Hi, Pamela! Fancy meeting you here. LOL. In some ways I liked it, yes. It’s definitely one of a kind. But I thought I’d post about it because I’d really like to compare my reactions to parts of it with others here.
*SPOILERS BE HERE* Right, my opinion is probably gonna be a bit controvertial, but….. *deep breath* ….. I dont think there should have been 13 reasons. It was more like 6-8. The rest were just her taking things waaaaaaay too seriously. And then the whole plan with the tapes and the recording of them… The time and effort used on those it was too premeditated, to me at least, as if she wanted a revenge, wanted them to feel guilt, to punish them… Someone who has given that amount of their emotions to the hatred of others… Its almost as if she killed herself just to spite them, not because ahe wanted to do it.
@Leah Also, Clay shouldn’t have been on the tapes, so that’s one less person. He didn’t after all really do anything to push her. Asher should have made him an asshole, then the book would have worked.
I found it hard to accept that the ‘ass of the class’ could be a reason to end your life… She took that waaaaay to seriously. I’m a woman, i have experienced being compared to other girls and women at different points in my life… I don’t think the author has, though. She blew that right out of proportion. On two different character fails. Firstly, if this was real, Hannah whould have just told him he was a massive dickhead in front of the class and then spoken to Jessica about it, laughed it off between them and left the others to their stupid games. That’s what most teenage girls would do. They have a lot more going on than worrying about whyher some random guy thinks her arse is nicer than her mates… And Jessica… Blaming Hannah for it, as if she had a part in it… Again, in reality she would have spoken to Hannah and sorted it out.
I mean, the back story seemed to imply that shed had trouble at her previous school, the same kinda thing, which leads me to believe she had a lot of insecurities before she moves in anyway, that maybe it was a bit down to parenting?? A child needs to learn behaviour traits and ways of dealing with stuff, so either her parents hadn’t touched base with her enough to guide her properly or they handled things the same as she did which lead her to copy their behaviour… Either way, where the hell were her parents? I dunno… Some of the things that happened to her were dark, deep and deffo would lead to councelling, therapy, the need for help… But i don’t think that all of them were worth suicide. It was a good story in itself though… Food for thought, Deffo.
I read it. And as a depressive person it triggered some part of my suicidal parts and as well I will choose the series over the book. I felt more closer to Hannah through the series ❤
I finished the book last week. It left me with mixed emotions and opinions. But overall it is a great book about a very sensitive subject. Have you seen the show on Netflix?
I had watched the show first and hit my emotions hard but it’s really good….. I read the book that had both endings to it and I loved the alternative ending better than the ending it has
I found it thought provoking. I did not have expectations so I was fairly open minded and I did not feel that it glorified suicide at all. I came away from it feeling that we should all be mindful of how we treat others and what we put out there in the world. It was the cumulative effect of meanness, bullying, and sexual assault that put Hannah over the edge and there were so many missed opportunities (including her own choices) to make a more positive outcome or build up her resilience.
I was really disappointed by the book. I thought the pacing of the show was way better, and made it much easier to sympathise with Hannah. I didn’t enjoy the book at all, but I read a review that pointed out that actual suicidal people think like this– maybe you think she’s taking things too seriously, but those little things can be triggers. So I thought it was interesting, even if I didn’t enjoy it.
Okay… First off, I have only seen the show. I do not intend to read the book. I have asked several opinions on if the book has ANY qualities which might redeem it, and nobody seems able to cite any major differences which make me think the book would send a different message… That being said…
The story promotes suicide as a valid and rational way of dealing with problems real or imagined. It puts this child into situations ranging from inane teenage drama, to horrific tragedy, then proceeds to reinforce the message that NOBODY either is listening, nor do they care. Not once is any hope offered. I am hearing negative things from school teachers I know… About some of the disturbing things their students are saying about the subject. A young miss I know is already struggling with her self worth, and now feels like suicide is brave and noble, HER words. Direct quote “I think it’s really brave of her to kill herself like that”… And that REALLY kills me!! I have spent her WHOLE life trying to give her some self confidence, and this show comes along and destroys everything I’ve worked for!! There are certain guidelines for addressing suicide in such a way that it’s less likely to incite active attempts, and it’s as if asher has read those guidelines then did everything he could to present the opposite. There are valid reasons this book has negative reviews among mental health care professionals. The book promotes despair as if asher intended to push people down rather than lift them up. You will never hear me praise a work which tells children it’s okay to kill themselves.
