Me Three

by Susan Juby

Allegations against his father turn eleven-year-old Rodney's life upside down in a powerful and surprisingly funny novel about new beginnings, new friendships and a fresh new look at the way things really are, by critically acclaimed author Susan Juby.

Eleven-year-old Rodney is starting sixth grade in a new school, in a new home in a new state. The new school is really old and smells like someone ate a couple of pounds of glue and then barfed it back up, and he's in a class with a bunch of kids who seem to sort of hate him. Even his best friend won't write him back. It's strange, because just a couple of months ago, Rodney was one of the most popular guys in his fifth-grade class. He lived in Las Vegas, with his mom, older sister and his dad, who was a successful professional poker player. Now his old life is over -- his mom even says they shouldn't tell anyone their real last name. Because of something his dad did. Or something people said that he did. His dad says it's all a big misunderstanding, but he's now staying in a center for people who are having problems, like being addicted to drugs or gambling, or because other people don't understand that you are just funny and friendly and sometimes you give people hugs or put your arm around them and they accuse you of taking liberties and ruin everything. Rodney is confident that it won't be long until the misunderstanding is all cleared up and they can all go back to their old life. But he can only keep the truth at bay for so long . . .

Genres: Middle Grade, Family, Friendship, Young Adult, Childrens, Realistic Fiction, Fiction

224 pages, Hardcover

First published March 22, 2022

About the author

(from her website)

I was raised in Smithers, BC, Canada and lived there until I moved to Toronto at age 20. I had a brief and unsuccessful career as a fashion design student and, after I worked at a series of low paying jobs, such as server, record store employee, etc., I began a degree in English Literature at University of Toronto, which I finished at the University of British Columbia. After graduating I became an editor at a self-help/how-to book publishing company based in Vancouver. Later, I did a master’s degree in publishing.

When I was a kid I wrote fiction but gave it up for a life of crime. Okay, that’s not true, but I did get seriously sidetracked. That time in my life is the subject of my memoir, "Nice Recovery". When I was twenty, until I got myself together and when I was about 26 I started writing, in the morning before work, first on the bus, then in a coffee shop. This writing became my first novel, "Alice, I Think", which was published by Thistledown Press in 2000.

When I first started writing my intention was to write a book about a teenager who doesn't fit in, but doesn't allow that fact to crush her. The Alice MacLeod series is my homage to oddballs. I wanted to create a character who has the courage and integrity to find her own way and define herself independently of other people. I've always admired people who can do that.

After finishing three books about Alice and her family, I decided that my goal is to write every kind of book I love to read. I’ve always loved horse books. I was a lunatic for horses when I was younger. I owned several horses over the years (for a time when I was quite young I was convinced I was a horse, but let's keep that between us) and I became obsessed with an equestrian sport called dressage. I quit riding when I left home to go to college, but part of me always thought I could have been a "contender". (In retrospect, I'm not sure why I would have thought that.) Anyway, I got a nice pay day when Alice, I Think was made into a TV series, and the first thing I did was rush out a buy a horse and start working on a book about two young dressage riders. The story was initially about two girls, but soon I fell in love with a secondary character, a boy named Alex, and the book became mainly about him. That one is called "Another Kind of Cowboy".

I’m also a maniac for detective novels, which led to "Getting the Girl", a comedy about an inept detective and a high school conspiracy he is determined to stop. Book number six is my memoir. I developed a bit of a substance abuse problem when I was thirteen and I ended up getting clean and sober when I was twenty. Nice Recovery is about that time. The book includes information for people with addiction problems and interviews with amazing young people in recovery. My love for satire and the End Is Nigh novels led me to write "Bright’s Light", which is that rarest of things: a funny dystopian novel about young dunderheads in the last fun place on earth and the alien who wants to save them.

"Home to Woefield", as it’s known in the U.S. and "The Woefield Poultry Collective" as it’s known in Canada, is a comedy about a young woman from Brooklyn who inherits a derelict farm on Vancouver Island. It’s the first of my novels published specifically for adults, though I’d say at least half the readers of my other books have been adults. I hope all my readers will like it. (It does contain quite a bit of swearing. Just be forewarned!) I’ve always wanted to be self-sustaining and able to grow my own food. All I lack is land and skill. The sequel, "Republic of Dirt", is scheduled to be published January 2015 by HarperCollins.

