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 

The Hunger Games Filled my Appetite

So I've finally got through a huge chunk of my summer reading list, which primarily consisted of The Hunger Games trilogy, and I must say I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was suspeseful, dramaful, and badass. I honestly couldn't put it down. So for your pleasure sinners, I'm giving my indepth journalistic review of the entire series, and don't worry I wont give away and spoilers- I'm not that bitchy.

So the first novel written by Suzanne Collins is set in a futuristic and some-what apocolyptic world in which North America is divided into 12 districts. Every year each district must sacrafice a male and female aged 12-18 to compete in the Hunger Games- a sadistic reality show type competition where the competitors must kill each other in order to be crowned winner. The novel features protagonist Katniss Everdeen's account of the Games after she is chosen to represent her district.

     The first novel was beyond words. The begining, as with any novel was a little slow, only because it was trying to introduce the characters, and futuristic setting. Once the Games actually begin the novel becomes engrossing. Collins has the ability to feature a cliffhanger at the end of each chapter forcing the reader to turn the page and continue reading. I'm not going to say who wins the Games but use your brain, if there's 3 books it's a little obvious who wins, wink wink. The ending of the novel is a little weak, in that it leaves the reader wanting more. Nonetheless it was a great read, you'll fall in love with the awesomeness that is Katniss and her amazing archery skills.

The second book Catching Fire picks up where the second left off. Without giving away major spoilers I'll just say that things get more intense as Katniss' actions not only affect her but the whole nation of Panem. Again the book has a slow beginning, but just like the first one quickly picks up. There is an

ah-mozing twist ending that will leave jaws dropped and minds effed. This may be my favorite book in the series as it introduces new characters, tests friendship, and blows minds.

The final novel in the series, Mockinjay, was lackluster to say the least. Half the novel nothing important and really interesting happens while the other half is just anti-climatic. Like any final installment in a series this novel proves to be the most drastic as Panem is in full out hysteria. It just didn't live up to the other novels. I was just expecting more, especially regarding the climax of the novel. The book wasn't horrible. There are definatly moments when you'll cry, I know I teared up at one point. Overall I thought the novel was okay. Collins did a decent job ending the series that will leave any mockingjay happy.

Despite the under-whelming Mockingjay, I still love the series. It has everything you want in a teen series. It has action packed and often gruesome killings, touching emotionally elements, creative and scary futuristic gadgets and creations, a dramatic love triangle (Team Peeta all the way) and a interesting viewpoint on the good and evil found within humans. But most of all it has Katniss Everdeen. Finally there is a ass kicking heroine that anyone could idolize. She's so much better than that twat Bella Swan. Katniss has the abilty to be a ruthless killer but somehow retain her morals and humaness. And although at times she may get annoying when deciding her feelings for Gale and Peeta, you still can't help but love her.

Take the fantasy elements from Harry Potter, the love triangle from Twilight, and add deathening murders and corrupt governments and you get a series that anyone, regardless of age will enjoy. So got out now and read the series especially before the movie comes out, you don't want to be one of those losers who only reads the book because of the movie.

P.S. does anyone know where you can get one of those mockingjay pins, because you know once the movie comes out everyone will be rocking that shiz.