Exclusive: 'Thirteen Reasons Why' author to co-write a new YA novel

Jay Asher, who wrote the bestselling 2007 anti-bullying book Thirteen Reasons Why, is teaming up with author Carolyn Mackler to pen a new young adult novel titled The Future of Us, Penguin announced today. The book, about Josh and Emma, two close friends in 1996 who use AOL—such period accuracy!—and discover the Facebook pages of their future selves, is set to hit stores in November. From the plot description, it appears it will be lighter in tone than Asher’s suicide-themed Thirteen Reasons Why, which is currently being developed by Universal Studios as a film to star Selena Gomez.

Readers will be able get an early taste of The Future of Us this summer. An excerpt will be included in the paperback edition of Thirteen Reasons Why, which goes on sale June 14.