Often when this book comes up, I like to post this information along with it, just in case… Someone is ALWAYS there to listen to you and help you out, no matter what asher wants you to believe.
I respect your views, but if you haven’t read the book, can you really say it has the same qualities? Because the book is very much different. The stories are out of place a bit on the show, and things are changed etc. The book was based on his cousin’s experiences in attempted suicide, it was DEFINITELY not meant to encourage it.. maybe do a little research about the book?
What I actually said was I haven’t been given any indication, by those who have both read and viewed, that the book has any redeeming qualities as opposed to the show. I am still very willing to attempt the book IF someone can enlighten me to any major differences which would give hope rather than despair. Unless the book has a vastly different message, I have no need or desire to subject myself to it again.
Whether it was intended to encourage suicide or not is basically moot. The real life fall out I and others (some I know personally, some only by testimony) have witnessed from children exposed to this story (without rational adult input) speaks volumes. Just my own personal experience surrounding conversations I’ve had with youths after they’ve watched the show would be enough… But I also know several teachers for that age group, and the buzz they are hearing among students is terrifying. There are certain aspects of ashers works which COULD have been very useful in educating and alerting people in general and teenagers specifically about something which is often difficult to discuss… Instead he presented his material in a manner which incites depression and self doubts while only offering death as a way out.
I do openly admit I base my verdict on the show alone… But I have indeed tried to ascertain if there are major differences and, to date, nobody who claims support of the story has been able to give me even a minor change which would indicate redemption. Generally the response has been very tight lipped and not at all insightful.
All I’m going to say is that it does not glorify suicide. The people who say so are missing the point. The people who say “omg her reasons are so lame” are missing the point.
**SPOILERS*** My response to the comments I’ve seen here.. I agree with some and I disagree with some, as we all usually do… Here is my 2 cents. 😀 She was a little self centered, but to be fair, most teenagers are. That’s an accurate depiction of a teenage girl, blowing things out of hand. However, as some one who was bullied growing up, HORRIBLY BULLIED, to the point I contemplated it at one point, some of the “little” things people say were over dramatized, like the taking of the positive notes, and the bad date etc, those little things that no one pays attention to are the spilling points for a lot of people. I personally feel that the meaning of the book was just to treat people better because you don’t know how that one little thing could end up being something huge for some one else.
I don’t believe that it glorified suicide, more so showed how no matter who you go to for help, you have to be able to help yourself.
I can’t say that I “Enjoyed” the book, but I do love it and it’s definitely one that I’ll read again when I get it back (I’ve passed it on to friends)
I felt some of the same things and different things… Probably due to my own experience with bullies – and contemplating the “S” … I agree it doesn’t glorify suicide for me it was a way to highlight how even little things can be taken badly when a person treats you in a certain way and as you say we should treat people better Xx
I thought this was a brilliant it resonated with me so very much having been bullied emotionally in High School … I felt like I could have been Hannah ???? ??
I read it this year actually… I’ve tended to stay away from fiction that has depicted depression, suicide and anxiety … But I had a major major episode that started up about 2 years ago and has been on and off ever since and I took the decision to read certain things that had been out and had just come out like All The Bright Places, The Suicide Club, 13 Reasons Why … I really really felt for this book and I cried a lot when reflecting back ??
The little gal I’m seeing the worst reactions from is only 17… That’s the age range which seems targeted by the book and they’re the ones who seem to be impacted negatively.
