Hello Boys and Girls. Sid here, Live and in Stereo. Yes, sir! We’re gonna dive into the dark realm of Thirteen Reasons Why By Jay Asher. Through this review, I wish to provide you folks with some kind of insight with regards to this book. So, without further due, let the games begin.

I’m one of those people who watched the show before reading the book. I know how everyone always recommends it the other way around. But what can I say; I’m a sucker for teen drama. But this review is not about the show. It’s about the novel written by Jay Asher. For the people who don’t know what the excitement is about, let me put it out there for you. The book is about a girl called Hannah Baker who commits suicide. Prior to that, she documents thirteen tapes(Hence the title) through which she narrates the reasons for her suicide. Each tape is about a person or an incident that made her want to end her life. These tapes arrive at the doorsteps of Clay Jensen, who plays the main protagonist of the book. The whole book then surrounds itself around Clay listening to these tapes and simultaneously responding to them on every step of his journey.

I’m one of those people who watched the show before reading the book. I know how everyone always recommends it the other way around. But what can I say; I’m a sucker for teen drama. But this review is not about the show. It’s about the novel written by Jay Asher. For the people who don’t know what the excitement is about, let me put it out there for you. The book is about a girl called Hannah Baker who commits suicide. Prior to that, she documents thirteen tapes(Hence the title) through which she narrates the reasons for her suicide. Each tape is about a person or an incident that made her want to end her life. These tapes arrive at the doorsteps of Clay Jensen, who plays the main protagonist of the book. The whole book then surrounds itself around Clay listening to these tapes and simultaneously responding to them on every step of his journey.

Jay Asher alternates the book between the words of Hannah Baker and the life of Clay Jensen. Initially, it gets a bit confusing. But once you get the hang of it, you don't want this Roller-Coaster to end. If you've watched the show before then you wouldn't enjoy the book as much. I say this because the show is a bit more sophisticated and abstract. For example, the show doesn't end as Clay finishes hearing the tapes. Rather, it persists with his own "investigation" into the past of Hannah Baker. He comes in terms with certain truths he never knew existed and that continues into the second season. The book although, reaches its climax when Clay finishes hearing the tapes (The Cliffhanger was good, to be honest).

The element I most liked about the book was not only the overall concept but the fact that the book is more absolute than we think. It talks about real-life circumstances teenagers face. It also hints at subtle references about alcohol abuse, depression, and even rape. As a first-timer into the world of Clay Jensen, this is a solid read. I would say that the entire idea of the tapes and the story is simply genius. The detailing done by Jay Asher is phenomenal. You can virtually picture yourself as part of the book, walking side-by-side with Clay. I can't emphasize enough about how I loved the way Jay interpreted so many real-life issues into ink. It surely makes the reader sit and contemplate such problems and maybe even inspire them to do something about it.

Despite it being a wonderful book, there are certain aspects of the book that the author could've improved. For instance, the book has a non-stimulating vibe to it. Because the whole book is based on Clay listening to the tapes, not much happens around him. Yes, he sips on some coffee and bumps into a few people but it needed more. It's only about Hannah talking through these tapes and that was a bit discouraging. The show gives viewers a lot more and that was exactly what the book needed. It was almost crying out for a dose of action and confrontations.

I would honestly recommend this book. But don't get your hopes up. This is a good book for people who are untouched by the world of Thirteen Reasons Why. But I wouldn't suggest it to those who have already watched the show becauseit's just not fun enough. If anything, the book opens your eyes to the horrid conditions faced by teenagers everywhere. I'm sorry if I'm being repetitive but the threat is real. Almost twenty percent of all teens face depression before they reach adulthood. And Those numbers are only the tip of the iceberg. This book aims at spreading the message of being more open and communicative while facing depression or other mental problems. Talking to people about what's hurting you and what you're going through always helps.