So I have a story about the author of this book, that is now an extremely well done series on Netflix.
When I was still a student at NKU, Jay Asher came to do a book signing, it was an auditorium presentation followed by atrium selling and autograph session with a smaller open floor readings upstairs. I never heard of him before or read his book.
I was there to read something I wrote because someone invited me to come. It was an extremely dark piece, one that actually was dark enough that the person who talked me to coming stopped really talking to me after hearing it.
I was in serious pain at that time in my life. Depression, divorce, constant suicidal thoughts.
My hands shook with each line I read, my heart pounded so loudly I don’t remember hearing myself. It was a very personal thing, emotions and all. Very dark.
I had multiple people talk to me afterwards asking if things in it were true.
That is the last piece of my writing I’ve ever read publicly.
I remember that look on Jay Asher’s face, I wasn’t sure how to define it. He gave me another glance later before I left after everyone was done with their readings and now I wish I would have taken the time to talk with him.
I never read his book that he was promoting. 13 Reasons Why. Wasn’t that interested in the concept of the story. So last night I saw it was on Netflix, I thought, “why not? I met te author” I binge watched 8 episodes in a row, I have to work in like 6 hours or I’d be on my way to finishing it. Episode 8 is what made me think of my time briefly meeting him, after seeing that episode I think I understood that look he gave me.
It wasn’t the same kind of look the potential friend I never made had on her face. Kind of like he understood the personal depth that piece had, and maybe some worry.
Maybe I may find a copy of it sometime, however that person is no more, so sharing it even after a hefty edit wouldn’t matter. I was spot editing in pen on my printed copy minutes before I read it, including long lines moving paragraphs and sentences around, rewording, the works. What reads in my head doesn’t always flow spoken English in a correct manner that sounds right out loud. That sentence for expample probably makes no sense.
Luckily for you, the blog reader, this is usually a brain dump, flaws and all. I can edit the hell out of other people’s work, but editing my own stuff is usually kept to a minimal on thought exercise vs professional work. If I’m getting graded or paid, you better believe it will be edited with the level of criticism that makes me hate myself.
Either way, watch this show, read the book, do both. After I’m done I will be buying the book, like I should have done when I could have had him autograph it.
I will say as a warning, there are subjects in this that may be triggers for some people. If you have no idea what a trigger is, you’re probably someone who really should read this.
