Books like Thirteen reasons why

Thirteen reasons why by Jay Asher reads as somber, reflective. These 12 books share its genome — matched by how they actually read, not just their shelf label.

It's kind of a funny story

Ned Vizzini · 2000

Both explore mental health

55% genome match

My Heart and Other Black Holes

Jasmine Warga · 2015

Both explore suicide & mental health

63% genome match

Repossessed

A. M. Jenkins · 2007

Both explore grief & mental health

61% genome match

Holding Up the Universe

Jennifer Niven · 2016

Both explore bullying & mental health

58% genome match

Speak

Laurie Halse Anderson · 1999

Both explore bullying

56% genome match

I Fell in Love with Hope

Lancali · 2022

Both explore grief

54% genome match

How It Feels to Float

Helena Fox · 2019

Both explore grief & mental health

56% genome match

Suicide notes

Michael Thomas Ford · 2008

Both explore mental health & suicide

55% genome match

Every last word

Tamara Ireland Stone · 2015

Both explore mental health

55% genome match

Impulse

Ellen Hopkins · 2007

Both explore mental health & suicide

55% genome match

If I Stay

Gayle Forman · 2009

Both explore grief

54% genome match

Saving Francesca

Melina Marchetta · 2004

Both explore mental health & grief

59% genome match