Thirteen Reasons Why
This book has been recommended to me so many times, so I knew I’d read it eventually. I reserved it at my local library (which, conveniently enough, is also my workplace). However, I was reading several books by the time it came in so it got put on my shelf and more-or-less forgotten about.

When I realised it was overdue (only by a day or two, don’t stress) and two reservations on, I thought I better prioritise and see if I could get through it in a couple of days.

I started reading it when I got home from work at 6pm. I read it while I cooked tea; while I ate tea; while my boyfriend watched Top Gear. Then at 9:30pm I had to stop because he needed Girlfriend Support. I picked it back up this morning and read it while I was getting ready for work.

It’s now on its way to the next person. Much like Hannah’s tapes.

Thirteen reasons why is a one of the most powerful books I’ve ever read. It grips you from the first few lines and doesn’t let go … ever.

It’s helped along by the simplistic writing – and really, how many books can you say that about? The short sentences from Clay are completely in tune with how he’s feeling. No wishy-washy paragraphs about feelings here. And the book is better for it.

Even the idea behind the novel – a package of thirteen tapes with no return address appears on Clay’s doorstep, addressed to him. On the tapes is the voice of Hannah, a girl who committed suicide a few weeks earlier. She explains there are thirteen reasons – people – why she killed herself; if you received the tapes, you’re one of them.

I can’t even describe how this novel affected me. As someone who suffered depression and a suicide attempt … it’s powerful. Every teenager should read it. It should be in the curriculum at high schools, or maybe even upper primary (middle school). It shows the snowball effect of bullying and what might seem virtually innocent to the person doing the harassment can often be devastating for the victim.