by Melissa Blankenship
Many parents may not have heard about the new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why, but their children probably have. This is a dramatic series based on the novel Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher. It is about a young girl, Hannah, who commits suicide and leaves behind 7 double-sided cassette tapes on which she has recorded 13 reasons why she committed suicide. They are delivered to the 13 people who she felt contributed to her desire to kill herself.
The book was published in 2007 and became the New York Times #1 best seller in 2011. It has received numerous awards as a young adult novel. However, its film adaptation is not being received with the same glowing enthusiasm. Whether because of the wild-fire way in which the Netflix series has gained popularity or the graphic portrayal of Hannah’s suicide, the dramatic series has caused much concern among mental health professionals, teachers, and parents. Parents should know some facts when determining the suitability of this series. Continue reading “Parents, Know the Facts about 13 Reasons Why”
