I spent the weekend watching 13 Reasons Why on NetFlix.
13 Reasons Why is about Hannah Baker, a high school girl who kills herself and leaves a series of recorded cassette tapes – thirteen cassette tapes – that were sent to various people who somehow played a part in what led her to the decision to take her own life.
This series was based on a novel by Jay Asher. I’ve seen the book in the bookstores but never bought it. I thought it was a dark and depressing book. But I’m glad I watched it on NetFlix. I would say that the series was entertaining and kept me on the edge of my toes, wanting to know what happens next.
I felt for Hannah. I know how tough it can be to be bullied. I experienced some bullying when I was in school. It can really affect someone emotionally – in a really bad way that can damage one’s self esteem. It must have been harder for her since she didn’t feel like she had any more friends or any one else that can help her deal with what she was going through.
I highly recommend watching this series as it tackles some serious social issues like bullying, rape and most specially suicide. You just never know what people are going through really. And especially for young adults. It’s easy to dismiss what’s going on with them as something petty and something they’ll have to get over with. I would admit that I’m somewhat guilty of that. But we all could practice a little empathy.
It’s just like what Zach, one of the characters in the series said – maybe if one of them did something differently – treated her a little better – maybe she would still be alive. That may be true for other Hannah Bakers out there.
It’s not a feel good series. But its one that people should watch.