Tell Me Three Things

Julie Buxbaum knows the insides of a teen's heart and mind! In TELL ME THREE THINGS she hits the nail on the head with the emotions of Jessie, who moves to LA with her father who marries a seemingly wicked stepmother. Everything in her life as she knows it changes in an instant. It's been two years since her mom has died and she's still grieving, and now this, everything has been taken away from her. In LA, an anonymous email comes to her and a friendly/flirty correspondence begins -- this SOMEBODY/NOBODY person seems to understand Jessie more than she understands herself and helps her navigate the new ways of her uppity Wood Valley High School. Just when she thinks she has figured out who SOMEBODY/NOBODY is, this person becomes more of a mystery. With a cast of characters you'll fall in love with, and a storyline to break your heart and make you feel hope, wonder and emotions all over the place, TELL ME THREE THINGS is a book for young adults and adults. I loved Julie's women's fiction and I'm so thrilled she has jumped into the Young Adult pool because teens will love her writing too! Cannot wait to see what's next from this amazing author!!

I think it's no secret by now that I love a sweet contemporary romance. While they're not the majority of what I read, there's just something about a book that you can fly through and finish with happy, warm feelings. Yet, some of these books are... forgettable. They leave you happy for a while, sure, but they don't do anything for you in the long run. Tell Me Three Things, however, is not one of those books, because it's filled with nuanced characters and a couple you can't help but root for--even though you're not fully sure who the second half of the couple is!

Jessie feels like a pitch-perfect teenager. Yes, she's a lot of fun to follow, because she's smart and very true to herself, but she's also moody and rather selfish at times--but weren't we all? I love that she was able to continue to see who she was throughout all of the adversity and sought out friendships and acceptance in the kinds of people who saw how great she was. And yet, behaves immaturely when dealing with her new family situation and fails to see her best friend's concerns. It's these failings--and her ability to learn from them--that make Jessie such a winning character.

The core of the book, the mystery of SN, is one of those things that you think you know. Then you think maybe not? Then you're pretty sure. Then you think you're completely wrong. Then you just start to hope. And hope some more. But, honestly, at the end of it, you know that however it ends, it's going to be good, because how Jessie and SN interact is so genuine and sweet.

Y'all. You'll finish Tell Me Three Things with a stupid happy grin. You'll feel for Jessie's pain and celebrate her happy ending with her--and it's certainly an unforgettable happy ending, promise!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

***I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review

READ THIS BOOK IF:

You’re looking for a feel good story

You’ve lost someone

You’re still figuring out who you are, who you want to be, and who you’re becoming. If you’re human ;)

Tell Me Three Things is refreshing and funny and honest. It’s a story of learning who you are and how you change after loss, but more, how you find yourself while falling in love for the first time. It’s silly and charming and full of those quintessential awkward and embarrassing moments that everyone experiences in high school and especially when talking to the opposite sex. Get ready to three things: (1) laugh, (2) learn, and (3) love.

PROS:

There are so many perfectly quotable and deep moments that sound so casual it’s crazy. Moments of identity, of embarrassing agency and power as a woman, as a person.

Smiling. It’s impossible not to laugh and blush and smile. I relived so many moments in high school in these odd 300 pages and I’m still living some of those uncertain, floundering moments when dealing with someone you’re crushing on and body issues. Always.

The mystery is killer. There are so many false leads, so many clues, and tons of hints that will point you in all sorts of directions. You have to know. NEED to know. And you’ll definitely have a favorite to ship.

Characters are real, vibrant, you’ll feel like you know them on a personal level and encountered them in real life.

Jessie. I adore her. She’s so much stronger than she knows. Her insecurity is raw and honest, and she questions, she doesn’t understand how awesome she truly is. But who does in high school? She’s funny, a little nerdy, smart, and oh so turned upside-down in her new life. It’s crazy refreshing how authentic she is.It’s all there, front and center. She never pretends to be something she’s not.

SN. Everyone needs an SN to guide them through the insanity of high school, to make them laugh, to hold their hand when the loss threatens to consume, and when people are the worst. SN truly shows the power of building a relationship based on something more than the physical. SN is dorky, weird, shy, but playful. Seriously hot. Get ready to fall.

It’s easy to get so consumed by your own drama that you lose sight of how others are suffering. That’s an important aspect of this story too. Loss doesn’t isolate you. You don’t do it alone. And you should never have to feel that way.

CONS:

The mean girl was overly cliché. It made things a little predictable.

It took forever for the reveal…so long.

If having a TON of pages dog-eared (or highlighted) is the mark of a great book, then Tell Me Three Things certainly qualifies. It's just the right level of intensity to be an enjoyable read, it's sweet and there are so many moments of witty dialogue. Centered around a seventeen year old named Jessie as she moves to a new state, becomes part of a new family dynamic, and joins a new school. She's grieving the loss of her mother, the loss of the house she grew up in, and missing her best friend. That's ALOT for anyone, but these new circumstances are enough to leave the poor girl in a haze of angst.

Jessie Holmes is one of those characters that is likable from the get go. We are immediately plunged into Jessie's new reality and meet her anonymous email pal Somebody Nobody. I LOVE stories when they unfold through personal communications. I just seem to get the characters quicker and this story is filled with a great group of people Jessie is forced to interact with, most coming from her new school.

As to characters, Buxbaum provides us with the dismissive step-brother (Theo), the schools' "mean girls" (Crystal and Gem), the brooding and nerdy hot boy(Ethan), new friends Dri and Agnes, and of course Scarlett - the best friend left behind in Chicago. But the real star of the story Somebody Nobody ( who may or may not be one of the aforementioned characters). Jessie's email and instant message conversations with "SN" are so telling and where the sweet and witty aspects really shine. I caught myself smiling at their banter. And yes, I googled Fermi Paradox. With SN, Jessie starts to feel not so alone. The big mystery is "who is SN" and we're left wondering IF and WHEN SN will come-forward. Its fun as Jessie tries to figure it out and makes some unexpected guesses.

I've read Julie's other books and both stayed with me long after I finished them. Each one is unique in character and story-line and I commend her range. Once again, she's left me with a story I won't forget. 5 Stars and recommendation in the YA genre.

**Review originally posted on My Fangirl Chronicles**

Let me tell you three things about “Tell Me Three Things”:

I absolutely adore Jessie and was surprised by how much I could relate to her.
This story was super cute: it had me giggling, weeping, and squee-ing.
The cover gives me the munchies.

I’ll be honest and say that the cover for this book is what first caught my attention. I mean, cute heart-shaped waffles? How could I ignore that? It also sounded like the type of story that I hadn’t read yet, but was definitely interested in. Then I discovered that Julie is set to attend Pasadena Loves YA later this year, so I thought I should give this book a shot before then. And I’m so glad I did because I ended up absolutely loving it!

From the moment I started reading I was so immersed in the story that I couldn’t stop, and when I had to I found myself constantly thinking about it and trying to figure out how it was all going to unfold. Unable to wait to get home to continue reading, I also borrowed the audio book from the library so I could listen to it at work and in the car. I wanted to always have it at hand so I could immediately jump right back into Jessie’s story. That’s how much I adore this book.

I love Julie’s writing and how she’s able to capture each of her characters’s voices and personalities so they all feel like a real person. Jessie was definitely my favorite character out of all of them because she felt so genuine, and I could definitely picture going through some of the troubles she went through. There was also so much about her character that I could relate to, especially being bullied when I was in grade school and feeling as if I could only convey the best version – and most likable version of me – through written words. I often found myself thinking, “I totally get you, Jessie. I know how that feels.” Jessie goes though SO much in such a short period of time: her mother’s death, her father remarrying, moving across the country, going to a brand new school, bullying, high school drama, but she’s able to move forward despite all that and that strength is what really made me admire her.

The whole mystery surrounding her anonymous pen(email?)pal was so intriguing and had me constantly guessing who it was! At first Julie had me thinking it was one person but then later new facts were revealed then I started questioning myself; I felt like a detective and it was actually really fun. Halfway through the book something was revealed and I just knew who it was, and I couldn’t be happier. “Tell Me Three Things” is a beautiful and heartwarming story that perfectly blends tragedy with romance, friendship, and comedy, and had me hooked from page one. You guys definitely need to pick this up ASAP!

Disclosure: I received a review copy from the publisher in exchange for a honest review/blog tour.

First and foremost, I should mention I rarely read contemporary fiction, adult or young-adult. But there was something about the cover of Tell Me Three Things that caught my eyes and I knew I just had to read it. And I’m so glad I did because I absolutely loved it! Let me tell you three things: 1) This book will make you laugh and cry in the best ways. 2) It is unequivocally heart-warming and will evoke every feeling imaginable. 3) You will love this book.

Tell Me Three Things is Buxbaum YA debut and it was amazing. While the basis of the plot has been done before, it is the writing and characters that makes this book standout. Buxbaum’s novel is part book, part email and part messenger/texting…and while I’m not usually into the whole emailing/texting thing (I’ve seen some books done in this style) Bauxbaum made it work and created a whole new experience when it comes to reading. Well, for me at least. The emails/textings just made everything feel more personal; like I really knew Jessie, Dri, Scarlett and SN…they all felt relatable and realistic.

