“Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of a girl named Hannah Baker who takes her own life. But before she does, she records several cassette tapes explaining why and sends them to the people she feels pushed her toward that decision. The story is told from the point of view of Clay Jensen who spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah’s voice 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.
The anti-bullying anthem was published in hardcover in October 2007 by Razorbill, and quickly became a word-of-mouth favorite among teenaged readers with fans claiming, “This book changed my life.” The novel has been on the New York Times children’s hardcover bestseller list for 65 weeks, foreign rights have been sold into 30 countries and it has been acquired by Universal Pictures and will star Selena Gomez.”
I first experienced Thirteen Reasons Why shortly after it was published in 2007. I listened to the audiobook on a long trip and was immediately drawn in to both the character of Hannah Baker and the concept of the book. I listened to it in one setting, waiting anxiously as each name on the list was revealed. The book is not a fun read and not an easy read by far. We begin knowing the ending. We begin knowing that we cannot change what has happened to Hannah but only learn perhaps why it happened.
However the process of learning why Hannah Baker took her life is difficult. The blame is placed upon people you might never have suspected and their actions range from the completely innocent to the downright criminal. Thirteen Reasons Why shines a light on bullying and other issues teens face everyday. It shows us just how hurtful and harmful these everyday occurrences can be to young adults…it can even be enough to die for as shown in the lives of a multitude of teens who have committed suicide. Hannah represents them in her own unique way. A must read for teens, parents and teachers. A “new” classic for sure.
Book Giveaway
Thanks to the always wonderful gang at Big Honcho Media…I have two copies of Thirteen Reasons Why to give away to two very lucky Stiletto Storytime readers.
Giveaway ends midnight EST June 24, 2011. US and Canada addresses only please. Winner will be chosen by random.org and notified by e-mail address. Good Luck to all and Happy Reading!
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Check out the new 13RW Project and Share Your Thoughts
Stiletto Storytime 
This book didn’t resonate with me as much as it seemed to with other people. I felt that Hannah created some of her own troubles and blamed everything on other people. Of course, that’s pretty common during the teen years, but still her act in the end was pretty cruel.
I felt that way in some instances but I could also relate to that feeling she had where she just gave up because no matter how hard she tried…it was like” a snowball”…every day was a little more…another person…another action. It’s a rough book but it really seems to touch teens. I think the list was cruel to some and then not cruel enough for others…the people on the list were often such extremes. It’s def a book that encourages debate!
Bermuda-
Hannah was so depressed that everything seemed gigantic to her. She might have brought some of it on herself, though I don’t remember what, but chances are if it were demeanor or if you mean when she talked to the counselor, by then it was too late. He didn’t recognize the signs. The class ridiculed her question about suicide. She gave up. I think telling a bully he or she is a bully is a fitting thing to do. In my state, Massachusetts, a couple of teens are going to jail for the suicide of a girl who they bullied. A blogging buddy told me today his cousin’s 14 yr old daughter killed herself over being bullied. What do you think should happen to these bullies? I’ve put up with both my children being bullied for two years for being Jewish in a predominately Irish Catholic area with taunts like “I’ll bake you in the ovens” and “There’s a penny R**** pick it up” My fifth grader has been called “gay” and “fag” almost daily and the schools do nothing. No matter how many times I go in there. Is that cruel?
Heather
Wow, this book sounds very sad… I’d like to win a copy but I don’t know if I have the courage to read it or lend it to someone else!
What a heavy topic! I’ve lost a loved one through suicide, so this topic is close to my heart. Thanks for the giveaway.
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I’ve been wanting to read 13 Reasons Why for a while now. Fingers crossed!
Thanks for the giveaway!
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I know it’s weird to say this about this type of book, but I absolutely loved this book. I understand it’s being made into a movie. I think that’s wonderful. That way, the kids who won’t read it, will see it first hand and see how their bullying affects another person. ‘I thought Jay Asher did such a great job of making the reader care about Hannah and the way Clay had to listen to the tapes and hear the story was so gut wrenching to me.
I loved Clay for caring so much. I read a lot of books with mental health issues and this is one of my favorites.
Heather
i would love to read this book. i have a teen that lives with me and i am often wondering what is going on in her head.
trvlagnt1t@yahoo.com
I really enjoyed this book and I would LOVE to have my own copy.
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I read this book last year and really enjoyed it. I also listened to the audiobook. I thought it was a great story. I would love to win my own copy.
Here is the post i did about this book last year.
http://lusravesandrants.blogspot.com/2010/09/great-read.html
I subscribe to your posts by email. ( I hope that was what you meant by follow. I didn’t see a GFC follow button)
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I follow you on twitter. Username – luravesandrants
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I follow Jay Asher on twitter! . Username – luravesandrants
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I visited 13RW, and left my opinion (in brief…..lol). I had to use a US zip code though, as it wouldn’t accept a Canadian one! So, I chose one that is just a 5 minute drive across a bridge from my hometown!
I want to win the book. Sounds great.
Thank you for this giveaway! I read this book and it was really powerful.
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my twitter account is @darkestbooks
This sounds like a book that wouldn’t be easy to read, but should be read.
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
This is a book that every parent should read, and discuss with their children. I would love to win a copy of it:)
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Thanks for the giveaway!
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I subscribe to your blog
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Thank you so much for this giveaway! I’ve been dying (wrong word to use? ha) to read this but I haven’t gotten my own copy yet!
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I never heard of this book, but would like to read it. I told my 16 year old about it after reading your review, and she said she has heard of it and has wanted to read it. Thanks for the giveaway!
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I subscribe via email
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I’d read conflicting reviews, but I’d love a chance to read this book.
ikkinlala AT yahoo DOT ca
I would love the chance to read this. It’s a sad and senseless thing and it happens way more and more often it seems.
mamabunny13 at gmail dot com
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Thanks for the awesome chance to win this book!
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I checked out the 13RW project and think it’s such an incredible resource for teenagers and young adults contemplating suicide. There is help. There is hope. I’m so glad someone is talking/writing about this issue. I really want to read this book.
Amy- There is hope and one of the reasons I like this book so much is not because I agree with every scene or think it applies to all teens but because it starts a dialogue…it’s someone willing to talk about a subject most people like to ignore and pretend is not happening daily whether it be bullying or teen suicide…the dialogue is crucial. I was very impressed with 13RW too!
Congratulations to …..drum roll….Wyndwhisper & Alyssa of “Mostly Books…Occasional Rants”. They have each won their very own copy of “Thirteen Reasons Why”. Enjoy! Thanks to all who entered and Happy Reading!