'13 Reasons' is Not the Reason Why

What reason do they have to blame a show?

'13 Reasons' Not As Controversial As It Has Become

In the last couple weeks '13 Reasons Why' has been more controversial and more talked about than Trump and nuclear warfare.

How did a book that came out in 2007 and became a best seller in 2011, finally hit peoples radar? The new "Netflix Original" was originally a book by Jay Asher, that is aimed at grades 9-12. It's in a long line of books geared towards young adults that takes a realistic look into just how much teens can affect each others lives without really ever knowing how much.

I happened across this book, 10 years ago, in an airport, getting ready for an eight hour flight. I was 22 at the time. I was pleasantly surprised by the book and closely it resembles so many peoples high school lives. How insightful it was into a world that, from the outside, seems so small and as a teenager, is the only one you know.

The book is beautifully written to explore one girls world and how the cause and effect of the people around her led her to ending her life.

Now, for me, the book seemed a lot more personal than the show, however, how many parents know exactly what their children are reading at any given time? Why has the show prompted ratings and controversy when this book has been readily available on shelves for a decade?

Teachers and parents want to blame this show for how their kids are acting out, but why not use it as a tool to teach them how everything they do in life could have a positive or negative effect on those around them.

A book that has become a best-seller and is high school libraries was not an issue, so why a show?

'Before I Fall' is in the same category of books and will soon hit theaters. It also shows the cause and effect of someones actions but instead of all the negative controversy around such books and shows, people should be taking this as an opportunity for discussion. They should use this to teach and learn from so that young adults learn there is a much larger world they're about to head into and everything they do can change someone.

My daughter is now 12 and heading into the age group that these books are geared towards, instead of trying to hide these things, it has become easier to talk to her about them. With most things in life, the more you tell kids you don't want them watching something or doing something, they're going to find a way to do the opposite. Instead of trying to stunt her curiosity, we've found ways to talk about it. This way if she ever feels in the same position as Hannah she can come to me or someone close, knowing she will not be judged or turned away.