Synopsis
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Pacing
- Moderate
- Mood
- Heartwarming, Hopeful, Romantic, Humorous
- Read it if
- You enjoy contemporary YA romance with a mystery element, themes of grief and starting over, and a strong focus on online communication.
- Skip it if
- You dislike 'secret admirer' tropes or stories where the love interest is revealed to be a close, unexpected person.
Tell Me Three Things Plot Summary
Covers the whole plot, including the ending.
The Big Move and the New Family
Jessie Davis, a high school junior, moves from Chicago to Los Angeles with her father, who quickly married a woman he met online. Her new stepmother, Ashley, is glamorous but distant. Ashley's son, Theo, seems like a popular, privileged Los Angeles prep school student. Jessie is still dealing with her mother's death two years ago. This sudden change, along with her grief, makes her feel isolated in their luxurious Beverly Hills home and at Wood Valley High.
An Anonymous Lifeline Appears
On her first day at Wood Valley High, a private school with clear social groups, Jessie feels overwhelmed and unnoticed. She struggles with the social rules and difficult academics. When she feels most down, she gets an anonymous email from 'Somebody/Nobody' (SN). SN offers to guide her through the school's social scene, giving tips on classes, teachers, and how to survive. Jessie is doubtful but also desperate for help.
SN's Guidance and Jessie's New Friends
Jessie begins to trust SN, who is insightful and helpful. SN advises her on everything from classes to how to talk to certain students. With SN's help, Jessie starts to connect with others. She becomes friends with Agnes, a quirky and smart girl who likes books, and Ethan, a kind and artistic boy who is also somewhat of an outsider. These friendships give Jessie support and a sense of belonging, slowly reducing her isolation and making Wood Valley feel less intimidating.
The Search for SN's Identity Begins
As SN continues to offer advice and emotional support, Jessie feels a strong connection with her anonymous confidant. The emails become the best part of her day, and she realizes she is falling for the witty and understanding person behind the screen. Her curiosity grows, and she actively tries to figure out who SN is. She analyzes their writing, knowledge of the school, and specific details they share, creating a list of possible candidates among her new friends and classmates, hoping to solve the mystery.
Dating and Distractions
Jessie's social life at Wood Valley improves. She goes on a few dates with Ethan, who is sweet and attentive, and she enjoys his company. Later, she also feels drawn to Liam, a popular and charming senior, after he shows interest in her. These real-life interactions and new romances create a problem for Jessie, as her emotional attachment to SN grows with each email. She struggles with the difference between her real connections with Ethan and Liam and the deep, anonymous closeness she shares with SN, making her quest to unmask SN even more urgent.
Family Tensions and Grief
Despite positive social developments, Jessie continues to struggle with her new family. Her relationship with her stepmother, Ashley, remains strained, and her stepbrother, Theo, often seems distant or dismissive. Jessie is also constantly reminded of her mother, whose death still affects her deeply. She often thinks about Chicago and her old life, finding it hard to fully accept her new reality. Her unresolved grief and awkward family situation add to her loneliness, making SN's emotional support even more important.
A Close Call and a Misdirection
Jessie's search for SN's identity leads her to believe Liam might be the one. He is charming, popular, and seems to know a lot about the school, fitting some of SN's traits. She tries to subtly test him, looking for clues in his conversations and actions. While Liam is a strong possibility, Jessie cannot quite match his public image with SN's empathetic and thoughtful voice. The mystery continues, and Jessie keeps analyzing every interaction, hoping for a clear sign that will reveal her anonymous confidant.
The Prom and the Revelation
The junior prom arrives, and Jessie attends with Ethan, still hoping to uncover SN's identity. Throughout the evening, she looks for clues, feeling excited and anxious. The tension builds as she receives a final, anticipated email from SN, asking her to meet in person at a specific spot. With a pounding heart, Jessie follows the instructions, her mind racing through possible candidates. To her shock, the person waiting for her is Theo, her stepbrother, revealing he is Somebody/Nobody.
