashing either and will do my best to fair in my review).

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