Tell Me Three Things PDF
Julie Buxbaum
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Tell Me Three Things
A Heartfelt Tale of Friendship, Loss, and
Self-Discovery
Written by Bookey
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About the book
In the heartwarming and sharply insightful novel "Tell Me
Three Things," Julie Buxbaum navigates the tangled web of
teenage life with grace and authenticity, centering on
sixteen-year-old Jessie Holmes who is uprooted from her
Chicago home to Los Angeles after her mother’s death and
father's abrupt remarriage. Lost in a sea of privileged
classmates and struggling to find her footing, Jessie receives
an anonymous email from someone calling themselves
Somebody/Nobody (SN) offering to guide her through the
treacherous waters of her new high school. As Jessie bonds
with her enigmatic correspondent through heartfelt
confessions and shared secrets, she embarks on a journey of
self-discovery, friendship, and the healing power of
unexpected connections. This charming, mysterious, and
relatable tale invites readers to ponder the crucial question: can
knowing someone’s heart matter more than knowing their
name?
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About the author
Julie Buxbaum is a highly acclaimed contemporary author
known for her emotionally resonant novels that deftly blend
elements of romance, coming-of-age, and family dynamics.
With a J.D. from Harvard Law School, Buxbaum initially
pursued a career in law before transitioning to writing
full-time. Her works often explore themes of love, loss, and
personal growth, capturing the complexities of human
relationships with a compelling, relatable voice. Buxbaum's
debut novel, "The Opposite of Love," received widespread
praise and established her as a notable voice in modern fiction.
Her Young Adult novel "Tell Me Three Things" has earned her
a dedicated following among younger readers for its heartfelt
narrative and relatable characters. Throughout her career,
Buxbaum has earned a reputation for creating deeply engaging
and thought-provoking stories that resonate with a broad
audience.
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Summary Content List
Chapter 1 : Moving to a New Life - Jessie's Journey Begins
Chapter 2 : Navigating the Unknown - The Mystery of
Somebody/Nobody
Chapter 3 : Tribute to Grief and Healing - Jessie's Emotional
Journey
Chapter 4 : Friendships and High School Life - Settling into
New Surroundings
Chapter 5 : Themes of Identity and Self-Discovery - Who is
Jessie Holmes?
Chapter 6 : Love and Romance - The Blossoming of Young
Love
Chapter 7 : Unveiling the Mystery - The Revelation and its
Impact
Chapter 8 : Concluding Reflections - Growing Stronger
Through Change
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Chapter 1 : Moving to a New Life -
Jessie's Journey Begins
After her mother's untimely death, Jessie Holmes' life is
turned entirely upside down. Jessie, a teenager who is still
grappling with the deep emotional scars left by her mother’s
passing, finds herself being uprooted from her familiar
surroundings. Her father, in search of a fresh start, moves the
family from their home in Chicago to the bustling,
sun-soaked city of Los Angeles. This abrupt change thrusts
Jessie into a whirlwind of uncertainty and adaptation, as she
must now navigate the complex social dynamics of a new
high school while simultaneously processing her grief.
The transition is anything but smooth for Jessie. At her new
school, Wood Valley High, she feels like an outsider among
her affluent and seemingly perfect peers. The stark contrast
between her past and her present is almost too much to bear.
As she confronts awkward introductions, unfamiliar settings,
and the daunting challenge of making new friends, Jessie
feels increasingly isolated and overwhelmed by her new
reality.
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Amid this turbulence, Jessie receives an unexpected lifeline:
a mysterious email from an anonymous sender who goes by
the moniker "Somebody/Nobody" (SN). This unexpected
correspondent seems to understand Jessie’s predicament and
offers to guide her through the minefield of high school
culture and social nuances. Intrigued yet cautious, Jessie
decides to engage with SN, even though the anonymity of
this digital friendship leaves her with an ever-growing
curiosity about SN’s true identity.
SN's messages provide Jessie with a semblance of stability
and support in the chaos of her new life. Through these email
exchanges, SN offers valuable insights and advice, helping
Jessie navigate complex social situations and find her footing
in the unfamiliar territory of Wood Valley High. Although
Jessie is initially reluctant to rely on an anonymous guide,
the thoughtful and perceptive nature of SN's messages
gradually builds a foundation of trust and reassurance.
