I just finished the NY Times bestseller "Prep" by Curtis Sittenfeld. Obviously, it has been well received and is, in fact, a good read. Sittenfeld captures so perfectly the teenage years of a girl from the Midwest who decides to attend an elite private school in Massachusetts. Lee, the protagonist, knows she doesn't fit in, and though given every chance, doesn't even try. It doesn't help that she's ashamed of her father who sells mattresses.

Despite the fancy-pants setting, the story could take place anywhere, because teenage girls everywhere experience the absolute terror, confusion, glumness, and desperation that are depicted. That the story is set at an elite boarding school adds a different spin on snobbery that is achingly painful to witness. I somewhat know the feeling because I attended a girls' private school too, and my father was a plumber. The difference between me and Lee? I was always so very proud of my dad.

It's highly unlikely I'll ever quasi review a book again. I only mention "Prep" because today I feel a little bit like that teenage girl - new and a bit out of place. You can't fool me for a moment. I know as I stroll across the page, you'll be checking me out, scrutinizing my every word - the content, typos, and misplaced commas. Like really. Like I am totally like a nervous wreck, like gag me with a... whatever.

Anyway, let's give it a shot. If you don't like the next few entries, I'll skulk away to bite my nails and pick at split ends and give you the silent treatment. Deal?

But most likely, like any proper teenager, I'll be rebellious and continue writing.

Some of my first blogs may be repeats for some readers. Mea culpa.

xoxo