I would have said 15-17 … I was 13 when I went through the bullying depression anxiety suicidal stuff so I could think back to that … I gave the book to my cousin who is 14 to read and he was horrified even more so after I told him what I thought while I was reading it x
Discussion after is good… I don’t believe that kind of talk is happening enough after kids read it though. Otherwise, whispers I’m hearing would be more positive :\ I think if I had been exposed to the story at mid-late teens, I would not be here now. Thanks for the info… and if you have any other thoughts on it, I’m trying to gather anything I can which might help with this particular gal… Pretty much goes for anyone else within sight of this post too 😉
Can you give me any particulars about your gal?? Feel free to message me privately if you like I can talk about the effects of depression and suicidal demons all day Xx
Very good book, in fact I’ll call it eye opening for me as it made me realize that how bad anyone feel if we hurt them. We can never guess what’s going on in anyone’s life. We can’t judge anyone unless we’ve walked a thousands mile in their and always take care of people suffering from depression. Always tell them that there is someone ready to listen to you.
It scares me if anyone talks about suicide now. And I always try to take special care of people suffering from depression or just want attention.
Hahahaha Absolutely. The subject of suicide is one I have reason to be very interested in educating myself about. Some studies indicate the human brain does not reach physical maturity until a person is around 25, varying depending on individual, but generally around that range.
I’m curious about general ages and if those ages all have similar perspectives.
Ooh…what I mean about physical maturity is, some studies suggest things like logic and emotion centers in the brain aren’t completely developed until the mid 20’s
I haven’t got enough information to answer that… and anything I say would be purely speculation… I just a couple hours ago realized I wanted to collect that data 🙂
I see…I think it depends on what become source of enlightenment. Like this book became for me that what is suicidal awareness. The same way if there are more programs who support such things maybe people will care more for other people. ??
Well… okay…for me to make a completely amateurish conclusion about you specifically, I would need to know a couple more things… Like what several others in your age range had felt about the book, just one or two other opinions would be enough to form a theory, but anything more conclusive would require more input… Also would need to know some of your history, such as how you’ve reacted to certain stressors in the past, or how you currently deal with uncertain situations. Things that would take more than just a few minutes, or messages on a bulletin board. Does that help?
Ummm… If you’re familiar with scientific method?? If you read my comment above, you’ll have my reaction to the story. I’m in my 40’s, so that gives you ONE specimen in that category. To fully expand the research, you’d need several specimens in the 40 age range, PLUS a control group of sorts, but I’m not sure how you’d control it. Maybe a group of psychologists who’ve never read the book?? So you see… I don’t even have my method worked out completely yet.
Potentially, a theory like this could take years, if not a whole lifetime to work out… I probably won’t take it that far. I just need to know enough to help a young girl find her self worth 😉
I watched the series on netflix just finished yesterday. I dont know how to describe what i thought of it. It was good story line and the exposure to rape and suicide shows us we have to speak up
Did you like it? To be honest, I haven’t read it in years
Hi, Pamela! Fancy meeting you here. LOL. In some ways I liked it, yes. It’s definitely one of a kind. But I thought I’d post about it because I’d really like to compare my reactions to parts of it with others here.
Lol I understand that completely!
I saw it in the shop and almost bought it. It’s in my brain to buy. Is it worth reading?
We-e-e-ll, @Johanna, I would say yes–but with reservations.
maybe I’ll see if it’s in the library
As soon as the comments have run for a bit, I’m going to re-post about it. I’ll do my best to avoid direct spoilers, though.
I look forward to reading it ?
Your idea of the library is good. I’ll definitely be passing the copy I have on.
*SPOILERS BE HERE* Right, my opinion is probably gonna be a bit controvertial, but….. *deep breath* ….. I dont think there should have been 13 reasons. It was more like 6-8. The rest were just her taking things waaaaaaay too seriously. And then the whole plan with the tapes and the recording of them… The time and effort used on those it was too premeditated, to me at least, as if she wanted a revenge, wanted them to feel guilt, to punish them… Someone who has given that amount of their emotions to the hatred of others… Its almost as if she killed herself just to spite them, not because ahe wanted to do it.
