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Solitaire Hardcover – March 31, 2015
The very first book from the creator of the million-copy bestselling Heartstopper books wins fans as "The Catcher in the Rye for the digital age." Solitaire features the characters that inspired the beloved webcomic and graphic novel series Heartstopper—now a major Netflix series.
This incredible debut novel by outstanding young author Alice Oseman is perfect for fans of John Green, Rainbow Rowell, and all unflinchingly honest writers.
In case you’re wondering, this is not a love story.
My name is Tori Spring. I like to sleep and I like to blog. Last year—before all that stuff with Charlie and before I had to face the harsh realities of exams and university applications and the fact that one day I really will have to start talking to people—I had friends. Things were very different, I guess, but that's all over now.
Now there's Solitaire. And Michael Holden. I don't know what Solitaire is trying to do, and I don't care about Michael Holden. I really don't.
*Times (London)
- Print length368 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherHarperTeen
- Publication dateMarch 31, 2015
- Grade level8 - 9
- Reading age13 years and up
- Dimensions5.5 x 1.17 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100062335685
- ISBN-13978-0062335685
Book recommendations, author interviews, editors' picks, and more. Read it now.
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Editorial Reviews
From School Library Journal
Review
“Tori’s wry voice and dark humor provide a counterpoint to her descent into depression. A fascinating debut from an author to watch.” — School Library Journal
“Oseman’s debut could put her among the great young adult fiction authors. Solitaire is a pleasure to read; Tori’s voice is incredibly relatable.” — Voice of Youth Advocates (VOYA)
“Tori’s voice makes this story into a poignant yet blackly funny and even lively emotional journey. A deeply absorbing read.” — Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
“Oseman proves herself a clever, witty writer.” — Publishers Weekly
“Honest and authentic… with appeal to fans of John Green.” — The Bookseller (London)
“In [Oseman’s] punky, depressive, epigrammatic, mordant heroine Tori Spring we have a Holden Caulfield for the internet age. — The Times (London)
“Intrigue, suspense, and a fairly spectacular climax will appeal to teens asking the big questions.” — ALA Booklist
From the Back Cover
My name is Victoria Spring.
Sometimes I hate people.
This is probably very bad for my mental health.
Tori has friends. She has brothers. She has parents. Sometimes she can be bothered to talk to them. Most of the time, though, she would prefer not to have to deal with other people.
Until the day she follows a trail of Post-its from her locker to a deserted computer lab, where she finds a message from a mysterious group called Solitaire. It's also where she meets Michael Holden. Irrepressibly cheerful, weird, and determined to be her friend, Michael is everything Tori normally hates.
And that's it. That's where it starts.
Soon Solitaire has launched a series of pranks across the school. For once, Tori feels connected, like someone is on her wavelength—making jokes about her favorite movies, blasting her favorite song on repeat over the intercom. Then Solitaire's pranks start to go too far, and no one else seems to be concerned. Tori doesn't like getting involved. But this time, the idea of doing nothing is even worse.
Solitaire is a novel about finding friends, finding yourself, and discovering that one person can change everything.
About the Author
Alice Oseman is an award-winning author, illustrator, and screenwriter. Alice is the creator of LGBTQ+ YA romance comic Heartstopper, and the writer, creator, and executive producer for the Emmy Award-winning television adaptation for Netflix, produced by See-Saw. Alice has written every episode and been involved at every stage, from casting to music. Alice is the author of several YA contemporary novels about teenage disasters: Solitaire (published when she was 19), Radio Silence, I Was Born for This, and Loveless (a New York Times bestseller). Alice’s books have won, been shortlisted, or nominated for a number of awards, including the YA Book Prize, the Inky Awards, the Carnegie Medal, and the Goodreads Choice Awards. Alice was named the Attitude Person of the Year 2023, and The British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year.
