Jay Asher Speaks at O'Neal
O’Neal was privileged to have bestselling author Jay Asher speak to students in grades 8-12 as part of his 50 States Against Bullying tour on Monday, October 20th.
O’Neal was privileged to have bestselling author Jay Asher speak to students in grades 8-12 as part of his 50 States Against Bullying tour on Monday, October 20th. Mr. Asher is the author of Thirteen Reasons Why, a book which has inspired anti-bullying conversations and efforts throughout the country. This event was possible through the generous support of The Country Bookshop. O'Neal was his only planned stop in
In Mr. Asher’s presentation at O’Neal, he began by describing how he started writing books and the events in his life that prompted him to write the book. He addressed how people have reacted to reading the book and the signs to look for in people who may be contemplating suicide. He states, “This book has been a bittersweet success. For some people, they just love the book and the suspense. There are some people I know who run to it as it deals with these things (bullying / suicide). I don’t think that the book would have been as successful if we all did a better job talking about these things.”
Thirteen Reasons Why is the story of a teenage girl who before taking her own life, records several cassette tapes explaining why and sends them to people she feels pushed her toward that decision. When first published, the book became a popular teen read and many have commented “The book changed my life.” The book brings out the importance of understanding how words and actions affect others, and the fact that every person matters. On his “50 States Against Bullying” tour, Asher hopes to bring this message to students’ attention in schools across the country.
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