jdye6529's review against another edition
5.0
This book is intensely intriguing in a haunting sort of way, teenage me probably could have benefited heavily from this book, but unfortunately I didn't know it existed until this year. Either way, I connected heavily with the two main characters of the book. I think it's a good book for everyone, because in one way or another I think it speaks to all humans on some platform, if you listen and open yourself up to it. If you aren't a teenager it's a reminder of how cruel they can be and also a reminder to parents that teenagers carry larger burdens than they should sometimes. It's also a reminder that sometimes even the people suppose to help aren't always capable of giving you the best help, not because they don't want to, but because they don't know how.
act_10's review against another edition
4.0
Read my review here!
http://areadersrapture.blogspot.ca/2014/05/thirteen-reasons-why.html
http://areadersrapture.blogspot.ca/2014/05/thirteen-reasons-why.html
bookash12's review against another edition
5.0
Heartbreaking. A book that will stay with you long after you’ve read it.
Paperback
Paperback
mnsperkins's review against another edition
5.0
Wow... It is a book that I personally think every middle school/junior high school aged kid should read. It shows the very real effects of bullying and spreading rumors. Even though in the end it was Hannah's choice to end her life, each action had a reaction that ultimately lead to her decision. It is very sad, real, and true.
gritshelme's review against another edition
1.0
Ugggghhhhh!
I can't express my disappointment with this book eloquently right now, so maybe there's a more detailed review coming later. Here are some bullet points:
1. Presumably the message of this book is intended to be something along the lines of, "don't kill yourself." Except that really doesn't work. How else would the tapes exist? How else would anyone have learned about the bullying? The peeping tom? The rape? Hannah had to kill herself to make people feel sorry for what they've done--or haven't done--and writing a book that really says, "when I'm dead, they'll all be sorry" seems a little bit counterproductive.
2. Sticking close to the idea of “message” for a bit longer, I feel as though this book thinks that it is furthering the discussion about depression and mental illness, yet it never even mentions these things. The truth? This doesn’t feel like a book about someone with depression; this feels like a book written about someone getting bullied. Still something that needs to be addressed, but this book just confuses them in its fumbling attempt to maybe help.
3. Clay. Oh my god. Because of course the protagonist had to be the only person who didn't do anything wrong. Fuck that, it’s way too easy.
4. Yes, sometimes guidance counselors can be useless. I get that, believe me. But how does making Mr. Porter into another one of the bad guys do ANYTHING except encourage people not to turn to an authority figure for help?
I can't express my disappointment with this book eloquently right now, so maybe there's a more detailed review coming later. Here are some bullet points:
1. Presumably the message of this book is intended to be something along the lines of, "don't kill yourself." Except that really doesn't work. How else would the tapes exist? How else would anyone have learned about the bullying? The peeping tom? The rape? Hannah had to kill herself to make people feel sorry for what they've done--or haven't done--and writing a book that really says, "when I'm dead, they'll all be sorry" seems a little bit counterproductive.
2. Sticking close to the idea of “message” for a bit longer, I feel as though this book thinks that it is furthering the discussion about depression and mental illness, yet it never even mentions these things. The truth? This doesn’t feel like a book about someone with depression; this feels like a book written about someone getting bullied. Still something that needs to be addressed, but this book just confuses them in its fumbling attempt to maybe help.
3. Clay. Oh my god. Because of course the protagonist had to be the only person who didn't do anything wrong. Fuck that, it’s way too easy.
4. Yes, sometimes guidance counselors can be useless. I get that, believe me. But how does making Mr. Porter into another one of the bad guys do ANYTHING except encourage people not to turn to an authority figure for help?
nip's review against another edition
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
luweebayy's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0