Friday, June 24, 2011

1 and 9

I'm in New Orleans right now for the American Library Association's annual convention. The convention hasn't started yet, but I'm already starstruck by all the amazing authors I've been running into. I'll post a summary of ALA (with pics) when I get back, but I can't wait to tell you about a couple of very cool things I learned right before I got here.

On Wednesday afternoon, I received an extremely exciting phone call from my publisher. As you may know, Thirteen Reasons Why finally came out in paperback last week. Apparently a whole bunch of you ran out and bought it (and told your friends to buy it), because it debuted on the New York Times bestsellers list at...

NUMBER ONE!!!


Thank you all so much for continuing to feel like this is a story you want other people to know about.

After I calmed down from that news (just kidding...I haven't calmed at all!), I heard from a 24-year-old reader in Pennsylvania, Kerianne, who had this tattooed above her ankle.


It's the Stop, Rewind, and Play icons, to remind her that you can't change the past, you can only press Play. And the blue number 9 is a reminder of reason number nine. It's a reminder to not believe rumors, to have empathy, and to care for others.

Those are definitely great ideas to remember forever, which is a great thing because...it's a tattoo.

I love my readers!

12 comments:

Unknown said...

First and foremost, oh my gosh, New Orleans is a second hometown for us Louisianians (I live in Shreveport), so hope you have a blast while you're there. Secondly, CONGRATULATIONS on making number 1!! That is a HUGE accomplishment, Jay, and we, your readers and fellow writers, are so very proud of you.

Can't wait to see what you have in store for us next. :)

Erin Dealey said...

Wow. A seed of an idea becomes a lot of long hours and then a book--and look at all of the lives you are changing, helping, and yes--saving.

Congratulations,Jay.
Erin
@erindealey

Sabrina Steyling said...

Congratulations on your Number 1 Jay! That is fantastic! I'm so happy for you.

That tattoo is really cool! Your book is truly making a difference in lots of peoples' lives. How wonderful!

Bonnie said...

Congrats Jay!! That is really awesome!!

Naomi Canale said...

This is such GREAT news Jay! Congratulations! And that tattoo - amazing!!

A Journey in Reading said...

Congratulations on the number 1 debut!! How amazing is that?? And I adore the tattoo... whenever that reader is down... they always have a reminder to move forward.... you gave her that reminder!!

Keep doing what you do best!!!

YA Book Queen said...

Congrats, Jay!! How incredible, :)

I love the meaning behind that tattoo, very cool.

Claire Dawn said...

That tattoo is amazing. And it's a crazy took for wpreading the word, both about the book and the message.

Bonnie said...

Jay, you going to be at the July meeting this month for Night Writers? I wanted to pick your brain for a second or two.

Rose said...

I bought your book today in the Detroit, MI airport for my flight to San Antonio, TX. I love love loved it. I even posted it on my facebook that if anyone was looking for a good read they should pick up this book next! Thanks!

Ryan and Family said...

I'm amazed by your tenacity for writing. Though not something I could do myself, I am constantly on the look out for must read books, books destined to have an impact. It warms me to see that you care enough to tackle those taboo issues. Though taboo they are issues our young need to read about.

We are living in a world where consequences are a figment of the imagination. Where kind caring words and actions are something you read about not something you encounter day to day.

This book is one I will have my children read. I want them to know that despite what they may sometimes think the world doesn't revolved around only them. It revolves around all of us and if we are to gain knowledge we must in turn revolved around one another. Thank you for being brave enough to write such a timeless account of youth!!

Stacy said...

I just finished reading Thirteen Reasons Why and I loved it! Great read! I felt like I was reliving Hannah's journey and yet walking with Clay as she was going through so many emotions as she listed to Hannah's voice. My favorite read all summer. Keep up the good work!!!