Review Detail

Reader reviewed by Stephanie

At first, Clay Jensen is pleasantly surprised when he receives a mysterious packaged shoebox in the mail, with no return address. It contains seven audio cassettes. Then, the excitement turns to shock and even a little fear when through the speakers comes the voice of Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush&who committed suicide just two weeks before.

Clay doesnt really want to listen on, but Hannah has prepared the story of thirteen people, thirteen people who influenced her life and drove her to end it. Why did this beautiful girl, whom Clay has always been too afraid to get to know better, do this to herself? What is the significance of the tapes?

You cant stop listening and you cant pretend that you didnt hear her shocking story. What Clay learns about Hannah and several other people last night will stay with him for the rest of his life.

THIRTEEN REASONS WHY is a crazy-cool concept. I couldnt put it down; I dont think its possible, once you begin to read Hannahs words, since, like the characters in the book, how can you guiltlessly ignore her tragic tale? Readers get to know Hannah, that poor lost soul, pretty well, and Clay pretty decently too, but unfortunately I wouldve liked a little more information about all the other secondary characters in the novel.