Tough Stuff: Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

There are some books that you initially read the blurb about and the first thing you think is... "Why on EARTH would I want to put myself reading that? I read to escape the ugly things of this world not become entrenched in them!" or you say "I just don't think I like 'that kind' of book.

That is exactly how I felt when I saw this book at Barnes and Noble. I saw it a few times there, at Wal Mart and at Target when I finally decided to read the first chapter at Barnes and Noble.

The first chapter turned into an entire reading of the book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. It was riveting.

Thirteen Reasons Why

Hannah Baker wasn't exactly the prettiest girl in school, but she wasn't the ugliest either. She wasn't the smartest, wasn't the dumbest, wasn't the most popular, and she wasn't the least popular. And to Clay Jensen she was perfect just as she was. Which is why he was shocked when two weeks ago she committed suicide. He didn't understand. They weren't dating but they were kind of friends, and there had been one night where he thought he might have the guts to tell her how he felt. Now though he knew, there would be no more chances.

One morning Clay finds a box filled with cassette tapes sitting on his porch. He finds a cassette player and when he puts the tape in... he can't believe what he hears. It's Hannah. Hannah cracking morbid jokes, Hannah mocking her own situation and the situation she has now put others in. Hannah made recordings before she died... about why she did it. She had 13 reasons and people that she felt lead to her demise. These tapes are to be delivered to thirteen different people to listen to and then pass on.

It sounds like the most depressing book in the world but you will be surprised by Hannah's demeanor. She makes witty jokes and has a biting commentary about the events in her life. Some of the "reasons" she gives are heartbreaking and others you wouldn't think were a big deal until she lets you in on the big picture effects. It makes you take a look at the things you have done and said in your life... what little things in your life you may have done that hurt others.

This is a great book for kids in middle school/ high school because it CHALLENGES them to think about the things they do and say and the effects their words/actions have on others

That's all for now!

Signing off,

Reader Girl