Tell Me Three Things

By: Julie Buxbaum

Narrated by: Jorjeana Marie

A New York Times Bestseller

What if the person you need the most is someone you’ve never met?

Funny and romantic, this tug-at-your-heartstrings contemporary YA debut is perfect for readers of Rainbow Rowell, Jennifer Niven, and E. Lockhart.

Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week as a junior at her new ultra-intimidating prep school in Los Angeles. It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death, and because her father eloped with a woman he met online, Jessie has been forced to move across the country to live with her stepmonster and her pretentious teenage son.

Just when she’s thinking about hightailing it back to Chicago, she gets an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short), offering to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School. Is it an elaborate hoax? Or can she rely on SN for some much-needed help?

In a leap of faith—or an act of complete desperation—Jessie begins to rely on SN, and SN quickly becomes her lifeline and closest ally. Jessie can’t help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?

“Three Things about this novel: (1) I loved it. (2) No, really, I LOVED it. (3) I wish I could tell every teen to read it. Buxbaum’s book sounds, reads, breathes, worries, and soars like real adolescents do.” —Jodi Picoult, New York Times bestselling author of Leaving Time and Off the Page

Critic reviews

"Here are three things about this book: (1) It's sweet and funny and romantic; (2) the mystery at the heart of the story will keep you turning the pages; (3) I have a feeling you'll be very happy you read it."—Jennifer E. Smith, author of The Statistical Probability of Love at First Sight

"The desire to find out whether Jessie's real-life and virtual crushes are one and the same will keep [readers] turning the pages as quickly as possible."--Publishers Weekly, Starred

"A heartfelt, wryly perceptive account of coming to terms with irrevocable loss when life itself means inevitable change."—Kirkus Reviews

"Buxbaum's debut is hard to put down because of its smooth and captivating text. The addition of virtual conversations through email and chatting adds to the exciting plot twist."--SLJ

"Buxbaum adds layered plotlines about grief, family, and the confusion and hardships of growing up, all with a touch of humor and romance. A solid YA debut."--Booklist

great read, tough listen

due to the nature of the emails/instant messaging/texting it wasn't my favorite to listen to, I wish I had read it - but it was an incredible story! I would definitely recommend it :)

3 reasons why I loved this story

1. Gave me the A Cinderella Story feels.
2. Reminder that sometimes we need a little help, and it's okay to ask for it.
3. My mouth got a workout from smiling so much!

good story

I appreciated it from start to finish. it captured 16 years old very well. The twists in the story were a good balance of expected and surprising.

Narrator!

Really, really lovely book. And the narrator made it absolutely magical. Filled my head and heart!

Relatable even for a 50 year old

This novel was recommended by a book club I'm in. Started it last night stayed up way to late and finished it this morning. Tell me 3 things

Julie Buxbaum describes Jessie's grief after her mother's death with such raw honesty I felt it in my gut.

Having moved twice in middle school years I could relate to Jessie's loneliness and difficulty leaving a best friend behind while struggling to find new ones.

The characters are so well developed that I felt like I was watching a film- and the narrator is perfect. I laughed at Theo and the funny chats with Dre and Agnes.

When I turned 50 this year I started reflecting on my teenage years. My daughter is 12. I gained some insight into texting and accept that it's part of her life. Somebody/Nobody is a side of boy who can't really speak with people since his brother died. He and Jessie develop a close friendship without seeing each other. I used to look down on texting but now I see it as a legitimate form of communication and that it can be honest although edited.

I would recommend this audiobook to a young adult or anyone my age who enjoys a good read.