So It Begins...

I began reading Prep a few days ago and I was actually surprised by the character. I was prepared for a stereo-typical story about a small-town girl trying to fit into a rich-kid's school. I expected the character to be either a strong, ambitious trend-setter born into the wrong city or a lost young girl who's nearly pathetic with self-pity and sadness.

I know this sounds harsh but it's the truth. It seems a lot of literature has lost
 its spark...it's originality.

I was, however, very pleased to find that the main character, Lee Fiora, is very real in her attitude and perceptions. This may be caused by the fact that the story is based on the experiences of the author, Curtis Sittenfeld. She captures the awkwardness and discomfort while transitioning in a new place. Lee notices subtle peculiarities in human behavior, such as the way people (especially women) self-deprecate themselves in the hope of gaining a compliment. And it's true! Ask yourself this: when you say something negative about yourself in front of your friends, don't you hope that they'll contradict you? You want to hear a reassurance that you cannot provide for yourself. I found this perception true and refreshing in nature. Other examples can be found in great numbers. Many of these human habits I have noticed myself and I feel almost a friendship with the character because she shares many of my opinions.

I've only made it about one chapter into this novel and I would already recommend it to one of my friends. So, if you see it on the shelf in your library, Barnes & Noble, or Kindle/Nook store, by all means give it a try. I don't think that you'll regret it. But Beware: If you're looking for a story filled with fluff and folly, this is the wrong book for you. Readers looking for a refreshing story that is easy to relate to will greatly enjoy this novel. And Lee, I'm rooting for you.