As Jessie continues to grapple with her compounded grief
and the challenges of fitting into her new environment, her
correspondence with SN becomes a crucial element of her
day-to-day survival. SN listens without judgment, offers
encouragement, and provides a safe space for Jessie to
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express her fears and insecurities. This connection becomes a
beacon of hope amidst her struggles, helping her find small
rays of light in her otherwise tumultuous journey.
In essence, Jessie's path begins with layers of loss, change,
and adaptation, but she learns that solace can come from the
most unexpected places, including an email from an
unknown friend who might just understand her better than
she understands herself.
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Chapter 2 : Navigating the Unknown -
The Mystery of Somebody/Nobody
As Jessie Holmes stumbles through her new life in Los
Angeles, the mystery of Somebody/Nobody (SN) becomes a
comforting constant in her fractured world. Initially, Jessie
receives an anonymous email from SN offering her guidance,
which she reluctantly accepts out of sheer desperation. The
anonymity intrigues her, and she finds herself slowly
opening up to this unseen confidant. Their correspondence
grows more elaborate as days go by, and SN proves to be an
astute guide and supportive friend, helping Jessie to navigate
the treacherous waters of high school dynamics, familial
adjustments, and personal challenges.
The emails from SN become lifelines for Jessie, providing
her with insightful tips and emotional support. With SN’s
help, Jessie learns to avoid the pitfalls of her new school's
social hierarchy, from avoiding mean girls to finding the
courage to speak up in class. SN offers Jessie not just
practical advice but also empathy and understanding,
something she finds desperately lacking in her new
surroundings. This mysterious correspondent slowly shifts
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from being a helpful stranger to an integral part of her life,
making Jessie curious about SN's true identity.
Who could this person be? A peer who silently observes her
struggles? An angelic presence sent to guide her through
these turbulent times? These questions keep Jessie up at
night, as she speculates on the increasingly significant role
SN plays in her life. As the correspondence continues, Jessie
finds herself not just leaning on SN for advice but also
sharing her deepest fears and insecurities. SN's responses are
always thoughtful, never judgmental, and often echo the
sentiments Jessie can’t verbalize even to herself.
Every piece of SN's advice becomes a puzzle piece in the
larger picture of Jessie’s adjustment to her new reality.
Whether it's suggesting potential friends, giving hints on
avoiding social faux pas, or providing emotional counsel,
SN’s presence subtly transforms Jessie’s coping mechanisms.
The growing dependency becomes bittersweet; it fills her
with warmth and security but also fuels her increasing hunger
to uncover SN's identity.
In some ways, Jessie begins to operate in two parallel worlds:
one where she's just another awkward new girl at school, and
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another where SN’s words give her a secret strength. As they
share more of their thoughts, jokes, and fears, Jessie feels a
profound connection forming, one that transcends the digital
exchanges and merges into her everyday thoughts and
decisions.
The mystery of Somebody/Nobody becomes more than just a
quest for identity; it becomes a journey of finding solace in a
world that suddenly feels alien. Jessie’s conversations with
SN offer her something she hasn't felt since her mother's
passing—understanding and a strange sense of belonging.
Her curiosity about SN grows alongside her reliance on these
interactions, turning SN into a symbol of hope and resilience
within her tumultuous life.
In "Tell Me Three Things" by Julie Buxbaum, the
anonymous SN serves as both a guide through the maze of
high school and a mirror reflecting Jessie’s own growth,
resilience, and burgeoning self-awareness. The importance of
SN deepens as Jessie continues to navigate the unknown,
clinging to the anonymity and wisdom that offers her a
lifeline in an otherwise overwhelming new world.
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Chapter 3 : Tribute to Grief and Healing
- Jessie's Emotional Journey
In this part of the story, Jessie's emotional landscape is laid
bare as we delve into her profound grief and the journey
toward healing. The death of her mother leaves a gaping hole
in her heart, a loss that reverberates through every aspect of
her life. Moving to Los Angeles only intensifies her sense of
dislocation. The early days are marked by a feeling of
isolation and the daunting task of adjusting to a new home,
alongside strangers who are now expected to be her family.
Jessie's father, who remarried Rachel relatively quickly after
her mother’s death, is a figure of both support and confusion
for her. The complexities of their relationship come to the
forefront, as Jessie grapples with feelings of betrayal and
longing for the life she once had. The presence of Rachel and
her stepbrother adds another layer of complexity. Rachel,
though well-meaning, struggles to connect with Jessie, who
isn’t ready to open up or accept her new family dynamics.
