Th1rteen R3asons Why

Summary: Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box 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. On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he'll find out how he made the list. Through Hannah and Clay's dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers.

Official Reviews:

...compelling reading -Booklist

This page-turner will keep you up all night, as Clay pops in cassette after cassette, to find out what his role is exactly in Hannah's death. Could he really be somewhat responsible? You won't regret reading this book, and it won't take you very long. It is a fast read and will keep you on the edge of your seat, as you read on to find out more about the circumstances surrounding Hannah's death. -Allen Review

This provocative tale touches on universal topics of interest, is genuine in its message, and would be a good choice for high school book discussions and booktalks. -VOYA

Hannah's story is a freight train of despair and suspense that picks up speed as it moves to her final undoing. Like the protagonist in John Green's Looking for Alaska (Dutton, 2005), Hannah is an animate ghost; Clay's bereaved voice bears witness to her tragedy. The episodic structure is nicely suited to reluctant readers, but the breakneck pace and dizzying emotion are the true source of this novel's irresistible readability at all levels.-Johanna Lewis, New York Public Library

My Review: Thirteen Reasons Why was a lovely debut from author Jay Asher. It was a true page turner, and I found myself emerged in the plotline. It really got me to consider the significance of small actions, and how something seemingly unimportant to us can affect someone else. It was well written from start to finish. Also, the characters were likeable and memorable. Hannah Baker is witty and charming, and by the end of the novel you will be mourning her death and celebrating her life at the same time, a combination only a truly great book can provide. Through every mishap and bad experience that Hannah is forced to endure, I was wishing that I could’ve been the one to stop it and comfort her. This book makes you consider life for others after the suicide of a loved one, and what you can do to prevent one from happening. Clay Jensen was another memorable character. He struck me as being similar in personality to Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye, sweetly awkward and quirky. Jensen makes for an amusing ride. Overall, I would highly recommend Thirteen Reasons Why and I think we could all learn a valuable lesson about how we treat others.

Anonymous Review: I personally had a hard time getting into this book. I didn't like it as much as I thought I would. Its more of a 'girls' book and a teen-girls' book at that. I have a bit of trouble getting into books that are made for one gender alone. I'm not sure why.

So here, ladies and gentlemen, you can see that we have two different reviews of this book. So tell me, do you like this book, or did you find it kind of 'turn-offish'? Leave a comment and let us know! By doing so you could help start the Reading Revolution.

I am the Messenger

Another wonderfully written book Markus Zusak, one of my new favorite authors.

(Book may have different cover art depending on where you live)

Summary: Ed Kennedy is an underage cabdriver without much of a future. He's pathetic at playing cards, hopelessly in love with his best friend Audrey, and utterly devoted to his coffee-drinking dog, the Doorman. His life is one of peaceful routine and incompetence until he inadvertently stops a bank robbery.

    That's when the first ace arrives in the mail.

    That's when Ed becomes the messenger.

   Chosen to care, he makes his way through town helping and hurting (when necessary) until only one question remains: Who's behind Ed's mission?

Official Reviews:

"Compulsively readable." - Publishers Weekly

"Unpretentious, well conceived, and appropriately raw." - School Library Journal

"Zusak succeeds brilliantly." - Booklist

" Funny, engrossing, and suspenseful." - KLIATT

"Raucous, poignant, and at times laugh-out-loud funny." - Bookpage

My Review: I have read this book twice this year and both times I have found it 100% amusing and always surprising. The story follows Ed through his perspective, and is written at times very simply, yet completely human. I have never read a book (save for the Book Thief also by Zusak) where the characters seem more believable. Even books such as Percy Jackson or Maximum Ride both written in first person point-of-view can't compare to this book. The book dives into the psyche of an underachieving cab-driver and you read his thoughts in a way that is very easy to relate to and very realistic. If I could I would rate this book  six out of five stars just because of writing style alone. The plot, is one that I find very unique, but in a way reminds me slightly of Because of Winn-Dixie. I would definitely recommend this book, but it is more of a young-adult, to an adult book. There are swear words and some more adult themes, but it is an extremely eye-opening book, and for anyone (such as myself) who aspires to become an author, the unusual writing style can prove to be a refreshing change.

Anyone else read this book? If so, you should click on that little comment button and tell me what you thought of it. Did you like it, love it, or by some chance not like it? Tell me why? Remember, I can't start a reading revolution by myself. I need help doing it! So come on, don't be shy, and help me start the reading revolution.