Author Profile

Jay Asher

Jay Asher

Jay Asher is the author of the young adult novels The Future Of Us and Thirteen Reasons Why. Thirteen Reasons Why, his debut novel, spent over two years on the New York Times children's hardcover best-seller list, with foreign rights sold in over 30 countries and more than one million copies in print in the U.S. alone. It is being developed as a movie by Universal Pictures. His second novel, The Future of Us (co-written with Carolyn Mackler), has sold in 15 foreign markets, and is being developed as a movie by Warner Bros. Thirteen Reasons Why won multiple awards: California Book Award, Best Books for Young Adults, Selected Audiobooks for Young Adults, Borders Original Voices Finalist, Barnes & Noble's Top 10 Best Books for Teens, International Reading Assoc. Young Adult's Choices, Kirkus Reviews

Editor's Choice, Book Sense Pick Winner, Chicago Public Library Best Books, Association of Booksellers for Children – Best Books, State Awards – Winner (voted on by students): Florida, Kansas, Kentucky.

Asher is a sought-after keynote speaker at libraries and schools across the country about his novels, suicide prevention, and creative writing for teens. He is beloved by teen and adult audiences alike. Asher has worked at an independent bookstore, an outlet bookstore, a chain bookstore, and two public libraries. He hopes, someday, to work for a used bookstore. When he is not writing, he plays the guitar and goes camping.

"The teens who attended were very interested in hearing about Jay's writing journey. He did a fabulous job connecting with them and sharing his experiences. "
-- Kara Seal, Arapahoe Library District

"I absolutely loved the discussion. I feel that the program was for everyone- all ages, people dealing with various issues/mental illness, writers, book lovers, etc. I had one individual tell me that her husband came with her with no interest in the discussion or the author. She said that he wants to read some of Jay Asher's books after listening to him speak! The most interesting moment for me occurred before the program even started. There were two young adults. One of them asked if she could speak with the author before the event started. Jay Asher willingly met with her. I was standing in the hall when she told him that his book changed her life. She was crying. She told him she went through some difficult things, and his book helped her cope. He smiled, and she continued to cry. They hugged and got a picture. It was a great moment to witness. I knew it was going to be a great program even before the discussion began. "
-- Breana Roach Bowen, Cabell County Public Library



For more about Jay and his works, go to http://www.jayasher.blogspot.com/

Videos featuring Jay Asher

Jay Asher discusses the 50 States Against Bullying Tour





Meet the Writers - Jay Asher