Adjusting to this new environment psychologically and
emotionally becomes a pivotal part of Jessie's journey. The
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interactions with her stepbrother are strained at first, but over
time, they begin to find some common ground, sharing
moments of understanding and solidarity. The shared
undercurrent of loss and change bridges their differences,
allowing for a gradual, if tentative, bond to develop.
In her moments of solitude, Jessie retreats into memories of
her mother. The juxtaposition of her new life against the
backdrop of her past amplifies her sense of loss. These
moments are bittersweet, providing both comfort and a
painful reminder of what she’s missing. Jessie finds solace in
small joys and rituals that connect her to the memory of her
mother, such as cooking her mother’s favorite recipes or
listening to her mother’s favorite songs.
Despite the pain, Jessie shows remarkable resilience. She
learns to navigate through her grief by allowing herself to
feel and express her emotions. Small acts of kindness from
others begin to permeate the walls she’s built around herself.
An awkward conversation with her father about her feelings
and the changes in their family dynamic signals a turning
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relationship.
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Chapter 4 : Friendships and High School
Life - Settling into New Surroundings
In her new life, Jessie encounters significant challenges in
her attempts to navigate the complex social environment of
her Los Angeles high school. Fortunately, she gradually
builds a circle of supportive and compassionate friends who
play crucial roles in her transition. Among them, Dri and
Agnes stand out as key figures, providing not just
companionship but also critical moral support and a sense of
belonging that is much needed for Jessie.
Dri, with her vibrant personality and infectious optimism,
quickly becomes one of Jessie’s closest allies. She helps
Jessie acclimate to the unfamiliar social terrain, offering
guidance and a sense of normalcy. Dri’s genuine loyalty and
encouragement make her a steadfast friend who aids Jessie in
gaining confidence and finding her place amidst the chaos of
high school.
Equally important is Agnes, whose calm demeanor and
empathetic nature offer Jessie a safe space to express her
feelings and fears. Agnes’s thoughtful insights and
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understanding make Jessie feel seen and heard, allowing her
the emotional room to process her grief and loneliness.
Through their friendship, Jessie begins to see that while she
has lost so much, there is still potential for meaningful and
fulfilling relationships.
However, high school life isn’t without its trials. Jessie faces
considerable adversity from the so-called "mean girls" who
embody the social hierarchy of her new school. Their cruelty
and exclusionary tactics pose a significant challenge, testing
Jessie’s resilience and ability to stay true to herself.
Confronting these mean girls is a formidable task; however,
Jessie’s burgeoning friendships with Dri and Agnes fortify
her. Their support underscores the importance of solidarity
and highlights the impact positive relationships can have in
counteracting negativity.
As Jessie navigates the ups and downs of her high school
journey, these friendships evolve and deepen. They become a
source of strength and growth for her. Jessie learns to trust in
her friends and, more importantly, herself. The experiences
she shares with Dri and Agnes contribute significantly to her
personal growth, helping her find her voice and assert her
place in her new world.
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Thus, the process of settling into her new surroundings
proves to be a transformative period for Jessie. The
friendships she forms, the challenges she faces, and the
growth she experiences collectively contribute to her
evolving sense of self and belonging. Despite the initial
hurdles, Jessie starts to carve out a niche for herself,
bolstered by the support of friends who believe in her and
encourage her to believe in herself.
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Chapter 5 : Themes of Identity and
Self-Discovery - Who is Jessie Holmes?
As Jessie navigates the tumultuous waters of her new life in
Los Angeles, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery,
central to which is the evolving correspondence with her
mysterious email friend, Somebody/Nobody (SN). Amidst
new friendships and high school politics, Jessie finds herself
grappling with profound questions about her own identity.
Moving from Chicago to Los Angeles has meant more than
adjusting to a new home or school for Jessie; it's plunged her
into a period of intense personal reflection. Before her
mother's death, she had a clear sense of who she was and her
place in the world. But the shift in her environment and the
people around her forces Jessie to reevaluate everything she
thought she knew about herself.
