We all read those books that give us one of those revelation moments at the end as we realise wow maybe I should have done that or oh I should do that or if I'd have done that I could have made a massive difference in that persons life. This happened to me after I finished Thirteen Reasons Why By Jay Asher, if you've read it you'll totally understand!

My fabulous friend Josie recommended this book to me, telling me how it's just so powerful almost to the point there was no words to describe how it makes you feel; so thanks Josie you're the best book friend and friend in general!

This book is told by Clay who's sent a box in the mail wrapped in brown paper (I love brown paper don't you? There's something so oldy worldy, chocolate box about it) it's mysterious to Clay, he has no clue who would send him anything like this. The box turns out to be full of casette tapes from no other than Hannah Baker, a girl from his class who comitted suicide a couple of weeks before. I think you could definitely say Clay goes on an emotional journey with Hannah as she reveals thirteen reasons why. The reasons aren't reasons why she took her life,just significant points that I'd say lowered her self esteem maybe? Clay just doesn't understand why he belongs on the tapes, he liked Hannah and he certainly didn't believe the reputation or the lies people created. So the question is why is Clay on the tapes and will they reveal why the Hannah he wanted to know so badly took her own life.

Such a poignant book! I sobbed and felt connected not just to Clay but to Hannah- I think we all go through certain aspects in our lives, especially as a teenager, when even the littlest things matter or get us down. When I finished this book it really made me contemplate some of the things that I've done and the way I act, as well as think about the way I'd like to approach things in the future. This is what I refer to as one of my 'life lesson books' basically the fact that I've come away thinking now I'm for sure going to make sure I do this from now on!

A beautifully written, tragic book that will touch your heart. Jay Asher has done such a wonderful job and I will be looking to read more of her work in the future.

Josie, thank you again because I never would have read this without our lovely book conversation! (:

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This review first appeared on the Guardian Children's book site (here's the link):

http://www.theguardian.com/childrens-books-site/2015/jul/13/thirteen-reasons-why-jay-asher-review