Tell Me Three Things Summary & Key Insights

Julie Buxbaum's "Tell Me Three Things" centers around the unlikely friendship between high school senior, Jesse Rothenberg, and the enigmatic new girl, Anna McQuinn. Jesse is grappling with the recent death of his mother and the subsequent emotional distance between him and his father. He’s a shy, introverted artist finding solace in his sketchbook and his online interactions. Anna, meanwhile, is a vibrant and open teenager who, after a devastating experience, chooses to communicate primarily through anonymous online messages, hiding behind the alias "Anonymous."

Their connection begins when Anna, still recovering from a traumatic event she’s reluctant to disclose, sends Jesse a series of emails, requesting he "tell me three things" about himself each day as a form of indirect communication. These emails become their lifeline, a space where they can explore their vulnerability and navigate their grief without the pressure of face-to-face interaction. Jesse discovers that the anonymous emailer is, in fact, his new neighbor, Anna, and he starts a slow, cautious friendship with her.

The novel unfolds through alternating perspectives, showcasing both Jesse's internal struggles and Anna's guarded exterior. Jesse learns that Anna's anonymity stemmed from a car accident that left her with severe facial scarring and significant emotional trauma. He slowly encourages her to step out of her shell, showing kindness and acceptance. Meanwhile, he confronts his own emotional paralysis surrounding his mother's death, finding healing through his art and his burgeoning relationship with Anna.

Their friendship blossoms, becoming a central support system for both characters as they confront their emotional wounds. As they get closer, Jesse begins to navigate the complexities of his own grief and the challenging relationship with his emotionally unavailable father. He realizes that he needs to express his emotions openly to move forward, a lesson Anna inadvertently teaches him through her own journey of self-acceptance.

The plot also involves a secondary storyline concerning the mystery surrounding Anna's accident and her gradual unraveling of the circumstances surrounding it. This sub-plot adds a layer of suspense but ultimately serves as a backdrop to the primary focus: the developing friendship and personal growth of Jesse and Anna.

The overarching themes in "Tell Me Three Things" are grief, healing, communication, and the transformative power of friendship. The book emphasizes the importance of vulnerability, empathy, and the courage it takes to overcome trauma and connect with others. Ultimately, it’s a story about finding hope and healing in unexpected places, demonstrating that even amidst pain and loss, human connection can lead to profound personal growth and a path toward a brighter future.