Throughout the book, SN serves as a mirror for Jessie to
reflect on her thoughts and feelings. Their conversations start
with simple topics but soon delve deeper into what it means
to be Jessie Holmes. SN's seemingly uncanny ability to
understand her fears, hopes, and insecurities offers Jessie
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unprecedented insight into her own psyche. Through SN, she
confronts facets of her personality and past that she had never
fully acknowledged.
One area of self-discovery comes through Jessie's interaction
with her new family dynamics. Living with Rachel and Theo,
her father’s new wife and stepbrother, Jessie learns to
navigate the complex emotions of blending families. She
feels the pangs of loyalty to her late mother but also
recognizes the need to make space in her heart for Rachel and
Theo. This emotional balancing act further compels Jessie to
define what family means to her and where she fits within it.
Her quest to uncover SN’s true identity also reflects Jessie's
internal struggle. As she pieces together the clues and reflects
on their interactions, Jessie begins to understand that her
desire to know SN is intertwined with her need to understand
herself. The anonymity of SN allows Jessie to be raw and
honest in ways she struggles to be in real life, making her
realize that part of her identity is still hidden even from
herself.
As Jessie continues to adapt to her new school, she
experiences the highs and lows of teenage life—friendships,
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rivalries, and the search for love. Each challenge she
encounters forces her to confront different aspects of her
identity. Be it her interactions with her new friends Dri and
Agnes, or standing up to the mean girls, every moment
becomes a step in Jessie's journey towards self-awareness.
Ultimately, Jessie's exploration of her identity is an ongoing
process, underscored beautifully by her deepening bond with
SN. Their relationship pushes her to ask difficult questions
and seek authentic answers about who she is and who she
wants to become. Through SN’s guidance and her own
experiences, Jessie learns that understanding oneself is a
journey more than a destination. And in embracing this
journey, she begins to find the interconnected pieces of
herself, slowly creating a mosaic of her true identity.
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Chapter 6 : Love and Romance - The
Blossoming of Young Love
As Jessie navigates the tumultuous waters of high school,
another layer of complexity is added with the introduction of
love and romance. Central to this developing theme are her
evolving feelings toward three significant boys: Ethan, Liam,
and the ever-enigmatic Somebody/Nobody (SN).
Initially, Jessie harbors feelings of attraction toward Ethan,
the enigmatic and talented musician, whose brooding
demeanor and kind gestures catch her attention. Ethan’s
aloofness only makes him more intriguing, fostering a
magnetic pull that Jessie finds hard to ignore. Their
interactions are peppered with a mix of curiosity and
awkwardness, emblematic of budding young love. Yet, there
is a sense of uncertainty that looms over their relationship,
both exhilarating and nerve-wracking for Jessie.
Liam, on the other hand, represents a different kind of
complexity. Handsome, popular, and charismatic, he
embodies the quintessential high school dream boy.
However, Liam’s attention feels both flattering and
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confusing to Jessie. His interest in her seems genuine, but his
social status and the pressure that comes with it create a
whirlwind of confusion. Jessie is wary of falling for someone
whose world is steeped in the same toxic social hierarchy she
is trying to navigate. The dynamics with Liam add a
significant layer of tension and conflict to Jessie’s high
school experience, highlighting the difficult path of
discerning genuine affection from superficial charm.
Parallel to these tangible relationships is Jessie’s mysterious
and profound connection with SN. The anonymity of SN
allows them to transcend typical high school romance,
creating a bond that is deeply emotional and intellectually
stimulating. SN’s guidance and reassurance become a
cornerstone of Jessie’s daily life, nurturing her confidence
and helping her face her challenges. Jessie’s heart is torn
between the very real connections she feels for Ethan and
Liam, and the ethereal yet grounding support from SN. The
suspense of not knowing SN’s true identity heightens her
emotional investment, as each message brings them closer,
adding to her longing to uncover the person behind the
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The intertwining of these relationships creates a rich tapestry
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Chapter 7 : Unveiling the Mystery - The
Revelation and its Impact
The climactic revelation of Somebody/Nobody's (SN) true
identity marks a significant and transformative moment in
Jessie’s journey. After much speculation and countless
emails, Jessie finally discovers that SN is Ethan. This
revelation comes as both a shock and a relief, as Ethan had
been on her mind as a potential candidate but she had never
been entirely certain. Learning that it is Ethan, someone she
has grown to have feelings for, upends her expectations and
forces her to reevaluate her interactions with him throughout
their time at school.