My next teen novel is called "The Truth Commission". It will be published March 2015 by Penguin Canada and Viking U.S. The story is about a group of teens who attend an art high school who start a truth-telling club with consequences both dire and funny.

In addition to my writing, I teach creative writ

Reviews

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book on the fallout for the family of a famous man accused of multiple sexual assaults. The main character is eleven-year old Rodney, youngest child of a professional poker player.

Rodney, his mother and sixteen-year old sister Kate have left their home in Las Vegas and relocated to Short Butte, Arizona. All three are having a tough time making the transition to their new home, with Rodney’s mother and sister both deeply upset (Kate has developed an eating disorder). Rodney is unhappy to be away from his friends, none of whom will respond to his messages, and not liking his new home and school. Rodney also believes that what few accusations against his father that he’s heard about are lies, and that these women should apologize to his father. So, a difficult to read perspective for the POV character to have. Rodney also does not want to hear anything contradicting his view of his father, whom he feels is a great guy and a great dad.

How Rodney goes from this view to a much more realistic understanding of his father and the family’s situation is an interesting journey. It’s hard to read Rodney’s unquestioning belief in his father, especially as his mother and sister show us how horrible the effects of the man’s actions have been on them and the women he harmed. At the same time, Rodney’s sentiments feel realistic, as Rodney has not heard the full extent of his father’s transgressions, and does not want to hear anything negative about his father, and consequently, can’t understand why his friends no longer want to talk to him. And his father has not told Rodney the truth either, continuing to obfuscate and blame others.

Susan Juby tells this story through letters Rodney writes, which he doesn’t intend to send, to his best friend Lars, as Rodney begins his new life in Short Butte. I love epistolary novels, despite the artificiality of the technique, but it’s a terrific way to really get a feel for this child’s perspective on his formerly privileged life and its loss, and how hurtful and confusing it feels when people accuse him of the same type of behaviour as his dad. Especially as Rodney is so respectful of considerate of others, though also sort of clueless about things (because of his privileged life) when we first meet him.

I liked his book a lot, and appreciated how Juby dealt with such a difficult topic, all while also dealing with moving to a new place and starting over, and making new friends.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Fizah(Books tales by me) · Rating 3 out of 5]

THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND THE PUBLISHER FOR THIS REVIEW COPY IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW.

The format of this book is different and I love different formats. The book is written in the letter format that is written by Rodney to his friend Larry. Rodney along with her mother and sister moved from Vegas to a small town in Arizona. His dad is famous for playing poker and hosting celebrities on his show but a few women claim that he is over touchy or something so he is living in a facility until things will get better. In the new town and school, Rodney is alone and don't have any friend. People here have completely different interests.

Rodney is such a self-centered child for his age. He believes that his father is right and in denial mode. In any situation of reality check, he preferred to just leave that place/situation. He is also pretty judgemental about the new town and its residents. It was quite hard to root for him as letters were from his PoV and his denial nature was getting on my nerves. I just wanted to smack in his so he'll start to see things clearly.

This story focused on sexual harassment which might be too much for a middle-grade/ children book but the author was able to keep a perfect balance without overdoing it. Despite Rodney being a difficult character, the book can educate children.

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel is written as a series of letters from eleven year old Rodney to his friend Larry, who isn't speaking to him. Rodney continues to write to him the letters and just stockpiles them. It's an interesting structure and it works beautifully for this story, infusing tension and suspense. Rodney, his mother and older sister have abruptly moved and his father is in a rehab facility. Rodney's adjusting to his new life under an assumed name at a new school and missing his old friends, his father and his old way of life.

Juby brilliantly and compassionately shows many facets of the Me Too movement and the many victims of sexual and power abuse. Nuanced and delicately balanced. A deceptively simple book with a powerful impact. A clever and apt book title too.

#Netgalley

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Susan Juby has been a favourite author of mine since her first novel. I've followed her through YA, comedic adult and cozy mysteries as well as her unflinching memoir. And her entree into middle grade is done just as deftly.

