Log #1

Book: Thirteen Reasons Why

Author: Jay Asher

Page: 1-145

        This book is about a student named Clay receiving seven cassette tapes recorded by Hannah, a classmate that committed suicide weeks ago. In the seven cassette tapes, Hannah talked about the thirteen people and thirteen reasons that led to her depression. She also asked the tapes to be passed between the thirteen people, or a copy of the tape would be made public by an unnamed classmate. That is, those who receive the cassette tapes are to blame for Hannah’s death. However, Clay considers himself not so familiar with Hannah and didn’t do anything that might hurt her feelings, so he is confused with his receiving the cassette tapes.

        So far from what I have read, there are two reasons for Hannah’s suicide that impressd me a lot. The first one is Alex’s act. He wrote and passed to the class a “WHO’S HOT / WHO’S NOT” list and ranked Hannah as the hottest. This act didn’t seem to matter and to be harmful at all. However, because of this list, a bad boy got an excuse to sexually harass Hannah and still thought nothing of what he had done to her. Alex must not know that his unwitting act would bring such outcome and pain to Hannah. When I read this part, I was impressed because I think many things around us are just like what is in this event. We may do something we consider trivial, but in the end, it turns out to be something serious. Although it might not be our original plan, there is no denying that it should be attributed to our acts or words. Thus, from this part, I learn we should think carefully about the results it might bring before uttering a word or doing something.

        Another reason of Hannah’s suicide that impressed me most is about Jessica, the person who was supposed to receive the cassette tapes after Alex. Jessica and Hannah used to be good friend, but not anymore. In Alex’s “WHO’S HOT / WHO’S NOT” list, he put Jessica’s name on the right column, in contrast to Hannah. What’s worse, there were some untrue rumors about Hannah spreading on the campus, and Jessica chose to believe them rather than her friend. The two things contributed to the breaking of friendship between the two girls. In a severe quarrel, Jessica even slapped Hannah in the face, bringing more hurt to her. I was very impressed by this part because I once broke with my friend due to something not-so-important as well. I think it’s a pity that friends quarrel because of misunderstanding or distrust. If we can trust others more, there must be less pitiful things like this happening.

        So far I think the story in this book is very interesting, and I can’t wait to know more about the thirteen reasons and what Clay will do after getting deeper understanding of Hannah’s story.