13 Reasons Why is a hot topic of discussions these days. Although the book was published 10 years ago, there has been a resurgence of its popularity after Netflix recently debuted a 13 episode show based on the book.
My college students recently had a book club with 13 Reasons Why as the topic and invited me to attend. I was surprised to learn that many of them originally read the book in middle school. The book is a young adult work of fiction, but it is heavy. It can emotionally wreck you whether you read or watch it. Intense topics of suicide, bullying, and sexual assault are brought up. And in the Netflix series, these things are depicted graphically.
In America we tend to shy away from these topics because they are uncomfortable. There has been some debate as to if this show and book glorify suicide and could possibly encourage young adults to commit suicide. Some people argue that the book and Netflix series should be avoided, but I want to challenge you to read or watch the series before your young adult does. And if you choose to allow your teen to read/watch it, do so with them.
Here are some questions to help facilitate discussion with your teen:
1. What character do you relate to the most & least? Why?
2. Do you see bullying at your school and/or online? If so, is anything being done about it? What?
3. What were the signs that Hannah Baker was in distress?
4. Do you think anything could have been done to prevent Hannah Baker’s suicide? If so, what?
5. Why do you think people treat other people badly?
6. Do you think the bystander effect is true? Have you ever witnessed the bystander effect?
7. What is the top thing you would have changed in Hannah’s story that you think would have made the biggest difference in her life?
8. What do you think is the most effective “D” of bystander intervention? What would have helped Hannah Baker the most?
9. Knowing that you cannot turn back time, what can these characters do now to move forward?
10. What is the biggest lesson that you have learned from this book/Netflix series?
11. Zach says, “If one thing would have gone differently somewhere down the line, maybe none of this would have happened.” Do you agree or disagree? Why?
12. Why do you think some characters said that Hannah lied about them on the tapes and some said that it was the truth?
13. Why do you think Hannah left the tapes?
14. Do you think Hannah should have done what she did? Why?
Thank you so much for this guide. I am planning to start 13 reasons why with my daughter this weekend. This guide really helps me a lot.