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If you have any form of social media, your newsfeed or timeline has more than likely been filled with people posting, or tweeting about the new Netflix series, “13 Reasons Why.” The series started out as a book written by author, Jay Asher, published in 2007. By July 2011, the book made its way onto the New York Times best-seller list.
The Netflix series has taken the world by storm since its release date on March 31. If you haven’t gotten around to watching it, or have never heard of it, here’s a brief rundown:
The show is about a teenage girl who is just trying to find her way during her high school years. But, she actually ends up committing suicide. Before her death she made a set of 13 cassette tapes that explains her reasoning for ending her life.
The series highlights just the tip of the iceberg of the bullying, gossip and other down right hateful issues that occur during high school. A lot of the issues that are portrayed are still relevant in college too.
Not only is this new show worthy of binge watching, it gives important life lessons for watchers to think about as well.
“The lesson I personally took away from “13 Reasons Why” is to listen. Truly listen when someone directly says they need help or even unspoken words that signal distress or suffering. Everyone endures hard times, but they aren’t so hard when we’re surrounded by people who care,” said University of Kentucky student, Hannah Woosley.
There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the main male character, Clay, too.
“What spoke to me the most was the journey that Clay went through. I can kind of relate to him because he’s shy, and he never acted on his feelings about what was going on around him. But throughout the whole show, you can see how he’s changing,” Another UK student, Julianna Latham, said. “I think he learned how to not be so introverted, that your words and friendship can really help someone in need,” Latham stated.
For some people, this series hit a little too close to home. UK student, Chandra Burnett, shared her heart wrenching experience while watching “13 Reasons Why.”
“I will be the first to admit that I am a binge watcher when it comes to a new series. “13 Reasons Why” isn’t just any series. I will admit that I was not as eager to press play on episode one. When I was introduced to the book in middle school, I didn’t second guess reading it, but with one of my best friend’s actually committing suicide not even a year ago, the emotions and the fear of reliving his death really made me question if I was going to be strong enough to watch just 13 episodes,” Burnett said. “When my friend passed away, I had a realization that you are never promised another day with someone. So in the days that you are fortunate to spend with them you have to encourage them and be there for them no matter what. And simple smile, or even a quick “hello” could completely turn someone’s bad day around.”
Paul Tassi, a Forbes Magazine contributor, wrote an article on www.forbes.com entitled, “’13 Reasons Why’ Is Netflix’s Best Show In Years.” In the article Tassi writes that “13 Reasons Why” is, ”…an incredibly engaging mystery, a well-written, well-acted tale of not just high school drama, but it’s a great character study of most of the cast.”
No matter how old, your ethnicity, your religion or skin color, anyone and everyone can relate, in one way or another, to “13 Reasons Why.” Take some time, sit down and see what all of the buzz is about.