Many of you have already heard of Netflix’s controversial new series 13 Reasons Why which is based on the YA book by Jay Asher and explores the events leading up to a young girl’s suicide as well as the repercussions. Trang over at https://bookidote.com has written one of the best reviews of it that I’ve come across, so I felt the need to share.
I think everyone has heard about this TV Show for a while now, but for those of you who haven’t, here’s a brief summary: Clay Jensen discovers a box of 13 tapes recorded by Hannah Baker. She committed suicide before recording those and explained to him the 13 reasons why she ended her life. And of course, it was a book adaptation! *thumbs up for book magic * There’s a lot of controversies surrounding this show and I think this post was much needed to express my opinion about it. I came to an agreement with myself that in this particular situation, I won’t read the book before watching it. Simply because I wanted to have an unbiased opinion of the TV show without having to compare the books vs. the movie feeling. I want this review to be only about the TV show.
MY RATING: ★★★★★
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By Hook Or By Book 
I know next to nothing about the series but would suggest that this, which I have just finished reading this moment, should be a part of any discussion.
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I absolutely agree that teens watching this should do so with parents. I also think teachers should factor into the discussion.
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I loved the show. But, I went in not knowing what it was really about. I thought maybe she’d witnessed some sort of murder or something. As I watched, I grew attached to the characters and started to feel like I was on a train that was going to derail, but couldn’t force myself to jump off. Now, my situation as a child was different, and yet there were still moments that hit me, hard. Some of the things Hannah thought, and reacted were spot on. I grieved her. For like a week. And then I watched it again. And grieved again. To say that I would recommend this to anyone would be irresponsible, because it could cause a trigger spiral, and that could be a very dangerous thing.
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Oh Sarah. I am sorry. I knew the basics of the story because I read the book when it first came out. I think this is something that teens should watch with their parents and that teachers and schools need to get involved with as well. Did you watch the 1/2 hour PSA that goes with it? It’s very well done and brings up more of the mental health aspects of it.
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Yes, I did. But my issue is that some teens have been through so much that the show could start a trigger spiral. I think everyone would need to understand the premise of the book and the show first before reading or watching. It would be irresponsible to dive in otherwise. It could have been much worse for me if the situation in the show was different.
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I agree Sarah. I also wish the episodes had been released in weekly installments. Netflix has done this with a couple of different shows. I think in this case it would have given teens, parents, and teachers more time for discussion and reflection. I also think that maybe having the suicide prevention hotline number permanently displayed in a corner or at the bottom of the screen might have been a good idea.
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Yes, perhaps. I know in my case I wanted to binge. And there could have been more to help people find help if they needed it.
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I know nothing about the show or the book, but it sounds interesting and spotlights a subject which is too often hidden.
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They both tackle some subjects no one likes to talk about: rape, bullying, slut-shaming, and of course suicide. It’s painful and I heartbreaking and graphic, but I think it done realistically for the most part. And better yet, it’s provoked discussion not only among teens, but also among adults.
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I have this book on my to buy list. I would rather read this book as I don’t watch television often. So perfect for me.
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I read it when it first came out in 2007 and thought it was very well done. Now after watching the series I want to read it again.
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I don’t have Netflix, but despite the hard subject matter, I personally believe that young people need to have such things brought to their attention. As long as they are old enough to deal with the issues of course.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I agree Pete. All too often the subjects covered in this are brushed under the rug. I believe here in the U.S. It has a MC17 rating. I know in New Zealand they actually created a whole new rating (RP 18) for it. I don’t think anyone under the age of 16 should be seeing this.
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Great way to draw our attentions to the post and the show, Kim.
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Thank you Vinnie. Trang and Lashaan are wonderful reviewers, whether it’s films, TV, or books. I think you’d love their blog.
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I already follow their blog and must agree they are sublime reviewers.
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You two are toooooo kind! ❤
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😙😙
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This review is definitely a perspective I haven’t seen yet. I was planning on writing my own review, started a post, and then after all the controversy come about I trashed it. I feel as though my personal experience was that it was just an enjoyable show. I understand the outrage by some and I hope that the show doesn’t end up causing more suicides or anything like that. I thought the show itself was very well done, but I won’t be writing a review lest it come across as uninformed! Thanks for sharing this post.
Katie x
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I’d have loved to read a review by you on this Katie. I have a feeling it wouldn’t have come across uninformed at all. One of the things I love about WordPress is that unlike some other social media platforms, everyone is usually pretty respectful of each other even when we disagree about something!☺
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Very true, I may start over but we shall see! It really was an interesting show, I hadn’t read the book before going in so it was nice to just experience the story on it’s own without comparing to the book material (though I am usually a huge proponent of reading the book before watching the adaptation!)
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I’m planning on re-reading the book myself and writing a review.
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That’s a good idea! I think I might try to rad the book over summer break this year, but I have so many unread books on my shelf already that it might take a backseat on my TBR.
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I have a tbr mountain of my own so I completely emphasize!
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I loved the show and thought it was really well done. Great writing, acting and whatnot all the way through.
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I did think the show and casting was quite good also Geoff.
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I just watched four episodes on the plane last night, and omg it’s so so good. And addictive. I love the cast, and although it has its differences from the book, I think they definitely did a really nice job with the show overall 😁.
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I completely agree Sarah!
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I think this sounds really interesting, to be honest. I think I will seek it out 🙂
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Great! I hope you like it!
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I really disliked the main character and found it hard to watch for that reason. As a professional suicide counsellor, I really can’t condone the revenge angle of the series. And I can’t see that it’s helpful and it certainly isn’t healthy to hold one’s friends hostage while repeatedly blaming everyone else for a decision you ultimately took yourself.
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While I myself liked it, I completely understand what you’re saying Jay.
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Well, look at that! Trang’s wonderful review on Kim’s amazing blog! Beautiful. 😛 Thanks for sharing her post, Kim!! 😉
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*Fist Bump!* Trang’s review is AWESOME!
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