Jay Asher is an American author best known for his debut novel, Thirteen Reasons Why, published in 2007. The book explores the themes of mental health, bullying, and the impact of choices, following the story of a high school student who receives tapes from a classmate who took her own life. Asher's work has received critical acclaim and has been adapted into a popular Netflix series. He has also written other novels, including The Future of Us and What Light, and continues to engage in discussions about mental health and the importance of empathy in society.