13 Reasons Why's Author Reveals That Hannah Survives in the Original Ending

Warning: spoilers ahead.

Netflix's 13 Reasons Why is one of the most powerful and impactful shows to come out in recent years, tackling heartbreaking issues like teen bullying and suicide head-on. The show was adapted from Jay Asher's 2007 YA novel, and fans of the book know reading his words is just as devastating as seeing them come to life on the small screen. In the story, 17-year-old Hannah Baker (Katherine Langford) commits suicide and leaves behind 13 tapes for people that she believes drove her to do so. In the show, she takes her own life by slitting her wrists with razor blades, but in the book she swallows a bunch of pills and overdoses. In the book's 10th anniversary edition, however, Asher reveals that Hannah survived in his original ending after her parents found her, brought her to the hospital, and had her stomach pumped.

"I liked the idea of 'We've learned something from this. And yet, here's a second chance,'" the author said. "Knowing as well that it was going to be difficult when Hannah went back to school to have to deal with those kids. It's not like everything's smooth now. In fact, it might be even tenser for her. But now there's Clay, who's going to be upfront that he's there for her." He goes on to say that he changed his mind when he realized that a lot of people aren't as lucky when dealing with the issue of suicide. "Out of seriousness for the issue, we realized we can't go there," he continued. "No matter that there were missed opportunities for her. Those opportunities aren't there if you do this. Once I realized that the message of the story would be stronger and that it would definitely be more of a cautionary tale. I felt that was definitely the way to go. That's why Skye's character made a reappearance, which was cool to see her have a bigger role throughout the TV series." While the original ending would have made for a much more interesting season two, we think whatever comes next (hopefully) will be just as powerful.