Product details
- Publisher : HarperTeen (March 31, 2015)
- Language : English
- Hardcover : 368 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0062335685
- ISBN-13 : 978-0062335685
- Reading age : 13 years and up
- Grade level : 8 - 9
- Item Weight : 15 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.17 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,832,479 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- Customer Reviews:
About the author
Alice Oseman is an award-winning author, illustrator, and screenwriter. Alice is the creator of LGBTQ+ YA romance comic HEARTSTOPPER, and the writer, creator, and executive producer for the Emmy Award-winning television adaptation for Netflix, produced by See-Saw. Alice has written every episode and been involved at every stage, from casting to music. Alice is the author of several YA contemporary novels about teenage disasters: SOLITAIRE (published when she was 19), RADIO SILENCE, I WAS BORN FOR THIS, and LOVELESS (a New York Times bestseller). Alice’s books have won, been shortlisted or nominated for a number of awards, including the YA Book Prize, the Inky Awards, the Carnegie Medal, and the Goodreads Choice Awards. Alice was named the Attitude Person of the Year 2023, and The British Book Awards Illustrator of the Year.
Customer reviews
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the story engaging and compelling. They like the characters and their honest portrayal. The pacing is described as stunning, and the relationships are lovely. Many readers describe the book as enjoyable and never boring. It's a fast read that connects with them in meaningful ways. However, some customers feel the writing quality is poor and sentences are cut off or lost. There are mixed opinions on the dark tone, with some finding it respectful and interesting while others dislike the nod to Donnie Darko.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the story engaging and compelling. They describe it as a great young adult tale with an unexpected plotline. The book is easy to read and entertaining, with smart characters and a teen-angst-filled plot.
"I can not express how much I loved this book! It is well written, suspenseful and incredibly relatable! It's just brilliant my new favorite book!" Read more
"...The book felt very cathartic. It also kept me guessing plot wise as it’s similar in some aspects to a detective story / mystery...." Read more
"...The book so far plot wise is amazing, I love being able to go through Tori’s point of view and learn more about the characters we see in Alice..." Read more
"...But the book itself is even more attention grabbing if you want an inside look into Tori!!" Read more
Customers find the book's pacing engaging. They appreciate the honest portrayal of living with depression and its gentle reminder that things won't always be okay. The overall messages resonate with readers, especially those dealing with mental illness and family dynamics.
"...It is well written, suspenseful and incredibly relatable! It's just brilliant my new favorite book!" Read more
"...The book felt very cathartic. It also kept me guessing plot wise as it’s similar in some aspects to a detective story / mystery...." Read more
"...Another thing I wanted to mention is the way mental illness is portrayed when it comes to Charlie, Tori's brother as well as Tori herself...." Read more
"...They’re very unnoticeable so I wasn’t upset...." Read more
Customers like the characters and find them an honest portrayal.
"...The characters are realistic and honest. Tori, Michel, Charlie, Nick, Becky, and Lucas are all characters who are flawed and brilliant...." Read more
"...Tori is a good character and the story if good so I'm not sure why it doesn't sit well with me." Read more
"...Mostly this is Tori's musings, Tori's life and she's an interesting character with a strong voice and a lot of touchstones throughout...." Read more
"...It is a joy to see all of these wonderful characters together and it warms my heart that she does this." Read more
Customers appreciate the book's relationships. They find the friendship between Tori and Michel lovely and meaningful. The book connects with readers who feel alone or isolated.
"...I loved their relationship, it was sweet. I loved this book and I can't wait to pick up Alice Oseman's second book, Radio Silence...." Read more
"...The book so far plot wise is amazing, I love being able to go through Tori’s point of view and learn more about the characters we see in Alice..." Read more
"...I love the way this book handles relationships, mental illness, communication, and all of its characters...." Read more
"...Yes, “Heartstopper” is an amazing story and the relationships are lovely, but I don’t think this story undermines it like some say...." Read more
Customers enjoy the book. They say it's engaging and never boring. However, some find it makes them feel trapped like the character does.
"...particularly care for the reveal but I think it does a good job of making you feel trapped, the way the character does, and gives you good insight..." Read more
"It was a wonderful book, I never once got bored. It’s 390 pages long, don’t let the size scare you though I knocked it out in about 3 days...." Read more
"I enjoyed solitaire. I even read the audio book along with it. If your looking for romance or a happy book, this is definitely not for you...." Read more
"Extremely enjoyable..." Read more
Customers find the book easy to read and understand. They appreciate the good quality and timely delivery.
