"You can't stop the future. You can't rewind the past. The only way to learn the secret... is to press play."
This is the best quote to describe the novel. And it's also printed on the back cover of the book. When you read this quote at first sight, you may be curious about the meaning. After you finish the book, you'll soon understand the message behind it.
Book Intro
Hannah Baker is a high school student who suicided because of being bullied in the school. More specifically, Hannah's classmates spread rumors about her, laughed at her, excluded her from the class, what's worse, she was once raped. Hannah used 7 tapes to record the 13 reasons why she ended her life. There will be 13 people in the recording. Hannah explained about what role that person plays in her death.
Reflection
Actually, this book also adapted to TV series in 2017. In fact, I want to watch it on NETFLIX, but I heard from my friends that this drama is a little bit scary. (Because there's some suicide and rape scenes.) So I decide to read the novel first. XD
Hannah's classmates didn't know their words and behaviors will do harm to her until they got the tapes. These people think that their behaviors are harmless, however, it does influence Hannah's life. We all need to speak and act cautiously, otherwise we easily hurt someone unintentionally.
There's a special feature in this novel, the author wrote about Hannah's recording and at the same time described the reaction of Clay, Hannah's classmate who received the 13 tapes first and also the first person perspective in the story. In the book, using two different fonts to differentiate Hannah and Clay's word. This kind of writing way attracts me to keep reading, and make me curious about the plot.
Before Hannah try to suicide, she was once look for help. She talked to the school guidance counselor, Mr. Porter. But he only told Hannah to forget it, don't put it on her mind. He didn't give any actual support to Hannah, that's the last straw that break the camel's back. Hannah realized that no one will lend her a hand, she felt very depressed and decided to kill herself. When I read this part, I feel very melancholy. How can a school guidance counselor not notice Hannah's hopelessness and just say something irresponsible. I think that Hannah is willing to tell Mr. Porter her story is very courageous, it's not easy for a victim to speak out. You can see that there are so many victims won't tell anybody about themselves because they are afraid or they think it's very shameful. So Hannah must think again and again, and then decide to tell. When we notice that someone need a hand, we should support them immediately. If Mr. Porter helped Hannah at that time, maybe she won't be dead. This book really indicated many important issues, I will discuss the teenagers suicide problems in the next log!
We may sometimes be hurting without noticing, even though we didn't mean it. But a casual remark sounds significant to a suspicious listener. When I was in the elementary school, I had been asked to apologize to a girl once. The girl told teacher that I said something rude to her. However, there was even not a little tiny piece of memory did I remember that I said something rude. It was that time that made me feel the importance of thinking twice before you speak. Go back to the track on Mr. Porter. No one can win the prize of the worst teacher except him. If he did pay attention and lean an ear to her, there was a chance to keep her alive. There are so many tragedies that we can prevent by taking note. I wish teachers could be courageous enough, too. If they dare to speak out for their students, more confident the victims may be since they have been desperate already. Hope Hannah was the last victim!
ReplyDeleteI remember one of your seniors chose this topic for his midterm presentation and asked "who is the victim?" and "who is the one who victimizes?" Yes, if we are all sensitive and brave enough, we may all be able to reduce the chance of losing lives.
ReplyDeleteI'm also a person who gave up watching it on Netflix but with different reason. I gave up to watch it because it has too many series and can't follow them all. But since I read your reflection, it tickled my curiously and now I would like to try watching it when I have time! I think people who bully someone always say they don't do it on purpose. We shouldn't ignore those people and shouldn't accept these excuses. At the same time,I also sometimes say something harm to people. And at that time I'm also same as the people who bullied Hannah, I do it unconsciously. I'm sad that I actually also harmed someone and it might costed their death. We really have to be careful with out behavior and the words we say from our mouths
ReplyDeleteLast year, I chose 13 Reasons Why as the book of winter reading at Wannie's course. I had watched the TV series before the novel, and I find little difference in both versions.
ReplyDeleteWe never know what our actions and words, deliberate or unmindful, can do to a person. But a lot of time, we try hard to avoid hurting people only to find it hard to please others and hurting our mental health. I cared so much about others that I sacrificed my will, so now I focus more on my self to strike the balance. It differs from person to person.
I’ve never watched this series or read this book before, but after going through your reflection, I think I should watch it. And the cover photo reminded me of a song, and it is one of the song of this TV series’ soundtrack! So I listened to the song again and scanned the lyrics, tried to get the vibe, the song really resonates the story, “Can I just turn back the clock, forget my sins? I just wanna roll my sleeves up and start again.” The song is called Start Again by OneRepublic and Logic. It was my all time favorite, and used to put it on repeat, music can really develop the emotions.
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