I loved Jessie, she was so adorable...an all-around great heroine. Jessie’s life gets turned upside down when her mom passes away and her dad remarries; picking up and leaving everything behind as she and her dad moves to the suburbs of Los Angeles. Describing Jessie’s life as chaotic might be an understatement; between dealing with her mom’s death, moving in with people she’s barely met and navigating junior high as the new girl is stressful and overwhelming but I thought Jessie handled her situation perfectly. Her best friend, Scarlett describes her as a ninja/fighter and it certainly fits. Jessie is strong, independent, brave, funny, and most importantly she knows who she is and doesn’t let others define her. She’s confident as heck, and I love that about her. As it is typical of high school, there’s always a group of mean girls and bullying, and Jessie isn’t immune to it as two girls constantly pick on her. Never once did Jessie let it get the best of her and never once did she stoop to their level or ratted them out. Jessie never pretends to be someone else or conform to the likes of her peers (In this case, rich private school kids). For a sixteen-year-old she is extremely mature, an old soul as her dad says.

Tell Me Three Things was everything I looked for in a novel; it had a great story, realistic and lovable characters, a heroine with a great voice and personality, and an enthralling mystery (Yes, I kind of figured out who SN was but I was still at the edge of my seat as their meet-up came closer and closer)! I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Tell Me Three Things! I know my review can’t do it the justice it deserve , but trust me when I say this you don't want to miss this one! We’re a little over a month and half till Tell Me Three Things hit shelves and I can’t wait for everyone to read it. I know it’s going to be a hit! I highly recommend this fun, sweet and heart-warming novel. It is, hands-down the best YA contemporary I’ve ever read. E-V-E-R. Pre-order the book now you guys, I’m that confident that you’ll love it as much as I did! L-O-V-E. I will definitely be checking out Buxbaum’s other books and I can’t wait to see more YA books from her. World, get ready because Buxbaum’s YA debut is going to make waves!

*Side note: That cover is so perfect for the story, it all made sense after read it! ♥ My new favorite word is Waffle lol.

Sixteen-year-old Jessie Holmes relocates to Los Angeles from Chicago with her dad less than two years after her mom’s death. Her new life includes a wealthy step-mother, a spoiled step-brother and privileged classmates. As Jessie begins her junior year at an elite private school, she finds herself homesick and lonely --- until she receives an anonymous email from an admirer. The trials and tears of losing a loved one and starting over unfold thoughtfully in the new young adult novel, TELL ME THREE THINGS.

Changing schools in the eleventh grade means fitting into a new “high school hierarchy,” and the midwest brunette bookworm doesn’t feel like she belongs anywhere at Wood Valley High. In fact, Jessie thinks she has entered a “jungle” where girls travel “like lionesses” in groups and where blond highlights and porcelain veneers are ubiquitous. Author Julie Buxbaum’s vivid description of a private school in Southern California “where everything is all shiny and expensive,” brings to mind the television show “Beverly Hills, 90210.” Wood Valley would make a glamorous setting for TV or film.

Of course, Jessie’s glamorous new home, her step-mother’s mansion, looks like it belongs in Architectural Digest, yet it lacks warmth and comfort. Jessie says she feels like she “[has] moved into a museum filled with strangers.” Without her mom, nothing seems normal. She calls her new living situation “a new, unidentifiable formation. A cockeyed parallelogram.” Eventually, the teen straightens out her relationships with her step-mom, Rachel, her step-brother, Theo and her father. The novel sensitively explores living in a “blended-family,” a common topic for many young readers.

And young readers will enjoy the teen romance, which develops throughout the novel. At the beginning of the school year, Jessie receives a mysterious email from someone calling himself Somebody Nobody (SN), who offers to act as her “virtual spirit guide” to Wood Valley High School. This online connection becomes a personal connection as the junior and her anonymous friend discover “three things” about each other each time they communicate. But is SN a secret soul mate or just some prank? Guessing the identity of SN kept me continuously reading TELL ME THREE THINGS.

Reviewed by Juliette G.

Julie Buxbaum delves into the inner feelings and life of a teen girl TELL ME THREE THINGS —grief stricken by the loss of her mother, thrown into a new stepfamily, and a move to a new city and school, knowing no one.

With wit, lots of heart, and soul ---and a little help from her new anonymous virtual spirit guide, “Somebody Nobody”--they chart their own course, through daily life’s storms and messiness.

• 733 days after mother died (Cancer)
• 45 days after her dad eloped with a stranger on the internet (wealthy)
• 30 days after they move from Chicago to Los Angeles (New stepmom & stepbrother)
• 7 days after starting as a junior at a new prep school (Public to private-knows no one)

To: Jessie A. Holmes ([email protected])
From: Somebody Nobody ([email protected])
Subject: Your Wood Valley H.S. Spirit Guide
Tell Me Three Things

An email arrives. An anonymous letter pops up in Jessie's inbox with a bizarre alias. She is sixteen and her world has just been uprooted like overnight. Someone appears to be there to help her survive Wood Valley High. A guardian angel. For real?

The mom she loved dearly, and her special waffles, is no longer there. Their intimate talks, her support, guidance, and friend. Her dad is distracted, centered on his new wife, and she has an annoying stepbrother, Theo to contend with.

With a cast of supporting characters, Jessie continues to communicate with SN, attempting to guess his identity. She is loving the supportive, funny, and online friend, and comes to depend on him. When she begins making friends, she is still always wondering. Talking with fingertips. It is safe. When will they meet? What is he really like?

A job at the bookstore. Power through the grief. Emotional truths. Naked and unprotected, face to face with life’s fears, battles, and steep mountains to climb. Learning, accepting, desperately trying to fit in.

Juggling guy and girlfriends, crushes, relationships, school, peer pressure, work, family, loves, pain, loss and the ongoing fear and excitement of meeting SN—add in dealing with the normal other teen emotional highs, lows, and frustrations. First times. Trials and failures. Wins and Losses. A desperate need to be accepted and loved. Starting over.

Who does Jessie want SN to be? She continues to analyze everyone she meets to determine if there is a connection to SN – the mystery man. Ethan, Liam, Caleb, or someone else? She will not let go of the crush. The talking, the sharing. The unveiling . . . Possibly, romance, a kiss. poetry, a relationship?

Buxbaum skillfully maneuvers the daily thoughts of Jessie, in her banter with precision, using contemporary subjects, and dialogue, in an entertaining format. Authentic, relatable teen characters, with a nice usage of social media- without being overbearing. Keeping readers glued to
the pages to learn SN's identity.

A fantastic and innovative story for young adults, teens, and even parents and grandparents. (hey, we all have to keep up). We forget too quickly what is was like being a teen. Most of us despised our own teen years; not a time we wish to relive. Junior high and high school are difficult times even for the average teen. A constant state of confusion.

I liked Jessie in so many ways. She was never whinny, selfish, or a drama queen. She took everything in, sometimes without reaction. After all, she did have her faithful SN to confide in.

On a serious note: I loved the commentary from the author at the end. Her heartfelt personal story of the loss of her own mom, at age fourteen. Painful times, delving into those feelings with a powerful story to tell. The beauty of first love, and she tells it with compassion and raw human emotion! The author's first YA debut--Highly relatable, to teens in such a way to balance the loss, grief, with wit and humor.

I listened to the audiobook version (highly recommend) narrated by Jorjeana Marie—a perfect voice for Julie. Priceless. What a great tribute to a mom…Someone is smiling. For fans of YA Contemporary Rainbow Rowell, Veronica Roth, John Green, Jodi Picoult, and Sarah Dessen. Highly recommend!

My three favorite things:
> The Author
> The Characters (SN & Jessie)
> The Narrator

Anyone who knows me knows that Contemporary YA is one of the hardest genres for me to get into. I just can’t seem to connect to the characters, the romance is off, and the plot just doesn’t move the way I like. I kind of made my peace with the notion that this just wasn’t the genre for me. That is, until I read this book. Don’t get me wrong, there have been other contemps in the past that have struck a chord with me, but they’re few and far between. I honestly can’t remember the last contemp I read that I really enjoyed as much as I did this book.

Tell Me Three Things sounded so intriguing, but I’ve been fooled before. Imagine my surprise when the book not only grabbed my attention from the very beginning, but that it also kept my attention and had me getting all ragey because there were moments where I had to put it down to, you know, work and take care of the kids. Ugh!

There isn’t really anything all that epic about the book, but the story and the characters were just plain awesome. I really liked Jessie. She’s a bit shy and insecure, but in a likable way. She didn’t come off as naive and annoying as some characters with this personality and situation tend to be. Sometimes they get too whiney for me and I just can’t connect to them. Jessie was the exception. The emotions and struggles were there, but they weren’t too encompassing and tragic in a way that I wouldn’t be able to get, so I really appreciated that. It really was just enough for me to really feel for Jessie without it being over the top.

As for the romance, it’s kind of obvious who the mystery guy is. It’s pretty typical, but that didn’t make me like it any less. It was fun seeing Jessie try to figure it out and wondering when he would reveal himself. And the secondary characters were just as awesome. There were moments where some of them worked my nerves, but in a good way, if you can believe that. They helped to push Jessie’s story along and realize that sometimes change, although scary and jarring at first, can be a good thing.

If you’re like me and not a big fan of this genre, I seriously urge you to give this book a try. It will have you hooked from start to finish. And if you’re already a big reader in this genre, you’ll want to get your hands on this book as soon as it’s out. A truly excellent book that I’d be more than happy to add to my shelves. Well done!

