TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY

AUTHOR

-Born in Arcadia, California on September 30, 1975. -He grew up in a family that encouraged all of his interests, from playing the guitar to his writing. -After graduating from high school, he attended Cuesta College. -Thirteen Reasons Why was the first book ever that has been published by Jay.

HANNAH BAKER- NARRATOR 1

Hannah leaves a message to thirteen people who have helped her decision of suicide. Hannah was a normal teenager girl who moves to a new town and has a hard time fitting in. The people she meets seem to just let her down and make her life harder everyday. Hannah is bullied and gossip spreads about her like wild fire. She was influenced by her peers and was pushed into suicide naturally. She felt she had no other outcome of her problems.

CLAY JENSEN- NARRATOR 2

Clay receives the tapes from Hannah after her death. They appear mysteriously and he becomes intrigued by them and disturbed at the same time. Throughout the story, Clay finds himself wondering why he is on the tapes as he listens to each one. Clay had had one special night with Hannah and after being hurt so many times by heartless boys, she denies him and he didnt know why. His thoughts are intertwined with Hannahs recordings.

EXPOSITION

Hannah Baker has just recently committed suicide and sends thirteen tapes to thirteen people explaining all of her reasons why. Clay Jensen, a former student at Hannahs high school, receives a box full of tapes a couple days after hearing about Hannahs death. After listening to the first tape he learns that he was one of Hannahs reasons for her death. He now has to listen to all of the tapes before his, to hear about what he and other people did to Hannah to make her want to commit suicide.

TIME PERIOD/ SETTING

The book takes place over a few days after Hannah commits suicide. Clay hears the tapes in a full day and it ends the next day at school. Setting A typical suburban town, perhaps like Hamburg

Rosie's diner High school Gas station Eisenhower Park Blue Spot Liquor Monet's Cafe

THEMES

Depression / Mental health Alcohol and Drug abuse Rape Bullying Friendship Acceptance

Taking responsibility for actions

Honesty

TEEN SUICIDE
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for 15- 24 year-olds. 60% of suicide deaths are used with a gun. 95% of people who commit or attempt suicide suffer from a form of mental illness which is triggered by peer pressure, bullying, and family and personal difficulties. 20-50% of suicides are related to alcohol or drug abuse. (AACAP.org)

SOME THINGS THAT CAN CAUSE SUICIDE

a psychological disorder, especially depression, bipolar disorder, and alcohol and drug use feelings of distress, irritability, or agitation feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness that often accompany depression a previous suicide attempt a family history of depression or suicide physical or sexual abuse lack of a support network, poor relationships with parents or peers, and feelings of social isolation dealing with homosexuality in an unsupportive family or community or hostile school environment Alcohol and drug abuse Bullying (KidsHealth.org)

WARNING SIGNS
talk about suicide or death in general talk about "going away" talk about feeling hopeless or feeling guilty pull away from friends or family lose the desire to take part in favorite things or activities have trouble concentrating or thinking clearly experience changes in eating or sleeping habits self-destructive behavior (drinking alcohol, taking drugs, or driving too fast, for example) (KidsHealth.org)

WHAT CAN WE DO?

WATCH AND LISTEN- If you suspect someone who is considering suicide, make sure you watch and listen for warning signs. ASK QUESTIONS- sometimes people think they may make the situation worse if they talk to someone they suspect of suicide. Most of the time the victims want someone to comfort and help them. GET HELP- if you suspect someone may be considering, contact an official or call (800) SUICIDE for help (KidsHealth.org)

VIDEO

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kvx_kT8H_5w