Thirteen Reasons Why by Tanner

Thirteen Reasons Why by Tanner - February 2015 Scholarship Essay

Stereotypical judging and bullying occurs in the teenage age bracket, especially in high school. No, the bullies don't take their victims lunch money or hand out wedgies, but what does occur digs deeper and stabs the victim in the heart and mind. Whether the bullying happens on social media, in person, or behind someone's back, the after effects are drastic.

One book that sums up high school life is Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. The realistic high school setting makes the book hit home. Hannah Baker, a typical high school girl, has just committed suicide due to bullying. She records her final words to the people whom she says lead her to the traumatic, life-taking action on cassette tapes. Each tape is designated to a single person. Hannah tells why she was lead to her decision. When Clay Jensen receives the tapes via mail, he is more than confused. He secretly listens through each tape until he plays his own. Hannah and Clay weren't close; however, they had a connection that was thin but strong. When Clay listens to all of the tapes, he realizes the harshness of what Hannah had been put through.

Hannah was troubled with the typical things: not being pretty enough, not being skinny enough, and not being cool enough to be popular. Hannah speaks her final words through a recorder. Her voice is projected by Asher's words. When one reads Thirteen Reasons Why, Hannah's hurt protrudes the pages. Bullying is a real thing. Bullying is serious.

Thirteen Reasons Why expresses the importance of showing respect and kindness towards everyone. No one knew what Hannah was experiencing, but when someone finally did, it was too late. Knowing when to be there for anyone and everyone is a huge factor in high school. If I could go back and tell my freshman self one thing, it would be to smile at everyone everyday. I try to do this everyday now because I know the importance of acceptance to some people. Understanding the effects of bullying is the importance of this book.

Thirteen Reasons Why was an eye-opening book. Not only does the reader hear the story of the girl who committed suicide, but the reader hears the thoughts and reasons behind her decision up until her last breath. The impact could be the difference between having a friend by one's side and not.