Thirteen Reasons Why
Asher's debut and best-known novel.
Author guide
Jay Asher Books in Order
Jay Asher is an American author born in Arcadia, California, in 1975. His debut young adult novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, became a major bestseller and was adapted as a Netflix series. He also co-wrote The Future of Us with Carolyn Mackler and Piper with Jessica Freeburg, and wrote the young adult novel What Light and the screenplay Christmas in July.
young adult fictionromancegraphic novelsscreenplays
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Novels (4)
- Thirteen Reasons Why
novel · 2007
When high school student Clay Jenkins receives a box in the mail containing thirteen cassette tapes recorded by his classmate Hannah, who committed suicide, he spends a bewildering and heartbreaking night crisscrossing their town,…
- The Future of Us
novel · 2011
It's 1996, and Josh and Emma have been neighbors their whole lives. They've been best friends almost as long—at least, up until last November, when Josh did something that changed everything. Things have been weird between them ever…
- What Light
novel · 2016
Sierra's family runs a Christmas tree farm in Oregon - it's an idyllic place for a girl to grow up, except that every year they have to pack up and move to California to set up their Christmas tree lot for the season. So Sierra lives two…
- Piper
graphic_novel · 2017
Long ago, in a small village in the middle of a deep, dark forest, there lived a lonely, deaf girl named Maggie. Shunned by her village because of her disability, her only comfort comes from her vivid imagination. Maggie has a gift for…
Plays (1)
- Christmas in July
screenplay · 2019
Frequently asked questions about Jay Asher
Who is Jay Asher, and what is he best known for?
Jay Asher is a young-adult author best known for his debut novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, which became a major bestseller and was adapted for Netflix.
When and where was Jay Asher born?
Jay Asher was born on September 30, 1975, in Arcadia, California.
Source: oif.ala.org (opens in a new tab)
How did Jay Asher begin his writing career?
He began writing for children while studying at Cuesta Community College and later attended California Polytechnic State University. He left during his senior year to pursue writing professionally.
Source: oif.ala.org (opens in a new tab)
What inspired Jay Asher to write Thirteen Reasons Why?
Asher has said that a close relative’s suicide attempt in high school was a major inspiration. He also drew on situations he had experienced or heard about over the years.
Source: pbs.org (opens in a new tab)
What awards and legacy are associated with Jay Asher’s work?
Thirteen Reasons Why was selected for the American Library Association’s 2008 Best Books for Young Adults and received a 2007 California Book Award Silver in Young Adult. Its wide reach is reflected in regular New York Times bestseller-list appearances and translations into 35 languages.
Sources: ala.org (opens in a new tab)commonwealthclub.org (opens in a new tab)penguinrandomhouse.com (opens in a new tab)