Full disclosure: I'm a 42-year old high school English teacher, so I'm not the typical audience for this book. I often read YA books to to keep up with books to recommend to my students. That being said -- I found this book to be enjoyable, engrossing, and endearing. The themes that are the most resonant are grief and loneliness. The situation that Jessie finds herself in, being uprooted across the country to find her life completely unfamiliar to her, made me empathize with her. The premise of the secret admirer is sweet and made me want to keep reading to find out the end. While I agree with those readers who said the end reveal is predictable, that does not bother me as a reader. If you care about the characters and can relate to the themes of the book, it shouldn't matter if the secret admirer reveal is predictable, as that is not the point. I found the end to be satisfying, to see Jessie's transformation. I recommend this book.

Jessie Holmes is starting her junior year of high school after moving to Los Angeles from Chicago. Her mom has passed and her dad eloped with a woman who has a son also in the same grade as Jessie. Seven days after starting Wood Valley High School, someone with the name Somebody Nobody e-mails Jessie. From that day on, Somebody Nobody has become a good friend. However, who is this mystery person? Who is SN?

Julie Buxbaum writes an honest story. Jessie doesn't fit in with the rich kids at the elite private school she attends. No one is there for Jessie except her new friends Adrianna (Dri) and Agnes. Even SN tries to help her navigate the Wood Valley High School. But who is SN? Caleb, Liam, Ethan or some other guy that knows her?

Buxbaum showcases healthy female relationships. Jessie's best friend from Chicago, Scarlett, still keeps in touch and they have a strong friendship despite the distance between them. Dri and Agnes are always there for Jessie. Buxbaum tackles a variety of tough topics such as transferring schools, making new friends, bullying, safe sex, parents remarrying and even touches upon socioeconomic upbringings.

The adults in the novel are in their own world and do not even consider that Jessie is going through a tough time. All they claim is that they are trying to understand. However, as the novel progresses, Jessie and her dad finally have a conversation at the end of novel which I thought was important for both of them to express their feelings of the transition. Mrs. Pollack, Jessie's English teacher, also has a conversation about fitting in which I think is crucial.

I love the formatting of Tell Me Three Things. Buxbaum includes Jessie writing in first person. Readers also get to read the text exchanges between Jessie and Scarlett as well as the e-mails and IMs she sends and receives from Somebody Nobody. The way Buxbaum weaves in a subtle mystery within a contemporary is brilliant. It works so well in the novel.

If you are looking for a cute, heartfelt contemporary in the vein of The Start of Me and You by Emery Lord, definitely pick up Tell Me Three Things. This novel is definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far.

After losing her mother two years ago, Jessie has relied on her father and her best friend Scarlet to get through each day. She also felt some sense of comfort and security from the familiarity of her school. When her father announces that he's getting married to a wealthy woman who lives in Los Angeles (they met online), and he and Jessie will be moving from Chicago, she's more than devastated.
Things get worse in Los Angeles. Her new school is a ritzy private one, leaving her feeling exposed and inadequate and an easy target for a pair of nasty blondes. Then there's her new step-brother, Theo who is the same age. They get off to a rocky start because he's already unhappy and her addition to the family just increases that.
When she receives an anonymous email from someone calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short) who offers to help her navigate the uncharted waters at Wood Valley High School, she's cautious, but also curious. Is it a hoax or someone who is really interested in coming to her aid. SN's first suggestion, who to befriend, turns out to be a very good one and it isn't long before Jessie and SN are communicating constantly.
It takes a trip back to Chicago to see her best friend, a change in her relationship with her new step-brother and a willingness to look honestly at herself in order to start growing and changing. Then, there's the stuff she and SN have been sharing, secrets, private experiences and feelings. The more of this that happens, the more Jessie wants to know who SN really is because she's starting to realize that he, and she knows it's a guy by this point, is someone she could really care about.
How she makes that discovery makes for a dandy ending. Teens who like a smart, funny and slightly mysterious story with an interesting cast of characters will really enjoy this one.

Grief is a very strange thing. It makes people behave differently, uncharacteristically and unpredictably. Grief often causes us to act out and neglect those we care for the most. In order to write about it, truly write about it, one must understand it completely and intimately, otherwise it’s just an empty plot device that leads absolutely nowhere. Julie Buxbaum fully understands the subtleties of grief, the isolation and odd behaviors that come with it, and because of her thorough understanding, Tell Me Three Things stands out among others of its kind. It is, in fact, quite extraordinary.

The book is not about grief, which is precisely the point. It has many layers, each one more beautiful than the last. I liked Jessie from the start, and as someone who’s been in her situation, I could completely relate. But even if I couldn’t, Buxbaum’s excellent characterization would have made her stand out. Finding herself in a prestigious school on the other side of the country while still grieving for the loss of her mom and pretty much everything else she ever knew and loved was extremely difficult for Jessie. And yet, she kept her sense of humor the entire time. Her conversations with Somebody Nobody, a mysterious boy who decided to help her learn the ins and outs of her new school, were often very funny. Although the book was sometimes hard to read, especially for someone like me who’s been through very similar things, Buxbaum found the perfect balance between challenging emotions, romance and fun.

Tell Me Three Things is really about loneliness and finding comfort in the strangest of places. There’s a nice mystery going on throughout the book, and while it wasn’t too difficult to guess, I still doubted my answers enough to make things interesting. The romance is one of those rare few with actual substance. It’s a bit different in that it took a lot of time to develop, but that’s something that certainly worked in its favor.

Overall, while I don’t read much contemporary YA, when I do decide to read it, this is precisely the kind I want – mature, emotional and, above all, entertaining.

This book. This book is basically everything. It's light and cute (which is strange considering it starts with the death of Jessie's mother). It's romantic. It's cliche and tropey but still I love it. I could not put this down. I stayed up all night to finish it.

Jessie is the new kid in the super expensive private school in LA. She wants to be back in Chicago with her friends and where her life always was. But her father dragged her away, and now she's stuck. But she can't help constantly embarrassing herself. She gets an anonymous email (from someone named Somebody/Nobody) who is willing to help her with all her questions, and they quickly become friends.

Jessie soon makes new friends with help and suggestions from SN. But she can't help but wonder who he really is. She, her new friends, and her old friends all have theories, but the reveal doesn't happen until the end of the book.

So the characters. Of the guys, I loved Ethan. He was the most mysterious. But Theo ended up not being all that bad. Jessie learned a lot throughout the book. She finally learned to just say the things she wanted to say without having to think about them. Honestly, this book reminded me a bit of You've Got Mail. You know, that movie back from 1998? Yea, that one. The whole, he knows who she is, but she doesn't know who he is until the end but they still ended up falling for each other thing.

So what didn't I like? The predictability. Honestly, I had figured out who SN was really early on. Like really early. I won't say exactly where so it doesn't spoil you, but I had figured it out with 60% certainty by the end of Chapter 1 (and no that is not a spoiler because everyone is introduced in the first chapter). By page ~100 I was 95% certain and it just went up from there. I was, of course, correct.

Overall?
I really loved it, aside from it being predictable. It put me in the mood to read more cute contemporaries. I would definitely recommend this to someone who enjoys the genre.

When Jessie's father spontaneously elopes with a woman from Los Angeles, Jessie's life is uprooted as she moves across the country to LA for her junior year. Jessie is quite unhappy to be living with her new stepmother and stepbrother who she doesn't even know, and isn't thrilled to start attending a fancy private school full of rich people. So on her first day, when she begins receiving anonymous emails from Someone/No One (SN), she is grateful for a friend, even if she doesn't know that is.

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I totally called who SN would be right from the get-to.
That didn't stop me at all from absolutely falling in love with this book.
I loved the instant messaging-style of writing in this book. It doesn't always work for me, but it's done extremely well here.
The storyline is pretty simple, actually, but it totally works and still feels fresh and interesting. As someone who moved around a lot during my school years, I completely identified with Jessie's fears of not fitting in, her anxiety about where to eat lunch, and her longing to make meaningful friendships while still maintaining those from her previous life in Chicago.

I really enjoyed the anonymous messaging back and forth between Jessie and SN. It's a fun way to build their relationship dynamic and helps them become closer over a shorter period of time, because it's so much easier for both of them to be their real selves over writing than in person.

I loved that one of the central plot lines in the story revolves around an English project (yay, reading!) and a cute boy that she gets to be partners with. There's also ANOTHER cure boy who's in a band, and a great girl named Dri who ends up being a really great friend for Jessie.

I loved all of the characters and the role they each played in helping Jessie to come out of her shell and enjoy life in LA.The ending is super-satisfying and I'm so happy with who SN turned out to be! I won't say anything more about it, but this is a super fun read and I'm so glad I picked it up.

Tell Me Three Things is about the struggles of Jessie, who lost her mother and was forced to move into her new step-moms house shortly after. At her new school, where she finds it difficult to assimilate, she receives help from an anonymous "friend", SN, that makes things just a bit more bearable for her. I really liked the SN aspect of this book. I thought it kept the book interesting and I was curious about SN's identity. Though it's a little obvious who it was towards the middle, I still enjoyed it, because I liked their unconventional relationship.

Jessie was a true teenager. She had the self-esteem, attitude and confusion of many teens today. Tell Me Three Things is a character-driven book so it focuses a lot on Jessie's character development. Also, I found the pace a little slow at times, but that tends to happen when I read certain types of contemporary books.

