Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher explores the social effects of suicide. In the story, Hannah Baker, who had killed herself, reaches out to her friends and acquaintances through the mode of a tape recorder, where she speaks to them and explains why she did what she did. Her friends and acquaintances, devastated by the result, can not believe the things they hear and are guilt-stricken by her words. She takes them on a journey to death, both, literally and figuratively, as they wander through the destinations on her map which she planned for them to visit, all the while, hearing her gut wrenching tale of how she felt and what she saw. The story is at once touching and haunting, sure to absorb you.

My own reactions to the book at the outset were: "I do not want to read the book" because I already knew what it was all about, but once I started, I could not put it down. After I finished, I could not forget the characters and the story, for it reminded me of my own high school experience--the petty fights, the naivete of youth, the idealism, and the fears and hopes we had for the future. Thirteen Reasons Why is so beautifully written that it haunts you. Now, I know why so many people are talking about and requesting this book.