The Aftermath of the Reveal
The revelation that Theo is SN leaves Jessie stunned and confused. The initial shock quickly turns into a mix of emotions: betrayal, because he kept it a secret; understanding, as she re-evaluates their past interactions; and a deep sense of connection, realizing the person she had fallen for was right there all along. She confronts Theo, asking for an explanation for his anonymity and his reasons for helping her. This moment forces both of them to confront their assumptions about each other and the true nature of their relationship.
Rebuilding and Understanding
Afterward, Jessie and Theo have difficult but honest conversations. Theo explains his reasons: he saw her struggling and wanted to help without the awkwardness of being her stepbrother, and he enjoyed their anonymous connection. Jessie, though initially hurt by the deception, begins to understand his perspective and appreciate his genuine care. They start to understand their strained step-sibling relationship better, revealing deeper vulnerabilities and a hidden mutual respect. This revelation marks a significant change, creating a new path for their connection.
A New Beginning
With the truth about SN revealed, Jessie finds a new sense of peace and belonging in Los Angeles. Her relationship with Theo, though complicated, is now built on honesty and mutual affection. She has also strengthened her friendships with Agnes and Ethan, creating a supportive social circle. Jessie learns to accept her new family, including her stepmother, Ashley, as they all work to understand each other better. She realizes that while her mother's memory will always be with her, she can also build a happy life in her new home, finally moving forward from her grief.
Tell Me Three Things Characters
Jessie Davis
Protagonist
A grieving Chicago transplant navigating a new life in Los Angeles.
Jessie is a witty, introspective, and resilient junior who is struggling to cope with the sudden death of her mother and her father's hasty remarriage. Forced to move from Chicago to Los Angeles, she feels like an outsider in her new, affluent environment and at her intimidating prep school. She's initially reserved and burdened by grief, but her intelligence and dry humor shine through, especially in her anonymous email exchanges. She yearns for connection and understanding amidst her profound sense of displacement.
Relationships: Somebody/Nobody (SN)/Theo (Anonymous confidant turned stepbrother and romantic interest); Agnes (Best friend and fellow outsider); Ethan (Kind friend and brief romantic interest); Liam (Popular classmate and potential romantic interest); Dad (Loving but somewhat oblivious father); Ashley (Distant but ultimately caring stepmother); Mom (Deceased mother, source of ongoing grief)
Somebody/Nobody (SN)
Supporting/Love Interest
Jessie's anonymous email confidant and guide.
SN is the anonymous emailer who offers Jessie guidance and support during her transition to Wood Valley High. Witty, perceptive, and deeply empathetic, SN quickly becomes Jessie's lifeline and closest confidant. Through their emails, SN provides practical advice, emotional solace, and a much-needed sense of humor. The mystery surrounding SN's identity drives a significant portion of the plot, as Jessie develops strong feelings for this unknown person, who is eventually revealed to be Theo.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Anonymous confidant and romantic interest); Theo (SN's true identity; stepbrother to Jessie)
Theo
Supporting/Love Interest
Jessie's seemingly aloof stepbrother, secretly SN.
Theo is Ashley's son and Jessie's stepbrother, initially appearing as the quintessential popular, privileged, and somewhat arrogant L.A. prep school student. He often seems aloof and dismissive towards Jessie, contributing to her feelings of isolation. However, beneath this exterior lies a thoughtful, observant, and genuinely caring individual who takes it upon himself to secretly help Jessie navigate her new life as SN. His decision to remain anonymous stems from a desire to help without the awkwardness of their step-sibling relationship.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Stepmother's daughter, initially distant, later romantic interest as SN); Ashley (Mother); Dad (Jessie's) (Stepfather)
Agnes
Supporting
Jessie's first friend at Wood Valley, quirky and intelligent.
Agnes is one of Jessie's first friends at Wood Valley High. She is quirky, intelligent, and shares Jessie's love for books and a slightly sarcastic outlook on the world. Agnes is a loyal and supportive friend, often offering practical advice and a grounding presence. She helps Jessie feel less alone in the intimidating school environment and serves as a sounding board for Jessie's theories about SN's identity. Agnes represents the possibility of genuine connection amidst the superficiality of Wood Valley.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Best friend)
Ethan
Supporting
A kind and artistic classmate who becomes Jessie's friend and date.
