The novel follows the story of Tori Spring, a 17-year-old student who feels lost and disconnected from the world around her. She once had a good group of friends and was previously doing well in school, but she's not sure what she wants to do with her life. She feels lost and begins to disconnect from her friends and her family. To that end, she makes a vow not to get involved with anyone or anything. She also tries to make her way through school as efficiently as possible. What will she do with herself after she finishes high school, she asks?
One day, she meets Michael Holden, a boy who is even more of an outcast than she is. Michael is a talented programmer who spends most of his time online, playing video games and chatting with friends. Despite their differences, Tori and Michael strike up a friendship, bonding over their shared sense of loneliness and isolation. Tori also begins to interact with Michael in something called "Solitaire," though she doesn't particularly like doing it.
As Tori and Michael spend more time together, they begin to uncover secrets about each other's pasts, and they begin to realize that they may have more in common than they initially thought. They also start to experience feelings for each other that are deeper than friendship, but they're not sure how to navigate these new emotions. Tori is conflicted because she had told herself that she would not get involved with anyone, but she is very attracted to Michael and begins to consider the possibility of opening herself up to people. Humans, after all, want connection and friendship.
In the end, Tori and Michael are forced to confront the challenges in their relationship and make decisions that will shape their futures. Decisions like where they will go to college and if they will continue their relationship. Through their journey, they learn to accept themselves and each other, and they find the strength to be true to themselves and follow their hearts. Their relationship endures.
