Thirteen Reasons Why - ok for a 12 year old?

[WhineCellar]

My DD (12) wants to watch this but knows I would say no so she has gone and bought the book.

I've not seen the TV show but I said I wanted to read the book before she did just to check it's OK. I've just finished it and I'm in two minds about whether she should read it or not. From what I glean from threads on here the TV show depicts events in far more graphic detail than the book does. There are some disturbing themes and events in the book but nothing too detailed.

So should I let her read it? She's quite mature and sensible and is 13 in a matter of weeks.

It's very difficult for people to have an input on this without knowing your DD.
Preteens/early teens vary so much. At 12/13 I wouldn't of been ready to read this. I doubt I'd want to read it now to be honest, but I could of probably of had a better understanding of it and not found it too difficult to process in my mid to later teens.

I'd worry about it playing on her mind, or her not understanding why some events had so much impact on her, or thinking that these things are worth ending your life over or are the cause of long lasting damage, or equal etc etc... So much for her to have to process. Is she able to do so? Is she happy and confident about coming to you if she doesn't understand.
I think a book like this is used to try to teach teens/young adults about the effect their behaviour can have on others. I personally don't like them, and would try to put her off reading it. Or maybe ask her to come to you after each chapter to see how she's doing with it, if you feel you shouldn't stop her from reading it.

It depends how sensitive she is really. At age 13, one of my children would be fine, the other wouldn't. I don't know how the movie and book differ either.

Dd (who was 13 going on 14) watched it with me.

In the book there is no graphic description of anything beyond a bit of foreplay. Probably about on a parr with Judy Bloom's Forever.

But the underlying theme is of course a big concern.

Hmmm.... I think the TV show glamorised some of the themes. I'd probably feel better about the book. On the plus side, it does explore some important issues that your DD may benefit from being aware of. Particularly the potential dangers at parties etc. I think the suggestion, to let her know she can speak to you about anything in the book, is a good one.