A major theme in this book is grief and family. Many of the characters have lost someone close to them and each character goes through grief differently. They try to live and adapt to their new family while still in the process of dealing with a death in the family.

I thought this book had a lot going for itself. I liked the romance, which I thought was executed nicely. There are a few options for Jessie, but in the end, I liked the boy she chose. This is a good YA coming-of-age book and I think it would be perfect for the summer.

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Jessie lost her mother and when Jessie’s father gets remarried, Jessie must start a new life in a new city and a whole new prep school. After starting at her new school, Jessie receives an email from Somebody Nobody, the writer of the email refuses to tell her who he or she is, but does offer to help her at school by telling her who to become friends with and who to avoid. As the story goes on Somebody Nobody and Jessie form a friendship of sorts, they both confine to each other, making them feel less alone then they have been feeling recently.
I had no idea I would like this book as much as a did. There is something about the mystery of who SN was and the relationship Jessie was making with this person. I also enjoyed all the other characters in the story. They were all very realistic and relatable! There wasn’t anyone I really disliked other than the girl that were mean to Jessie. Jessie was a strong lead that invoked feelings of loneness in the readers. I felt for her the whole time and rooted for her to find her Somebody Nobody. I thought Somebody Nobody was very likable once he/she opened up to Jessie, but I also like the mystery. Somebody Nobody has gone through a lot and I think they had a lot in common.

This was just one of those stories that when you are finished reading, you end up with a huge smile on your face, I know I did! I also didn’t want this books to end, I was so disappointed when I got to the last page. I cannot wait to read more from Ms. Buxbaum!!!

I've enjoyed Julie Buxbaum's adult novels, and was excited to see she has crossed over into the YA realm with her newest novel Tell Me Three Things.

Jessie has had to move from Chicago to LA after her father elopes with a girlfriend Jessie never even knew about. Two years ago Jessie's mom died and ever since then, Jessie has counted down the number of days it has been since she last saw her mom.

Moving, starting over at a new high school in her junior year, leaving her friends behind, trying to live in a house with a step-brother and stepmother she doesn't know.....all of these things would be bad enough on their own, but Jessie is experiencing them all at once.

The school Jessie is attending is a private school where everyone is rich and Jessie doesn't fit in at all.

When she receives a message from "Somebody Nobody" she is intrigued - and replies to the message. Through these messages Jessie gets a little advice about how to survive in this new environment, and she and SN reveal three things about themselves in their messages.

Jessie would love to know who SN is, but he seems content exchanging messages and flirting with her through their texts.

As time passes, Jessie starts to find a place for herself in her new school and home, something that she realizes when she visits her friends in Chicago and sees how time has marched on for all of them.

Jessie continues to enjoy the messaging she does with SN, hoping that someday they can meet. Buxbaum creates a little suspense for readers who will be rooting for Jessie to find happiness with the person she has been messaging and sharing her inner thoughts with.

I loved this YA novel, and think teen readers will enjoy the romance of these two people who feel as though they don't fit in finding each other. I'm hoping Buxbaum has many more stories for young adults to read coming in the future.

In this age of transforming YA books into movies, Tell Me Three Things reads like a romantic comedy. Jessie is blindsided by her father, getting remarried to a woman that he met on an online support group for widowed spouses. Having to leave her best friend Scarlett and her home in Chicago to move to Los Angeles, Jessie now has a stepmother, stepbrother, and a life that she never wanted. Jessie does not fit into the rich, private school setting, leaving her with a feeling of utter despair. An email from a person identifying himself as Somebody/Nobody (SN) offers to anonymously help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. With his help, will Jessie be able to regain the confidence in herself that she has lost? Will she ever learn SN's identity?

Tell Me Three Things was a well paced story with a great plot. The author did a great job pulling the reader into the story, as the mystery surrounding SN's identity added another layer to the book. Jessie's struggles are clearly felt and many readers will be able to identify with her as she deals with bullies and as she copes with her new life. Regardless of all of the trial and tribulations of having a new life and a new school, Jessie is able to reach certain realizations about herself and grow from her experiences. Tell Me Three Things is a great YA realistic fiction and one I would heartily recommend.

As a wife and mother who long ago aged out of this title’s target audience, I admit I still loved every second of TELL ME THREE THINGS, author Julie Buxbaum’s YA debut.

Partly, because I can relate to Jessie, having a lost my mother at a young age, and been dragged into (and out of) multiple stepfamily situations and new schools by my father’s remarriage whims. But mostly because this was a well written, pitch-perfect teenage-centered novel that both perfectly captures the angst of high school crushes and general social drama, but also isn’t searing or dark. It’s the perfect high school romance.

When middle class Chicagoan Jessie finds herself at a tony L.A. private school, living in a posh house with a strange new step-brother and a suddenly remarried father, she’s at loose ends, to say the least. Shunned and unable to navigate the high class waters, she starts receiving emails, which quickly turn to IMs, from an anonymous benefactor who calls himself Somebody Nobody (SN, for short).

As her real life progresses and she begins to fit in, often with SN’s guidance, she finds herself desperate to find out who her benefactor really is, while also crushing on her moody English partner and dodging the hatred of the mean girls.

I read this in a single setting -- no small feat for a mom of three -- and loved every page. Even at long past high school age, I was eager for Jessie to figure out who SN was, even after it long became obvious as a reader. The pacing, the rhythm, the dialogue and the general feeling of this book are all absolutely wonderful. Just a lovely, relatable read at any age.

One of the many benefits of being in a book club is that often you get recommendations from fellow club members to read a book. Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum is one such book. It was amazeballs.

I am not a big YA book reader but this one was spectacular. I think no matter your age, any age (and I’m 50+) can relate to this book. The theme of loneliness, loss, change, and insecurities rings true no matter if you are in high school or you are a CEO of a large company.

I especially liked that Ms. Buxbaum created such a realistic character who is a strong woman (albeit with insecurities) who refuses to give in to the norm, who fights for her success, and who looks hate in the face. The protagonist knows that someone is out there willing to fight with her and she only has to be open to possibilities.

I love strong female characters no matter the age and I liked this book for Jesse’s willingness to persevere and not give up even when things look bleak. I have recommended this book to my three daughters, as I truly love the message.

Go buy this one. It’s a great read and thanks to the great recommendation from this book club group!

Where do I even start? I guess I'll start with telling you three things...1) This has made it's way on to my favorite reads of 2016 reads. 2.) My favorite parts of the books were the IM/Text between SN and Jessie as well as Jessie's interactions with Ethan while working on their English project. 3.) I absolutely adore Jessie's character...well I loved a lot of the characters but there was just something about Jessie's character that I just fell in love with. I do have to admit I'm a little disappointed we didn't get a lot in regards to how Jessie, Theo, Rachel, and Jessie's dad make things start to work with their family. I say this because I feel like it was supposed to be one of the themes in the book but it just didn't really expand as much as I'd like to see. How did two grieving widows, who have fallen in love, make a family come together and deal with the grief at the same time? Though I guess this could be a topic addressed in it's own book. Even though I felt this could have progressed more, everything else about this book made up for it and it still was a 5 start review.

This book is everything is everything is everything. (This sentence will make sense, as well as the three things, after you have read the book.)

Jessie is 16. Her mother died two years ago and her father has recently remarried, uprooting them both from Chicago to LA. Jessie has to adapt to a new home, an intimidating new school and losing her best friend Scarlett. Then she receives an anonymous email from someone at her new school, offering to give her advice and help navigating her way. She doesn't know who "Somebody/Nobody" is, but gradually he becomes her best friend.

This is a young adult book and it is very teen focused. The reason I picked it up is that I've read and LOVED Julie Buxbaum's first two books. She has a fantastically witty and engaging writing style. I want her to be my best friend. I've been hanging out for her new book and young adult or not, there was no way I wasn't going to read it.

The verdict? I thought the premise sounded kind of lame but it won me over almost immediately and I tore through this very happily. Yes it is definitely more "young" than "adult", but it's loaded with romcom charm and the ending will make you feel all warm and fuzzy.

I see in the author biography that Julie Buxbaum has two children. I would love to see her mine the territory of motherhood and school dynamics, as Liane Moriarty does so well. Fingers crossed.

Jessie's mother died of cancer recently, which changed everything. But Jessie's life is uprooted when her father returns to Chicago with the announcement that he's eloped and that they're moving to Los Angeles. Jessie is a junior in an expensive, competitive private school. The only other person she knows is her stepbrother who doesn't talk to her.

Jesse somehow attracts the attention of two of the popular, bitchy girls in her class. So, it seems as though the only people that do talk to her give her attitude and negativity. Until she gets a message from Someone Nobody ("SN") that gives her advice on how to navigate the murky waters of Wood Valley High School and becomes the first real friend she has in Los Angeles. But SN refuses to meet her and though she opens up to him/her, it could be a massive prank.

Jesse bounces back from the move, and using SN's advice does find friends to spend time with. As Jesse makes her home in Wood Valley High School, things start to come together. She finds a job, stands up for herself, draws the attention of several guys that she could like. Are any of these boys SN? How and when will she know? And will meeting SN in person change things for the better?

Julie Buxbaum's writing takes a fun idea and turns it into a book that you'll want to read straight through and share with friends. It's honest, funny, and draws you in. It reminds you of the good and bad bits of high school and the best parts of friendship.

