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3.92 AVERAGE
3.92 AVERAGE
This book was just so crass, I couldn’t get through it. I like the concept and the characters were great there was just an overload of unnecessary stuff.
I feel like this is a solid mid book. On one hand there were parts that I thought were really cute, and on the other there were parts that I found weird, unnecessary, and dull.
I did finish it fast so it wasn’t a hard read.
I did finish it fast so it wasn’t a hard read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Homophobia
I randomly got this on Thriftbooks when I had a free book credit, and this did not disappoint. I was anxious to read it since I read "Admissions" by Julie Buxbaum last year, and it was a 1-star read. But THIS BOOK! I want to read it over and over and over again!
This book really connected with me. I lost my father in Feb of 2022, and life is definitely After. The Before is so weird, especially to the people who knew you Before and After. This book encapsulated that perfectly.
I also thought Julie did a fantastic job getting in the head of a teenager. Jessie felt a little "I'm not like other girls" for a bit, but you know what? There are girls who are like that. And everyone goes through their Pick Me phase. But Jessie felt very real and very honest and it never felt like Julie was making fun of teenager-dom. Teenagers are teenagers are teenagers.
It was also very cute to see the relationship of Ethan and Jessie and SN and Jessie grow. I had many suspicions as to who SN was. I thought it was Theo, Agnes, Ethan, Liam, pretty much everyone! It was fun to figure it out based on the clues.
Very good book! Highly recommend!
This book really connected with me. I lost my father in Feb of 2022, and life is definitely After. The Before is so weird, especially to the people who knew you Before and After. This book encapsulated that perfectly.
I also thought Julie did a fantastic job getting in the head of a teenager. Jessie felt a little "I'm not like other girls" for a bit, but you know what? There are girls who are like that. And everyone goes through their Pick Me phase. But Jessie felt very real and very honest and it never felt like Julie was making fun of teenager-dom. Teenagers are teenagers are teenagers.
It was also very cute to see the relationship of Ethan and Jessie and SN and Jessie grow. I had many suspicions as to who SN was. I thought it was Theo, Agnes, Ethan, Liam, pretty much everyone! It was fun to figure it out based on the clues.
Very good book! Highly recommend!
3.5 stars, maybe? This is a hard one to review, because certain aspects I really enjoyed, and others kind of stole from that enjoyment. For example, even though Jessie's father was not a very well developed character, I still didn't think he would get married and decide to move across the country without even so much as a conversation with his daughter. So if I don't believe that this major plot point is believable, then how am I supposed to believe anything else is real? I liked Jessie's character for the most part, but I didn't like how she was one of these girls that doesn't realize her own beauty, or just how special she really is. I liked her developing friendships with many of the secondary characters, but I thought the "mean girl" was way over the top. And the romance was kinda cute, but I wanted more in the end. So overall, I liked it but didn't love it. Next, please!
Quite The Novel Idea ~ Novel Ink
So yeah, wow. This I did not expect. I discovered this little book quite a while ago after a blogger friend read it and flailed about it on Goodreads. So I added it, but hey, I'm broke so I didn't expect to read it any time soon. Then more reviews came in. All super positive. And I got scared. Because I haven't had very good luck with YA Contemporary books that everyone loves. BUT. Then I saw three reviews in a row that said it's perfect for fans of Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda. And I'm kinda of a mild fan of that book, as you may know. *cough* So I got a copy and read it and here we are.
First off, how accurate is that recommendation? I feel like I need to talk about it since, you know, I'm kind of the resident expert on Simon VS. I also tend to pop up in random conversations on the TwitterVoid whenever someone mentions Simon or Oreo's. All in all I have been very subtle with my love for that book, I'm sure. Anyway. Tell Me Three Things. Yes, this recommendation makes sense. It has that same mystery element where the MC is talking with someone through e-mail or IM's but has no idea who that person actually is. It also deals with some tough topics without making the book too heavy. The writing style also feels effortless, much like Becky's writing did. I would say you might like Tell Me Three Things more if you're more into the standard contemporary, as this one had a tad more drama. For me? Well, it's up there with my top favorite books, but doesn't quite touch Simon VS. Obviously. So yes, if you liked Simon VS, you should check this one out.
As I said, the writing feels very effortless. It hooked me right away and after the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this book. I loved the instant chemistry between Jessie and SN. I loved the humor in this book. I loved how Julie managed to use texting and e-mailing in her book and made it so real and natural. Honestly, this book was very easy to read and it made it supereasy for me to relate to Jessie. I've been through similar things she has. Losing a loved one and bullying being the biggest ones. Yes, I have a stepdad like she has a stepmom too, but luckily, my stepdad is awesome and has become my dad, period. So I really understood how she felt throughout this book. In hindsight, I shouldn't have started reading late at night. Because I ended up just reading it in one sitting, finishing at 3am because I just HAD to know who SN was. Also, it was so cute and adorable at times, seriously, my heart couldn't take it.