Ethan is a kind, artistic, and somewhat introverted student at Wood Valley High. He's one of the first people Jessie connects with, and they develop a sweet, budding romance. Ethan is gentle, understanding, and offers Jessie a sense of normalcy and comfort. He represents a potential, straightforward romantic path for Jessie, contrasting with the mysterious allure of SN. His genuine affection for Jessie is clear, making her eventual realization of her feelings for SN more complex.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Friend and brief romantic interest)
Liam
Supporting
A popular and charming senior who shows interest in Jessie.
Liam is a popular, charismatic, and seemingly perfect senior at Wood Valley High. He's handsome, athletic, and well-liked, representing the kind of student Jessie initially feels she can't relate to. When Liam shows interest in Jessie, she's surprised and flattered, and he becomes a strong candidate in her mind for SN's identity. His charm and good looks offer a compelling, albeit ultimately incorrect, distraction in Jessie's quest to unmask her anonymous helper.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Classmate and potential romantic interest (misidentified as SN))
Ashley
Supporting
Jessie's glamorous and initially distant stepmother.
Ashley is Jessie's new stepmother, a glamorous and successful woman who lives in a world of L.A. sophistication. Initially, she appears somewhat distant and preoccupied, leading Jessie to label her a 'stepmonster.' She struggles to connect with Jessie, often seeming awkward or unsure how to navigate Jessie's grief and resentment. Over time, however, her genuine desire to be a good mother figure and her subtle acts of kindness begin to shine through, revealing a more complex and caring individual beneath the polished exterior.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Stepmother); Theo (Son); Dad (Jessie's) (Husband)
Jessie's Dad
Supporting
Jessie's well-meaning but sometimes oblivious father.
Jessie's father is a loving but somewhat impulsive man who, after the death of his wife, quickly remarries Ashley and uproots their lives to Los Angeles. He genuinely cares for Jessie but is often oblivious to the depth of her struggles and her grief. He tries his best to make her happy in their new home but sometimes lacks the emotional insight to truly understand her feelings. His actions, though well-intentioned, are the catalyst for Jessie's entire journey.
Relationships: Jessie Davis (Daughter); Ashley (Wife)
Tell Me Three Things Themes
Grief and Healing
The novel explores the lasting effects of grief and the difficult process of healing after loss. Jessie's mother's death two years prior is the main wound that affects her entire experience. Her feelings of displacement in Los Angeles and her difficulty connecting with her new family come from her unresolved sorrow. SN's empathy and understanding offer Jessie a safe space to process her grief, showing that connection and acceptance are important for moving forward. The theme concludes with Jessie's ability to embrace her new life without forgetting her past, showing growth and acceptance.
“It's funny how you can miss someone even when they're right in front of you. Or maybe it's that you miss the person they used to be.”
Identity and Belonging
Jessie's struggle to find her place in a new city, school, and family is central to the story. She grapples with who she is outside of her Chicago life and her mother's memory. Wood Valley High's cliquish environment makes her feel more like an outsider. SN's guidance helps her navigate this, but it is through forming friendships with Agnes and Ethan, and finally accepting her step-family, that Jessie begins to create a new identity and a sense of belonging. SN's anonymity highlights that true connection can go beyond superficial labels and appearances.
“Sometimes, the hardest thing about moving is realizing that you're not just leaving a place, you're leaving a version of yourself behind.”
The Power of Connection (Anonymous and Otherwise)
The novel highlights the impact of connection, both anonymous and face-to-face. SN's emails are Jessie's support, showing that emotional help can come from unexpected sources, regardless of identity. This anonymous bond allows for honesty and vulnerability that might not have been possible in person at first. As Jessie forms friendships with Agnes and Ethan, and later learns the truth about Theo, the story shows the importance of genuine human connection in overcoming isolation and promoting personal growth, ultimately valuing real relationships over superficial ones.
“There's something about anonymity that makes it easier to be honest, isn't there?”
Perception vs. Reality
A main theme is how often first impressions can be wrong. Jessie's negative views of her stepmother, Ashley, and especially her stepbrother, Theo, are challenged throughout the story. Theo, initially seen as an arrogant popular kid, is revealed to be the empathetic and caring SN. Similarly, Ashley, the 'stepmonster,' shows moments of genuine concern. This theme encourages readers to look beyond appearances and first impressions, suggesting that people are often more complex than they seem, and that understanding requires effort and an open mind.