This was on my summer list, and it's one I'm glad I finally got around to reading. It follows a amiliar, but fun, 'You've Got Mail' trope: the main character begins a communication via email with a mystery individual. In many cases it may be a secret admirer - see also Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda and This is What Happy Looks Like. I enjoyed this as a straight up high school drama, but there was also a lot of good subject matter to chew on about friendship, parenting and loss. Even though the mystery person is pretty easy to pin down, I furiously turned the pages towards the end of the book to confirm my theory. It's just ADORABLE. I was surprised to learn that this was Buxbaum's first YA novel. Her depiction of teen life was evocative of my youth and felt spot-on.

With her first foray in young adult literature, Julie Buxbaum creates an incredibly touching story of loss, love, and friendship. The last few years of Jessie’s life have been filled with tragedy and upheaval. After the death of her mother, Jessie and her father struggled through on their own until her father met someone through an online grief community. When he decided to marry the woman he met, Jessie and her father also had to leave their Chicago home for a wealthy area of Los Angeles. Jessie is absolutely a fish out of water and her new stepbrother has little interest in showing her the ropes. She’s completely lost until someone sends an anonymous email offering guidance. As Jessie begins a relationship with the anonymous Somebody/Nobody as he calls himself, Jessie uses his help to find her way in Los Angeles.

Buxbaum brilliantly has Jessie travel back to Chicago thinking her problem is location, has Jessie isolate herself from her father, and do all sorts of other perfectly teenage things as her character grows throughout Tell Me Three Things. The character development in this novel is amazing. The ones who should be multi-faceted are developed as such while others remain the epitome of teenage selfishness. The mystery surrounding Somebody/Nobody is compelling and urges the reader on while also developing the possibility of a love triangle. Tell Me Three Things is absolute perfection.

It takes only a page or two to totally fall for Jessie, the main character of TELL ME THREE THINGS. For anyone who is spending/spent high school feeling smarter in their head than when talking to actual human beings, this book is heart-breakingly relatable.

There so much to like here, but one thing I particularly admired was how well-tuned the author is to the way teenagers talk; the dialogue feels so natural and current. This, combined with her great insight into how girls this age feel - about their place in the social hierarchy, their self-worth, their bodies, and so much more – makes for a wonderful read. I am thinking in particular of one scene where three girls talk about the state of their virginity. They speak in terms that are silly, open, funny, self-deprecating. It’s exactly the way a lot girls actually talk to each other about sex, and it’s refreshing to see it represented so well on the page. These are awesome female characters and their relationships are realistic and complex.

In addition, at the heart of the book is a mystery: who is sending Jessie these anonymous emails, helping her to navigate her new school? I was so invested in finding out, I couldn’t stop reading. With a build-up like this, there’s always the danger that the end won’t be believable or that it won’t be satisfying, but the conclusion of TELL ME THREE THINGS manages both in a way that leaves you swooning.

What it's all about...

Jessie...sweet quirky Jessie...her mom died and her dad married someone he met on line. They move to California and Jessie starts a new private school. She seems to be the odd girl out with everyone...including her new stepbrother. She is somewhat saved by an email from "somebodynobody" who says he/she will help her get through her year. This person knows who Jessie is but Jessie has no clue who this person is.

Why I wanted to read it...

This book just sounded exceptionally interesting. I love YA...I love quirky off beat characters, I love lost girls...girls who are unique and interesting but who just don't fit in because they are unique and interesting.

What made me truly enjoy this book...

I love Jessie and her story. She is funny, sweet, sad, and lonely. I kind of liked her new step brother Theo...after a while. Gem...she's the bully...there is no way she can be liked...and Jessie is her chosen target.

Why you should read it, too...

This book is a book of substance. Lots of good old fashioned life lessons are in the storylines of this book. Readers who love a strong character...like Jessie...who isn't really that popular but who is strong and engaging in her own way...should enjoy this book. Virginity, loyalty, friendship, and bullying are all topics touched upon in this book.

This is the first novel of Buxbaum's that I have read and I must say that I enjoyed it much more than I expected! I don't take many chances on Young Adult novels that are set mainly in a school setting, but I am glad that I did for this one! Right from the very beginning, this is a engaging read. Jessie is in a new school - adapting to life after her mother's death and living with her father and his wife and stepbrother. Sent to a snooty school, Jessie is being helped, though, in adapting by an anonymous helper "SN" - and a lot of the book is in their digital conversations, which adds to the fun. It's a straightforward story, but a fun one - though emotional at times, too, especially with Jessie's difficulties in adjusting and her grief. It has some surprisingly funny parts, too. The mystery is well maintained, too, for the identity of her helper. And though this would fall into the teen romance category, it actually isn't one that made me roll my eyes or think that it was too much. It's really well done and the characters all feel very genuine. And I think that I will be adding Buxbaum's name to my "Authors to Watch Out For" list!

UGH. UGH. UUUUUUGGGGHHHHHH!!!!! Even when I start to venture into like, actual books that are for adults and are meaningful and deep and complicated, nothing beats YA. Nothing. This book hit just the spot for me after my short hiatus from YA fiction. I love a good love triangle, love square????? It was over for me. Jessie is so cool and so put together and I just want to be friends with her. I can barely even get started on the boys. Please add Adam to my list of literary characters who make me swoon and want to cry and give me unrealistic expectations of boys because wow, I love him. I loved that although this book held all the elements of a good quick YA read, it was still very real- real grief and real family dynamics and real friend troubles. I’m going to go read another YA book now. Hella lit.

The anonymity enhances the building love story. Jessie is in a world of chaos after her mother's death, and her father's remarriage, but she has no fulfilling outlet. Her dad is just off and he's making no overtures of reassurance that this too shall pass.
In the midst of relocating and adjusting to California, I love it here, lol, Jessie is contacted through email by someone who purports to be looking out for her. Though skeptical, Jessie is emboldened by the "veil" and responds/reacts to "SN" as if they were kindred spirits. Connections...so many connections and reciprocating feelings...it was inspiring and swoon-worthy.
I loved this from cover to cover. It was tragic, it was empowering, it is a book for all to read. You will have way more than three words to describe your joy after finishing this book.

Aside from the worldly attitudes and practices, I enjoyed this book a lot. It had an easy-to-read voice and a fairly realistic plot. It was a little obvious who SN was, though.

Content: bullying. Profanity, including names of Deity and the f-word. Underage drinking. References to drug use. Teenage sex, both in the background (no scenes) and crude references to it, as well as a cavalier attitude towards it. I would not recommend it for a teenager who doesn't have a firm handle on what her values are.

Jessie feels like her life is not her own. Her mother passed away two years ago and now her father has eloped with a woman he met online. That means Jessie and her dad leaving their life in Chicago behind and starting over in Los Angeles with Rachel and Theo (now Jessie's stepmom and stepbrother). At her new school Jessie has no friends until someone named Somebody/Nobody starts emailing her with encouraging words and hints for how to succeed at the new school. SN refuses to reveal themselves but soon Jessie realizes what could hurt for trying some of the advice SN gives her and making a friend in the process. I thought the book gave true to life scenarios on how it is to leave your friends behind and what can happen with those relationships. Also, Jessie and her father's relationships with the ups and downs and blending into a new family with Rachel and Theo came across as authentic. My favorite part had to be SN and I loved who it turned out to be. I would like to read Jessie the senior year.

I have a hang up. I love to read about innocence. I know in the world we live in it is unrealistic and naive of me, but hey there it is, I wish I were born in the 40's. This book has a very "teen 2017" feel, the swearing, drinking/drugs, same sex attraction, blended family and so much talk of sex I was overloaded. They were all teens trying to figure it out and talking it out often. I just kept wishing for 1940. The bones of the book and the story line were brilliant and heart wrenching. The idea of a anonymous e-mailer was great and I so enjoyed the unfolding of it all. I wish we got a little more at the end, but it was good. Not really a book I would let my teen read because of the content.

This is a truly good YA novel, especially for the more mature readers in the group. There are references to sex, drugs, and alcoholic beverages, so yes, this is for the more mature YA reader. The novel also deals with grief and with readjustment as the main character, losing her mother, finds herself transplanted to Hollywood, Calif., from Chicago and having to adjust to a stepmother, stepbrother, upper crust private high school and fellow students.

She does have a mysterious internet friend who goes to her school, but refuses to reveal his or het identity. A big question is can she trust him/her?

The writing is very smooth and captivating. This sure is one of the far better YA novels out there and I highly recommend it.

This is by far the best YA romance/contemporary novel I have read in a long time. Jessie is going through a rough time in her teenage years with the loss of her mother and the gain of a stepmother she does not connect with. Jessie starts receiving anonymous emails from SN (Somebody/Nobody) and her entire outlook changes as she tries to figure out who is sending her kind, cryptic emails. I also found myself completely engrossed in trying to determine who the mystery emailer was. This story was everything from romantic to heart wrenching to touching. Jessie's character is well-developed and embodies everything we remember ourselves being as a teenager, complete with a mix of emotions. I absolutely could not put this book down because it made me feel so happy, giddy, and just plain good.

Jessie suddenly finds herself moved from her hometown in Chicago to LA. Her mother died and her father has unexpectedly remarried someone he met online. Jessie has to remake her life in a place she doesn't want to be with people she doesn't know or care about. And then she makes a friend in a very odd way: someone inexplicably starts sending her messages. The messages help. And they are funny. And delightful. But who is this new friend?

