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420
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1990s
2005
Adult
18+ years
Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld follows Lee Fiora, a working-class girl from South Bend, Indiana, who navigates life at Ault, a prestigious New England prep school where she struggles academically and socially. As Lee tries to fit in amidst affluent peers, she experiences moments of personal growth, complex friendships, and romantic entanglements, all while grappling with her identity. The novel contains fatphobia, suicide, and bigoted representations of race, ethnicity, and gender.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Nostalgic
Melancholic
73,463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Many reviews praise Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep for its sharp, insightful portrayal of adolescence and boarding school life, highlighting the protagonist's authentic voice and well-developed characters. However, some critics found it overly detailed and meandering, which can slow the narrative pace. Overall, it's seen as a compelling, if sometimes lengthy, coming-of-age story.
A reader who enjoys a coming-of-age story set in a prestigious prep school, rich in character development, and exploration of adolescent angst would appreciate Curtis Sittenfeld's Prep. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye and John Green's Looking for Alaska will find similar themes and emotional depth.
73,463 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Cross Sugarman
Lee’s romantic interest and a significant figure at Ault, viewed as charismatic and cool by his peers. He represents Lee’s desire for social acceptance and validation.
Martha Porter
Lee's best friend and roommate who offers honest guidance and support. She is portrayed as smart, dependable, and possessing a mentoring role in Lee’s life.
Sin-Jun Kim
An initially peripheral character whose story gains depth as the narrative unfolds. She challenges social norms and conventions with her personal revelations.
Lee's Parents
Her father, Terry, and her mother are parts of Lee’s life back in Indiana, with a family dynamic marked by humor and an occasional tension. Their presence influences Lee's perceptions and choices.
Conchita Maxwell
Lee’s first friend at Ault who has a complex background and initially helps Lee adjust. Their friendship deteriorates as new alliances form.
Aspeth Montgomery and Dede Schwartz
Aspeth is deemed the popular "queen" of the class with Dede as her close follower. Both act as adversaries in Lee’s journey to find her place at school.
Little Washington
A fellow student involved in theft at Ault, who serves as an unlikely antagonist to Lee. Her actions and interactions with Lee reflect broader social themes within the narrative.
420
Novel • Fiction
Massachusetts • 1990s
2005
Adult
18+ years
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