13 Reasons Why

Jun 15

Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher
Reviewed by Omma
📒📕📗📘

After seeing the online hype for the Netflix Original series, I thought I'd read the book first and then compare. While reading the book, I was really interested to see how they would adapt it and it's pretty true to the original. So if you don't already know, the story is based around Hannah who commits suicide but before doing so, makes 13 tapes for each of the people who contributed to her decision.

The book is written from Clay's perspective and was an easy read (finished it in 5 hours!) and I even cried a little at the end. The book tackles complex issues such as suicide, depression and sexual assault that are especially important for YA readers. Personally I don't think the book or show romanticises/glamourises suicide. It's not about 'you'll be sorry when I'm dead' but more making people realise actions have consequences and I hope it makes people realise that there are other options apart from suicide.

Overall I think I liked the book and the ending more but it'll be interesting to see what happens beyond the tapes.

13 Reasons WhyJay Asheryoung adultOmmafiction

Omma Ahmed

I’ve always loved reading as a kid because it was one of the few Asian-mum approved hobbies although she would have preferred ‘less novels and more school books’! I also grew up in the Harry Potter era so that’s when I really remember falling in love with reading. (Big up my Y7 English teacher for reading a few pages of Philosophers stone at the end of every lesson! You were a real one Mr Williams!) I love being part of this book page (even though I slack massively due to lack of energy and concentration!) because sometimes it felt like a lifeline to help keep me sane. We started it during the time I was feeling really shitty about my Crohn’s disease. It’s been a tough 7 years and the last 3 have probably been the hardest especially mentally so when Linda suggested putting this page together, without hesitation I was down and I’m so proud of us! Writing reviews helped me to organise my thoughts and even resulted in me creating a second Instagram page (@AnOstomateForLife) about my Crohn’s journey. Yes that was a shameless plug and I’m not sorry! Along with reviews, I’ve also loved the creative side of things such as having input in our logo, creating our bookmark and taking book pictures even though it’s awkward af in public! So a few of my fave books: The Godfather by Mario Puzo (made me love the film even more! I’m a self-proclaimed movie buff too btw), Autobiography of Malcolm X by Malcolm X and Alex Healy, The Harry Potter series (obviously), Jemima J by Jane Green, Moonlight over Manhattan by Sarah Morgan, Where’d You Go Bernadette by Maria Semple and We Should All Be Feminists Chimamanda Adichie.

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