Questions About Thirteen Reasons Why

by Jay Asher (Goodreads Author)

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Thirteen Reasons Why, please sign up.

Answered Questions (180)

Would this be a good book for one of my friends who is suicidal? She is 15 years old? Please advise!! Jessica

Jessica Ralph NOO! I had severe depression, anxiety, and paranoia when I first decided to read it. I thought, like I'm sure you are right now, that by having her re…moreNOO! I had severe depression, anxiety, and paranoia when I first decided to read it. I thought, like I'm sure you are right now, that by having her read it she will realize she is not the only one going through things like this. However, AND I CANNOT MAKE THIS CLEAR ENOUGH, this will in NO WAY help her. Reading about a successful suicide will only push her further to the edge and reading the book in general with its negative connotation and emphasis on depression will only make it validate her depression even more. She will also feel that help is not possible, seeing as when Hannah asked for help she did not receive any, your friend will be detoured even further from asking. If you still think it might be helpful, I agree with one of the earlier comments by a user "Em", read it together and make sure she understands that this is one of the worst possible scenarios and let her know that you are there for her at all times to talk about anything. Primarily, you should advise an adult about the situation to ensure your friends safety, depending on how far gone she is, a book will not help to bring her back from where she is at. I hope everything works out, honestly.(less)

flag

This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Graciela

This answer contains spoilers… (view spoiler)

flag

I just found this book in the middle of the road looking like it had been thrown out a car window. Is this a reaction I am likely to have?

Gale Foster You would be lucky to throw it out! If you'll finish it - you will be very upset that wasted your time on it.…moreYou would be lucky to throw it out! If you'll finish it - you will be very upset that wasted your time on it.(less)

flag

So I broke down and watched the show before reading the book. Should I go back and try to read the book, or have I ruined the whole experience?

Jayna Actually, I am going to disagree with the others.
Books are almost always better, but this is one of the few I feel was not quite as good as the scree…moreActually, I am going to disagree with the others.
Books are almost always better, but this is one of the few I feel was not quite as good as the screen version. It is good. But I preferred the Netflix series better.
Why? Because there is more dimension. The book features only Hannah and Clay, with a few parts where Tony appeared, and almost everyone else is talked about through Hannah and/or Clay's observations.
In the Netflix series, you get a better understanding of the other characters. I feel that by getting to know the other characters better, the story is more impactful.(less)

flag

Is it a high-school level book?