Tolog Review: Thirteen Reasons Why

Thirteen Reasons Why
by Jay Asher
reviewed by Elena Melehani 

Sometimes, the best books are the ones that make you cry. Whether you like or dislike sad novels, Thirteen Reasons Why has something that appeals to all readers. The varying point of view, the setting changes, and the sudden character development really sets this novel from any other I have ever read. Jay Asher transports the reader into the life of Hannah Baker and the thirteen reasons why she killed herself. He tells the story through the eyes of Clay Jensen, the main character that has to not only cope with Hannah’s death but also learn to cope with the fact that he is one of the reasons Hannah died. This novel not only opens the eyes of the main character but also the eyes of the readers, and makes you much more aware of what it means to take your life and the consequences that those who are held responsible shall face. 

The way the story is told and the emotions throughout it, make it a very captivating and addicting novel. I finished the novel over the course of 3 days, and most of the time I did not want to put it down. You feel all the emotions that Clay, the narrator, feels: grief, pity, relief, and even his intense rage at himself and those who had hurt Hannah. As Clay listens to each tape Hannah makes for her reasons, you are captivated by her story and feel the intense pain she felt as well. I have never read a novel that has made me feel the emotions that I have felt while reading this one. The novel also encompasses many relevant situations from this generation, and reveals the harsh consequences that those who make these poor decisions may receive. This novel is not one of humor or romance, but it is a relevant and eye-opening novel that will make you cry. Every teenager I believe should read this novel and refer to it before they make any bad decisions. I will never forget reading this novel and how I felt afterwards; and because of have this I wholeheartedly recommend it to everyone, whether they are a teenager or adult.