Rodney is clearly feeling the weight of the situation throughout the book but still thinks and reacts like the 11yr old he is. Susan draws rich characters and shines a light on all the nuances of a scandal fallout without making the book too heavy for its audience. She handled the topic masterfully. I didn't put it down. I bought it, went to a restaurant to start it, moved to a park then eventually to my couch and just finished it.

[Tyana M · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could easily have been a 4 star, except this book isn’t written for me. I think in the hands of a 10-12 year old this book would be perfect, you know the intended middle grade audience. But as an adult I wanted more details on the father’s transgressions and his consequences. I wanted more about how Rodney’s mom and sister are coping or not coping. After the second last visit to their father the relationship between mother and daughter is less fraught and I wanted to know how that healing progressed. Because Rodney is in his 11 year old bubble we don’t get that depth.
This book is all from Rodney’s perspective and I think that works for the intended audience, it introduces mature and difficult themes at an age appropriate level.

[Kay S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was heavy. Well written and compelling with amazing character development and one amazing parent! That being said, it strikes me as both a "special episode" title and something 12-14 year olds might enjoy if they're really really into reality fiction. It's a great story, I just don't think it's very relatable.

[Cherlynn | cherreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looks cute, said the cover.
Surprisingly funny, said the synopsis.
A light read, said the middle-grade label.
I cried, said the reader!!!

Eleven-year-old Rodney looks up to his father, a professional poker star. But when allegations against his dad erupt, Rodney's life turns topsy-turvy and he is forced to question everything he has ever known...

I love that the story is told entirely from Rodney's POV in the form of one-sided letters to his best friend, Larry. I feel that the perspective from the family of an accused person has been largely ignored, especially in the media and in the era of #MeToo.

That's not to say that the book makes light of sexual and workplace harassment or ignores its victims. It does not make you question the allegations, but explores the subject well while still focusing on telling the stories of Rodney, his mother and sister.

I can understand why readers might feel frustrated by Rodney, but I loved getting insight into his thoughts. Seeing him struggling to cope and come to terms with what has happened broke my heart, but I enjoyed his growth as a character.

There are also plenty of funny, touching and heartwarming moments in this novel. One of my favourite scenes is when journalists swarm the school and Fisherman simply picks Rodney up and ploughs through everyone while carrying him. I found it so moving!

A wonderful read that I would highly recommend.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for an ARC of this book.

[Stephan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ME THREE grapples with the #MeToo movement through the eyes of Rodney, an 11-year-old boy who only knows that his life has been turned upside down by something some woman said about his dad. Written as a series of letters to Rodney's estranged best friend, Susan Juby's middle grade debut deftly balances humor and slice-of-life adolescent misadventures with the ripple effects of one man's abuse of power. As always, Juby handles heavy subject matter with remarkable humanity for both her characters and her readers. ME THREE is fresh and relatable, but with a rare timeless quality; it reads like a new classic in the vein of works by Judy Blume.

[Corrie Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfectly realistic look at the damage that is done when people - usually men - use their power and influence to coerce people - usually women - into uncomfortable acts.

Told in a series of journal entries, from the perspective of the young son of a man who has been fired for assaulting and harassing female employees and guests on his TV show, Me Three showed so eloquently what it means to have to cope with loving people who have hurt others.

So beautifully and empathetically done. Highly recommend giving it a read.

[Alessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this title in exchange for an honest review.

CW: non-graphic discussions of eating disorders and workplace sexual harassment.

Me Three by Susan Juby is a middle grade novel that deals with such sensitive topics that I can't help but wonder if it would have benefited from being aged up to a Young Adult audience. Rodney's life was amazing: he had his friends at school, his house with an olympic swimming pool in Las Vegas and his dad, a famous poker player. But now, since his dad was accused of being a little too friendly with some of the women he worked with, they're lying of course—or are they? This novel deals with the fallout that his dad's actions have on his family and how Rodney deals (or doesn't) with them.

The book is told through letters that Rodney writes to his best friend, Larry, who isn't speaking to him. I don't know if this format worked in its favor, the pacing was a little all over the place but the letters did end up feeling very genuine and made me feel close to the main character. Dealing with an undoubtedly interesting and daring topic, I was surprised by how real the author's portrayal of it was. Even if I would have preferred to have read this from Rodney's older sister's pov, I think this book would perfect for middle schoolers with questions about these hard topics.

