December | 2011 | Book Chatter

As the end of the year approaches, I find myself thinking about what will make “this year’s” list and what book will begin next year’s list. I’m not talking “best of” lists quite yet, just thinking about what books to end the year with. Are you thinking about that too? I set a goal for myself on Goodreads, to read 60 books this year. I am at 75 right now (not yet recorded) but will probably read at least three more before the year ends, maybe more. Since I didn’t get to that King book over Thanksgiving, that is probably what I will end the year with. How about you?

For me, that last book should be pure fun. However, the first book of the year has the potential to set the tone for the rest of the year. Maybe I am being too anal about it, but this stuff is fun to me. I guess that is what sets me (and the rest of us) apart from the average reader.

Enough about reading. Ha!

Last night, we met-up with friends, ate cookies to our heart’s content, listened to Christmas Carols and cruised around to look at Christmas lights. It was a beautiful, mild evening and it was nice to spend some time with friends.

Today, I have to hit the mall to finish-up my shopping. I went yesterday but the mall had a “snow” day and it was packed. I couldn’t even get into the parking lot so I am hoping that today isn’t as bad. Later, we are hitting my in-law’s to watch football. I may bring my Christmas cards with me because I forgot to send them out last week and they haven’t even been addressed.

Tomorrow, the long-awaited review for 1Q84 posts. It took me forever to write it because it was so hard to convey the feeling that I had while reading it but I think it’s finally the way I want it to be.

Right now I am helping The Girl write a Cereal Box book report. It’s mostly fun, but takes quite a bit of time. I am so glad it will be done and turned in BEFORE winter break. Nothing worse than having homework over break.

Have a great Sunday!! Hope you are enjoying a nice breakfast and some delicious coffee or some other yummy drink.

Thirteen Reasons Why (audio)
By Jay Asher
Read by: Debra Wiseman and Joel Johnstone
(Listening Library (Audio), Compact Disc, October 2007, 9780739356500)

The Short of It:

An absolutely riveting, cannot-turn-off story about a young girl explaining why she decided to take her life.

The Rest Of It:

Clay Jensen comes home from school and finds a package waiting for him. Inside the box, is a set of cassette tapes made by one of his classmates and crushes…Hannah Baker. The only problem is that Hannah killed herself just two weeks prior. These tapes are her thirteen reasons why.

This is a wonderful book. I originally chose it for The Boy but when he told me how much he was enjoying it, I made a mental note to read it myself. Luckily for me, the audio was available so I snatched it up.

Hannah’s story is just heartbreaking. Here is a girl, who is pretty, popular and living in a supportive home, yet she falls between the cracks and slowly begins to lose herself. She is not bullied in a traditional sense, but she is the subject of rumors and those rumors lead to abuse of a different kind. On her way to invisibility, she reaches out for help (numerous times) but her cries for help fall on deaf ears.

The cassette tapes that she’s left behind are to be shared with the thirteen people responsible for her collapse. The story alternates between Hannah’s voice, and Clay’s, who doesn’t understand why he is included in this group, until he listens to his section of the tape. This method of sharing her story often brought tears to my eyes, because as a reader, you know there is no daring rescue at the end. You know the outcome and all you can do is sit there, shaking your head, wondering how many young kids are out there today, thinking the same thing.

The readers for this novel are amazing. Debra Wiseman plays Hannah perfectly. The pain, the angst and the frustration all come through beautifully in her reading. Johnstone also does an excellent job portraying Clay. He has this wide-eyed, sensibility that makes you like him even more. Innocent, but not stupid. Very touching at times.

On that note, I want to share this video with you. It has nothing to do with this book, but I came across it while reading the book and it brought me to tears. My son was a student ambassador for his middle school, and when he was, I always reminded him that a kind word, said to a troubled kid, could be the difference between life and death. Plus, it includes the awesome singing group, Ahmir. I adore them. Please watch it. Such an important message.