'Thirteen Reasons Why' - Author looks at uncomfortable issue

New York Times bestselling author Jay Asher says he doesn’t like sad books. Yet, it’s his young adult novel about bullying and suicide that has resonated deeply with schools across the country.

On Jan. 23, Asher visited Whitefish Middle School as part of the 50 States Against Bullying campaign sponsored by Penguin Publishing.

His suspense novel “Thirteen Reasons Why” tells the story of a teen boy as he listens to cassette tapes sent to him from his classmate and crush who committed suicide two weeks earlier. 

On the tapes, the girl tells the story of why she committed suicide and why the boy is one of the 13 reasons why she decided to end her life.

It’s heavy stuff, Asher admits, but it’s also an important issue to explore as a teenager when gossip and rumor can take on a life of its own.

The Whitefish Parent Teacher Association purchased 100 copies of the book in anticipation of Asher’s visit, which were made available to students as optional reading.

“This is a really uncomfortable issue,” Asher said. “A lot of people don’t want to talk about it.”

“But we need to push through the uncomfortablity, because it’s necessary.”

Asher applauded the Whitefish School District for allowing his book in the school. “Thirteen Reasons Why” is one the top-five most banned books in schools, according to the American Library Association.

“I wouldn’t be here without your school faculty,” he said. “We all acknowledge this is uncomfortable, but your school knows that’s exactly why it needs to be talked about.”

Middle school librarian Dana Carmichael organized the tour stop after hearing Asher speak at a library conference last year.

“I read his book and then asked my 14-year-old son to read it,” Carmichael explained. “I thought he handled scary topics tastefully. It’s realistic from a kids’ point of view. He didn’t mince words and he didn’t label.”

She said students overwhelmingly had a positive response to the book and some even asked their parents to give it a read.

“Which I encouraged,” she said. “These topics are scary not only for teens, but for parents, too. The book could open up the opportunity to talk.”

Carmichael said the book dovetails with the school’s long-running campaign against bullying. She was thrilled to have the support of not only the middle school administration, but the school board and superintendent Kate Orozco, who all read the book.

“I’m really proud of the school for jumping in with both feet,” she said.

Prior to Asher’s visit, students in Nanette Reed’s art class and Angie Finberg’s English class collaborated on a poetry and art project.

The high school book club is set to review the book this month.