"My teen hates reading, but loves this author. He finishes the books quickly because he can’t put them down!..." Read more
"Fast read, better understanding of Charlie’s sister. Hits topics like mental illness, and different family dynamics." Read more
"Delivered impeccably, on time and very fun to read." Read more
"good quality and quick..." Read more
Customers have different views on the writing quality. Some find it well-written and poetic, praising the author's style. Others mention issues like missing or cut sentences, an insular main character, and difficulty reading parts of the book.
"I can not express how much I loved this book! It is well written, suspenseful and incredibly relatable! It's just brilliant my new favorite book!" Read more
"...to be deep I actually found it rather shallow. But it was well written, strong characterization and good ideas and considering the youth of..." Read more
"...inside the mind of one, insular character and that makes it a bit difficult to read. That being said, I like the characters...." Read more
"...Oseman is a genius writer and I will forever gawk over her work...." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the book's tone. Some find it light-hearted and interesting, while others say it's dark and weird.
"...and college students even, exploring both light-hearted and darker subjects in a respectful and interesting way...." Read more
"...Charlie’s ED and SH, and yeah it was, but it also went really dark with external events...." Read more
"Delightfully Dark Osemanverse novel about Mental Health & Tori Spring..." Read more
"...not necessarily suitable for all heartstopper fans: this book is way darker, and potentially triggering...." Read more
Reviews with images
Delightfully Dark Osemanverse novel about Mental Health & Tori Spring
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on December 16, 2024I can not express how much I loved this book! It is well written, suspenseful and incredibly relatable! It's just brilliant my new favorite book!
- Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023“Solitaire” by Alice Oseman is a young adult novel that was the author’s first published work & the start of her Osemanverse. This is where Nick & Charlie (of Heartstopper) appeared as secondary characters, already firmly in a relationship together. Yet the book stars Charlie’s sister, Tori Spring, who is going through her own mental health crisis while also dealing with an online anonymous group targeting her school with a variety of pranks that escalate dramatically during the course of the novel.
Some somewhat random thoughts I had whilst reading:
I don’t typically love books with a protagonist that doesn’t like to read… but Tori likes films & is deeply funny in a self-deprecating & needs-mental-health help way that I can deeply sympathize with. She’s one of my favorite minor characters in “Heartstopper” & I think I love her even more. This book has massive spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read the comics but was written before the comics. Nick & Charlie appeared hear first, & I very much understand why they became stars of their own series (& novellas). This book takes part during a time slip & between scenes of volume 4 of the comic.
This comic is distinctly not for everyone & is massively different in tone from “Heartstopper,” but if you are more interested in some of the deeper / darker aspects of volumes 3 & 4 of the comic (or are interested in Tori as a character), I’d recommend this book. Just… there are some serious trigger warnings that Oseman has detailed thoroughly on her website & the book itself.
For a book that is about a straight (maybe? she mentions being straight until proven otherwise 😻) protagonist, the books is still very queer in its cast.
The books also makes me wish I had been able to attend a (mostly) all-girls school, even though I’d have been deeply traumatized by an all-boys school (probably).
I’m truly thirsty for diet lemonade while reading this book. If you know, you know, but Tori isn’t drinking tea in the series. 😹
Even though Tori Spring dislikes books (& “Pride & Prejudice” / Jane Austen specifically) she loves snow. & I can’t think poorly of anyone who dislikes snow (& rain).
The book is dark, has a protagonist not everyone will like, but it is definitely recommended for anyone who likes the Heartstopper series & wants some more mature thematic content. The novel itself does show some aspects of Oseman’s early work & isn’t as superbly crafted as later content, but I enjoyed it for what it was. The book felt very cathartic. It also kept me guessing plot wise as it’s similar in some aspects to a detective story / mystery. The last third of the book hats quite intense, & I had no idea it would go where it did.
