Summary
Thirteen Reasons Why, Jay Asher's bestselling young adult novel from 2007, tells the story of high school student Hannah Baker and the thirteen reasons behind her decision to end her life. The book tackles difficult themes like bullying, sexual assault, and teen suicide through a unique narrative structure—a series of cassette tapes left behind by Hannah for those she holds responsible for her death. Since its publication, Thirteen Reasons Why has sold millions of copies worldwide and sparked important conversations about teen mental health.
The novel's raw and unflinching portrayal of sensitive issues has made it both critically acclaimed and controversial. While many praise its realistic depiction of high school experiences, others have criticized it for potentially glamorizing suicide. Thirteen Reasons Why frequently appears on banned book lists and has faced numerous challenges in schools and libraries across the United States.
In 2017, the book was adapted into a popular Netflix original series. Simply titled 13 Reasons Why, the show expanded on the novel's plot and characters over four seasons. Like the book, the series generated significant buzz and debate for its graphic content and handling of difficult subject matter. The adaptation brought renewed attention to Asher's novel, cementing its place as one of the most impactful and discussed young adult books of the 21st century.
Plot
Clay Jensen, a high school student, receives a mysterious package containing seven cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah Baker, who recently died by suicide. The tapes detail thirteen reasons why Hannah decided to end her life, with each side of the tapes focusing on a specific person. Clay learns he is the ninth person to receive the tapes, which are meant to be passed on to the next person mentioned.
As Clay listens to Hannah's recordings, he becomes a witness to her pain and struggles. The tapes reveal a series of events and interactions that contributed to Hannah's decision, including rumors, betrayals, and sexual assault. Clay spends the night following Hannah's narrated journey through their town, visiting locations significant to her story.
Throughout the night, Clay discovers the truth about himself and his role in Hannah's life. He learns that, unlike the others mentioned on the tapes, he was always kind to Hannah. Their relationship, while brief, included a kiss and developing feelings. Hannah clarifies that Clay does not deserve to be on her list but is included because he was an important part of her life.
After listening to all the tapes, Clay returns to school with a new perspective. The novel concludes with Clay reaching out to another classmate, Skye Miller, whom he suspects might be struggling with similar issues. This ending suggests that Clay has been profoundly affected by Hannah's story and is now more aware of the impact of people's actions on others.
Themes
Consequences of actions and words
Importance of communication and reaching out
Effects of bullying and harassment
Impact of rumors and reputation
Struggle with mental health and depression
Power of perception and misunderstanding
Responsibility and guilt
Setting
Thirteen Reasons Why is set in a contemporary small American town, likely in the early to mid-2000s based on the use of cassette tapes as a key plot device. While the exact location is never specified, it has the feel of a typical suburban community with a high school, diners, and residential neighborhoods that Clay traverses as he listens to Hannah's tapes.
The story unfolds across various locations within this unnamed town that would be familiar to many American teenagers. Key settings include the high school where much of the drama between characters plays out, as well as local hangouts like the diner where Hannah and Marcus have their disastrous date. Clay's journey also takes him to more private spaces like Hannah's bedroom and the hot tub where a critical incident occurs.
Characters
Hannah Baker: The main subject of the novel who dies by suicide. Hannah records 13 cassette tapes explaining the reasons for her decision. She is a high school sophomore who faces bullying, sexual harassment, and assault. Hannah's story is told through her recorded tapes and serves as the driving force of the narrative.
Clay Jensen: The primary narrator and protagonist. Clay is a kind-hearted classmate who had a crush on Hannah. He spends a night listening to Hannah's tapes, grappling with his role in her story. Clay serves as the reader's guide through Hannah's experiences, offering his perspective and emotional reactions.
Justin Foley: Hannah's first kiss and the subject of the first and tenth tapes. Justin starts rumors about Hannah that damage her reputation. He also allows his friend Bryce to sexually assault Jessica, further contributing to Hannah's disillusionment.
Jessica Davis: Initially Hannah's friend, Jessica turns against her due to rumors and misunderstandings. She is the subject of the third tape and a victim of sexual assault.
Tony: Clay's friend who acts as a guide and confidant. Tony received copies of Hannah's tapes before her death and helps ensure they are passed along properly.
Bryce Walker: The subject of the twelfth tape and a sexual predator. Bryce assaults both Jessica and Hannah, playing a significant role in Hannah's decision to end her life.
Mr. Porter: The school counselor and subject of the thirteenth tape. His failure to adequately help Hannah when she reaches out becomes her final reason.
Courtney Crimsen: A popular student who spreads rumors about Hannah. She is the subject of the fifth tape.
Marcus Cooley: The subject of the sixth tape who attempts to sexually assault Hannah on a date.
Zach Dempsey: The subject of the seventh tape who retaliates against Hannah for rejecting him. He steals her encouragement notes in class.
Ryan Shaver: The subject of the eighth tape who betrays Hannah's trust by publishing her personal poem.
Quick facts
The book was rejected by 12 publishers before being accepted on the 13th attempt, mirroring the “13 reasons” theme.
Asher was inspired to write the book after a relative attempted suicide as a teenager.
The cassette tape structure was inspired by an audio tour Asher took in Las Vegas.
It took Asher three years to write the novel while working on other children's books.
The book remained in hardcover for much longer than usual due to its continued grassroots popularity.
A 10th anniversary edition was published in 2016 with additional content, including Asher's original unpublished ending.
The novel became the third most banned book in the U.S. between 2010-2019.
Asher intentionally avoided mentioning mental health issues, focusing instead on how people treat each other.
The book won several awards, including the 2013 Abraham Lincoln Award.
About the Author
Jay Asher, born on September 30, 1975, in Arcadia, California, is an American author best known for his debut novel Thirteen Reasons Why. Asher's writing career began during his college years at Cuesta College, where he penned his first two children's books for a class assignment.
Throughout his early career, Asher worked various jobs, including as a salesperson in a shoe store and in libraries and bookstores. These experiences would later influence aspects of his writing. Despite initially pursuing a path in elementary education at California Polytechnic State University, Asher ultimately left during his senior year to focus on his writing career. His perseverance paid off, as Thirteen Reasons Why garnered critical acclaim and numerous awards.
Asher's subsequent works include the New York Times bestseller What Light, co-authored novels The Future of Us and Piper (a graphic novel), and the screenplay Christmas in July. His books have been translated into over 40 languages, solidifying his status as a globally recognized young adult author. In 2018, Asher faced allegations of sexual misconduct, which led to his departure from the Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators.
