Monday, April 28, 2008

Th1rteen R3asons Why, by Jay Asher


A few weeks after Hannah killed herself, Clay Jensen finds an unmarked package waiting for him containing seven cassette tapes. As he listens to them, he discovers that they were created by Hannah to explain thirteen reasons why she committed suicide. And now she is having these tapes sent -- post-mortem -- to each responsible party. Clay who hardly knew her is horrified to find himself so accused, but equally obsessed with learning the truth. A long night ensues.


While an interesting premise, I found the logic of this story annoying. I'll grant that it is a believable premise as teens (myself included) are melodramatic enoughto buy the whole blame game. However, as an adult, this is all about unhealthy attitudes. So, rather than being entertaining or edifying, I found the whole story selfish, depressing, and just plain icky. Give it a pass!

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