Th1rteen R3asons Why

by Jay Asher

[mrs_mander_reads]

In the endnotes of my particular copy of Thirteen Reasons Why, there's a section where Jay Asher interviews Brian Yorkey, the creator/executive producer of the Netflix series adapted from the book. Yorkey explains how he heard of the book originally, before it was ever thought of to adapt it for the screen. He describes that his niece brought him book and said, vehemently, "It's an important book, Uncle Brian!" And that, truly is the best description of this book that I've heard thus far. Much like Speak, by Anderson, this book is one that everyone should read because it is so thought provoking. The purpose of the book is as much to tell the story of Hannah Baker and Clay as it is to cause the reader to stop and think about their life, their treatment of others, and whether or not they would ever appear on someones tapes.
I loved the book. Honestly. It's hard. It's difficult to process with Clay as he realizes what's happening with the tapes, as he remembers the events of the story from a different perspective. It's heart-wrenching to identify with Hannah, as insult next to injury is continually heaped upon her. I think, most importantly, this book made me stop and think about the kids I have at school. I've always said that "We just don't know what is happening in their lives when they leave the building." And teachers don't. We know what we know about them, but when it comes to cases like abuse, assault, neglect, and God knows what else - it's not enough. I think that, above all, this book created a resolve within me to never encourage my students to just move past something in their life. You never know when you could be the last person on the tapes.