Cassette 1 (A&B)

[L.E. Smoot]

Think about teen social issues that have affected you personally and those you know. What is your reaction to the word “suicide”? Can you relate to Hannah at all? How do you feel about the split narrative? Does this help you see more of the story?
How do you think you can use this concept when it comes to your own interactions with others?
Have you noticed the double standards between boys and girls when it comes to “experience” or lack thereof?
Because of Alex, Hannah was seen as nothing more than an object. How did that make you feel?

[Rachael]

1: What is your reaction to the word “suicide”? - I cringe. Suicide is a selfish act.

2: Can you relate to Hannah at all? - I'm not sure that I would. She had problems, but what teen hasn't? The way she dealt with these problems were not something she could change; suicide is a one way ticket.

3: How do you feel about the split narrative? - Its interesting how you can get both perspectives at the same time.

4: Does this help you see more of the story? - I think so.

5: How do you think you can use this concept when it comes to your own interactions with others? – I’m not really sure.

6: Have you noticed the double standards between boys and girls when it comes to “experience” or lack thereof? - In real life or in books? Because the answer is yes.

7: Because of Alex, Hannah was seen as nothing more than an object. How did that make you feel? - It reminded me that being an "object" is normal for now-in-day teens. But because Hannah did not ask to be an object, nor did she try and put herself out there, I did feel a little remorse for her. But that is no true reason for suicide.

[Izzfarah]

Hi there! I just started the book and just finished cassette 1 side A. So far I find this book pretty awesome, and I love the idea of listening to the cassettes from Hannah Baker. Lets talk about Hannah Baker now, from what I've read so far, she transferred to another school so she could "start over" but now to think of it, she might be in the same spot or worse. Rumours about her were spread. All she wanted a kiss from Justin and that was what she got, a kiss, but according to the rumours told by some person, she got more than a kiss. So far that's all I know. I will post more about what I know very soon. Can wait to read more! Would love to hear your opinions about the book as well. (Now that I've just started I cant wait to read the rest! I mean what would she say in the next tape?)

[Fatihah]

Suicide. I have mixed opinions about it but my feelings and reactions never change. Its like a slow chill creeping up my spine like its a ladder; eerie. Suicide's a big stamp thumped on to a sheet of paper, leaving a bold red sign behind like its a really bad and obvious thing. But then after wards its just haunting, because theres absolutely nothing you can do about it.

I had expected suicide to come after a long period of suffocation. Like living in a downward spiral of constant hatred and depression, or living in a dark hole. Isn't that usually how it would feel like? Like it's either too much, or just nothing, like you're numb. But in this book, or at least the first casette, it feels more like revenge. Like she died all because it would teach them a lesson. She sounds satisfied, like she knows all the reasons why while usually, it would be a big fat confusing and clueless "why?". I suppose that's because of the clarity in her voice. The author makes her sound confident and kinda mean.

[Izzfarah]

Hannah Baker, rated nicest butt, known for her beauty and the ugliest rumors. Even when she's gone, she's just there in your head. Everywhere you go, you remember the things you've done with her. Hannah Baker, she was different. At times she was wanted and trusted but the others denied and betrayed. Why did she kill herself? No one exactly knows. Just let the cassettes in the box do all the talking.

I found this book really interesting because, first of all Hannah Baker, she sounded like she was just an average girl, if you were to listen to her voice, she didn't sound like a girl who has been through a lot. But then when you hear her part of the story, you start to understand more, and slowly, cassette by cassette your now more about why she committed suicide. Taking away your own life is a huge risk, really huge. What kind of a human being would be so cruel to make another take away their life? This question haunts me every time I hold that book in my hand. I just have to find who, who did this to her. This book opened my mind and made me realise what humanity today can do to you.