THIRTEEN REASONS WHY BY JAY ASHER

Hi, welcome back.

I wanted to share with you a book I recently read called Thirteen Reasons Why. The story is heavy, a very serious topic a book that has stuck with me long after reading.

Please note: this is a young adult title, and not recommended for children. 

 American Author Jay Asher

 




 Thirteen Reasons Why

  


 Review

Thirteen Reasons Why is raw, honest and about as real as you get in a fictional story. Author Jay Asher has tackled a very difficult subject hitting it head on. The book is about teen suicide, the effect on others in the aftermath.

 

The story told through two points of view; one the per-recorded voice of Hannah Baker, the other Clay Jensen, the recipient of the tapes.

Prior to her death, Hannah made seven tapes, sighting thirteen reasons for ending her life.

Clay Jensen comes home to find a box on his doorstep with only his name. Inside are tapes all of which contain Hannah’s story.  

Clay listens to the first tape, surprised to hear Hannah’s voice. She was his friend, his co-worker, and up until two weeks ago, a girl he hoped would become more. He hears Hannah share the reasons behind her death, the thirteen names who affected her life.

Clay spirals downward as he continues to listen to the tapes, horrified by her stories of deceit, lies and unfaithfulness. Most shocking the names on the tapes, people he knows from school, some even friends. He’ll never be able to look at them the same way again.

Clay hears his own name on tape #9 and listens with trepidation and fear. He questions himself, going through an emotional turmoil, eventually coming to acceptance with her death.

Thirteen Reasons Why is one of the most powerful young adult novels I’ve read. Jay Asher understands teens, which is reflected in his writing.

Books by Jay Asher:

The Future of Us

 

I would recommend Thirteen Reasons Why for ages 14+

 

Other titles of similar genre:

Twisted: by Laurie Halse Anderson

Aimee:  by Mary Beth Miller

Hate List:  by Jennifer Brown

Looking for Alaska: by John Green

You Know Where to Find Me: by Rachel Cohn

 

THE WAY WE FALL BY MEGAN CREWE

Hi Welcome back,

I wanted to share with you a teen novel written by  a Canadian author, Megan Crewe. The Way We  Fall is the first in the Fallen World trilogy.

Megan's novel The Way We Fall has been selected as a contender in the White Pine Awards, which is hosted by the Ontario Library Associations Forest programme for young readers.

Coming out in February 2013 is her second novel in the series called, The Lives We Lost.


    Megan Crewe

   
    Canadian author living in Toronto Ontario


    BOOKS BY MEGAN CREWE : FALLEN TRILOGY

    THE WAY WE FALL (BOOK ONE)

    


    (COMING FEB 2013 BOOK 2)


  



   GIVE UP THE GHOST (A STAND ALONE YA NOVEL)
 


REVIEW: THE WAY WE FALL

Kaelyn is starting anew. She and her family have returned to the Island after living for several years in Toronto. When they left, she was shy and introverted, now sixteen, Kaelyn promises herself that this year will be different. She’ll be more involved with others, more social at school and show more confidence.   

This is a tall order for any teenager to keep.  Secretly, Kaelyn still struggles with her own insecurities and doubts. She shares her deepest thoughts recorded in a daily journal in the form of letters addressed to her friend Leo.  

Life changes in a flash when a mysterious virus strikes the Islanders. First, only a few show symptoms, which begin with an irritating itch accompanied with a cough. The virus worsens, attacking the mind, which causes hallucinogenic thoughts, boisterous outbursts and a longing for human contact.

The virus quickly spreads, the Islanders quarantined from the mainland. Kaelyn and others find themselves trapped without any hope of escape.  Society begins to break down as panic rises. Rational calm people are acting out trying to save themselves and their families before it’s too late. 

Kaelyn watches in shock and sadness as life depletes around her. She questions her own vulnerability, having been in direct contact with others who have succumbed to the illness. Is she next? Is her life in peril? She doesn’t sit around in wait, instead with urgency feels an overwhelming need to help others.

Megan Crewe has written a well-crafted story, an intriguing tale that will keep readers alerted throughout the book.  Her writing is clear and precise; the setting well described and easy to visualize. The character’s each has their own individual struggles, needs and wants.

Kaelyn- the main character- grows throughout the story. The more the world around her crumbles, the stronger she becomes.  

My one criticism is the lack of deep emotion throughout the story. I wanted to feel a closer connection with the main character, especially during her time of loss from family, friends, her hopes and dreams. Instead, I found the story an exciting breakdown of society, and the fight for survival on an Island crippled with disease.

Overall, an exciting topic, one that is well researched and well written. Megan Crewe covered many issues from illness to the breakdown of order and feelings of abandonment.

The Way We Fall is a gripping teen novel, a story of survival. A book you will find hard to put down.

The Way We Fall is the first in the Fallen World Trilogy. 

 I would recommend The Way We Fall for ages 14+.

 Another apocalyptic YA novel: 

LIFE AS WE KNEW IT : BY SUSAN BETH PFEFFER

Happy reading, 

Bye Rosalyne