I do think the bit of drama near the end felt a bit too much. Some of the high school drama Jessie goes through felt a bit over the top and a tad unrealistic. But hey, I don't live in California, so for all I know teens are really like that over there. I'm very out of touch with how popular teens act these days. I also would've liked to have seen SN and Jessie more as a couple after Jessie finds out who he is at the very end. Maybe that's why I love Simon VS more? Because it showed Simon and Blue as a couple the last few chapters. This one didn't have that.
I loved all the characters. I loved Jessie's friend Scarlett. I loved the friends Jessie made in her new school Adrianna and Agnes. I also kind of liked Liam, one of the possible options for who SN was. I adored Ethan right away. And then there's Theo, Jessie's stepbrother. Theo started out as an asshole, much like my biological father, whom he shares his name with. But this Theo redeemed himself and I warmed up to him rather quickly. I liked Jessie's dad and eventually Rachel, his new wife. I also loved Jessie as a protagonist. It was easy for me to relate to her and I rooted for her immediately.
The identity of SN isn't revealed until the very end and there were three possibilities. Ethan, Liam and Caleb. I knew/hoped it was one of those three right from the start and I ended up being right, so huzzah! It had me cheering and flailing in bed at almost 3am. Yeah, I was scared this would turn out as a love triangle, but it doesn't. Absolutely not. Anyway, the reveal of SN's identity was absolutely adorable. But like I said, I would've liked to have seen Jessie and SN as a couple after the reveal and I didn't get that. It just ends. Which made me sad. Because I wanted more. Also, Jessie's favorite word is Waffle and I have to point out that my CP and dear friend Lisa always calls me Waffle because I'm from Belgium. So really, I was destined to love this book.
Tell Me Three Things is a fantastic YA Contemporary book that you absolutely have to check out. It's funny, touching, adorable, sweet, feelsy and just a must-read in general. Go read it, asap.
So yeah, wow. This I did not expect. I discovered this little book quite a while ago after a blogger friend read it and flailed about it on Goodreads. So I added it, but hey, I'm broke so I didn't expect to read it any time soon. Then more reviews came in. All super positive. And I got scared. Because I haven't had very good luck with YA Contemporary books that everyone loves. BUT. Then I saw three reviews in a row that said it's perfect for fans of Simon VS The Homo Sapiens Agenda. And I'm kinda of a mild fan of that book, as you may know. *cough* So I got a copy and read it and here we are.
First off, how accurate is that recommendation? I feel like I need to talk about it since, you know, I'm kind of the resident expert on Simon VS. I also tend to pop up in random conversations on the TwitterVoid whenever someone mentions Simon or Oreo's. All in all I have been very subtle with my love for that book, I'm sure. Anyway. Tell Me Three Things. Yes, this recommendation makes sense. It has that same mystery element where the MC is talking with someone through e-mail or IM's but has no idea who that person actually is. It also deals with some tough topics without making the book too heavy. The writing style also feels effortless, much like Becky's writing did. I would say you might like Tell Me Three Things more if you're more into the standard contemporary, as this one had a tad more drama. For me? Well, it's up there with my top favorite books, but doesn't quite touch Simon VS. Obviously. So yes, if you liked Simon VS, you should check this one out.
As I said, the writing feels very effortless. It hooked me right away and after the first chapter, I knew I was going to love this book. I loved the instant chemistry between Jessie and SN. I loved the humor in this book. I loved how Julie managed to use texting and e-mailing in her book and made it so real and natural. Honestly, this book was very easy to read and it made it supereasy for me to relate to Jessie. I've been through similar things she has. Losing a loved one and bullying being the biggest ones. Yes, I have a stepdad like she has a stepmom too, but luckily, my stepdad is awesome and has become my dad, period. So I really understood how she felt throughout this book. In hindsight, I shouldn't have started reading late at night. Because I ended up just reading it in one sitting, finishing at 3am because I just HAD to know who SN was. Also, it was so cute and adorable at times, seriously, my heart couldn't take it.
I do think the bit of drama near the end felt a bit too much. Some of the high school drama Jessie goes through felt a bit over the top and a tad unrealistic. But hey, I don't live in California, so for all I know teens are really like that over there. I'm very out of touch with how popular teens act these days. I also would've liked to have seen SN and Jessie more as a couple after Jessie finds out who he is at the very end. Maybe that's why I love Simon VS more? Because it showed Simon and Blue as a couple the last few chapters. This one didn't have that.
