This spring, peer inside the shrouded world of private boarding high schools, and get a glimpse at the secrets that lie beneath those ivy-covered walls. Released in 2005, Prep is Curtis Sittenfeld’s critically acclaimed debut novel about coming of age in an elite Massachusetts boarding school. It follows Lee Fiora of South Bend, Indiana from her first day at the fictional Ault School until her graduation four years later. Coming from humble Midwestern roots, Lee experiences an abrupt culture shock when thrust into a caste of wealth and privilege.

     Lee narrates the story, chronicling the isolation and awkwardness she feels the first few months of school. She is at Ault on scholarship; neither of her parents attended college and she is ashamed of her father’s job as a mattress salesman. Meanwhile, rich classmates like the popular Aspeth Montgomery and the athletic “Bank Boys” look like J. Crew models against the picturesque shoreline and grassy knolls.

     Eventually, Lee makes a few friends but still suffers crippling jealousy of her more affluent and put-together peers. To make matters worse, she is constantly preoccupied with her crush on tall, handsome, and charming Cross Sugarman. After a few flirtatious encounters, Lee can’t figure out what Cross wants from her, but yearns to be recognized by him in public. Her embarrassment for her family and hometown overwhelm her and influence the way she sees others. Lee deals with having her heartbroken, getting into college, and the extreme acts of a once-close friend.

     High school students of any age would identify with Lee’s stream-of-consciousness narration as she navigates the nuances of high school. She deals with problems many of us face. Throughout her four years at Ault, Lee deals with a host of internal battles. She goes through bouts of popularity and infamy, happiness and depression.

     Sittenfeld’s writing is on point- Lee’s voice is genuine and youthful, yet reflective. At times, it’s easy to hate Lee for her immaturity, while at others, the reader feels her heart-wrenching pain. Even students who aren’t in boarding school will appreciate the commentary on the stark socio-economic divide.

     Lee’s story has all the elements of a light, enjoyable read without being mindless and predictable. Seniors grappling with extra time and students with independent reading projects should certainly pick up Prep for its delightful prose and original plot.