Thirteen Reasons Why
 | |
| Author | Jay Asher |
|---|---|
| Cover artist | Christian Fuenfhausen |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Young-adult |
| Publisher | Penguin Books |
Publication date | 2007 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback) |
| Pages | 288 pp |
| ISBN | ISBN 978-1-59514-171-2 Parameter error in {{ISBNT}}: invalid character |
| OCLC | 85622684 |
| LC Class | PZ7.A8155 Th 2008 |
Thirteen Reasons Why, also known spelled as Th1rteen R3asons Why, is a 2007 New York Times best-selling young-adult fiction novel written by Jay Asher. The book was published by RazorBill, a young adult imprint of Penguin Books. The paperback edition hit #1 on the New York Times bestseller list in July 2011. In May 2011, a website called [[1]] launched where fans of the book can record their reviews and experiences as text, photo or video.
Jay Asher's book has been published in Brazil, Catalonia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Lithuania, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Serbia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Turkey, United Kingdom, and Vietnam.
Plot
Clay Jensen, a somewhat shy California high school student, returns home from school one day to find an anonymously-sent package sitting on his doorstep. Upon opening it, he discovers that it is a shoebox containing seven cassette tapes recorded by the late Hannah Baker, his classmate and emotional crush who recently committed suicide. The tapes were initially mailed to one classmate with instructions to pass them from one student to another, in the style of a chain letter. On the tapes, Hannah explains to thirteen people how they played a role in her death, by giving thirteen reasons to explain why she took her life. Hannah has given a second set of tapes to one of their classmates, the identity of whom Clay later discovers, and warns the people on the tapes that if they do not pass them on, the second set will be leaked to the entire student body. This could lead to the public embarrassment and shame of certain people, while others could face physical harassment or jail time. Through the audio narrative Hannah reveals her pain and suffering, and the slide into depression that ultimately leads to her suicide.
Film adaptation
On February 8th, 2011 Universal Studios picked up Jay Asher's novel to be developed into a movie. Selena Gomez has been cast to play the main role of Hannah Baker. Logan Lerman has been rumored cast to play Clay Jensen, however he denied this during a Twitter Q & A for Glamour Magazine.
Author's comments on writing
"Writing this book made me realize how fascinated I am by the way people interact...and the obstacles that keep us from understanding each other better." [1]
This is further illustrated in a quote from the text, in Hannah Baker's voice, "I guess that's the point of it all. No one knows for certain how much of impact they have on the lives of other people. Often we have no clue."[2]
Awards
- 2011 - Paperback edition became a #1 New York Times bestseller in the US
- 2010 - Georgia Peach Book Awards for Teen Readers [3]
- 2009 - International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice list [4]
- 2008 - Best Books for Young Adults YALSA [5]
- 2008 - Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers YALSA [6]
- 2008 - Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults YALSA [7]
- 2008 - California Book Award winner - Young Adult [8]
Noteworthy recognition
- Borders Original Voices finalist
- Barnes & Noble - Top 10 Best for Teens
- Chicago Public Library Best Books
- Association of Booksellers for Children - Best Books
- New York Times Best Seller for 57 weeks
- Kirkus Reviews Editors Choice
- State Awards (voted by students) in Florida, Kansas, and Kentucky
Also, the book is used as summer reading for students entering high school in some schools, due to its realistic themes and powerful messages.
References
- ^ "Cynsations". Cynthia Leitich Smith. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ Asher, Jay. Thirteen Reasons Why: a Novel. New York: Razorbill, 2007. Print.
- ^ "2010 Georgia Peach Book Award for Teen Readers Winner Announced". Georgia Library Media Association. Retrieved 2010-07-01.
- ^ "Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy November 2009 :". International Reading Association. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "YALSA 2008 Best Books for Young Adults". Young Adult Library Services Association. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "YALSA 2008 Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers". Young Adult Library Services Association. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "YALSA 2008 Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults". Young Adult Library Services Association. Retrieved 2010-03-31.
- ^ "77th ANNUAL CALIFORNIA BOOK AWARDS WINNERS IN BRIEF". commonwealthclub.org. Retrieved 2010-03-31.