Billy Sloat and Lydia Lemon don't have much in common, unless you count growing up on the same (wrong) side of the tracks, the lack of a mother, and a persistent loneliness that has inspired creative coping mechanisms. When their high schools are consolidated, Lydia's cynicism is met with Billy's sincere optimism, and both begin to question their own outlook on life. As the two grow closer and confront truths about their pasts, they must also deal with such inconveniences as a narcissistic rock star, a war between unicorns and dragons, and eventually, of course, the apocalypse. -- adapted from jacket