“I guess that's the point of it all. No one knows for certain how much impact they have on the lives of other people. Oftentimes, we have no clue. Yet we push it just the same” -Jay Asher
Jay Asher published 13 Reasons Why in 2007, which became a huge hit within bookstores. The topic of bullying was and still is huge within society. For those who haven’t read the book or seen the Netflix series, the story basically revolves around the life of Hannah Baker. Well, a part of her life that lead to the main plot. Hannah Baker died due to suicide but before she died, she recorded 13 tapes which states 13 reasons why she committed suicide.
The story starts off with the main character, Clay Jensen, getting a box of tapes on his doorstep. When he listens to the first tape, he racks up his mind figuring out what he did that may have cost Hannah Baker’s life. Throughout the story, the truth comes out and we see a whole different side of the people mentioned in the tapes. Those 13 reasons focuses on each person that has affected Hannah's life. She trusted, opened up and became comfortable with each person. Yet each person betrayed her trust thus lead one thing to another until the last person within the tapes.
The thrill of not knowing the reasons and what lead to the build up hooks the audience’s attention within the show. A combination of everyday drama and curiosity within a teenage mind all circles back to the addictive habit of watching this series. Although it may sound all dramatic and typical, this show does contain triggering events such as rape and suicide.
This show not only touches the lives of teenagers but adults as well. Everyday we encounter new people everywhere we go. We never know what’s happening in their lives, we never know their side of the story. Life goes by fast. Life is short, but we don’t want to make it any shorter than it should be. No matter what the circumstance may be, be kind always.
Do not hesitate to seek for help. For those who are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts:
National Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255
