📖 Overview
Jay Asher is an American author primarily known for writing young adult fiction. His breakthrough novel "Thirteen Reasons Why" (2007) became a New York Times bestseller and was later adapted into a successful Netflix series.
Born in Arcadia, California in 1975, Asher initially pursued a career in children's picture books while working various jobs at bookstores, libraries, and retail shops. He attended Cuesta Community College and California Polytechnic State University before leaving to focus on writing.
His published works include the novels "The Future of Us" (co-written with Carolyn Mackler), "What Light," and "Piper," along with several picture books and middle school humor novels. "Thirteen Reasons Why" received critical acclaim and multiple awards, earning praise from notable authors including Sherman Alexie and Ellen Hopkins.
The Netflix adaptation of "Thirteen Reasons Why" premiered in 2017, with Selena Gomez serving as executive producer. The series brought renewed attention to Asher's work and sparked discussions about the portrayal of sensitive topics in young adult literature.
👀 Reviews
Reader feedback centers primarily on "Thirteen Reasons Why," which receives varying ratings across platforms (3.9/5 on Goodreads from 850,000+ ratings, 4.5/5 on Amazon from 7,000+ reviews).
Readers appreciate:
- Raw, honest portrayal of difficult topics
- Engaging narrative structure
- Emotional impact and message about actions affecting others
- Accessible writing style for young adult readers
Common criticisms:
- Simplistic handling of serious issues
- Character development feels shallow
- Plot relies on unrealistic scenarios
- Message could be triggering for vulnerable readers
"The Future of Us" and "What Light" receive more modest ratings (3.7/5 and 3.8/5 on Goodreads). Readers note these books lack the emotional depth of his debut.
One frequent reader comment highlights the authenticity of teen voices: "Asher captures how teenagers actually think and talk." Others criticize perceived glorification of tragedy: "The story seems to romanticize suicide rather than address it responsibly."
Note: In 2018, multiple misconduct allegations led some readers to boycott his works.
📚 Books by Jay Asher
Thirteen Reasons Why (2007)
A high school student receives a box of cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah Baker before she died by suicide, revealing thirteen reasons why she made her decision.
The Future of Us (2011) Two teenage friends in 1996 discover their future Facebook profiles when they log onto AOL, giving them glimpses of their lives fifteen years into the future.
What Light (2016) A teenage girl whose family runs a Christmas tree lot in California each winter navigates romance and family traditions during her final holiday season working at the lot.
Piper (2017) A graphic novel retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, following a mysterious young woman who arrives in a rat-infested medieval town offering to solve their problem.
The Future of Us (2011) Two teenage friends in 1996 discover their future Facebook profiles when they log onto AOL, giving them glimpses of their lives fifteen years into the future.
What Light (2016) A teenage girl whose family runs a Christmas tree lot in California each winter navigates romance and family traditions during her final holiday season working at the lot.
Piper (2017) A graphic novel retelling of The Pied Piper of Hamelin, following a mysterious young woman who arrives in a rat-infested medieval town offering to solve their problem.
👥 Similar authors
John Green writes contemporary young adult novels dealing with mental health, relationships, and loss. His books like "Looking for Alaska" and "The Fault in Our Stars" explore similar themes to Asher's work regarding teen struggles and mortality.
Jennifer Niven focuses on complex emotional narratives involving teen relationships and mental health challenges. Her novel "All the Bright Places" particularly echoes themes found in "Thirteen Reasons Why."
Gayle Forman creates stories centered on life-changing moments and their ripple effects through relationships. Her works like "If I Stay" and "Where She Went" deal with heavy decisions and consequences similar to Asher's narrative style.
Matthew Quick writes about characters dealing with mental health issues and social struggles in contemporary settings. His book "The Silver Linings Playbook" demonstrates his ability to balance serious topics with moments of hope, comparable to Asher's approach.
Laurie Halse Anderson addresses difficult subjects in young adult literature including trauma and mental health. Her novel "Speak" tackles serious issues with similar narrative depth to Asher's work.
Jennifer Niven focuses on complex emotional narratives involving teen relationships and mental health challenges. Her novel "All the Bright Places" particularly echoes themes found in "Thirteen Reasons Why."
Gayle Forman creates stories centered on life-changing moments and their ripple effects through relationships. Her works like "If I Stay" and "Where She Went" deal with heavy decisions and consequences similar to Asher's narrative style.
Matthew Quick writes about characters dealing with mental health issues and social struggles in contemporary settings. His book "The Silver Linings Playbook" demonstrates his ability to balance serious topics with moments of hope, comparable to Asher's approach.
Laurie Halse Anderson addresses difficult subjects in young adult literature including trauma and mental health. Her novel "Speak" tackles serious issues with similar narrative depth to Asher's work.