13 Reasons Why

By Jay Asher 

     This book is not for the faint of heart.  This is a heart wrenching story, please be forewarned, this is not for children, The nature of the book requires a certain level of maturity therefore I strongly discourage anyone reading this book before they reach high school.  I do feel, however, that this story needs to be told and could be thought provoking and earth shattering.  

     First let me explain why I read the book and watched the series on Netflix.  I was encouraged by some young people that I needed to read this, since I am always looking for something to read plus  I had heard some rumblings about this book, I knew I had to find out what the hoopla was about.  Needless to say I was surprised by both the book and the series.  

     This is a story about a beautiful young woman, with loving parents that decides to commit suicide, which is horrible enough, but instead of a letter she makes 13 audio tapes explaining her reasons for terminating her life.  What we read is the first person narrative of Clay as he listens to the tapes and comes to terms with Hannah's suicide.  Clay had very strong feelings for Hannah but was afraid to step froward and proclaim his love.  What he discovers is that Hannah was mistreated, rumored about and hated for no real reason.  Every time something happens, it further weighs on her until she is stifled under its weight and finally wants to end the pain.  She calls for help from the school counselor and he basically tells her to move on, there were other warning signs but no one was paying any attention to stop the unthinkable.  

     Normally, I would give a brief summary of a book, but I think that part of the unknown nature of when and what happens is what makes this book a page turner.  I had a hard time putting it down.  One of the hardest parts for me was the changing voice of the book, it flowed quickly from Clay's perception to Hannah's perception.  That ebb and flow made it difficult to read at times.  I am giving this book a 3.5 out of 5 stars, I am marking it down for the mature nature of the book and the rapid change of point of view.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe it will transcend generations, excellent for opening discussion among teens on depression, suicide and bullying.  Really opens ones eyes as to how the smallest act can change somebody's world.  Remember to be wonderful to others.  

Links

Author - Jay Asher

Suicide Prevention App

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Dust of Eden

By Mariko Nagai

     This is a short quick read about a time in our history that we should be ashamed of; when we placed individuals and families of Japanese descent into internment camps.  At the onset of the United States entering WWII, after the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor, there was a lot of anger directed towards specific people from Asia.  Even families that had been in the United States for generations were suspect.  

     It is almost eerie to me to see the correlations on how we treated the Japanese and how the German's treated the Jews and their political enemies.  In the United States we separated an encamped the Japanese, but we fed them and treated them decently, but we still forced them to leave their home and friends for no real reason.  Even though we treated the Japanese better, the idea of being forced from work, home, school and loved ones is troubling and was very difficult for Mina to understand.  She considered herself to be an American, having been born in the United States and could not understand the anger directed towards herself and her family.  This book is told in poetic verse as Mina traverses her frightening future.  Her father was taken initially, then her Grandfather, mother and brother, Nick, were moved to the first camp.  They were housed together, but the fear, confusion and anger was evident in their day to day lives.
     Mina manages to come to terms with her encampment and learns to appreciate wherever she is.  Even when they are transported far from home to Idaho she adapts and appreciates the school and teachers that come to teach the children.  While she adapts, her brother Nick becomes angry that he is not trusted by his country.  He wants to prove his honesty and eventually enrolls as a serviceman, much to his families anguish.
     Will Mina and her family be able to return to Oregon, or will they have to move across the country in order to achieve their freedom?  Will Nick make it home from the war?  Whatever the answers, this poetic read is very poignant and enjoyable.  Some of the pieces were hidden in meaning and beautifully written!  Although, I understand why she chronicled her journey in this method, I missed the details that would have been in a memoir, therefor I am giving this book a 4 out of 5 stars and would encourage poetry lovers and others to take a look at this interesting book.  This book is appropriate for fourth grade and up.

Links 

Author - Mariko Nagai

Japanese Internment Camps

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The Sacrifice of Sunshine Girl

By Paige Mackenzie

     The third book in this series does not disappoint the reader, this is another fabulous page turner.  More secrets are revealed as Paige becomes stronger, she meets the council, and she is betrayed.  She begins to talk to her birth mother and father and learns more about her lineage.  To save humanity they have to understand what is happening, what and when Dubu plans on finalizing his Pentagram spell.  Since Sunshine is integral to the survival of the human race she must be kept safe.  She is surrounded by Luisearch and humans including her boyfriend Nolan.  

     Most of the town of Richmond is unaware of the nearing of the apocalypse, the high school is preparing for a dance, but there is an increase in crime and injuries as the demons begin to attack humanity.  Demon's are possessing humans, and making them do horrible things like:  Rebecca attacking her customers at the pizza restaurant.  Sunshine and the council are kept vigilant as they rush to protect their charges.  Time is of the essence, the reader knows that Dubu has a secret weapon close to Sunshine, but we don't know who it is.  Will the Markon leader Dubu reign supreme or can Sunshine come to the rescue.
     What is so interesting in these stories the reader is always aware of some of the antagonist's thoughts and plans, through short chapters that give their perspective of what is occurring.  The quality of the writing is high, therefore,  I am giving this book a 4.5 out of 5 stars.Even though the main character is a female, I do these books are appropriate for both genders and believe that they are for 6th grade and up.  Please forewarned I strongly suggest that you read the books in sequence, they do build on each other.

Links

Paige Mackenzie - Author

Other teen horror books