13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher

Confession:  I totally binge-watched this on Netflix!!!

When I watched the series, I had no idea that it was based on a book…not sure how that ties in with it being a Netflix Original?  I may have misunderstood what that meant…

The series was excellent!  Seriously, you don’t binge-watch cr@p, do you?  I think I watched the whole lot over a two day period and I did the same with the book!  An absolute page-turner.  Although I enjoyed both book and series I have to admit to enjoying the series way more than the book (says she with downcast eyes and under a muttered breath).  The series was much meatier and ‘neater’;  all loose-ends were tied up whereas, with the book, there were a few parts of the story that just didn’t ring true… Spoiler Alert:  I was also disappointed that Hannah’s original poem wasn’t used in the series and that the one that was written specifically for the screen cast Hannah in a very different light to what, I think, was originally intended!

‘Clay Jensen doesn’t want anything to do with the tapes Hannah Baker made.  Hannah died two weeks ago.  Her secret should be buried with her.  

Then Hannah’s voice explains that there are thirteen reasons why she dies – and Clay is one of them.  If he listens he’ll learn that he is, in some way, responsible for her death.

All through the night, Clay keeps listening.  He follows Hannah’s recorded words around his small town…and what he discovers will change his life forever.‘  (book’s blurb)

The book has a very original storyline and, despite a few glaring flaws, Jay sensitively explores some very relevant topics, including suicide, bullying, rape and our overall effect on those around us through our words and our actions/inactions!

Based on readability and originality, a book worthy of FOUR COFFEE CUPS  ☕☕☕☕