Will probably read again. Love the new hardback cover illustration. I hope someday Oseman touches on some of the side characters in this book, as this was a very Tori Spring & Michael Holden centered book that left me wishing for more from secondary characters (Evelyn, Rita, Lauren, & especially Becky, Lucas, & Ben). 💜
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully Dark Osemanverse novel about Mental Health & Tori Spring“Solitaire” by Alice Oseman is a young adult novel that was the author’s first published work & the start of her Osemanverse. This is where Nick & Charlie (of Heartstopper) appeared as secondary characters, already firmly in a relationship together. Yet the book stars Charlie’s sister, Tori Spring, who is going through her own mental health crisis while also dealing with an online anonymous group targeting her school with a variety of pranks that escalate dramatically during the course of the novel.
Reviewed in the United States on June 28, 2023
Some somewhat random thoughts I had whilst reading:
I don’t typically love books with a protagonist that doesn’t like to read… but Tori likes films & is deeply funny in a self-deprecating & needs-mental-health help way that I can deeply sympathize with. She’s one of my favorite minor characters in “Heartstopper” & I think I love her even more. This book has massive spoilers for anyone who hasn’t read the comics but was written before the comics. Nick & Charlie appeared hear first, & I very much understand why they became stars of their own series (& novellas). This book takes part during a time slip & between scenes of volume 4 of the comic.
This comic is distinctly not for everyone & is massively different in tone from “Heartstopper,” but if you are more interested in some of the deeper / darker aspects of volumes 3 & 4 of the comic (or are interested in Tori as a character), I’d recommend this book. Just… there are some serious trigger warnings that Oseman has detailed thoroughly on her website & the book itself.
For a book that is about a straight (maybe? she mentions being straight until proven otherwise 😻) protagonist, the books is still very queer in its cast.
The books also makes me wish I had been able to attend a (mostly) all-girls school, even though I’d have been deeply traumatized by an all-boys school (probably).
I’m truly thirsty for diet lemonade while reading this book. If you know, you know, but Tori isn’t drinking tea in the series. 😹
Even though Tori Spring dislikes books (& “Pride & Prejudice” / Jane Austen specifically) she loves snow. & I can’t think poorly of anyone who dislikes snow (& rain).
The book is dark, has a protagonist not everyone will like, but it is definitely recommended for anyone who likes the Heartstopper series & wants some more mature thematic content. The novel itself does show some aspects of Oseman’s early work & isn’t as superbly crafted as later content, but I enjoyed it for what it was. The book felt very cathartic. It also kept me guessing plot wise as it’s similar in some aspects to a detective story / mystery. The last third of the book hats quite intense, & I had no idea it would go where it did.
Will probably read again. Love the new hardback cover illustration. I hope someday Oseman touches on some of the side characters in this book, as this was a very Tori Spring & Michael Holden centered book that left me wishing for more from secondary characters (Evelyn, Rita, Lauren, & especially Becky, Lucas, & Ben). 💜
Images in this review - Reviewed in the United States on July 5, 2017Solitaire has made the list as one of my favorite books of 2016. The characters are realistic and honest. Tori, Michel, Charlie, Nick, Becky, and Lucas are all characters who are flawed and brilliant. The main character Tori is relatable from the music she listens to and the movies she watched. Another thing I wanted to mention is the way mental illness is portrayed when it comes to Charlie, Tori's brother as well as Tori herself. Charlie suffers from anxiety and anorexia prior to the beginning of the book. By the time, the book starts he has it under more control. Tori, on the other hand suffers from depression throughout the entire book. The only people who notice is are Michel and Charlie. What I loved about this aspect of the book was that it wasn't something that just went away as soon as the girl met the guy that in common in books that deal with mental illness. This was not the case. For one thing, Tori's depression doesn't go away. She deals with it constantly, she has good days and she has bad days. It is an honest portrayal. I loved the friendship between Tori and Michel, and I was happy that this book has no romance in it. These were two characters who had formed a strong bond because they were two lonely people who were both angry at the world. One of my favorite scenes is when Michel and Tori are watching Beauty and The Beast at a party. It's a sweet scene because it's the first time that Michel is vulnerable around Tori. Charlie and Nick were great together. I loved their relationship, it was sweet. I loved this book and I can't wait to pick up Alice Oseman's second book, Radio Silence. I would recommend this book for fans of John Green, Perks of Being a Wallflower, and The Catcher in The Rye.