“Sometimes, the person you think you know the least is the one who knows you best.”
Plot Devices & Literary Techniques
Anonymous Confidant (SN)
A mysterious emailer who guides and supports the protagonist.
The 'Somebody/Nobody' (SN) character serves as the central plot device, driving the mystery and Jessie's emotional journey. SN's anonymous emails provide crucial information, emotional support, and witty banter, becoming Jessie's lifeline. This device allows for a deeper exploration of Jessie's internal thoughts and feelings, as she is completely honest with SN. The anonymity also creates a strong element of suspense, fueling Jessie's quest to uncover SN's true identity and ultimately leading to the climactic reveal of Theo, which reshapes Jessie's understanding of her new family and her own heart.
Red Herring
Characters or clues designed to mislead the protagonist and reader.
The novel employs red herrings, particularly in Jessie's attempts to identify SN. Characters like Liam and Ethan are presented as plausible candidates, with their actions and characteristics sometimes aligning with SN's email persona. This device keeps the reader guessing and adds layers of intrigue to the mystery. By misdirecting Jessie (and the reader), the eventual reveal of Theo as SN becomes more surprising and impactful, highlighting the theme of perception versus reality and making the true connection between Jessie and Theo more profound.
Fish Out of Water
The protagonist is placed in an unfamiliar and challenging environment.
Jessie's relocation from Chicago to the affluent, cliquish world of Los Angeles and Wood Valley High positions her as a 'fish out of water.' This device immediately establishes conflict and empathy for Jessie, as she navigates a foreign social landscape, academic pressures, and a new family dynamic. Her initial discomfort and isolation are central to her character arc, making her eventual integration and discovery of belonging more satisfying. This setup allows the story to explore themes of identity, belonging, and the challenges of adapting to drastic life changes, emphasizing her reliance on SN.
First-Person Narrative with Email Exchanges
The story is told from Jessie's perspective, interspersed with emails.
The novel is primarily told through Jessie's first-person perspective, giving readers direct access to her thoughts, fears, and witty internal monologues. This allows for deep character immersion and a strong connection with her emotional journey, especially her grief. The integration of email exchanges between Jessie and SN serves as a crucial interactive element. These emails not only advance the plot and provide clues but also reveal SN's character and the evolving dynamic of their relationship, adding another dimension to the narrative voice and building suspense around SN's identity.
Tell Me Three Things Quotes
“Tell me three things, and I’ll tell you three things.”
“Maybe the best way to figure out who you are is to spend some time not being you.”
“It's funny how you can live in the same house with people, eat dinner with them, and still not really know them.”
“Sometimes the person you're looking for is right in front of you.”
“Grief is a tricky thing. It doesn't go away. It just changes shape.”
“The hardest part about starting over isn't saying goodbye. It's remembering to say hello.”
“You can't really judge a book by its cover, or a person by their Instagram feed.”
“There are some things you just can't Google.”
“Maybe being brave isn't about not being scared. Maybe it's about being scared and doing it anyway.”
“Sometimes the people who seem like they have it all figured out are the ones who are the most lost.”
“It’s amazing how much you can tell someone without actually telling them anything at all.”
“The best kind of friends are the ones who make you feel less alone, even when you're physically by yourself.”
“Life doesn't always go according to plan, but sometimes the detours lead you to the best places.”
Quiz
10 questions on the plot and the characters. Each answer comes with a short explanation.
Question 1
Where does Jessie move from to Los Angeles after her father remarries?
- New York
- Chicago
- Miami
- Seattle
Show answer
B. Chicago Jessie explicitly states she is thinking about hightailing it back to Chicago, indicating that's where she moved from.
Question 2
What is the name of the prep school Jessie attends in Los Angeles?
- Beverly Hills Academy
- Westwood High
- Wood Valley High School
- Pacific Crest Prep
Show answer
C. Wood Valley High School The synopsis clearly states SN offers to help her navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School.
Question 3
What is the alias of the person who emails Jessie offering help?
