Since its release, the novel has received both praise and criticism. Despite the mixed critical reviews, the novel became a bestseller after its release,[11] holding a spot at number 16 on USA Today's list of Top 100 Books of 2017[12] after the release of the Netflix adaptation earlier that year. While the show's popularity increased interest in the novel,[12] its notoriety among suicide prevention groups[13] drew criticism of the novel's premise. After the show's release, school psychologists criticized the novel's premise for failing to address mental illness and making Hannah's death seem like the result of "stressors or coping challenges."[14]
Due to its depictions of sexual assault in particular, another question about the novel is whether it should be given a warning label to alert readers of the content. Alev Scott, a writer from The Financial Times, argues that adding a precaution at the beginning of the piece could create a negative mindset that readers will carry with them into the reading, even if they might not initially have had this mindset.[15] Nevertheless, especially after the release of the Netflix show, critics are revisiting the novel to question whether it glorifies suicide.[14]
Ali Jan Maqsood, a writer at the DELTA school, suggests that this is a book all young adults should read to inform them about how life events can create negative thoughts, which can then lead to cynical views about one's life.[2]
Censorship in the United States
Thirteen Reasons Why has frequently been challenged and removed from schools and libraries, according to the American Library Association. The book landed on the ALA's Top 10 Most Challenged Books lists in 2012, 2017, and 2018.[16] Ultimately, it became the third-most challenged book between 2010 and 2019.[17] The book has been challenged because it addresses teen suicide, is sexually explicit, includes drugs, alcohol, and smoking, and is considered unsuitable for the age group.[16]
Awards
- 2013 – Abraham Lincoln Award winner[18]
- 2010 – South Carolina Young Adult Book Award winner[19]
- 2009 – International Reading Association Young Adults' Choice list[20]
- 2009 – Writing Conference's Literature Festival[21]
- 2008 – Best Books for Young Adults YALSA[22]
- 2008 – Quick Picks for Reluctant Young Adult Readers YALSA[23]
- 2008 – Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults YALSA[24]
- 2008 – California Book Award silver medal – Young Adult[25]
