Suicide is delicate subject. No matter how well written or how absurd the novel can be, you can’t please everyone. With that being said, I believe Jay Asher was able to capture and give the reader an insight of what a teenage girl may experience in a worst possible high school scenario. It would be unfair for me to generalize and comment that these awful acts directed towards Hannah Baker “happened to everyone in high school” or considered common. The actions of her peers were cruel, heartbreaking and completely unacceptable.

I was forewarned that this book would lead down this road, and I was very vocal that I’m against the decision of suicide, no matter what justification the book was going to deliver. The purpose of this novel was not to glorify or favor the idea of suicide; it was merely allowing the reader to go along on an emotional journey with Clay, the unlucky recipient of these 7 tapes; tapes of Hannah Baker recounting moments that lead up to her decision to commit suicide. Her tapes may have been viewed as spiteful or vindictive but I believe they were empowering declarations of truth. These 7 tapes were created and meant to shake the foundation of every single person they come into contact with, holding them accountable for their actions. The fact that 13 different people, we’re confronted in same manner, and forced to listen to not only their own, but 12 other degrading, embarrassing, disgusting, cruel and deceitful acts –I considered it poetic justice.

Now a day, there are far too many reports of students ending their lives due to bullying. It’s a sad epidemic. This novel is one plausible scenario of what might go through someone’s mind, when faced with a strong wave of hatred and lack of compassion.

Technical glitches IMO: The dual narration was pretty creative. It was a little confusing at first, but as I read on, I was able to read fluidly without having to determine who was speaking.

Even though, there was a common phrase that would flash in my mind while reading this novel: "This couldn't happen. This isn't realistic." ... I silenced that commentary and came this conclusion: I live in a world where wizards and vampires run muck in secret societies, so who am I to judge this novel any differently.

The one question I have to ask people who’ve read this novel: “If you were in Hannah Baker’s position, would you go quietly?”
Thirteen Reasons Why