13 reasons why by jay asher


Suicide leaves survivors with many questions, most of which begin with why. Hannah Baker provides 13 answers, or reasons why, she killed herself via a set of seven cassette tapes delivered chain-letter style to each of the 'reasons.' When the tapes make their way to the doorstep of Clay Baker (who had a crush on Hannah), he spends an agonizing evening listening to Hannah's voice as she explains that "everything affects everything" and follows her on a journey through the past using a map that outlines Hannah's path to self destruction. A brutal and poignant account of teen bullying that will resonate with teens and adults who have experienced it first hand or doled it out themselves. A must read for teens, suicide survivors, educators, and especially school counselors. I listened to this title on audio when it was released, but it was particularly moving in print, and I recommend both. Don't miss all the extras on Asher's website, including discussion questions. The film version of 13RW is in the works and his long-awaited new book, The Future of Us, written with Carolyn Mackler, comes out in November. Grade 7+

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