The Bursting Bookshelf

On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list.

Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Before reading this book, I had heard phenomenal things about how raw and emotional it was. So when I saw it in a store I knew it was time for me to read it. After completing this hugely emotional book, I found myself so stricken by all the emotions Clay went through. The only downside I found in this entire book is that I didn't see more of other characters interacting with Clay. I would have preferred a little more character interaction. Other than that, I found this book to be emotionally thrilling, while covering a topic that most either ignore or tip toe around. I love that, as the reader, you are able to take such a clear look into both Hannah and Clay's heads with only one true point of view. On a note separate from the actual story, I loved the use of tapes and how original the whole novel turned out to be. Altogether, I would highly recommend this book to all teens to get a different perspective on what life truly means. Thirteen Reasons Why gets a 4.5/5 for covering such a dark piece of subject matter with grace and dignity without tip toeing around it at all.