It tells the story of a quirky young couple – eccentric, imaginative Pookie Adams and conventional, unimaginative Jerry Payne – whose relationship deepens despite their differences, but eventually falls apart.

Overwhelmed (and yet secretly enchanted) by her zany, rambling monologue, Jerry is relieved to leave her in St. Louis as he continues to New York.

Thinking he's seen the last of her, he heads off to college, only to be pursued by seventeen lengthy letters, and before he knows it he is involved with a seemingly crazy, startlingly honest girl who adores him.

During the next two years, Pookie helps Jerry leave behind the fun-seeking, beer-blasted fraternity man he has become, as she teaches him to open his heart to her.

[2] A 1969 film version of the novel was adapted by Alvin Sargent and directed by Alan J. Pakula.