@Leah Also, Clay shouldn’t have been on the tapes, so that’s one less person. He didn’t after all really do anything to push her. Asher should have made him an asshole, then the book would have worked.
I found it hard to accept that the ‘ass of the class’ could be a reason to end your life… She took that waaaaay to seriously. I’m a woman, i have experienced being compared to other girls and women at different points in my life… I don’t think the author has, though. She blew that right out of proportion. On two different character fails. Firstly, if this was real, Hannah whould have just told him he was a massive dickhead in front of the class and then spoken to Jessica about it, laughed it off between them and left the others to their stupid games. That’s what most teenage girls would do. They have a lot more going on than worrying about whyher some random guy thinks her arse is nicer than her mates… And Jessica… Blaming Hannah for it, as if she had a part in it… Again, in reality she would have spoken to Hannah and sorted it out.
I mean, the back story seemed to imply that shed had trouble at her previous school, the same kinda thing, which leads me to believe she had a lot of insecurities before she moves in anyway, that maybe it was a bit down to parenting?? A child needs to learn behaviour traits and ways of dealing with stuff, so either her parents hadn’t touched base with her enough to guide her properly or they handled things the same as she did which lead her to copy their behaviour… Either way, where the hell were her parents? I dunno… Some of the things that happened to her were dark, deep and deffo would lead to councelling, therapy, the need for help… But i don’t think that all of them were worth suicide. It was a good story in itself though… Food for thought, Deffo.
It was a quick read. I would say it was ok. I enjoyed it but thought I’d enjoy it more than I did
I agree Emma. I thought it was overrated actually.
I read it. And as a depressive person it triggered some part of my suicidal parts and as well I will choose the series over the book. I felt more closer to Hannah through the series ❤
You’re the first person I saw that feels that way
I finished the book last week. It left me with mixed emotions and opinions. But overall it is a great book about a very sensitive subject. Have you seen the show on Netflix?
I haven’t. I wasn’t aware there was one! I’ll have to at least glance at it.
The show is different to the book, as usual, but not in a bad way. Sometimes a little tedious but it’s worth to give it a try.
I had watched the show first and hit my emotions hard but it’s really good….. I read the book that had both endings to it and I loved the alternative ending better than the ending it has
I liked the book and felt it is a must for pretty much everyone to read it. I saved it for my kid’s TBR when I think she is old enough for the issue.
Yesss✋ i loved it ❤ but the ending was kinda devastating i think ?
I read it and liked it. Hated her at the beginning, but understood her reasoning as it went on. I thought it was a worthy read.
Good book. Was do very sad but sheds light on bullying, suicide, ect.
I found it thought provoking. I did not have expectations so I was fairly open minded and I did not feel that it glorified suicide at all. I came away from it feeling that we should all be mindful of how we treat others and what we put out there in the world. It was the cumulative effect of meanness, bullying, and sexual assault that put Hannah over the edge and there were so many missed opportunities (including her own choices) to make a more positive outcome or build up her resilience.
I was really disappointed by the book. I thought the pacing of the show was way better, and made it much easier to sympathise with Hannah. I didn’t enjoy the book at all, but I read a review that pointed out that actual suicidal people think like this– maybe you think she’s taking things too seriously, but those little things can be triggers. So I thought it was interesting, even if I didn’t enjoy it.
Okay… First off, I have only seen the show. I do not intend to read the book. I have asked several opinions on if the book has ANY qualities which might redeem it, and nobody seems able to cite any major differences which make me think the book would send a different message… That being said…
The story promotes suicide as a valid and rational way of dealing with problems real or imagined. It puts this child into situations ranging from inane teenage drama, to horrific tragedy, then proceeds to reinforce the message that NOBODY either is listening, nor do they care. Not once is any hope offered. I am hearing negative things from school teachers I know… About some of the disturbing things their students are saying about the subject. A young miss I know is already struggling with her self worth, and now feels like suicide is brave and noble, HER words. Direct quote “I think it’s really brave of her to kill herself like that”… And that REALLY kills me!! I have spent her WHOLE life trying to give her some self confidence, and this show comes along and destroys everything I’ve worked for!! There are certain guidelines for addressing suicide in such a way that it’s less likely to incite active attempts, and it’s as if asher has read those guidelines then did everything he could to present the opposite. There are valid reasons this book has negative reviews among mental health care professionals. The book promotes despair as if asher intended to push people down rather than lift them up. You will never hear me praise a work which tells children it’s okay to kill themselves.
