In our society, suicide is a taboo subject. Those who have suicidal thoughts are made to feel abnormal, and people worry that if they acknowledge suicide they will somehow encourage it. Sufferers are forced to repress the idea, in the hope it will go away. Sadly, if unattended, the idea can eventually translate to action.
Thirteen Reasons Why exposes the harsh reality of suicide. The novel is not, as might first appear, teenage fiction (at least not in the derogatory sense); it is better seen as a social mirror. Thirteen Reasons Why provides a highly relatable insight – through the medium of a high school environment – into the nature of suicide, and challenges the social constructs that can push people over the edge.
“I hope you’re ready, because I’m about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically, why my life ended. And if you’re listening to these tapes, you’re one of my reasons why,” begins the voice of Hannah Baker. Clay Jensen, one recipient of said tapes, can only listen to Hannah’s ill-fated story with horror. Why did she do it? How was he responsible? He could have loved her, but now it is too late.