So then, three things I liked about this book:

(1) I liked the clever conversations both in the virtual world and the real world.
(2) I liked the look at both the meannesses and the kindnesses of the teen world.
(3) I liked the relationships that Jessie developed and how they helped her deal with her mother's death and her relocation.

Two thumbs up. Though I'm not sure about younger teen readers...lots of intensity....

I really liked this book. The main character Jessie has moved from Chicago to L.A. after the death of her mother, and the subsequent remarriage of her father. It starts with her first day at an L.A. prep school, which is quite different culturally from her Chicago public school. She is contacted anonymously online by a student who tries to help her navigate the prep school. The story centers around the mystery of the identity of the anonymous helper, but more importantly the book deals intelligently and sensitively with grief, change and relationships (not just romantic ones). I loved Jessie's character. She is smart and it is easy to identify with her. One of my favorite lines from the book is "you know, they say how happy you are in high school is indirectly proportional to how successful you will be in life".
Tell Me Three Things can be enjoyed by adults and young adults alike.

Review can be found on *Milky Way of Books*

If I had to consider one of the cutest contemporaries I have read so far, "Tell me Three things" would be the IT! The story follows Jessie who after the death of her mother she moves into her new stepmom's house together with her father. She'll have to deal with the grief she feels, her new enviroment and the mysterious SN (Somebody Nobody) who sends her e-mails in order to help Jessie in this new enviroment.

To be honest I didn't realize how quickly I read the book. If felt so good to be in Jessie's head, feeling her grief and the way she tries to see everything around her. All the secondary characters were also pretty well written and the identity of SN was revealed in a very funny way.

I really hope the author will write more in this genre; she has the potential for that! ;)

THIS BOOK. I couldn't put it down and read it from cover to cover. Only after I was done did I read that Julie Buxbaum was writing from personal experience and had also lost her mother as a teenager.

While the overall story is one about a teenage girl still in the throes of grief from losing her mother, it's so much more. It's about blended families and moving and relocating and moving on and enemies and new schools and new lives. It's about finding yourself when so much has gone wrong. It's about love and loss and finding someone that understands you.

It's perfect and I highly recommend this one go on your keeper shelf.

Tell Me Three Things is well-worth the high praise it’s been receiving, and is the pitch-perfect combination of serious and sweet.

The book also makes use of one my favourite plot devices – that of the mysterious message sender. In this case, the missives come in the form of emails from someone who reaches out to new girl Jessie and offers her advice on navigating the vicious waters of a new LA high school.

"My mom once told me that the world is divided into two kinds of people: the ones who love their high school years and the ones who spend the next decade recovering from them."

The humour in this book is spot-on – funny, yet understated. The serious stuff is equally well done – particularly Jessie’s navigation of grief following the death of her mother, and the complete isolation and displacement she feels when she is uprooted from her home in Chicago to the sterile, stylish mansion of her father’s new wife. I particularly enjoyed the depiction of the dynamics of this new, suddenly blended family – step-mother Rachel is not portrayed as the stereotypical bitch, but rather a seemingly-detached figure who nevertheless tries to make an effort; a figure who still mourns her own dearly departed. The relationship between Jessie and her new step-brother Theo is also rather sweet to behold – they start out fairly antagonistic, but reach a supportive understanding with one another.

"There’s nothing lonelier than a hand on glass. Maybe because its so rarely reciprocated."

The female friendships are another positive aspect of this book. Dri and Agnes, for example, who come to take Jessie under their wing when she is so unbearable lonely. Scarlett, the best friend that Jessie left behind in Chicago, and the way that you don’t quite fit properly anymore after being away for so long – more importantly, the way you work to overcome these changes as the friendship evolves.

And finally, of course, there’s the romance. Since the actual getting together only takes place on the last page, the relationship really builds over the messaging. Which, as our MC also realizes, is also problematic – it’s nice and easy when you can carefully pick your words and curate your image – real-life is much different.

Jessie as a character is really someone with whom you can empathise. She’s mature, but not an adult in a teenager’s body. She’s insecure at times, scared, lonely and disorientated, but she’s also resilient, determined and recognizes her own problematic behavior. She’s someone we can all identify with, and more importantly, root for.

Honestly, there are so many other aspects I could comment on – the frank discussions about sex, and depiction of teen sexuality, the mention of a character with IBS (Represent!)… but this review is beginning to take on thesis-like proportions.

Overall, a really wonderful YA contemporary.

Amazing book. This book made me laugh and cry. I was swept up in the story and didn't want to quit reading. The author really nailed how someone feels after a death. The things she said about how you feel when you lose someone close told me she had lost someone and didn't have to get to the end of the book for her notes that indeed she had. She expressed it beautifully and the characters were strong and real. I have told so many to read this book. This story is about losing someone and living through it and finding love on the other side. I can't say enough wonderful things about this story. Should be required reading for parents to see inside your child and how they feel about things.

5/5. I loved this book so much. I really liked the You've Got Mail aspect of this book. I loved Jessie as a character and really related to her. I also think this book dealt with grief and the process of moving away really well. I loved how well all main and side characters were developed. I just loved this book; it was moving, adorable, romantic and really potrays a realistic teenager which I appreciated. Overall, a great read and can't wait for more from this author.

When Jessie's dad unexpectedly marries a girlfriend she was unaware he even was seeing, she's forced into a move from her home in Chicago to LA. Two years previously, Jessie's mother died. She was still coming to terms with that, and now she finds herself in a totally new family situation in a different place where she doesn't know anyone. With a stepmother and stepbrother she doesn't even know, she is now in a school, private and exclusive, where she doesn't feel she fits in.

Sometimes things take surprising turns in life, and dealing with them, warts and all, is part of growing up. The author delivers a well written and enjoyable story about a young lady going through this ordeal, and it's an engaging and interesting look at her world.

Book #15 Read in 2016
Tell Me Three Things by Julie Buxbaum

Jessie's mother passed away not that long ago. She is still dealing with that when her father unexpectedly marries Rachel and moves Jessie to California. Jessie struggles to maneuver her new school and climate. SN texts her and says he will help her figure out the school but he will not reveal his identity. The two share many things about themselves through this communication method and Jessie tries to figure out SN's identity. This book is well written, has interesting characters and contains a good balance of romance, humor and angst. I received a copy of this book from the store Vine in exchange for a honest review.

My friend suggested I read this book because I LOVED "PS I Like You" by Kasie West. This one was good, but not as good as that one.
I had a feeling I knew who SN was the whole time, but was in denial because I just didn't like the guy that much. I also had a hard time really liking the main character because she was very self centered.
Overall, it was a cute story with an interesting look at grief, but not an AMAZING story...

I loved this book! I began reading, and fully intended to put it down. I did, in fact. But then I picked it up again a few minutes later. TELL ME THREE THINGS by Julie Buxbaum has definitely earned a spot in my rereadables pile.

One of the things I loved about this novel is that the characters were not only well rounded, but the relationships between them were also well developed and dynamic. The identity of Somebody/Nobody was fairly obvious to me right away, but I didn't really feel impatient waiting for Jessie to figure it out. And I love that so much of the book was text messages between these two. Epistolary fiction is usually a plus for me :)

This book was too adorable. I know what you're thinking: a book about grief = adorable? But here's the thing, it's not just about grief. It's not just about waffles. It's not just about IMing with a secret admirer. It's about love, waffles, grief, the smell of old books, working in a bookstore, a local band that gets girls riled up and dancing, sex positivity, best friends, friendship, AND a secret admirer. OMG. I could not stop GRINNING during this book!!! It is perfect for fans of KISSING IN AMERICA by Margo Rabb, SLOPPY FIRSTS by Megan McCafferty, & SIMON VS THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA by Becky Albertalli. This book just made so freaking happy!!!

I was reading through the reviews and I was shocked other people didn't realize who SN was from the beginning. To me, it was painfully obvious and waiting for her to find out became tedious. The story arc was just very formulaic in general. I also found it creepy and obnoxious that SN wouldn't actually introduce himself to Jessie and instead just watched her. But I liked Jessie and the messaging theme was cute, so... 3 stars.

I liked this so much. If I was comp titling, I'd say SIMON VS. THE HOMO SAPIENS AGENDA meets KISSING IN AMERICA, which are two other books I liked quite a bit! I love the way Buxbaum handles grief and newly mixing families here, and though as with SIMON you might read most of the book with a strong inkling of who the mystery guy is, you know you're never gonna put it down because the banter-y, chemistry-filled path to get there is so much fun, and the payoff when Everything Is Answered is gonna be so damn delightful. (And it IS.) Contemp YA Romance fans, you absolutely need this one.

New relaxing time to read fiction as have a new life after much healing years. This is second fiction book read in years...usually non-fiction. Found at library or the book found me. A depth of many layers that I so related to as had so many moves and losses and began new life again although am much older than high school. I bathed luxiouriously the entire book cover to cover reading every word. I usually read books in a few hrs. Read this in waves...same as grief comes. I think this book should win an award! Truthful and bold with the awkward subject of dealing with death. Just finished and must give praise.

Julie Buxbaum is a master at balancing sadness with humor, romance with reality. The writing was spot-on, and told in the smart, witty, and honest voice of Jessie, who was such a real, down to earth, and genuine heroine--a girl I imagine I would have loved to have been friends with as a teenager. Every aspect of this book rang true: the real family relationships and tension in the face of loss, grief, and change; the friendships that can become a saving grace; and the sweet, romantic puzzle that keeps you turning page after page until the very end. TELL ME THREE THINGS has definitely made a Julie Buxbaum fan out of me! Highly recommended.

