Thirteen Reasons Why Review

Hey Blogger Buds,
Today, as you can see, I'm reviewing Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. I highly recommend this one; it's gotten fantastic reviews, and the message is brilliant. I'm mostly reviewing this book to get it out there to those of you living under a rock. You'll see why in a moment.
(Linkage below)

Blurby:
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers 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.

Review:
I wondered how Jay Asher was going to support the dual narratives and it was done very tastefully, with very little confusion.
I totally felt both Clay's and Hannah's emotions, though I had some problems.
Clay was incredible. He was "that good guy" who everyone likes. He was just..the perfect character for this. He was so genuine.
I didn't like Hannah, though. Whenever she went onto the next tape, the next reason, I was so hopeful that I would get it. But I didn't, and the entire narration just screamed "angst". But a little bit...I got it. We're teenagers. Teens blow everything out of proportion, and I can...excuse...Hannah's behavior, I suppose. But she didn't make sense to me.
And then we got to the reason that Clay got these tapes and it felt like...like such a cop out.
Not to offend Jay Asher, but one thing about the book reminded me of--dare I say it?--Twilight. Twilight was incredibly addictive for no reason; I couldn't put it down, and I didn't even like it that much. I like 13 Reasons Why more, definitely, but not enough to read it at 2 am. But I was glued to the book until I realized how late it was and summoned all my willpower to stop.
The ending was incredible, though. My favorite part was that last page. It got me thinking, huh. Maybe that ball of angst did some good in the end and I'd love some sort of epilogue, to see if it's true, but that ending was so hopeful, and put this big smile on my face.
Sidepoint, no reflection on review: Curious, I decided to hear the audiobook. Right now, I'm listening to a free sample from Random House, and--honestly?--I recommend you pick up the book, even if you usually listen to audiobooks. Clay sounds like the guy who did voiceover for Hiccup, from How To Train Your Dragon (yup. just listened to a bit of the HtTYD trailer for a comparison, and it's uncanny). And Hannah sounds like a 30 year old chain smoker. No offense, but I recommend the paper book.

The book wasn't bad, it just wasn't my cup of tea. I highly recommend it, though. This is a book that needs to be read, thus why I reviewed it. Though I can hardly handle the fact that it's going to be movie-fied, and by Selena Gomez.

Rating: 3 stars. Mediocre book.

Linkage: Goodreads Borders Amazon B&N BookDepo Site (go to it!) Hannah's Blog (wait, what? Oh)

Peace,
Riv

Current Music: Soul Sister, Gleekified
Current Mood: Meh