Book Reflections (2)

Sep •  13 •  2011



This week book reflections is a book I picked up before I was a blogger. I had heard about it over word of mouth picked it up and love it! It has taught me to think less of myself and more about others. 

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher

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


Why has this book affected me so much? Well for one, to get in to another persons shoes, to see what they are going through really made me step out of my box and look at things differently. When I started reading this book, I was amazed of how touching this book is to me. How a book could make my mind see things through someone else’s eyes.

1. A wise man named Ian Maclaren once said,”Be kind to everyone you meet, because everyone you meet is fighting a battle.” 
 
I love this quote because this is what Hannah is going through. Through out the book she is fighting a battle. No one knows, but no one seems to help either. This book taught me to look at things differently. Like the girl who I see walking her child to daycare every morning. The man in walmart frustrated after dropping his newspaper. Or the teen in the mall crying her eyes out. I have no idea who these people are or what battle they are fighting. But what I do know is that my kindness towards them, will change their whole day. I know not everyone believes in God, but I have had experiences where it has changed my life. During a church retreat, a teen girl is crying. All I did is be kind, lend a ear, and prayed with her. Her whole outlook towards the day changed in a instant, because someone had the courage to think about her. 

2. Suicide 

This book not only helped me understand what the person is going through, but also recognized the signs of suicide. It helps to be knowledgeable in this area so that you can recognize it if you see it in anybody else. I love that Mr. Asher took a touchy subject and made it into something that everyone can understand.

3. Peter Greene said, “As anyone who has been close to someone that has committed suicide knows, there is no other pain like that felt after the incident.” 
 
Don’t blame yourself. One thing I see a lot is guilt for something that happen to someone else. I know this area well cause when I deal with guilt I let it eat me inside and out. You can’t do anything about the person anymore after their gone. But you can change the future. You can help others but volunteering at call centers, becoming more knowledgeable about the subject, talking to friends about having suicidal  thoughts. Do what you can now. I know its hard moving on from something like that, but it will help you feel better that you can help others now while you still have a chance.
 
Since this meme has taken off, I have lots of emails of people wanting to participate.  Do you have a book that has change your life forever?
If so, fill out the form HERE
Happy Reading!


Posted by on Sep 13, 2011 in 2011, Book Reflections, Jay Asher | 5 comments

5 Comments

  1. Mundie Moms
    Sep 13, 2011

    Fabulous pick! This book is such a well written, thought provoking book.

  2. Missie
    Sep 13, 2011

    Wow! That first quote is fabulous. I haven’t read this book yet, kind of scared too, but I will. Sounds like I could learn a lot about it.

  3. Melissa (Books and Things)
    Sep 13, 2011

    I have heard other versions of that quote and it always gets to me. I also love the way you showed exactly how this book affected you. I have been wanting to read this book and it looks like I really should. Such a great meme.

  4. Alison Can Read
    Sep 13, 2011

    I so need to read this! I love any book that changes the way I look at the world. And I’ve heard that this definitely does that.

  5. Natalie (Mindful Musings)
    Sep 14, 2011

    I read this book in high school and thought it was absolutely FANTASTIC! It completely and utterly struck a chord with me when I first read it. So glad to hear that you enjoyed it to! To any of you who have yet to read Thirteen Reasons Why….do it! You’re missing out otherwise.