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A review by eatsleepread
Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Spoilers
This novel was a dark journey of reflecting on the human condition where we turn our heads the opposite direction when something is off. Continually, do you see the events leading to Hannah baker's death be caused by not only the outright doers but also those that chose not to change the narrative. Firstly, was the rumour that she let Justin go farther than a kiss at the playground which kick started a reputation that gave excuses for others to assume they had a right to do certain things. Justin started the rumour but nobody dared correct it or ask. Secondly the hot or not list. As it was passed around the class no one decided this was disgusting and ripped it, threw it out or anything. Humans will simply adhere to what others do to fit in or in the eyes of teenagers and most others supposedly, "survive". I did disagree with Hannah over the way she decided to reveal these secrets. I found it to be placing blame on others while lacking the other half of the story where you also need to take responsibility for sharing your feelings. It's easier for people to pretend you don't exist when you stay silent. However she did end up sharing how she felt and took responsibility when it came to saying she was no better in the Bryce and Jessica incident. But she did talk to someone, or at least tried to. She talked to Mr. Porter who dismissed her by saying you either confront Bryce or move on. Instead of providing support for a traumatic experience. In the end I believe this story to be a direct way of saying bystanders are just as responsible for injustices as the aggressor and to reach out or put a stop to wrong doing's instead of living passively. A book that had a similar message was station eleven by Emily St. john Mandel.
This novel was a dark journey of reflecting on the human condition where we turn our heads the opposite direction when something is off. Continually, do you see the events leading to Hannah baker's death be caused by not only the outright doers but also those that chose not to change the narrative. Firstly, was the rumour that she let Justin go farther than a kiss at the playground which kick started a reputation that gave excuses for others to assume they had a right to do certain things. Justin started the rumour but nobody dared correct it or ask. Secondly the hot or not list. As it was passed around the class no one decided this was disgusting and ripped it, threw it out or anything. Humans will simply adhere to what others do to fit in or in the eyes of teenagers and most others supposedly, "survive". I did disagree with Hannah over the way she decided to reveal these secrets. I found it to be placing blame on others while lacking the other half of the story where you also need to take responsibility for sharing your feelings. It's easier for people to pretend you don't exist when you stay silent. However she did end up sharing how she felt and took responsibility when it came to saying she was no better in the Bryce and Jessica incident. But she did talk to someone, or at least tried to. She talked to Mr. Porter who dismissed her by saying you either confront Bryce or move on. Instead of providing support for a traumatic experience. In the end I believe this story to be a direct way of saying bystanders are just as responsible for injustices as the aggressor and to reach out or put a stop to wrong doing's instead of living passively. A book that had a similar message was station eleven by Emily St. john Mandel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual content, and Suicide