Thirteen Reasons Why
by Jay Asher
May 29th
I started this book a couple of days ago and usually start my reviews then. But I wasn't looking forward to it. I was, I picked it to read, and I am doing a book talk on it tomorrow, but the subject matter is a little icky for me.
Hannah Baker completed suicide.
A Baker's Dozen tapes have been left for the thirteen people who brought her to that decision.
Clay is one of the thirteen.
On the surface this is Hannah's story, it is her feelings and thoughts spoken out loud for all to know. But beneath that, just under that surface, the story belongs to Clay. He is dealing with a friend's suicide, he is dealing with know that he is one of the reasons she is gone, he is trying to hold it together.
Hannah isn't always a sympathetic character, she blames herself for so much. She internalizes everything, every little thing that happens is thrown into her life in such a personal way.
Clay doesn't see life that way. He is hurt that he even has to listen to the tapes. He is hurt that Hannah hurts. He is concerned that no one helped her - even himself. He hates people that hurt her.
Clay is the reason to read this book.
I hope that the subject matter doesn't scare you off. It really is a fantastic read. It is quick too.
Most of all, it feels so honest, so genuine, so real.
Hannah might be gone, but she is Clay's guide to the path of healing and forgiveness.
You can't hold yourself responsible for everything.
More facts about Suicide and ways to help after the break
Some Facts
Worldwide there are more deaths due to suicide than to war, accidents, and murder combined
Over 34,000 people in the US complete suicide each year
That means every day approx. 94 people complete suicide, and 2,400 others attempt suicide
Currently suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in America
Over 90% of people who complete suicide have at least one psychiatric illness when they die, usually depression or drug/alcohol abuse
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for those ages 11 to 24
20% of American High School Students report having seriously considered suicide in the past year.
8% of high school students make a suicide attempt
4000 teens die every year as the result of suicide
Between 1952 and 1995 the suicide rate in teens tripled
1 in every 65,000 children ages 10 to 14 completes suicide
80% of people with depression are treated successfully
One person dies by suicide every 16.2 minutes
Spring months have an increase in suicide rates, Christmas shows a decrease
In terms of ethnicity, Caucasians have higher suicide rates than African-Amerians
This information came from the following sources
Help is Here
In the US you can call 1-800-273-TALK (8355)
Visit the Suicide Hotline Website
The Suicide Prevention Hotline - With Help Comes Hope
Great review and I love the collection of facts and help links. It is important to make sure kids know where to find more information after reading something heavy like this.
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