How did this book effect you?

[[deleted user]]

I know that this defiantly changed me and my view on things, what about you?

[Jade]

there is no reason for someone to kill themselves. Yeah life is hard, but why she killed herself is sad. I would never read it again.

[Kayleigh]

It didn't effect me at all. I believe that only a few of her reasons were valid to why she killed herself, however the book made me realise that no matter what your always going to blame people even for your own descions.

[Danielle]

It really made me aware of what i was saying and really made me think about the effects of suicide...from the one doing it to the loved ones who go through it

[Danielle]

This book actually didn't affect me all that much. Sure, it made me realize yet again that people in this society look to others to blame for their failures and mistakes. But if I wanted to be reminded of that, i could simply go outside and have a conversation with almost anyone else.

[Tracey]

Emily wrote: "I know that this defiantly changed me and my view on things, what about you?"

i definitely agree. after reading this book, i have definitely changed in more than one way. people may say that there is no reason to kill themselves, but that may just mean that they haven't felt the pain or the need to free themselves. though i can honestly say that i haven't felt like that before, i have been close and there can be reasons to get rid of the guilt and the ache, but you have to think to yourself, who would i really be hurting? who would i really be helping?

[Emma]

Tracey wrote: "Emily wrote: "I know that this defiantly changed me and my view on things, what about you?"

i definitely agree. after reading this book, i have definitely changed in more than one way. people may..."

Well put. When people say this book didn't really effect them I don't understand how it couldn't. I get the points of view that suicide is wrong, and I agree with that and maybe she did put to much blame on other people but don't use that as an excuse to not have it effect your thoughts/actions. For the love of god take something out of this book.

For me it made me realize that even the smallest thing you do or say can effect someone whether you realize it or not. It's like throwing a stone in the water you may think it only effects a small part but it sends aves throughout.

[Yazid (Ciel)]

this book is really sad. hannah should have someone that she loves and could relies on, that shared her pain. i think if there is something that changed me is that never buried your pain in your heart because it will ruined you and make people you love sad. i dont know what to say about the evil guys because this thing was actually (unfortunately)common and it is only we that could settle the problems. parents should be aware of this; developing their child's character into a strong-will and diligent one is crucial.

[Laura]

I could not stop reading this book once I started. I loved the way it was written; it was a nice change of pace from the average author's writing style. The ability to get a reader attached to a character that you never actually meet is quite impressive. My feelings toward her as the book progressed changed constantly. I've discussed it at length with my brother (we have opposing opinions) and I have to say, it still tears me apart that she sent the tapes around surely causing terrible grief in the lives of the receivers. I couldn't help but put myself in their shoes and just feel so much pain for them. But the character that I grew most attached to was Clay. When the book ended I just wanted him to continue his story so I could see how his life continued. Overall, I really enjoyed this book.

[Thea]

I COULDNT PUT THIS BOOK DOWN! i loved it!
it was so mysterious, and deadly! but in a good way! it made me have another view on some things.... but i really loved it! amazing :D

[Gabrielle]

I loved this book! I seriously kept hoping that at the end Hannah would come out and say that she was in hiding but still alive and that she had just pretended to commit suicide so that she could make others know her pain and be nicer to her. Very good book, and very well written! go Jay Asher!

[Apples]

Honestly not much. Her problems weren't impossible to solve yet she made them sound like the end of the world. There are plenty of people in high school who go through the same thing or much worse who don't kill themselves.I found that a bit pathetic. Personally I found the book a bit boring too. Also there was so much build up, but I felt like it was let down.
I get how to some of you this could be a real eye opener. But to me, personally it wasn't moving in the slightest and din't teach me anything I didn't already know.

[Yazid (Ciel)]

Gabrielle wrote: "I loved this book! I seriously kept hoping that at the end Hannah would come out and say that she was in hiding but still alive and that she had just pretended to commit suicide so that she could m..."

brilliant!

[C.C.]

