13 reasons why a true story?

According to a 2009 New York Times article, the book Thirteen Reasons Why was partly inspired by a relative of Asher’s, who tried to commit suicide. The actual story itself, however, is a work of fiction, with the same article noting that Asher was inspired to use tape recordings after enjoying a recorded audio guide at an exhibition once — something that he thought was “a really cool format for a book” that he hadn’t seen before.

The book Thirteen Reasons Why feels somewhat true to readers, just as I’m sure 13 Reasons Why will with Netflix audiences, because issues of teen suicide (and the reasons that push teenagers to such a tragic outcome) are unfortunately always relevant. If not from their own firsthand experience with the subject, most people know someone, in their own friendship group, school, or community, who has sadly had some kind of an experience with suicide. And when stories confront those issues, they can feel painfully true to life.

The TV show 13 Reasons Why might be a work of fiction, but that isn’t to say that it might not ring true or poignant for viewers in some way. Clearly, Asher’s book made a significant impact on the lives of many people who had been forced to tragically face the reality of suicide in some capacity, and I have a strong feeling that this Netflix adaptation might just do the same.