- Reviewed in the United States on January 22, 2023The book came in a day early with mild dents on the outside. They’re very unnoticeable so I wasn’t upset. Only other issue I’ve ran into is that some of the pages were still stuck together, not because of sticky substance they were just never cut. The book so far plot wise is amazing, I love being able to go through Tori’s point of view and learn more about the characters we see in Alice Osemans comic book series “Heartstoper”.
- Reviewed in the United States on December 13, 2024One of the most wonderful books. I could not put this down, and when I did, it was playing in my headphones. Read this at work, at the gym, during class, whenever I could keep my eyes open.
- Reviewed in the United States on November 6, 2024I just got this book and it is absolutely amazing. The hard cover is great with the cover art being amazing. But the book itself is even more attention grabbing if you want an inside look into Tori!!
- Reviewed in the United States on December 10, 2024Goated
- Reviewed in the United States on October 24, 2024Book came in great condition. No complaints there! I love Alice Oseman's work but Solitaire isn't my favorite of their works. It was their book piece released so there's sentiment but I just don't really vibe too much with it? Tori is a good character and the story if good so I'm not sure why it doesn't sit well with me.
Top reviews from other countries
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SandyReviewed in Mexico on September 25, 2023
5.0 out of 5 stars Es muy bueno para ser la primera novela de Alice Oseman
Me gustó mucho, soy fan de las novelas Y/A y me pareció una muy buena representación de lo que es ser adolescente tratando de saber quién eres cuando no tienes motivación para hacerlo. Tori es un personaje que vimos en Heartstopper de manera muy breve pero al leerla en Solitaire le da una profundidad diferente a ella y a su relación con Charlie. Recomiendo leerlo si te gustan las novelas de crisis existencial.
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Maria LoisReviewed in Brazil on September 15, 2022
5.0 out of 5 stars Tori, eu te entendo.
Minha primeira leitura em inglês que nunca vou esquecer. Alice Oseman tá sendo uma das minhas autoras favoritas. Apesar dos gatilhos(distúrbio alimentar, pensamentos suicidas, tentativa de suicídio, depressão, ansiedade e TOC) obra, Solitarie e magnífico! Tori e a típica adolescente perdida que te faz voltar a lembrar da sua adolescência. E pesado em alguns momentos por conta dos gatinhos. Mas a leitura vale muito a pena! Não sei falar do livro sem dar muito spolier. Então eu digo, leiam!
Sobre ser em inglês: se você tem o nível básico consegue ler tranquilo. A leitura é fluida.
sobre a ordem de leitura do universo da Alice Oseman, Solitarie deve ser lido depois dos 4 volumes do Heartstopper. por conta dos spoilers.
Sobre a entrega: chegou rápido rápido bem embalado. O livro é frágil, a lombada quebra com muita facilidade.
Maria Lois
Reviewed in Brazil on September 15, 2022
Sobre ser em inglês: se você tem o nível básico consegue ler tranquilo. A leitura é fluida.
sobre a ordem de leitura do universo da Alice Oseman, Solitarie deve ser lido depois dos 4 volumes do Heartstopper. por conta dos spoilers.
Sobre a entrega: chegou rápido rápido bem embalado. O livro é frágil, a lombada quebra com muita facilidade.
Images in this review - TailaxyReviewed in Spain on October 26, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars I bought it secondhand and it still came perfectly
It even came sooner than expected, great purchase! And I'm loving the book so far :)
- NarenReviewed in India on September 9, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Nice book
Book was in gud condition when it was delivered
With all the nice pages and cover😂😂🤣
Joking....
It was gud purchase
A nice read and worth buying I guess.
Naren
Reviewed in India on September 9, 2024
With all the nice pages and cover😂😂🤣
Joking....
It was gud purchase
A nice read and worth buying I guess.
Images in this review -
AlexReviewed in Germany on January 4, 2024
5.0 out of 5 stars Sehr interessant!
Alice Oseman hat sich in deren Buch „Solitaire“ echt mal wieder selbst übertroffen! Sie hat eine sehr schöne Story für dieses Buch kreiert, welche einen an das Buch bis zum Ende hin bindet! Sehr sehr toll und tiefgründig!