It taught to that I should speak up and not bottle everything up, it taught me to choose the people who I hang out with. It taught me that suicide isn't the answer. It taught me that one person could have made a difference between life and death.

[[deleted user]]

This book was retarded. There were no valid reasons for her to kill herself and this book just dragged on...plus I did not like her as a character. She was kind of pathetic and not a good person. Who lets someone get rapped as you sit in the closet???

[C.C.]

Baylor wrote: "This book was retarded. There were no valid reasons for her to kill herself and this book just dragged on...plus I did not like her as a character. She was kind of pathetic and not a good person. W..."

I agree, no offense to those who loved it but I think Hannah brought the crap upon herself. She could have told someone, she could have stopped the jack ass, she was being raped for freak's sake and what did she do? IMHO she's too weak.

[[deleted user]]

CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "Baylor wrote: "This book was retarded. There were no valid reasons for her to kill herself and this book just dragged on...plus I did not like her as a character. She was kind of pathetic and not a..."

Well, when something like that happens to you, let me know how easy it is to speak up...It's easy for you to say to just speak up because you've never experienced it to that extent. it's harder than you think.

[[deleted user]]

Emma wrote: "Tracey wrote: "Emily wrote: "I know that this defiantly changed me and my view on things, what about you?"

i definitely agree. after reading this book, i have definitely changed in more than one ..."


I can't agree more, very well explained :)

[C.C.]

Emily wrote: "CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "Baylor wrote: "This book was retarded. There were no valid reasons for her to kill herself and this book just dragged on...plus I did not like her as a character...."

Sure maybe it's not easy but did she even try or tried hard enough for that matter? She surrounded herself with jerks instead of looking for a trustworthy friend. I'll also ask you this, how would you react if you were in her situation, I mean being raped by that jack ass? IMO she didn't try hard enough to fight him off.

[Amanda]

By that point she'd already given up. He snapped her last thread so to speak.

[Kyle]

There were people that were there for Hannah. She just couldn't see them because of the despair on her heart. They are obvious signs to suicide, and they could have reached out to her. But they didn't. Which breaks my heart.

But it upset me that she recorded all of her problems to torture the poor people who probably have enough to worry about already. Especially Clay. If he didn't need to hear this and he never hurt her, then why did she do that to him? It's cruel, in my opinion. There's such a thing as chain suicides and Hannah could have started one.

[Brenda]

Emma wrote: "Tracey wrote: "Emily wrote: "I know that this defiantly changed me and my view on things, what about you?"

i definitely agree. after reading this book, i have definitely changed in more than one ..."

Well put. It made me remember that even small things can have big effects. The book also made me think about and change how I talk to treat the teens and middle school students that I work with and deal with as friends of my sons.

[Laura]

Kyle wrote: "There were people that were there for Hannah. She just couldn't see them because of the despair on her heart. They are obvious signs to suicide, and they could have reached out to her. But they did..."

Well said. I could not agree more.

[Emily]

I adored this book and tell so many people to read it. For days after I read it, I couldn't stop comparing Hannah to another person in my grade who is basically treated the same way. I kept wondering if the same fate was in store for them. So yes, this book affected my thinking and my emotions for days after I read it. It was just insanely emotional.

[Jenna]

Gabrielle wrote: "I loved this book! I seriously kept hoping that at the end Hannah would come out and say that she was in hiding but still alive and that she had just pretended to commit suicide so that she could m..."

That's what I was hoping too!!

[Megan]

I just want to throw out one thought. When you are suicidal, one of the things that goes through your mind constantly is that you can get off that path on your own, that you don't need help from others. Society tells us to "man up" so to speak so people in that situation don't reach out. When you're still on that path months later, you feel even worse about not being able to help yourself and the cycle goes around again.

The most important part of this book (in my eyes) was at the end of one of the chapters (I want to say page 128 or 148) where Hannah makes a comment about, "I know you see that I feel this way and I need YOU to start the conversation about this because I can't do it."

