In Jay Asher’s 13 Reasons Why, a girl’s death leads to a look inside the mind of Hannah Baker, a girl who gave up on life because of her own actions and the damaging actions of others. Hannah Baker’s death brings up many important lessons that readers need to be aware of and to learn.
Holding a deeper meaning to it than just to tell a story of a girl whose life was cut short, 13 Reasons Why is about how we all have different experiences and outlooks on life. How all of us have a different way of looking at the world, because of the differences in experiences.
Thirteen Reasons Why is about how an action that one person may think is small and insignificant, may mean more and have a bigger effect on another person. Jay Asher’s book is also about how all actions have the possibility of creating the butterfly effect, and the importance of being kind and not bullying others.
This isn’t just a book to show the impact of actions or to bring awareness of suicide and bullying. Another lesson to be learned through this book is to love your loved ones while they are around. It’s difficult to predict when a loved one’s life will end, so it’s better to show them that they are loved while they are around rather than having to live with the regret of not doing so.
Sometimes just showing that you care, can save lives. Being there for someone and really listening to them can make the difference between a life ending and a life continuing.
As for those who can really relate to Hannah, It’s important to remember that there are people who care. Not everyone is good at showing that they do, but that does not mean that they don’t.