Lady Danielle

How can I write a review for this? How can I put my emotions and thoughts into words? “Thoughts into words” – doesn't make any sense, huh? It should be simple, they’re my thoughts…. Wrong. My thoughts are chaotic at the moment; so many things I want to write down and be done with. So, I’ll start with this:

This book broke me.

"Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. Live and in stereo.”

I’ve never encountered quite a story such as this before: raw, simplistically detailed, and absolutely heartbreaking. 

"I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of the reasons why.”

Imagine receiving a package with your name on it with no return address. You open the package to reveal seven loose audiotapes numbered from one to thirteen on both sides. Curious, you slide it into an audio player only to be greeted by a girl you knew who committed suicide not very long ago… and she says you’re one of the reasons why.

"The rules are pretty simple. There are only two. Rule number one: You listen. Number two: You pass it on. Hopefully, neither one will be easy for you.”

Do you listen? Do you feel some sort of culpability, or are you angry she would even say such a thing? My answer? I'd listen. I'd feel hurt and scared and rack my brain to find out what I said or did that made her take her own life. This is exactly what Clay Jensen does when he receives the package.

"When you’re done listening to all thirteen sides – because there thirteen sides to every story – rewind the tapes, put them back in the box, and pass them on to whoever follows your little tale.”

I'm going to be completely honest with all of you -- every single one of you: never in my life have I ever contemplated suicide. Never. Even when, at one point in my life, everything went to complete shit ; when I was pissed at the world and God -- I still never thought about suicide. I couldn't stand the thought of taking my life. But I don't hold it against anybody who have suicidal thoughts, I'm not judging. Not. At. All. I'm not an expert at this topic, hell, I don't know a damn thing about it. Who am I to try to analyse why? Everyone has a certain way of coping with things -- be it negatively or positively. The reason I'm not giving this book a higher rating because I couldn't relate to Hannah's story. And my rating system is based on the writing, the characters, if I could relate to it, and the story line in general.

“And you, lucky number thirteen, you can take the tapes straight to hell. Depending on your religion, maybe I’ll see you there.”

Whilst I couldn't relate to her, I did feel pain. I've read Th1rteen R3asons Why in one sitting, clawing my way through this story to read what story was going to be told next. Asher, this was brilliantly written. It can save someone's life, it can give someone the courage to help others who want it. And it can also help others to think before they speak; make them understand that saying/doing something the wrong way can affect someone.

“In case you break the rules, understand that I did make a copy of these tapes. Those copies will be released in a very public manner if this package doesn’t make it through all of you.” 

Not a lot of people liked Hannah, they felt what she did was dramatic and crazy; I can understand why they'd feel that way. I can also understand why she did what she did even though some of what she said seemed out there. But this is a teenage girl who couldn't take it anymore, she wanted help but didn't get it -- from no one. She told her story.

“This was not the spur-of-the-moment decision. 
Do not take me for granted… again. 
You are being watched.” 

In a way, this is a bone-chilling read and I really recommend listening to Hannah's audio tapes in order after each chapter you read because it will be a better terrifying reading experience. If you're a John Green fan, then I know you'll really enjoy this one. Even if you're not a big fan, still give this one a shot.
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I also want to say, not a lot of people like the idea of Selena Gomez playing Hannah, but I disagree. I think Sel would perfect for the role... either her or Nina Dobrev were my choices. Looking forward to the movie.