I loved all the characters. I loved Jessie's friend Scarlett. I loved the friends Jessie made in her new school Adrianna and Agnes. I also kind of liked Liam, one of the possible options for who SN was. I adored Ethan right away. And then there's Theo, Jessie's stepbrother. Theo started out as an asshole, much like my biological father, whom he shares his name with. But this Theo redeemed himself and I warmed up to him rather quickly. I liked Jessie's dad and eventually Rachel, his new wife. I also loved Jessie as a protagonist. It was easy for me to relate to her and I rooted for her immediately.
The identity of SN isn't revealed until the very end and there were three possibilities. Ethan, Liam and Caleb. I knew/hoped it was one of those three right from the start and I ended up being right, so huzzah! It had me cheering and flailing in bed at almost 3am. Yeah, I was scared this would turn out as a love triangle, but it doesn't. Absolutely not. Anyway, the reveal of SN's identity was absolutely adorable. But like I said, I would've liked to have seen Jessie and SN as a couple after the reveal and I didn't get that. It just ends. Which made me sad. Because I wanted more. Also, Jessie's favorite word is Waffle and I have to point out that my CP and dear friend Lisa always calls me Waffle because I'm from Belgium. So really, I was destined to love this book.
Tell Me Three Things is a fantastic YA Contemporary book that you absolutely have to check out. It's funny, touching, adorable, sweet, feelsy and just a must-read in general. Go read it, asap.
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
A little too much high school bully, catty girls and drama for me, but the sentiment of the story was quite sweet. Also, we truly could’ve avoided so much of the miscommunication and heartbreak if SN simply was not SN. If you like someone, romantic or not, go for it, reach across and build that bond, you literally have nothing to lose. Other than that, it truly was a heartfelt, fast-paced story about navigating grief and new beginnings through unexpected connections, a touch of mystery and a secret admirer subplot.
Favourite quote: “Because sometimes a kiss is not a kiss is not a kiss is not a kiss. Sometimes it’s poetry.”
Favourite quote: “Because sometimes a kiss is not a kiss is not a kiss is not a kiss. Sometimes it’s poetry.”
I thought this book had a nice premise and I really enjoyed Jessie's relationship with Ethan throughout the book, but the rest wasn't great. I mean I appreciated Theo's character as well, but none of the other characters really interested me or were even likable to me. I also really disliked the way the author treated teenagers; very stereotypical, as if all teenagers think about is sex and relationships, and clothes. I also disliked Gloria's purpose in the book, I'm really tired of the Hispanic housekeeper stereotype as if Hispanics are here to serve others and have funny accents. I know the author probably didn't mean it that way, but I'm sick of this being the only representation I get in movies and books. Everyone taking her for granted; it wasn't even that important in the book, but I got really hung up on it.
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Tell Me Three Things is a YA contemporary story about Jessie who is in the process of grieving the loss of her mother while dealing with her father's marriage and moving across the country (Chicago to Los Angeles) and settling in the new house with her stepmother and stepbrother. While in LA, she attends a private school and has a hard time fitting it; after her first day at the new school, she receives an email from an anonymous person (SN) helping her navigate the new school. As the time passes, Jessie and SN start bonding and forming a unique relationship.
Overall a good story and a quick read.
Overall a good story and a quick read.
When I started this book I was sure that I wasn't going to like it. The concept of the story seemed like something I'd never read. However, after a few pages I was completely hooked on the story and I couldn't stop reading. The characters were relatable and funny and the situations were very realistic. I was so involved in the story, that I hardly checked what page number I was on, which is something I usually do quite often while reading.
I really felt like I was on a journey with Jessie and I loved watching her grow as a person and find her rythm in a new environment. The whole concept of SN was also fun and kept the story interesting, since I was trying to figure out who he was.
Overall, I loved the book and definitely think that this is a book that will stay with me for a while, if not for ever.
Read:
Started: 18/08/2017
Finished: 19/08/2017
Reread:
Started: 17/01/2018
Finished: 26/01/2018
I really felt like I was on a journey with Jessie and I loved watching her grow as a person and find her rythm in a new environment. The whole concept of SN was also fun and kept the story interesting, since I was trying to figure out who he was.
Overall, I loved the book and definitely think that this is a book that will stay with me for a while, if not for ever.
Read:
Started: 18/08/2017
Finished: 19/08/2017
Reread:
Started: 17/01/2018
Finished: 26/01/2018