First Impressions Journal By: Nillani Nithi 09E
The first time while I was reading the book " Thirteen Reasons Why", I realized it was full of emotions. It was hard to read for the first time because it has the power to devastate the reader. But i was surprised by the deep meaning behind the characters and subject matter. The co- narrators are Clay Jensen and Hannah Baker. I felt that Clay Jensen plays an important role in the book. He tells us that it's okay to doubt some of the things Hannah says. It's even okay to be mad at her. He honors her and respects her last wishes. Sometimes as readers, we might feel bad having negative feelings toward a young girl who took her own life, but Clay reminds us that no one is perfect.I saw Clay as the type of boy who stayed loyal to you no matter what the situation and never made judgement s towards others unless actually knowing them. Hannah Baker seems like a simple girl at heart. She seemed like a very independent, open-minded girl. She was confident enough and strong-headed to be able to record thirteen tapes leading to her suicide.
For this story, author Jay Asher created a fictional place; Historic Crestmont Business District. I identified it as a quiet, strictly middle-class, and uneventful, small town. The town seemed modest with its small population but this explained how fast the word and gossip spreads around town like wildfire. I understood why Jay Asher has recognized this as the perfect setting for, “13 Reasons Why”. This is because when Hannah talked about hanging outside of school, the same rumors and gossipers followed her there. Hannah talked about how innocent her town seemed, but that you cannot believe what only the human eye can see.
In this book, I thought the plot was excellent, it was unique in today's writing world, everyone seems to be writing about vampires or fantasy things, which is all good but it was nice to have something real. The writing style was very fresh and interesting to read. I think this book applies not only to teenage suicide, but to many other issues facing our children today. Everyone (including adults) can find themselves in this book, whether you are the troubled, the trouble causing, or trouble- enabling. This book will definitely stay with you for a long time after you finish reading - hopefully, it can help you to become a more compassionate and understanding person. I know it has changed the way I look at people and what they may be experiencing.
13 Reasons Why: Character Analysis + Writing in role
Clay Jenson and Hannah Baker:
" Hello, boys and girls. Hannah Baker here. I hope your ready, because I'm about to tell you the story of my life. More specifically; why my life ended. " - Page 7
My name is Hannah Baker, i'm an attractive and pretty girl with long hair. I used to be an ordinary new student in Freshman until i had my very first kiss with Justin. Although all i did with Justin was just a kiss, but Justin spread a wrong rumor that they did something more than just a kiss. Due to this rumor, my reputation started to fall.. And sooner than later my so called " friend" Alex, made a life of the " Hottest Ass in the Freshman Class" and put my name on the list, and let me tell you, its nothing to be proud of at all. Due to the rumors and the list, I became an outcast and many terrible incidents started to happen in my life. I'm clearly a normal girl with a weak and fragile mental state so i've been slowly thinking about committing suicide. But I didn't want to leave without letting people know why i did it, and how little they know about how one event led to another or how the rumor led to an unwanted snowball effect. I wanted the 13 poeople to realize how they have affected my life. And this is why i hoped to accomplish with these tapes.
“You don’t know what goes on in anyone’s life but your own. And when you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re not messing with just that part. Unfortunately, you can’t be that precise and selective. When you mess with one part of a person’s life, you’re messing with their entire life. Everything. . . affects everything.” - Page 16
“You can't stop the future
You can't rewind the past
The only way to learn the secret
...is to press play.” - Page 18
13 Reasons Why: Character Analysis + Writing in role
Clay Jenson and Hannah Baker:
Hey Everyone, My Name is Clayton Jensen, but everyone calls me Clay.
I'm a naive, dependent person. I'm a guy with a good reputation with a great appearance as well. I lack confidence in myself and i'm really shy. Thus even when I liked Hannah, I couldn’t confess it and after Hannah committed suicide, I regret my hesitation. I'm a model student who is always polite, kind, and sincere. I am also an emotional and tenderhearted boy, who truely grieves Hannah's death. I keep my reputation clean by playing it safe and keeping things drama-free. I'm certainly not a risk- taker. I priortize schoolwork over parties and i don't get publically involved with girls with bad reputations. But it doesn't mean i have no social life, I just prefer to put the studies first. My whole time knowing Hannah Baker, I’ve always ignored the rumors and refused to hear the words others had said about her. I’ve always wanted to know the real Hannah Baker. I cried when I heard what had happened to her. I am not afraid to admit it.
“ I study on weekends. In most of my classes, we’re tested every Monday. Its not my fault.” – page 203
“We didn’t get a chance [to really ask “Who are you”] because I was afraid. Afraid I had no chance with you.” –page 207
“A flood of emotions rushes into me. Pain and anger. Sadness and pity. But most surprising of all, hope.” -
13 Reasons Why; Most memorable moment By: Nillani Nithi 09E
Most Memorable Moment Journal- Each member of the group must write and post a one-page reflection on the most memorable moment from her/his assigned section.
The most memorable moment in the book, “ 13 reasons why” was when Clay discovered the hidden connection between an accident he witnessed and Hannah Baker. I realized that everyone in the story connected somehow. I loved that she made everyone realize their actions have consequences. Especially Jenny, because her actions went unchecked. I was deeply disturbed to think that actions I have taken in my past could have been done innocently but caused a horrible rift in someone else's life.
One day in the afternoon after a party, Clay walked home and as he was crossing the apparently deserted street, two vehicles suddenly collided. Clay, acting on instinct, ran toward one of the cars which stank of burning metal and car exhaust fumes. There in the car wreckage he found a shaken, but otherwise uninjured, elderly man. He then saw another boy in the car struggling. Clay knew was that it had been a senior from his school, and was apparently in a worse shape than the elderly man. Although this, Clay continued to stay with the man because he wanted to make sure he was okay. Soon, the boy in the other car died. The elderly man had to live his life in grief and despair, seeing himself at fault for the death of an innocent person.
