Before I get started with this review, it’s noteworthy that some books take ages for me to pick up. It’s often a case of being in the right mood. Doesn’t matter that I’ve seen the book around, and apparently not even a TV adaptation makes a difference. If I’m not in the mood, years can go by before I pick up a hyped or popular book. BUT I’m glad I did eventually pick it up, because Thirteen Reasons Why was fascinating, original, and sad, but very well executed.
Thirteen Reasons Whyby Jay Asher
Clay Jensen’s first love records her last words.
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker–his classmate and crush–who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah’s voice explains that there are thirteen reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out why.
Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah’s pain, and learns the truth about himself–a truth he never wanted to face.
AUDIOBOOK REVIEW
Thirteen Reasons Why – Jay Asher
my thoughts
Straightaway I’m going to put it out there and say this, Thirteen Reasons Why was exceptionally well done. The idea, execution, and writing – it all helped to deliver one amazing book. Hence my fascination with it.
Although I haven’t read any reviews yet, but after glancing at the overall rating on GR, it suggests that people either loved it or hated it. And I can see where both feelings are coming from.
A) The topic
B) Hannah
C) and the overall feel of the story
But for me, it was all about the way this story made me feel, and how uniquely it all came together.
The audiobook is narrated by Hannah and Clay, but the individual narration/POV doesn’t follow chapters, it resembles more a conversation, with Clay listening to Hannah’s cassette tapes, and following a map around town. On the tapes, Hannah explains what happened to her and the situations that ultimately lead to her death. And yes, she definitely kills herself in the end – no happy ending for her.
But the way this story was put together was utterly unique.
Now the other part that made this novel fascinating was the many secrets everyone had, and only Hannah seemed to have found out about them. But since she literally forces people to listen to her tapes, suddenly everyone’s “shortcomings” are out in the open, and the status quo is suddenly skewed. Because of that, I felt Hannah was actually relishing her part in this drama.
And now, after I finished this story I understand the dilemma that some might have with Hannah. I’m honestly conflicted, because Hannah was partially a victim, but in a way also NOT. It’s complicated. And another reason why I was captivated by this story.
So, although the novel’s topic was not an easy one, and Hannah is not an easily loved character, all in all I would definitely recommend this audiobook. Just because of how well it was done. And although, I have not yet watched the show, but now, especially after I experienced the audio version, I’m intrigued to see it come to live on the screen.
Length 06:24:54
4/5 Stars
Goodreads
Amazon
Thirteen Reasons Why – Jay Asher
I saw a preview for this the other day and thought it looked interesting. Thanks for your thoughtful review- you have me curious now 🙂
It’s definitely a book I would recommend, but be aware it has it’s issues. And defiantly controversial aspects to it. But the way it was done, really impressed me.
I completely agree with you, Corina! There are WAYYY too many popular books that I haven’t even touched! And yeah it definitely depends on the mood but I am also afraid of all the glittering reviews surrounding some of the those book, you know. It’s like the pressure of liking it/not liking it gets the better of me. Haha..?? So i DEFINITELY GET YOU!
That said, I too haven’t read 13 Reasons Why and before today, i hadn’t read any reviews of it either so believe me when I say, YOUR BEAUTIFULLY WORDED REVIEW JUST MADE ME WANT TO PICK THIS ONE IMMEDIATELY! ❤️❤️???
I’m one of those readers that are usually in the minority when it comes to popular books. They often don’t work out for me, so I’m always glad when they do. Thank you!!!