5 Reasons Why you Should Read "Th1rteen R3asons Why"



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Dear Sinners,



Not only have I taken this winter break to evaluate my life and my future, but also to catch up on my reading. So I am reinstating the hEVANly book club. This week I read "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. Without giving away too many spoilers Asher's debut novel follows Clay Jensen who has recieved an anonymous package containing 7 cassette tapes. After listening to the tapes Clay hears the errie voice of fellow classmate Hannah Baker, what's the catch? Hannah committed suicide two weeks prior. There on the tapes are the last words Hannah ever said as she dictates to Clay the 13 reasons why she ended her life. So if the plot itself doesn't sell you on the book here are my five reasons why you should give this a read.

     1. The Subject Matter: The novel tackles some intense issues. Suicide, rumours, sex, and more. And these issues aren't new to the Young Adult genre, but the way Asher discusses them makes the novel feel revolutionary. He doesn't focus entirly on the issues but uses them as driving forces for the characterization. This is a truly intense yet beautiful novel. 

     2. The Impact: This novel has impacted the lives of many confused and depressed people. The deep subject matter relates to so many people and has caused them to reevaluate their life. 13RWProject.com is a website devoted to fans writing their reviews and ways the novel has affected them.

     3. The Unique Angle: Asher takes a unique spin by including the aspect of cassette tapes and dual narrators. In a world full of everchanging technology, it's refreshing to see an homage to the past. Also it's kind of comical to those who actually remember cassette tapes.

     4. The Way it Forces you to Analyze Yourself: As you read through Hannah's reasons, you realize that they're all related in some way. The novel expresses that notion of how every interaction, no matter how big or small, can affect a person. After reading it you'll have a new outlook on life, one that forces you to question the way you act and treat others.

     5. They're Making a Movie: Everyone knows how I love being ahead on the trends, and even though this novel came out in 2007, the movie reportedly comes out sometime in 2012. The motion picture will star Selena Gomez and Logan Lerman, reportedly, as the leads. Now Selena Gomez is a bold choice given her past career choices and the issues in the novel, but I'll give her the benefit of the doubt. She is a good actress and this movie will help her step into more adult roles. And even though Logan Lerman isn't officially attached to the project I think he will be perfect as Clay.

     6. Because I said So: and here's a little bonus reason read the novel simply because I said so. Is there any better reason?

And there you have. Honestly this novel is an incredible read. I couldn't put it down and finished it in two days (I haven't felt like this about a novel in a while). So as you search for your next book to read, give "Thirteen Reasons Why" a look. Trust me you won't regret it.

XXX

hEVANly