[Jm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not let your child read this book unless you want them asking about (or worse: googling) terms like "boner" and so on. The plot is about a boy whose celebrity father gets hit with a rape allegation. A topic far too sexual especially considering how innocuous the cover looks, and how little the back and inserts of the book will tell you.
As far as the actual writing goes, it's of really low quality. The style of narrative is the boy's unpublished letters to a friend from his old school. They are over-casual and unnatural. The Children in the book are exaggerated in their immaturity, including the MC. Words are misspelled, cliches are told wrong, and so frequently that it's off putting. Take even just the first paragraph:
"Hey Larry, [...] you didn't answer my texts or DMs. No problem, man. I get it , even though it's kind of weird not to talk to you for so long. I'm not taking any of it personally. That's the first Rule for living a Lucky life: Don't take thing's personally!"
The "10 rules to living a lucky life" are some thing Rodney's father wrote, which the writer uses every other chapter.
From the 4th paragraph in the book: "Explaining former social success is not cool. It's like a catch-23 or whatever that's called".

[Raquel · Rating 3 out of 5]

When allegations against his father surge and his forced to move to another state with his mum and sister, Rodney can’t believe how easily his life turned upside down. He’s in a class with a bunch of kids who seem to sort of hate him and even his best friend won’t write him back.

Told fully from the perspective of the eleven-year-old main character, this middle-grade story addresses difficult topics, like sexual harassment, bullying, eating disorders, and isolation; it’s definitely not an easy read sometimes, even though Rodney doesn’t really understand what his dad did for most of the plot.

The way we see through Rodney's eyes how his sister is suffering and neglecting her health is very well executed. And the sudden and confusing and harrowing way in which Rodney himself finally realizes that maybe his father isn't such a nice person either.

Sometimes it felt hard to root for Rodney because he seems a little self-centred and judgemental, but I think he’s just trying to cope with what’s happening in his own awkward way. I think I would be a little in denial, too.

I have to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. The final version is scheduled to be published on March 22, 2022.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodney, his mom and sister Kate moved from Las Vegas to rural Arizona after his dad went into rehab. Once popular and successful, his dad is accused of…what, exactly? All Rodney knows is that his dad calls it a ‘misunderstanding’.

But, Kate and his mom are furious with him and Rodney’s best friend, Larry won’t return his texts or emails. So, Rodney instead writes a series of letters to his friend….letters that Larry will never see. Yet, these letters are cathartic for him.

Therapists try to get Rodney to ask questions and understand the accusations so he, too, can heal. Rodney, at first, does not want to know. Eventually though Rodney realises that he needs to know the truth and confronts his dad. It isn’t pleasant and his dad made some serious and consequential errors in judgment.

Me Three takes a difficult issue and handles it with respect and truth. An important book with a timely subject that just might be a powerful tool for the right reader.

Thank you to LibraryThing Early Reviewers, Tundra Books, and Susan Juby for this ARC.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rodney can't figure out why his best friend won't talk to him, and why his father is being accused of things he couldn't possibly have done.

In the meantime, he has to move from Las Vegas to somewhere in Arizona where he knows no one, and at first, no one knows about him, or his famous father, until they do.

And through it all, he never loses faith in his father, even quoting his rules of life to himself, to keep his spirits up.

Interesting take on what happens to the kids of the people who did the harassing. How they have to deal with the pieces, and the results. Rodney himself isn't a bad child. He just doesn't understand why his father is being accused of something he couldn't possibly have done.

Well done showing the pain and the realization that his father might actually be guilty of what he did.

Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.

[Barbra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the way Rodney the main character, narrates this story by writing letters to a friend. A friend however who has kind of abandoned him after he moved away. As Rodney struggles with a new school and new friends, the story is slowly revealed. The family has moved away as his famous father has been accused of sexual harrassment. Although the story is told very delicately I wonder how many young readers may need more of an explanation. It's always good to discuss these timely topics with children, but feel it may be better for an older audience who can read between the lines. Not sure how many readers this subject would interest. However the story telling is great, and I was definitely compelled to finish and find out what happens in the end.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A easy and fairly quick read with short chapters and brisk pacing. Rodney is a sympathetic enough narrator to make his willful ignorance understandable (if annoying as embodied by his sister's anger about his head-in-the-sand attitude). The underlying issues around his father's lecherous behavior come to a head when the other kids find out and Rodney's treated like he's guilty of the same thing, but this passes quickly thanks to the new friends our narrator has made. The book offers a good starting point for discussions of sexual assault and who gets believed but overall is about being brave in both trying new things and speaking up for yourself.