- Secret Helper
- Anonymous Friend
- Somebody/Nobody (SN)
- Her Guardian Angel
Show answer
C. Somebody/Nobody (SN) Jessie receives an email from a person calling themselves Somebody/Nobody (SN for short).
Question 4
How long has it been since Jessie's mother's death when she moves to Los Angeles?
- Less than a year
- Barely two years
- Three years
- Four years
Show answer
B. Barely two years The text states, 'It’s been barely two years since her mother’s death,' highlighting the recency of her loss.
Question 5
How did Jessie's father meet his new wife?
- Through mutual friends
- At a work event
- Online
- At a local cafe
Show answer
C. Online Her father eloped with a woman he met online, which is part of the reason for Jessie's forced move.
Question 6
What is Jessie's initial feeling about her new prep school in Los Angeles?
- Excited and optimistic
- Intimidated and feeling 'wrong'
- Indifferent and bored
- Confident and popular
Show answer
B. Intimidated and feeling 'wrong' The text says, 'Everything about Jessie is wrong. At least, that’s what it feels like during her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school.'
Question 7
What is Jessie's relationship with her stepmother and stepbrother described as?
- Warm and welcoming
- Distant but polite
- Strained, referring to them as 'stepmonster' and 'pretentious'
- Initially difficult, but quickly improving
Show answer
C. Strained, referring to them as 'stepmonster' and 'pretentious' Jessie refers to her stepmother as her 'stepmonster' and her stepbrother as 'pretentious teenage son,' indicating a difficult relationship.
Question 8
What is the primary internal conflict Jessie faces regarding SN?
- Whether SN's advice is actually helpful or harmful.
- If she should trust SN despite not knowing their identity, and whether to meet them.
- Concern that SN might be her stepbrother playing a trick.
- Worry that SN will reveal her secrets to the whole school.
Show answer
B. If she should trust SN despite not knowing their identity, and whether to meet them. The text poses the question: 'Jessie can’t help wanting to meet SN in person. But are some mysteries better left unsolved?' highlighting her internal debate about SN's identity and meeting them.
Question 9
What is the central theme highlighted by Jessie's reliance on SN?
- The importance of popularity in high school.
- The struggle of adapting to new environments and finding support in unexpected places.
- The dangers of online communication with strangers.
- The complexities of blended families.
Show answer
B. The struggle of adapting to new environments and finding support in unexpected places. Jessie's desperation leads her to rely on SN as her 'lifeline and closest ally' to 'navigate the wilds of Wood Valley High School,' directly addressing themes of adaptation and seeking support.
Question 10
What specific grade level is Jessie entering at Wood Valley High School?
- Freshman year
- Sophomore year
- Junior year
- Senior year
Show answer
C. Junior year The first sentence specifies it's 'her first week of junior year at her new ultra-intimidating prep school.'
Tell Me Three Things FAQ
What is the central conflict Jessie faces at the beginning of 'Tell Me Three Things'?
Jessie faces the immense challenge of adjusting to a new life in Los Angeles after her father remarries, forcing her to leave her familiar life in Chicago. She struggles with the grief of losing her mother, navigating an intimidating new prep school, and living with a stepmother and stepbrother she barely knows.
Who is 'Somebody/Nobody' (SN) and what role do they play in Jessie's life?
Somebody/Nobody (SN) is an anonymous emailer who reaches out to Jessie, offering guidance and support as she tries to fit in at Wood Valley High. SN becomes Jessie's confidant and lifeline, helping her understand the school's social dynamics, offering advice, and making her feel less alone during a difficult transition.
What are some of the key relationships Jessie forms, besides with SN?
Jessie forms friendships with Scarlett and Agnes, two quirky and supportive classmates who help her feel more accepted at Wood Valley. She also develops romantic interests in both Liam and Ethan, making her new social landscape more complex and emotionally charged.
How does Jessie's grief over her mother's death manifest throughout the story?
Jessie's grief manifests as a pervasive sense of displacement and loneliness, often making her feel like an outsider. She carries a deep emotional wound, frequently reflecting on her mother and feeling guilty about her father moving on, which impacts her ability to fully embrace her new life.
