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.

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

- Prep was Curtis Sittenfeld's debut novel, released in 2005, and quickly gained critical acclaim, becoming a bestseller.
- The book was shortlisted for the UK's Orange Prize (now the Women's Prize for Fiction) in 2006, showcasing its international recognition and appeal.
- Curtis Sittenfeld drew inspiration from her own experiences at a boarding school, which she attended during her teenage years in Massachusetts.

**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.

**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.

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