Thirteen Reasons Why

By: Jay Asher

Narrated by: Debra Wiseman, Joel Johnstone

Length: 6 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a strange package with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers several cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker, his classmate and crush, who committed suicide two weeks earlier. Hannah's voice explains that there are 13 reasons she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out why.

Clay spends the night crisscrossing his town with Hannah as his guide. He becomes a first-hand witness to Hannah's pain, and learns the truth about himself - a truth he never wanted to face.

©2007 Jay Asher (P)2007 Random House, Inc. Listening Library, an imprint of the Random House Audio Publishing Group

Critic reviews

“[Hannah’s] pain is gut-wrenchingly palpable.... Asher has created an entrancing character study and a riveting look into the psyche of someone who would make this unfortunate choice. A brilliant and mesmerizing debut from a gifted new author.” (Kirkus Reviews, starred review and Editor’s Choice)

“Heavy but compelling.... Asher’s novel asks us to look at how petty cruelty can deal crushing blows.” (Miami Herald)

“It is a brilliant debut that will leave readers feeling a sense of remorse for Hannah, guilt for Clay, and hope for the lasting lesson of the story.” (Bookazine)

Perhaps my expectations were a little high for this book...

I think I expected more from this book. Perhaps at 74 I am just too old to truly feel what a teen feels

Paula

Awesome, so good, just listening is evening better, now we go to netflix yep i will

very good read

just saying as some one who has attempted suicide 3 times this story realy hit home. it was a great book! will read again
dont give up.

Great, but a real emotional rollercoaster.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would, because of the excelent narration.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thirteen Reasons Why?

The ending, God, the ending.

What does Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Both are excellent at narations.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I was about to cry at the end, when it happens.

Any additional comments?

A must-have for fans of young adult novels, but, the subject matter is something to be concerned about.

A story that have the power to change your life

Should be used in schools instead of Romeo and Juliet... I feel like this story can definitely help you grow in your relations and perspective about school life. Students should analyse a story like this not Romeo and Juliet.

Intriguing Read

Would you listen to Thirteen Reasons Why again? Why?

Yes, It was a good story and made me think about certain hot button topics

What other book might you compare Thirteen Reasons Why to and why?

I don't know. I cannot ever recall reading a book with similar content.

What about Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone ’s performance did you like?

I loved that they flowed together easily and their emotions and thoughts were easily identifiable.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Are you one of them?

Any additional comments?

This is a great read for anyone with a connection to the recent increase in teen suicides. This is not a light read, although it seems to be geared towards teens. It is very much focused on how your actions affect others and I would say is perfect for teens involved in bullying or being bullied. All I can say is after reading this, I am definitely more conscious of my actions and those of others.

Loved it

Fantastic story with very good narration. I will be having my 13 yr old son listen to it. Hoping for some good discussions.

Amazing

I loved this book I would definitely recommend this book the story had a great theme that anything u say can affect someone's life

Good story but frustrating...

Performance was great and story was good but it was a bit frustrated with the story. I don't want to seem unsympathetic but it seems so many things could have been avoided. Her association was the problem but she kept asking for it. I don't know....it was a good read at the least...letting kids know of signs within their peers and how bullying can truly cause more issues than what is intended.

Exceeds expectations, by FAR!!

I went looking for this book after I saw the trailer for the new series on Netflix, as I'm sure many are doing. When I first purchased it, I was worried it would be too directed for young readers, too over the top with young girl worries, but this book blew me away! The writing is magnificent; although you know what the outcome is, the way things will go, I was riveted to my headphones, listening to the story of Hannah Baker. The reading was fantastic, which can make or break a book for me. Hannah has her own voice for the tapes, and Clay, who's view point the story is written from, has a male actor for himself. The flow between the two is sooooo well done, it makes for an amazing listen.