Jessie’s initial reaction is a mix of surprise, betrayal, and
excitement. She feels a sense of betrayal that Ethan kept his
identity hidden for so long, making her question whether the
connections they shared were genuine or built on a
foundation of deception. However, as she reflects on their
interactions, both as SN and in person, she begins to
appreciate the complexity of Ethan’s position and the reasons
that might have driven him to communicate with her
anonymously. She realizes that through SN, Ethan had been
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authentic and offered her support without any pretenses,
allowing their relationship to grow organically despite the
anonymity.
This revelation shifts Jessie’s perspective significantly. She
starts to understand the depth of Ethan’s feelings for her and
the courage it took for him to reveal himself. It also brings a
new clarity to her own emotions, helping her to see how
much she has grown and changed since the start of her
journey. The mystery of SN had forced Jessie to look inward,
to grapple with her fears, insecurities, and hopes all while
navigating the turbulence of high school and personal loss.
Now, knowing SN’s true identity, she is offered a mirror to
reflect back on her progress and the strength she has gained.
As Jessie and Ethan navigate the aftermath of the revelation,
they face the challenge of integrating their digital and
real-world connections. They must address the elements of
their relationship that were built on anonymity and transform
them into a tangible, real-life bond. This process is not
without its hiccups, but it underscores the themes of honesty,
trust, and vulnerability that have been central to Jessie’s
story.
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Ultimately, the unveiling of SN’s identity helps Jessie bring
closure to several aspects of her life. She understands that
acceptance and finding her place in the world are ongoing
processes that require her to embrace change. The journey
with SN allowed her to explore parts of herself she might not
have discovered otherwise, reinforcing the idea that
connections—whether anonymous or face-to-face—can have
profound impacts. Jessie’s path to acceptance is one of
growth, not just in her relationships with others, but in her
relationship with herself.
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Chapter 8 : Concluding Reflections -
Growing Stronger Through Change
In the concluding reflections of "Tell Me Three Things," we
see Jessie Holmes as a much-changed individual from the
girl we met at the beginning of the book. Her journey,
marked by significant emotional and personal growth, has
been tumultuous yet deeply transformative.
One of the major themes that Jessie grapples with throughout
the narrative is the importance of connection. Initially feeling
isolated and out of place, Jessie finds solace and guidance in
the anonymous emails from Somebody/Nobody (SN). This
mysterious friend helps her navigate the labyrinth of high
school dynamics, offering her a lifeline during times of
profound loneliness. Through these interactions, Jessie learns
that bridges can be built in the unlikeliest of places, and that
genuine connections often grow from vulnerability and
openness.
Resilience is another vital lesson that Jessie internalizes.
Moving to Los Angeles, coping with her mother’s death, and
adjusting to life with her new family were all formidable
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challenges. Yet Jessie proves her resilience by rising above
the hardships. She battles with the intricacies of new
relationships, tackles the harsh realities of high school
cliques, and faces the unraveling mystery of SN’s identity.
Each obstacle propels her towards a clearer understanding of
her own strength and tenacity.
Furthermore, self-discovery plays a pivotal role in Jessie’s
journey. Her conversations with SN push her to introspect
and question her place in the world. SN becomes a mirror
reflecting her insecurities, desires, and untapped potential,
guiding her toward a more self-assured version of herself.
Jessie’s quest to uncover SN’s identity is not just about
unmasking her anonymous friend but is also symbolic of her
journey to understand her own identity. The revelation of
SN’s true identity weaves seamlessly into her narrative of
self-discovery, affirming her belief in the power of honesty
and self-exploration.
In the end, Jessie learns to embrace change rather than fear it.
She discovers that change, while often daunting, can lead to
growth and new beginnings. Her ability to adapt and find joy
in the midst of chaos highlights the beauty of transformation.
Life in Los Angeles, which once seemed overwhelming,
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becomes the canvas on which she paints a new chapter of her
life, filled with hope, love, and renewed connections.
As we leave Jessie, she stands as a testament to the strength
that lies within us all. Her story encourages readers to find
resilience in the face of adversity, to seek out and cherish
genuine connections, and to delve deeply into the journey of
self-understanding. "Tell Me Three Things" ultimately serves
as a powerful reminder that growth often springs from the
most unexpected places, and that we, like Jessie, have the
capacity to grow stronger through change.
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