Tell Me Three Things is a fantastic book, one of the best I've read all year, YA or otherwise. Don't let the YA label dissuade you because it's a great read. Buxbaum creates realistic, well-drawn teenagers and adults and crafts an interesting, relatable story full of just the right amount of twists and turns. I love her writing style and hope she'll keep writing YA books. I would recommend Tell Me Three Things to anyone, but if you're a fan of Megan McCafferty's Jessica Darling series, you should definitely check it out.

This is my first Julie Buxbaum book and I gave it a chance after it popped up as a related interest. I like YA books and this one reminded me of the books of my youth where the main character was dealing with a morality issue. Rather than a frivolous issue. Really good book. I couldn't put it down.

I bought "Tell Me Three Things" for a light airplane read and thought it was just fantastic! I really thought the character Jessie was lovable and enjoyed getting to know her. The ending absolutely surprised me and left me delighted.
I have been following Julie Buxbaum since "The Opposite of Love" and just love her style. I'm so pleased she has ventured into the young adult genre and will read whatever she comes up with next!

***NO LOVE TRIANGLE!***

I had a really good feeling about this one ever since the day I first heard about it and now that I finally read it I’m happy to say my gut feeling did not fail me on this occasion–woot!–because Tell Me Three Things is a thoroughly enjoyable read, even if I wish I could have skipped the heartwrenching scenes in which Jessie talks about her late mother, it was agonizing and altogether too much for me and every single time I wanted to run to my mom and hold her tight forever. Please, Jessie, STAHP, I cannae deal.
Okay, meltdown over.

The main character: Jessie is a fine, relatable heroine, as in: nerdy and bookish and a little awkward, she also doubts herself a lot, she’s grieving and she’s so so alone at first that I found myself unable to stop reading so at least I could be some kind of company. Still, this book is not a grief-fest, despite all Jessie has an amusing voice and many times I both shed tears and smiled big while reading the same page.

The anonymous friend/love interest, Somebody/Nobody, SN for short: *swoooon* SN is adorable and smart and funny and I just wanted more and more of those emails and messages. I guessed who he was almost immediately after Jessie mentions the actual character for the first time (NO SPOILERS!), but it was still so much fun to watch her try to unveil the mystery of Somebody/Nobody and to watch them interact when she was so clueless that it was him.

The romance: confession time, I am a TOTAL SUCKER for You’ve-Got-Mail-secret-admirer-pen-pals type of romance and that’s actually what caught my attention about this book in the first place, and oh my God, the whole thing was so cute, I honestly wish this book was longer because I wanted more e-flirting and irl-flirting, and non-official and slightly awkward dates, and basically more of the whole partially anonymous slow-burn romance. Also, NO LOVE TRIANGLE, THANK YOU DEAR AUTHOR, I mean, there’s more than one guy interested in Jessie but she makes it very clear that she only has a crush on one.

In conclusion: a captivating, moving and strangely quick read (I didn’t even realise I was almost done with the book until I had only like 20 pages left, whaaa?), that made me feel all the things and them some, and that also made me add Julie Buxbaum to my author watchlist.

Recommended for all.

Tell me three things is a fabulous book. To be cutesy I will write three things about it.
Girl loses mom
Dad remarried and moves them to Beverly
Girl hates life until she begins to make new friends and text with a stranger.

This was such a wonderful book, I regret not knowing about it sooner!!
Nobody recommended this book to me, I was just browsing the store for some good book to buy and this one called me attention and I bought it! Best decision I made in a very long time!
This book may sound a bit cliche from the description and the first few chapters, but it's not! You will love it if you give it a chance!

After already reeling from the loss of her mother; Jessie’s father meets someone online, marries a woman behind Jessie’s back, and forces Jessie to move from urban Chicago to sunny California. Jessie feels like she doesn’t fit in at her new school and her confidence drops. Just as she is about to run back to Chicago on her own, Jessie begins getting messages from the mysterious SN.
Jessie starts to confide in SN, while he is giving her advice on people at school. Slowly, Jessie finds her place and learns to embrace her new environment. But will she ever discover who it was helping her all long?
Tell Me Three Things is a great story for those who want a story about overcoming loss, a story about friendship, finding out who you are, and a love story that will keep you guessing. This book will have you both laughing and in tears at the same time.

I wanted something light to read for the summer, and somehow I come across this book. I thought it was an ok cute read. I feel like I definitely would have liked it more of it i had read it when I was in high school.

I can't remember the last time I read a book that I so wholly, completely enjoyed from the first page to the last.
This story read so well, and despite the fact that many YA books come off as cheesy, Tell Me Three Things was beautiful and basically everything I've ever wanted in a book- and I wanted nothing more than to stay engrossed in the life of Jessie Holmes forever.
I know I will be rereading this book for a long time to come. Thank you Julie Buxbaum for writing my new favorite book.

DISCLAIMER: If reviews containing swearwords, including the F-word (mainly, including the F-bomb), pour yourself a glass of lemonade and go enjoy the nice summer day.

Jessie Holmes is crushed to be moving from her hometown of Chicago for the silicon wasteland, better known as LA. After her mother passes away, her father elopes with (a rich Catfish) a kind woman named Rachel and they move into their mansion. Soon after Jessie is settled, she receives an anonymous email from someone with the label "Somebody/Nobody" who has been watching her at school BUT IN A TOTALLY NON-CREEPY WAY, and warns her of all the perils of their school.

Okay, but I'm unlike every YA MC in every existence, I suppose. If an anonymous someone were to tell me they've seen me around and are deeply interested in me, I would report them to the police. This is a Tonight The Streets Are Ours situation. If you know next-to-nothing about the other person, why would you tell everything to them?

Jessie and S/N pursue a sort-of relationship. They share mini “Tell Me Three Things” facts. As in, 3 Facts A Day, which vary on interest.

Parents are so unappreciated in this story, which is enormously sad. I always hate to see brilliant parents (i.e. Tonight The Streets Are Ours, How to Love) get s*** on by their children. Jessie lives in the mansion of her stepmother, Rachel, with her father and Rachel’s son, Theo. Jessie has her clothes pressed, enjoys fabulous dinners, and attends a hoity-toity LA Academy. Meanwhile, Jessie’s father (not judging) is a pharmacist. Their parents occasionally argue over nonsense, and at one point, Theo and Jessie are hoping for them to breakup. What IS wrong with you??

(…) “And you have some nerve correcting my drink order the other night, like I’m a child. I wanted a beer with my steak. Not an overpriced glass of cabaret. Sorry if that offends your high-class sensibilities. That sort-of stuff doesn’t matter to me.”
“I was just trying to keep you from embarrassing yourself,” Rachel says, and her voice starts to quaver. Tears are imminent. I don’t feel sorry for her.

Well, you should. If it weren’t for her, you'd be stuck in Chicago.

Girl hate. Lots of it. LA is apparently a stereotypical world of brainless blondes with the IQ of 0. According to Jessie, at least.

I was planning on rating this a 2-star because I enjoyed seeing how much Jessie appreciated her mother, but the frequent girl hate, how Jessie had three guys vying for her affection, and when she cried when a girl called her an unkind word outweighed that. Why dish it out, if you can't take it? The focal point is Jessie trying to discover the identity of her (local Catfish) online chat buddy, S/N. Sorry, but this book did nothing for me

Loved the writing of these one and was totally lost within the story. I loved how strong the MC was and all the great female friendships within this story. No frenemies here! There was also no love triangle which is something I worried about based on the synopsis. What there is are some nice heartachy feelings. Tell Me Three Things is filled with both sadness and joy and was a hard book to put down!

OH. MY. GOSH. please, I am BEGGING you, please give me(us) a part two. Please, please, please. This book... Absolutely has my head spinning & my heart racing. I will recommend this to EVERY SINGLE SOUL. See, I followed along lol, at first, I'll be honest, I thought SN was freaking Theo butttt i found out about Ethan and I just KNEW it was him. From the simple "hey" at that party and him asking if they could see each other more, for "homework" and the whole, texting different and not capitalizing anything made total sense. He didnt want her finding out.. tbh jessie was kinda oblivious but nonetheless this book is my favorite??

This book is beautiful, touching, lively, full of teenage angst, and the glory of rebounding from that. If you like books that have you laughing out loud even while you still have a lump in your throat, this is for you. The characters are real and deep, even those who are bit players, and it is an accurate look at high school age life that doesn't simper or glorify.

I confess that I am not a young adult (I'm in my 30s and not on the early side), but I think this novel is relatable to anyone who has ever moved or had to start over, even if high school is just a distant memory. The story is captivating and tapped into the raw emotion that I remember feeling in high school and it was nice to revisit that time in my life. The writing is witty and smart and the characters are complex and interesting, both of which I've come to expect from Buxbaum's novels. There are elements of Jessie, Ethan, and Scarlett that we can all relate to, regardless of what stage of life we are in now. And it was a joy to read Jessie's story as it unfolded (so much so that I read the entire novel in a day!). The only bad part about reading it so quickly is that now I have to find other novels to read while I wait for Buxbaum's next book to come out!

I liked this book and was really enjoying it when I started to realize that I have seen this same scenario end horrifically so many times on TV.

My advice to romantic young girls? Read this book and enjoy it, then watch an episode, any episode, of Catfish.

