Jay Asher’s Thirteen Reasons Why is a Young Adult Fiction novel that tells the haunting story of Hannah Baker—a teenage girl who recently committed suicide and left behind thirteen self-recorded cassette tapes in the hands of the novel’s main character, Clay Jensen. Clay’s intense desire for closure drives him to seek out the truth regarding the events that contributed to her decision to take her own life. He begins by listening to the tapes, one at a time—they reveal dark truths about his school, his peers, and even people he once trusted. Clay discovers that each tape is dedicated to a person and event that Hannah dictates “responsible” for her suicide. Along Clay’s journey to reveal the truth and simultaneously achieve closure, he develops a new sense of empathy and compassion for both Hannah and those who are going through similar struggles. The novel’s conclusion reveals Clay’s decision to advocate for and pay attention to those whose voices may not be heard; he hopes to bring a new sense of awareness and support to his community.
While this novel does discuss sensitive topics, Thirteen Reasons Why highlights the deficiencies that are present in numerous high schools and communities around the world. I would recommend this novel not only because it was moving, but because it demonstrated the importance of recognition and awareness for mental health. It additionally placed a sense of accountability on the reader—big differences can be made in any community one step at a time.