Adaption Talk: 13 Reasons Why | Tape 1, Side A

I wasn't planning on watching the Netflix adaption of 13 Reasons Why anytime soon, and I wasn't planning on this post either. But the adaption dropped today, and I just couldn't NOT watch the first episode. And let me tell you, it was downright amazing. 

I was at most 14 years old when I read Thirteen Reasons Why. At the time, I wasn't old enough to comprehend how cruel the world and people can be. Now I'm 17, and though I'm still a dreamer, I have learned of some harsher realities. Way back when I read the book, I thought that some of the things that happened to Hannah were inconceivable. Now I know that some people are just mean and mistakes are made and things spiral. 

Watching the TV show, I was transported back to when I read the book. I remember staying up until 2 am and not being able to put it down. The show has the same exact feeling. Right as I finished the first episode, I wanted to start the second. But then I decided to write this post, because I want to urge all of you to find a way and watch this series. 


The acting and the casting are amazing. The actors do such a good job of encapsulating what it is like to be a teenager without too many stereotypes. In just under an hour, and I have truly empathized with Clay, Hannah, and Mrs. Baker. The area in which it was filmed was chosen so well. It perfectly shows off the small town vibe I am so familiar with myself, which is important to understand when making sense of how everything snowballs. I don't want to go into too much of the plot because I don't want to give anything away, and it is better to go into the show with not a lot of information.

Watching just one episode inspired me, and I'm looking forward to seeing how the rest of the season will impact and speak to me. It might be a hard subject, but  suicide is one to talk about. This first episode did a great job of addressing that and making sure it was taken seriously. 

If you are worried that this show is just going to be a downer, know that there are some humorous moments as well. Humor isn't what comes first at all, but there is some levity here and there. Sure, it's a dark topic, but the first episode didn't' drain me; it spurred me on.

Watching the first episode has been like rewatching or rereading a scene where your favorite character dies. You know what is going to happen, and you know it will be hard-hitting, and yet you still can't look away. Because emotion is evoked and the scene is too powerful for you to not have your complete attention. When I was watching this first episode of 13 Reasons Why, I was entranced.

Even if you are not a fan of 13 Reasons Why, or you haven't read the book, you just aren't that into contemporary, or whatever reason, watch this. Suicide is everywhere, and it is one of the top causes of death not only for teenagers, but for people in general. 

The first episode is outstanding, and I can't wait to watch more. 

Thanks for stopping by and I'll see you soon with another post!

Happy Reading (and watching!) 

Genni @ Ready, Set, Read!

PS - Sorry if this is rambly/preachy/incoherent, but I just want to try and evoke the same passion I feel right now into words. And, I wrote this in 15 minutes or so without a ton of editing to be as authentic as possible. Have a great weekend! :D