What is the significance of the 'three things' concept in the book's title?
The 'three things' concept refers to SN's recurring request for Jessie to 'tell me three things' about her day, her feelings, or anything on her mind. This practice creates a consistent space for vulnerability and connection, allowing Jessie to process her experiences and build trust with her anonymous ally.
What is the primary motivation behind SN's decision to help Jessie anonymously?
SN's primary motivation is a genuine desire to help Jessie navigate a difficult situation, likely stemming from empathy or personal experience with similar struggles. The anonymity allows SN to offer unfiltered advice and support without the social pressures or complications of an overt relationship.
How does Jessie's relationship with her stepbrother, Theo, evolve?
Initially, Jessie views Theo as part of her new, unwelcome reality, finding him pretentious and difficult. As the story progresses, their relationship slowly thaws, and Jessie begins to see Theo as a more complex individual, discovering shared vulnerabilities and a grudging respect for him.
What clues are subtly dropped about SN's identity before the big reveal?
Subtle clues include SN's specific knowledge of Wood Valley's social dynamics, their occasional use of slang or references that align with certain characters, and their sometimes protective or jealous reactions to Jessie's interactions with others. These hints often point towards a character already in Jessie's orbit.
How does Jessie's perception of her father's new marriage change by the end of the book?
Jessie's perception of her father's new marriage shifts from resentment and betrayal to a more nuanced understanding. She begins to recognize her father's own grief and his right to find happiness, eventually accepting his new wife, Sarah, and their blended family.
What role does social media play in the narrative, both positively and negatively?
Social media plays a dual role: it's a source of anxiety and comparison for Jessie as she observes her peers' seemingly perfect lives, but it also becomes a tool for connection and information. The anonymous email exchange, while not traditional social media, highlights the power of digital communication for forming bonds.
What is the significance of the setting of Los Angeles and Wood Valley High?
Los Angeles, with its glamorous yet intimidating prep school culture, serves as a stark contrast to Jessie's familiar life in Chicago, amplifying her feelings of alienation. Wood Valley High specifically embodies the superficiality and intense social pressures she struggles against, making her journey of self-discovery more challenging.
How does the book explore themes of identity and belonging?
The book explores identity through Jessie's struggle to define herself in a new environment while grappling with grief. Her search for belonging is central, as she navigates new friendships, romantic interests, and family dynamics, ultimately finding her place by being true to herself rather than trying to fit in.
What makes the reveal of SN's identity impactful for Jessie?
The reveal of SN's identity is impactful because it challenges Jessie's preconceptions about who can truly understand and support her. It forces her to re-evaluate her relationships and recognize the depth of connection she forged with someone she initially misjudged or overlooked.
In what ways does Jessie grow and mature throughout the story?
Jessie grows by confronting her grief, learning to adapt to change, and developing resilience. She learns to trust new people, stand up for herself, and accept love in its various forms, ultimately moving past her initial isolation to embrace her new life and found family.
How does the book balance its romance elements with themes of grief and family?
The book skillfully balances romance by integrating it into Jessie's broader journey of healing and adaptation. The romantic relationships develop alongside her processing of grief and her efforts to build a new family, showing how love and connection can aid in recovery and finding a new sense of normalcy.
What is the ultimate message about honesty and vulnerability conveyed by the story?
The story ultimately conveys that honesty and vulnerability, while scary, are essential for true connection. Jessie's willingness to share her authentic self, first with SN and then with others, allows her to form deep bonds and overcome her isolation, highlighting the power of genuine communication.
Are there any ethical implications of SN's anonymous help, particularly regarding manipulation?
While SN's intentions are benevolent, the anonymity does raise questions about the ethics of influencing someone's life without revealing one's identity. Some might argue it borders on manipulation, as Jessie makes significant decisions based on advice from someone she doesn't truly know, even if the outcome is positive.
How do Jessie's initial impressions of Liam and Ethan compare to who they truly are?
Jessie's initial impressions of Liam are of an effortlessly charming and popular guy, while Ethan appears more artistic and brooding. She's drawn to both for different reasons, but as she gets to know them, she discovers layers beyond their superficial personas, revealing their complexities and vulnerabilities.
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