Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher is one of the most popular YA titles out there; it's hardly ever on shelf.
Here's the basic description of the book...
When high school student Clay Jenkins receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering and heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town, listening to Hannah's voice recounting the events leading up to her death.
Now you think it's going to be depressing and sad--and you're right--but it's also got a really important point: You might be able to help someone just by listening. Someone you know might just be like Hannah and you just might be able to help them. I'd highly recommend listening to this book on audio since it makes you feel like you're the one listening to one of Hannah's tapes. If you or someone you know could use some help, DON'T WAIT to call the National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-TALK.
Sometimes reading is great therapy, too; sometimes you just want to cry it out. If you've already read Thirteen Reasons Why and want something else like it, check out my list of read-alikes. My favorites from the list are Hate List by Jennifer Brown, Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson, and Looking for Alaska by John Green.
Some other great titles to listen to on audio? The Book Thief by Marcus Zusak, If I Stay by Gayle Forman, and Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson. Be ready to cry during any of these!
And please don't forget that there's always help out there.
