Prep

Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld (2005) I decided to research “campus novels” (for undisclosed purposes) though part of what I’ve come across have been prep school stories, like “The Lawrenceville Stories”—and this one. The very first episode in this book is similar to one in Lawrenceville—and, for all I know, every prep school book since time immemorial! The funny thing is, I’ve been working on a story, based on my childhood, with similar age characters—though, in summer before high school. (One of them had attended an Eastern prep school—not part of my experience—and I’m now wondering how off I am!) Anyway, I nearly gave up on this book almost immediately, but I’m glad I didn’t because I ended up really liking it. I’m trying to figure out what won me over. Good writing, sure, but just as much, because the main character, Lee, is so strong—she’s relatable, likable, interesting, and maddening. As for the latter, you just want to shake her, and say—talk to people, communicate, come out with it—but then—if we really remember ourselves at this age (which is maybe not possible) —how paralyzed and inarticulate we were. Which, most people, essentially, remain. So, I can’t criticize her (or the author’s rendition) because that’s how people are. What I do criticize are stories (often screenplays) where people are unrealistically articulate. Anyway, somehow, we follow her through all four years—and it’s—not only not unbearable—it’s a lot of fun. Emotional, sure, and sad, but also funny, and constantly mysterious, yet really very commonplace (in a good way). One other funny thing I had in common, we (Lee and I) both learned something about talking to newspaper reporters at almost exactly the same point in our senior year. Hers is a much bigger deal—a pretty dire situation—the whole story kind of hinged on it. Mine just embarrassing. But still, I saw it coming, and I wanted to tell her, “Never tell a journalist anything!” It’s a harder lesson to learn than you’d think. Also, don’t read reviews. (I was somewhat relieved the author didn’t overtly reveal Lee as the author of this book.) Also, for the love of God, ignore the nasty, miserable fucks on Goodreads. Lee ends up being somewhat more well-adjusted than I was—my final gesture was the double “bird” in the air while walking away. That would have been appropriate for Lee, as well, but she (who had things much harder than I ever did) shows a bit more maturity.

7.10.25