Best-selling young adult author Jay Asher to visit Pitt-Bradford next week

BRADFORD, PA – Jay Asher, author of the #1 New York Times best-selling young adult novel “Thirteen Reasons Why,” will visit the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford April 9 as part of his “50 States Against Bullying” tour.

Asher will speak at 7 p.m. in the Harriett B. Wick Chapel on campus. The event is free and open to the public, but reservations are requested. To make a reservation, contact Dr. Wayne Brinda, associate professor of education, at wjb27@pitt.edu.

During his visit to Bradford, Asher will visit students from St. Bernard and Floyd C. Fretz Middle Schools and Bradford Area High School and dine with winners of an essay contest about bullying and their parents. His visit is co-sponsored by the university’s education program, its Education Club, the Bradford Area Public Library and Bradford Area School District.

Prior to Asher’s public appearance, Sarah Schreiber, a psychologist with the school district, will lead a discussion at 5:30 p.m. on “Building Kinder Communities.”

Asher’s debut novel, “Thirteen Reasons Why,” tells the story of Hannah Baker, a high school student who dies by suicide but leaves several cassette tapes behind to explain to those who hurt her what she believes to be the 13 reasons why she made the choices that led to her death.

First published in 2007, the book has spent more than 163 weeks on The New York Times best-seller list, has been published in 35 countries, has more than 2.1 million copies in print in the United States and has become a discussion piece for anti-bullying campaigns.

Asher said the book was inspired by a relative who attempted suicide and that the book’s format was inspired by a driving tour he took in Wyoming.

“The excitement among young people, librarians, and teachers for Jay’s books encouraged me to schedule his visit,” Brinda said. “It’s also an invaluable experience for people of all ages to hear and meet successful authors who create meaningful literature that inspires young people to read and write.  Hearing and meeting Jay is an incredible opportunity for the entire community.”

A second novel, “The Future of Us,” co-written with Carolyn Mackler, tells the story of two teens in 1996 who discover their future selves on the yet-to-be-invented Facebook.

There are plans for both books to be made into motion pictures. Asher lives in California with his wife and son.

There will be a book-signing and reception with refreshments provided by the Pitt-Bradford Hospitality Management Club following Asher’s presentation. For more information on Asher’s visit to Bradford, contact Brinda.

For disability needs related to the on-campus events, contact the Office of Disability Resources at (814) 362-7609 or clh71@pitt.edu