"Thirteen Reasons" to read local book

For one local writer, congratulations are in order.

"Thirteen Reasons Why," a young adult novel by Nipomo librarian Jay Asher, has spent a week on The New York Times' best-seller list.

The novel landed on the list at No. 10 on March 30, thanks to hot sales earlier that month. It debuted in October 2007.

Here's the blurb printed in the Times: "A girl’s last act before committing suicide is to send explanatory audiotapes to 13 people she holds responsible."

Recommended for ages 14 and up, "Thirteen Reasons Why" is available in local bookstores for $17. It's published by Razorbill, an imprint of Penguin Young Readers Group.

To learn more, check out the book's Web site and visit author Jay Asher's MySpace profile.

You can also scope out the blog Asher shares with fellow writers Robin Mellom and Eve Porinchak, The Disco Mermaids.

-- Sarah L.