Some of you may see this as "weak" or "pathetic," but it's honest. If you take nothing else away from this story, PLEASE take that. Your strength can save a life just by looking someone in the eye and saying "I AM listening. Please, tell me everything," and don't give up until they tell you. People in that state of mind see insincerity all around them. Be present. Be attentive. Be strong.

[Becca]

I couldn't help but feel that, she did have people who were willing to listen. She didn't try hard enough to make them listen. Take the average person on the street, the majority of us, won't jump to the conclusion that that person is suicidal. It doesn't cross our minds. But, I guarantee that if she had brought it up to someone what she was thinking, then a conversation would ensue and she could have received help.
Yes, I know that people will argue with me on the class discussion topic that Hannah brought to the board in her communications class. But, high school is not the place to silently look for help. High scholars are selfish assholes who don't take those things into consideration.
I loved Hannah, but she should have fought harder for her life. I can't help but feel that she laid down and gave up early on, at the first sight of people disliking her, or a rumor.
And as for the teacher/counselor, I feel bad for him. She came into their meeting with a closed mind, so it would be difficult for him to open her up and reach through to her.
I just don't think she tried hard enough. You cannot silently look for help and assume that people are assuming that you are thinking of suicide. Because most likely, they aren't.

[Kayleigh]

This book has taught me that even if my little sarcastic comment was a "joke," it could really hurt someome in the long run. I'm more aware of peoples feelings and don't try to hurt anyone; when I do, I apologize right away. I've recommended this book to all of my friends, every single one. I believe every teen should read this book at one point in time.
This book has completely changed my life.

[Valerie]

It made me be more considerate toward people and It reminded me to think before I speak. This book is relatable and I think everybody can relate to it.

[Romie]

This books makes you think on a lot of things, I definitely relate to Hannah because the things she went through, I've been there too.

[Emma]

CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "It taught to that I should speak up and not bottle everything up, it taught me to choose the people who I hang out with. It taught me that suicide isn't the answer. It taught me that one person cou..."

one: the fact the you just used the word "retarded" is disgusting especially while were talking about a book that involves bullying. Also if you're depressed and have some issues, which she obvi had, then a bunch of small things like that will add up.

[Lia]

i really hate that people would just like to make your life miserable and are just looking for a fright. this book made me realize that people just do it because they can. it made me realize that people are cruel. and i know know that few words can have a big impact on people so know i think again before saying some thing. if you are getting picked on stand straight and don't break your ground because once you do the rest of you will surly follow so be strong. and don't ever lose your ground

[C.C.]

Emma wrote: "CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "It taught to that I should speak up and not bottle everything up, it taught me to choose the people who I hang out with. It taught me that suicide isn't the answe..."

I NEVER USED THE WORD RETARDED. Check your facts

[Emma]

CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "Emma wrote: "CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "It taught to that I should speak up and not bottle everything up, it taught me to choose the people who I hang out with. It taught me that suicide is..."

I replyd to the wrong person, sorry!

[C.C.]

Emma wrote: "CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "Emma wrote: "CC ~* Waiting for Qhuay *~ wrote: "It taught to that I should speak up and not bottle everything up, it taught me to choose the people who I hang out..."

Apology accepted :)

[Shawna]

I wasn't really affected at all... In fact, as much as I tried to like and sympathize with the character...I couldn't really do it. Yes, she went through a few tough things, but she seems selfish and a but narcissistic to me.

[Gabrielle]

I really like Hanna. i kept thinking that she would come back and say that she faked it and she was still alive. Some people just feel like that is the only way out of hard situations even though it's not. This book made me think a lot.

[Amanda]

This book hit very close to home in an odd way. I lost a close friend of mine to suicide when I was 14 and I cried a lot while reading it. Overall, the book was one of my top 3 favorites, I loved it. It opened my eye's a lot and it was just a good read in general.