And don't talk to any SN's!

I loved the secret messaging. The story was cute and I couldn't put the book down. I had to know who the boy was and I guessed correctly. I loved her writing​ style and I want to read more of her work.

A funny and sweet debut that is full of heart. I was a fan from page one and couldn’t put it down. The voice is pitch perfect. The characters just right. I highly recommend this book and think it will especially appeal to fans of Simon Vs. The Homo Sapiens Agenda.

This book is a beautiful example of the grief process. I love the characters and the very realistic description of how difficult it is to move to a new school as a teen and losing a parent. I read this book in one sitting. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!

Julie Buxbaum has hit it out of the park with her debut YA fiction. Tell Me Three Things was a heartfelt feel good book that I just loved sinking into. It is one of those books that preteens, teens, young adults, and adults alike can read and enjoy. It was funny and heartbreaking and I loved it. I can't wait to hand it off to my daughter to read.

Good thing I got this book for 99 cents, otherwise I would have felt really ripped off. Not only is this book extremely predictable (which is OK by me, as I wasn't looking for originality), but it ends up as yet another book written for teens that strongly promotes the idea that sex in your teens is not a big deal, and it's OK to lose your "V card" whenever you feel like it, with no consequences (as long as you don't end up pregnant or with an STD, I suppose). The adults in this book are basically useless, and there are a lot of common character clichés (the flamboyant gay kid, the mean blonde, the mysterious hot guy, the plain protagonist that somehow attracts the hot guy's attention, etc.).

Recreational drug use, underage drinking and cussing are also no big deal. Oh yeah, and "love is finite", to quote the (sometimes whiny) protagonist, who also encourages, and even cheers on, her insecure best friend to have sex with her new boyfriend ("It's no big deal!" seems to be a recurring theme regarding sex in this story). If this is a "sweet YA romance" is supposed to be, then I want no part of it.

The good thing is, this drivel makes me appreciate clean, well-written YA romances all the more. :)

TMTT was a very enjoyable book which had minimal flaws. The way the author expresses Jessie's raw emotions and thoughts are definitely spot-on. The only thing that disappointed me was ending. Don't get me wrong, I was happy with who SN turned out to be, but I wish there was more of a story with Jessie knowing who he is. It ended with Jessie finding out, a brief couple of pargraphs of "after", and that's it. Just wanted to see a little more of them ;). If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable book, THIS is that book!!

1) Read this if you loved “You’ve Got Mail” and/or Pride and Prejudice.
2) Read this if you like witty banter served with a side of mystery.
3) Read this if you believe that something magical happens when you connect with someone who has gone through the same kind of pain as you are going through.

I’m not waffling on this -- it’s a really a heart melting, swoon inducing kind of book!

This book is a fantastic read I just couldn't put it down. I finish reading it in one seating while at the same time doing my homework. Jesse the main character interacts with a anonymous person online who helps her navigate through her new school and she ends up falling for. After reading the first chapters I already know who was the mysterious person which is why I gave it a four star. Though The author did threw in other male characters to have the reader thinking profusely on who might be Jesse's "admire". Overall this story is cute.

Pretty much everything you are looking for in a YA contemporary…cute, instant love, predictable, fun. Jessie spends the entire book trying to find the identity of a mysterious mentor who is helping her fit in at her new Los Angeles school through anonymous IM messages. I flew through this book, but had figured out the mystery suitor by about 1/3 through. Not terribly original, but enjoyable just the same.

wow!
i wish i could give everyone a copy of this book and then they actually READ it - i'd love to hear what they have to say!
this really is a great book - i don't do spoilers.
the other reviewers have given you enough of a sneak peak.
just get this book and read it.
definitely recommended!

I haven’t read YA in a while but this book just grabbed me from page one and didn’t let go till the last page. I’m so sad it’s over. I wish I would have savored it more instead of devouring it.

Three Reasons Why You Should buy this book:
1. The writing is smooth and flowing. There are no loose ends, making this book a simple, yet brilliant read.
2. It's utterly adorable. Swoon.
3. The characters are witty, loveable, and incredibly relatable.

Check out my full review here: [...]

I'm a ten year old. So, ummm yeah. This isn't the best book for really young readers, even advanced ones who are looking for a challenge like I was. My dad picked up this book for me to travel, and I was looking forward to a great book like Love and Gelato. The blurb sounded alright and a pretty good read, but still. Way too much inappropriate concepts but not enough to bring the rating down to a one star. Overall, this was actually a pretty good book.

Great book. I really enjoyed this a lot. Very touching and emotional in many parts as the main character grows and changes. Lots of issues addressed and love the budding romance, although I guessed pretty early on who the "secret" guy was. Was a very enjoyable read!

Oh I loved following jess and SN in their emails & Im. I just wanted her to have a happy ending with all she had been though. I wanted a happy ending for her & SN. And then I was like wait it can't be him can it! LOVED THIS BOOK! It made me laugh out loud and smile so it reached my eyes.

If you are looking for a wholly engrossing, clever, and satisfying read, this is it. It immediately draws you in with its familiar tone and reading this story feels like wearing your favorite comfy sweater. There are some twists, but it's mostly fairly predictable in a happy, lovely way.

As a high school English teacher, I am in the trenches of teenage drama, curiosity, angst and elation on a daily basis. Buxbaum captures the essence of the high school experience authentically. The story is universal, her writing is captivating, and the characters are no different than the students I see daily. I found myself simultaneously unable to put the book down and hesitant to finish (because once Jessie solves her mystery, what was I going to do?). I have already recommended Tell Me Three Things to a number of students. The use of language, vocabulary and style are all excellent examples of strong writing that today's students need to see more of.

I simply enjoyed this story. It had a sweet and swoony HEA with laugh-out-loud humor throughout. There were just a couple of underdeveloped elements that prevented me from giving it 5 STARS, but besides that - near perfection.

As far as young adult/teen books go this falls at the top of my list, there were so many interesting twists and turns as the main character made her way through the book, the supporting characters were interesting and added a lot to the story.

Personally, I never review anything on the store. Honestly I haven't even finished the whole thing yet but let me tell you, I'm in love! Got it about an hour ago and already on page 200 bc I can't put it down! This is seriously a must read and I promise you'll love it no matter what!

This book was awesome!I kind of didn't expect it- I expected some YA, poorly written angst. (I think I am reading too much YA poorly written angst, BTW) This was angsty, but the good kind. The kind that everyone can relate to. Generally I am not a huge fan of installments, but can this be one?

I was lucky enough to read an advance copy of this book and I flew through it! I love voicey, twisty contemporary with a lot of heart and this was a perfect read for me. The MC, Jessie, is so sympathetic and wonderful, you'll be pulling for her the whole way. I also adored the cast of quirky, fun friends and dreamy potential love interests.

Well, I am an amateur reader. I started this book and I could not stop! The suspense keeps you going and I literally had a simile on my face after the last page of the book. Honestly, wished it never ended. Haha, or maybe because I started to LOVE reading. BOTTOM LINE : An amazing book!!

I thought this book wouldn't interest me because of my age. I was wrong, it is delightful and brought back memories of when I was sixteen. This is a wonderful story written by a wonderful writer. I have read and loved all her books and this one certainly does not disappoint.

I absolutely LOVED reading this book. From the moment I opened it I couldn't put it down! Similar to other reviewers on this page, I didn't want the book to end. I found myself back in high school, navigating through all the butterflies and the "firsts" and the excitement/angst of being a teenager. Ah! TAKE ME BACK! This book was so much fun to read. I cannot wait to see what Julie Buxbaum comes out with next!

Absolutely amazing. A must read. Hard to put down. I finished it in 3 days. It's hard not to love Jessie and feel what she is feeling. You will root for her until the end. I was sad when I reached the last page. Such a great novel!

I absolutely tore through "Tell Me Three Things." Julie Buxbaum hits just the right note every time as she navigates her characters through the tricky minefields of high school. She writes with a beautiful combination of wit, warmth and truth and creates characters that are vivid and lively. You don't have to be a teenager -- or even the parent of a teenager -- for this story to resonate. A smart, breezy read.

Great light reading materials. Very witty and well written. I love how it takes you in a journey of young teenager and her story of love and lost. The great message from it is things do get better, even though some times it feels like they never will.

This book was incredibly relatable - it speaks to a growing up story, an unconventional romance, and the heartbreaking process of recovery/healing. Could not put the book down for 4 straight hours. I just finished it 20 seconds ago and I'm screaming internally.

I absolutely loved TELL ME THREE THINGS! So much, I didn't want it to end! I could completely relate to Jessie, since I lost my mother in my late teens. This book has everything I look for in a great read: realistic and interesting storyline and characters and even a bit of mystery (thank goodness SN is who I hoped it would be!). Will definitely be reading Julie Buxbaum's next book!

I found this book on a list of recommended reads and it was well recommended! Even for slightly older than young adults this is a great book and kept me wanting to read the entire time....I almost want to go back and read it again after I've just finished it!

I love love love this book! The overall way it is written reminded me of GOSSIP GIRL! Which is basically the best show ever. I am such a sucker for books like this. I finished it in hours and was so sad when I turned this last page. Would definitely recommend this!

Great story. Realistic and lovable characters, and an enthralling mystery.
This book kept my attention until the very last page. I found amazing that the cover is so perfect for the story, it all made sense after read it!
Definitely worth the read! I loved it!