Now I know the title of this blog is "Currently Reading", but this is a book I have yet to read. Why would I be writing about a book I haven't even read yet? Because this book is the next book on my 'to read' bookshelf. This is not a new book, first published in 2007, but has recently become popular again due to the Netflix series based off of it.
Although I am almost always a proponent for reading the book before seeing the movie or television show, I decided to be unorthodox and watch the series before reading the book. The show was just like every other Netflix release, binge-able. I watched the entire thirteen episodes in a matter of three days, and although I should be embarrassed by this mass consumption of television, I am not based purely on the quality of this series. The show follows Clay Jensen, a junior in high school, where a girl, Hannah Baker, has recently committed suicide. After her death, Clay receives a set of thirteen cassette tapes recorded by Hannah, detailing the thirteen reasons why she ended her life. The show then follows Clay and several other characters through the following weeks as Hannah's life and death are relived.
The story deals with several heavy issues, including bullying, sexual assault, and suicide. The show does this without shying away from the darkness, but instead it brings awareness to the audience about the seriousness of these situations. At times it was difficult to watch, but it was eye-opening to understand what some teenagers and young adults go through in our society. It seems with the integration of technology that these issues are escalating, and some adults may not be privy to the amount of stress and harm young adults experience online and in school.
If the book is anything like the Netflix series, it will be a page turner. I am excited to read the novel and relive the emotional rollercoaster as Hannah unveils her thirteen reasons why.
I haven't read this book, but I'll look for it!
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