Often when this book comes up, I like to post this information along with it, just in case… Someone is ALWAYS there to listen to you and help you out, no matter what asher wants you to believe.
1-800-273-8255
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
I respect your views, but if you haven’t read the book, can you really say it has the same qualities? Because the book is very much different. The stories are out of place a bit on the show, and things are changed etc.
The book was based on his cousin’s experiences in attempted suicide, it was DEFINITELY not meant to encourage it.. maybe do a little research about the book?
What I actually said was I haven’t been given any indication, by those who have both read and viewed, that the book has any redeeming qualities as opposed to the show. I am still very willing to attempt the book IF someone can enlighten me to any major differences which would give hope rather than despair. Unless the book has a vastly different message, I have no need or desire to subject myself to it again.
Whether it was intended to encourage suicide or not is basically moot. The real life fall out I and others (some I know personally, some only by testimony) have witnessed from children exposed to this story (without rational adult input) speaks volumes. Just my own personal experience surrounding conversations I’ve had with youths after they’ve watched the show would be enough… But I also know several teachers for that age group, and the buzz they are hearing among students is terrifying. There are certain aspects of ashers works which COULD have been very useful in educating and alerting people in general and teenagers specifically about something which is often difficult to discuss… Instead he presented his material in a manner which incites depression and self doubts while only offering death as a way out.
I do openly admit I base my verdict on the show alone… But I have indeed tried to ascertain if there are major differences and, to date, nobody who claims support of the story has been able to give me even a minor change which would indicate redemption. Generally the response has been very tight lipped and not at all insightful.
All I’m going to say is that it does not glorify suicide.
The people who say so are missing the point.
The people who say “omg her reasons are so lame” are missing the point.
Promise I’m not trying to sound snotty… Sometimes my written word comes off as calculating and technical…
What would you say IS the point?
@Megan, I agree. If nothing else, it starts a conversation about a topic that is way too taboo.
**SPOILERS*** My response to the comments I’ve seen here.. I agree with some and I disagree with some, as we all usually do… Here is my 2 cents. 😀
She was a little self centered, but to be fair, most teenagers are. That’s an accurate depiction of a teenage girl, blowing things out of hand. However, as some one who was bullied growing up, HORRIBLY BULLIED, to the point I contemplated it at one point, some of the “little” things people say were over dramatized, like the taking of the positive notes, and the bad date etc, those little things that no one pays attention to are the spilling points for a lot of people. I personally feel that the meaning of the book was just to treat people better because you don’t know how that one little thing could end up being something huge for some one else.
I don’t believe that it glorified suicide, more so showed how no matter who you go to for help, you have to be able to help yourself.
I can’t say that I “Enjoyed” the book, but I do love it and it’s definitely one that I’ll read again when I get it back (I’ve passed it on to friends)
I felt some of the same things and different things… Probably due to my own experience with bullies – and contemplating the “S” … I agree it doesn’t glorify suicide for me it was a way to highlight how even little things can be taken badly when a person treats you in a certain way and as you say we should treat people better Xx
Have it on my kindle. Haven’t read it yet.
I thought this was a brilliant it resonated with me so very much having been bullied emotionally in High School … I felt like I could have been Hannah ???? ??
I’m curious… and you don’t have to answer if you don’t wanna… How old were you when you read it?
Or a rough estimate?
I read it this year actually… I’ve tended to stay away from fiction that has depicted depression, suicide and anxiety … But I had a major major episode that started up about 2 years ago and has been on and off ever since and I took the decision to read certain things that had been out and had just come out like All The Bright Places, The Suicide Club, 13 Reasons Why … I really really felt for this book and I cried a lot when reflecting back ??
