Jay Asher is Finally Here!

Everyone has seen the larger than life signs. Everyone has heard the announcements. Most people have even read the book. And all that preparation came to fruition on April 27, when Jay Asher, author of Thirteen Reasons Why, finally visited RAL.

“I was really nervous,” said Stacie Johnson 12, the student chosen to introduce Asher at the presentations.

Asher’s day first started with a campus tour, led by our very own Trevor Scott 11. He then moved right into his two school presentations, outlining his career as a writer and his inspiration for his bestselling novel.

“I’m really honored to be here,” said Asher in reference to Longview designating April 27 as ‘Jay Asher Day,’ “Next year I’m gonna make everyone in my family wear something crazy in recognition of my day.”

For those who have not heard about Thirteen Reasons Why, here is a brief summary: Hannah Baker commits suicide, and leaves behind 13 tapes, each tape detailing a reason why she decided to take her life. She sent these tapes on a mailing chain to 13 people just before she took the pills. The narrator is Clay, who receives a copy of the tapes and doesn’t know why. The novel outlines his physical and mental journey while listening to the tapes.

“The idea came to me when I went on a museum audio tour in Las Vegas, and the eeriness of someone’s voice talking when they weren’t there. Around that same time, a close relative of mine tried to commit suicide. It took me two years to put the idea together,” said Asher.

After Asher finished with his two presentations, he went to a local radio show to talk about his Thirteen Reasons Why.

He got no break after that. He toured various English classrooms and chatted with teachers. After school, there was a book signing for all of those who had received a copy of Thirteen Reasons Why in 13RW: Pass it On!, or who had their own copy. Someone even had their face signed.  

Following the book signing, there was a televised Book Chat session, hosted by KLTV, held after school, with an RAL student asking Asher questions about his novel and writing in general.

“Today’s really busy,” said Asher, “But it’s also a lot of fun. Longview is a great town.”