There are three kinds of guys: forks, knives, and spoons. That is the final lesson that Amy York's father sends her off to college with, never suspecting just how far his daughter will take it. Clinging to the Utensil Classification System as her guide, Amy tries to convince her skeptical roommate, Veronica Warren, of its usefulness as they navigate the heartbreaks and soul mates of college and beyond.

Beginning in 1988, their freshman year at Syracuse University, Amy and Veronica meet an assortment of guys - from slotted spoons and shrimp forks to butter knives and sporks - all while trying to learn if the UCS holds true. On the quest to find their perfect steak knives, they learn to believe in themselves - and not to settle in love or life.