Prep

A shy fourteen-year-old named Lee Fiora leaves her small-town Indiana life for a scholarship at an elite boarding school in Massachusetts, navigating complex social dynamics and her quest for belonging. Prep explores themes of class and identity.

Prep follows the journey of Lee Fiora, a reserved fourteen-year-old who leaves her small-town life in Indiana to attend Ault, a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts on a scholarship. Excited by the glamorous images portrayed in the school brochure—charming boys in sweaters, girls playing lacrosse on manicured fields, and the harmonious atmosphere of chapel—Lee arrives with high hopes. However, she quickly discovers that Ault is fraught with unspoken social hierarchies and complex rituals that challenge her understanding of belonging.

As Lee navigates the intricacies of her new environment, she grapples with feelings of isolation and the pressure to fit in. The school’s social landscape is a minefield, where she must learn to decipher the unspoken rules that govern her peers. Through her experiences, Lee's character evolves as she confronts her insecurities and strives to carve out her own identity amidst the competitive atmosphere of Ault. The story delves into the nuances of adolescence, highlighting the struggles of self-acceptance and the search for connection.

Prep is not just a coming-of-age tale; it offers a keen examination of social class and the impact it has on relationships and personal growth. Curtis Sittenfeld's writing captures the complexities of teenage life with both humor and insight, making it a relatable and thought-provoking read. Through Lee's eyes, readers are invited to explore the challenges of adolescence and the often-painful journey toward finding one’s place in the world.