Hahahaha I’m sorry… I don’t know how old you are this year!! I’m asking cause I’m interested in what age ranges are reacting in what manner.
32 sorry I probably should said that lol *shakes head* ?
Just now occurred to me to wonder about the age thing… Not sure why I didn’t hit on it sooner
You’ve got me thinking now did I read it this year or last year … but 31-32 would be my age lol
The little gal I’m seeing the worst reactions from is only 17… That’s the age range which seems targeted by the book and they’re the ones who seem to be impacted negatively.
I would have said 15-17 … I was 13 when I went through the bullying depression anxiety suicidal stuff so I could think back to that … I gave the book to my cousin who is 14 to read and he was horrified even more so after I told him what I thought while I was reading it x
Discussion after is good… I don’t believe that kind of talk is happening enough after kids read it though. Otherwise, whispers I’m hearing would be more positive :\ I think if I had been exposed to the story at mid-late teens, I would not be here now. Thanks for the info… and if you have any other thoughts on it, I’m trying to gather anything I can which might help with this particular gal… Pretty much goes for anyone else within sight of this post too 😉
Can you give me any particulars about your gal?? Feel free to message me privately if you like I can talk about the effects of depression and suicidal demons all day Xx
Go for it … Message away … I will try to help where I can Xx
Hahaha I’m already typing it out 😀 It IS a bit of a long story though
Is sent…and much appreciated… I’m basically ready to try anything with this kid…
Very good book, in fact I’ll call it eye opening for me as it made me realize that how bad anyone feel if we hurt them. We can never guess what’s going on in anyone’s life. We can’t judge anyone unless we’ve walked a thousands mile in their and always take care of people suffering from depression. Always tell them that there is someone ready to listen to you.
It scares me if anyone talks about suicide now. And I always try to take special care of people suffering from depression or just want attention.
Mind if I ask how old you were (approximately) when you read it?
Hmm…sorry no offense but that’s kinda awkward question.? Can I ask why?
Hahahaha Absolutely. The subject of suicide is one I have reason to be very interested in educating myself about. Some studies indicate the human brain does not reach physical maturity until a person is around 25, varying depending on individual, but generally around that range.
I’m curious about general ages and if those ages all have similar perspectives.
Ooh…what I mean about physical maturity is, some studies suggest things like logic and emotion centers in the brain aren’t completely developed until the mid 20’s
23…so just now. Does it show my maturity too soon or too late?
I haven’t got enough information to answer that… and anything I say would be purely speculation… I just a couple hours ago realized I wanted to collect that data 🙂
I see…I think it depends on what become source of enlightenment. Like this book became for me that what is suicidal awareness. The same way if there are more programs who support such things maybe people will care more for other people. ??
Well… okay…for me to make a completely amateurish conclusion about you specifically, I would need to know a couple more things… Like what several others in your age range had felt about the book, just one or two other opinions would be enough to form a theory, but anything more conclusive would require more input… Also would need to know some of your history, such as how you’ve reacted to certain stressors in the past, or how you currently deal with uncertain situations. Things that would take more than just a few minutes, or messages on a bulletin board. Does that help?
Inbox me all the questions one by one and I’ll try my best to answer them honestly. ??
Ummm… If you’re familiar with scientific method?? If you read my comment above, you’ll have my reaction to the story. I’m in my 40’s, so that gives you ONE specimen in that category. To fully expand the research, you’d need several specimens in the 40 age range, PLUS a control group of sorts, but I’m not sure how you’d control it. Maybe a group of psychologists who’ve never read the book?? So you see… I don’t even have my method worked out completely yet.
Potentially, a theory like this could take years, if not a whole lifetime to work out… I probably won’t take it that far. I just need to know enough to help a young girl find her self worth 😉
I watched the series on netflix just finished yesterday. I dont know how to describe what i thought of it.
It was good story line and the exposure to rape and suicide shows us we have to speak up