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50 pages 1 hour read

Prep

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005

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Book Brief

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Curtis Sittenfeld

Prep

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2005
Book Details
Pages

420

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1990s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.7

73,463 ratings

50%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Prep?

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.

3.7

73,463 ratings

50%

Loved it

32%

Mixed feelings

18%

Not a fan

Character List

Lee Fiora

The protagonist and narrator who navigates life at the elite boarding school, Ault, with self-consciousness and humor. Her story follows her struggle to fit in and form her identity in a new environment.

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.

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.

An initially peripheral character whose story gains depth as the narrative unfolds. She challenges social norms and conventions with her personal revelations.

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.

Lee’s first friend at Ault who has a complex background and initially helps Lee adjust. Their friendship deteriorates as new alliances form.

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.

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.

Book Details
Pages

420

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Massachusetts • 1990s

Publication Year

2005

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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