Clay then made this connection to an event in Hannah Baker's life. That night, Hannah left the party a little later than Clay. She was offered a ride by a friend, Jenny Kurtz, who helped a slightly drunk Hannah into her Jeep. As they were driving, Jenny drove over the curb and had knocked over a Stop sign post. Hannah just realized how intoxicated Jenny was, and how having her drive around during the dark of night was clearly dangerous. She told Jenny to hand over her keys, and call the police to report the fallen sign-post. But rather than being smart, Jenny kicked Hannah out of the jeep and sped off, leaving Hannah to wander around lost looking for a pay phone. Later that night, an elderly man was driving out of town, speaking on the phone with his wife. At the same time, someone was trying to deliver his pizzas on time, and the elderly man turning collided with him. There was not a Stop sign on that corner that night. That night, one of the drivers died. By the time Hannah arrived at a gas station and made the call, it was too late, an accident happened. But Jenny Kurtz lived her life on without realizing that her foolish recklessness caused the death of an innocent school boy and the guilt Hannah and the elderly man had to live with for the rest of their lives.
Clay finally gained a understanding bond between Hannah when he heard the remorse and guilt in Hannah’s voice as she described how she felt when she realized she could have prevented the death of a person. Clay felt for the elderly man and had a moment with Hannah after realizing that they were both hurting over the same incident, and this information helped Clay move on. I just loved the connections they had in the death of an innocent person. It just shows how our lives are all connected.
13 Reasons Why ; Questioning and Critical Thinking
Questioning and Critical Thinking- Post a list of discussion questions to generate discussion about your assigned section. Questions must allow for in-depth discussion about the novel. Strong questions will focus on aspects such as : author's motives' opinions about characters, conflicts and plot; analysis of a particular event or quotation; hypothesizing; about character motivation, etc.
Discussion Questions based on Novel:
1. Was there any significance to choosing thirteen reasons, other than it being an unlucky number?
2. How did you go about writing two simulataneous narratives?
3. When you started Hannah's story, did you know who the main character was going to be?
4. How did you decide on Hannah's thirteen reasons?
5. Are there any scenes in the book that do resemble real experiences?
6. Other than her decision to commit suicide, what did you learn about Hannah?
7. If she was someone you knew in real life, would you think she had it in her to take her own life?
8. What do you think the author hoped to accomplish by Hannah creating the tapes?
9. What about the setting? Was anything inspired by actual places around your town?
10. Do you feel you were trying to put across a certain message with this book?
11. Why do you think author, Jay Asher, wrote the novel in the perspectives of two co-narrators; Hannah and Clay?
12. What should someone do if they're worried that a friend might be suicidal?
13. What should someone do it they see themselves in the character of Hannah?
14. In your opinion, what did the tape recordings Hannah created represent/portray?
15. Why cassette tapes?
By: Nillani Nithi 09E
13 Reasons Why ; Contemporary Relevance By: Nillani Nithi 09E
Contemporary Relevance- Provide information on one of the teen issues that is explored in your novel. Include 3 key ideas, 3 ways it relates to the novel, and 1 source or group where teens can get help or find out more info on this issue.
Teen Suicide:
A very common teen issue in our world today is Teen Suicides. The tragedy of a young person dying because of overwhelming hopelessness or frustration. Thirteen Reasons Why is a novel based on a Teen suicidal issue. The reasons behind a teen's suicide or attempted suicide can be complex. Although suicide is relatively rare among children, the rate of suicides and suicide attempts increases tremendously during adolescence.Suicide is the third-leading cause of death for 15- to 24-year-olds, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), after accidents and homicide.
This topic relates to Thirteen Reasons Why because the main character in the novel has commited suicide recently leaving behind 13 recording tapes explaining her reasons why. Hannah thought this was the only choice she had but didn't realize how much pain she was causing for her family, friends, teachers, and especially Clay, whom was secretly in love with Hannah. Even though Hannah admits that the decision to take her life was entirely her own, it's important to be aware of how we treat others. Even though someone appears to shrug off a sideways comment or to not be affected by a rumor, it's impossible to know everything else going on in that person's life, and how we might be adding to his/her pain. People do have an impact on the lives of others; that's undeniable.
Suicide Prevention:
What to Do
Youth who feel suicidal are not likely to seek help directly; however, parents, school personnel, and peers can recognize the warning signs and take immediate action to keep the youth safe. When a youth gives signs that they may be considering suicide, the following actions should be taken:
Remain calm.
Ask the youth directly if he or she is thinking about suicide.
Focus on your concern for their wellbeing and avoid being accusatory.
Listen.
Reassure them that there is help and they will not feel like this forever.
Do not judge.
Provide constant supervision. Do not leave the youth alone.
Remove means for self-harm.
Get help: Peers should not agree to keep the suicidal thoughts a secret and instead should tell an adult, such as a parent, teacher, or school psychologist. Parents should seek help from school or community mental health resources as soon as possible. School staff should take the student to the designated school mental health professional or administrator.
If you are feeling suicidal, or have a plan to commit suicide, please call 9-1-1.
You can also call Kids Help Phone to speak to a counsellor: 1-800-668-6868. We can help you. You don’t have to handle this on your own.
Citations for English Cpt - Thirteen Reasons Why By; Nillani Nithi 09E
http://kidshealth.org/parent/emotions/behavior/suicide.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Youth_suicide
http://chealth.canoe.ca/channel_condition_info_details.asp?disease_id=135&channel_id=40&relation_id=55627
http://kittn.tripod.com/