Thank you to Tundra Books who kindly sent me a free copy for review.

[Deborah Zeman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A family dealing with the fallout of the father’s indiscretions, with the story being told from the 12 year old son’s point of view. The story is told rom the perspective of Rodney through letters he writes to his best friend Larry. It was both tense and sad and moving. The story shows the side of a story that is never told: the fallout effect on the family, especially the kids. Besides Rodney, you also learn about the effect it has had on his mother and sister. The story touches on eating disorder, stress/anxiety, physical abuse and bullying. It was a tough read, one that won’t leave me for a while.

[Suzanne Dix · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so hard to see our heroes fall especially when they are a beloved parent. Rodney absolutely can not believe that his famous and funny father has done what he is accused of and despite his whole life suddenly in upheaval remains staunchly on his father's side. Throughout the novel, as Rodney writes each chapter as a letter to his estranged friend Larry, Rodney begins to piece together the truth: his father really did use his fame to cover up years of sexual assault of his female employees. This is a sensitive topic for middle school students but the author is very careful as to how much detail is shared and how delicately she handles this emotional reality.

Grades 5 and up.

[Ren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm going to be a little controversial and say that I think this has good themes and interesting characters, but nothing was handled appropriately. This book took way too long to get to the point it was trying to make, and it felt as though having Rodney as an unreliable narrator was stunting to the actual heft of the topic itself. I genuinely didn't enjoy this book, but I can see where it's a decent enough teaching tool, I just wouldn't reach for it myself and felt as though it handled sexual assault allegations far too lightly for the day and age we're in, even with its middle grade status.

[Jennifer Stark · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on the "Me too" movement. It followed a family, but instead of focusing on the accused, it focused on what happened to the family. The struggles of losing all their friends, hiding from media, the fear and anxiety of meeting and trying to form new friendships - hoping that no one recognizes them from the media as well, coming to terms with what their parent(s) did. Well written from a family's perspective.

[Liane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Susan Juby pushes the boundaries, as she introduces children to Rodney and his family, whose dad is in rehab for sexual addiction/sexual harrassment...only it is never really called that. We will discuss this book for our kid's book club, and I'm grappling with how to talk about this concept with kids. Juby not only deals with this, but themes of social class, family, friendship, risky play, belonging, and more, in a book that is quite readable.

[Lisa's Book Corner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A moving story of the pain inflicted on Rodney, an 11 year old Gr. 6 student, and his family when his father's sexual harassment and other toxic behaviours in the workplace come to light.

Sensitively told and age-appropriate for middle graders and up.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When kids pay the price for a parents selfish and stupid actions.

I really thought the format of Me Three by Susan Juby was really interesting and unique. Similar to journaling, Rodney writes letters to his best friend.

Rodney's sixth-grade life was pretty awesome; semi-celebrity dad has quite the home and Rodney accompanied his dad on the red carpet and to some fun events. That life comes to an abrupt end and it takes a while for Rodney to understand how/why.

This story made me think about the children of celebrities; their parents made the choice to live in the limelight. But their actions have consequences.

Thank you to NetGalley, Susan Juby the author and Penguin Random House Canada, Puffin Canada the publisher for the opportunity to read the advance read copy of Me Three in exchange for an honest review. Publication date is 22 May 2022.

[Debbie Ladd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story about a boy whose Dad was accused of inappropriate behavior. Honest and full of big emotions!

[Barb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sad, funny, warm, thoughtful and thought provoking. Teens would love it! I am far from being that age but found it touching! Another success by a wonderful writer!

[Kimberley Hunter · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent novel. It has some unexpected plot twists.

[Shaunna MacDonald · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[angelofmine1974]

0 stars DNF

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/D74u5vG-RtY

Enjoy!

[Allison · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow is this a heavy book!

[Ms. Yingling · Rating 3 out of 5]

E ARC provided by Edelweiss Plus or Netgalley