Dear Barry Manilow: Memories of a Prep School Loser by Rachel Marbach is a raw and darkly humorous memoir that exposes the toxic underbelly of an elite preparatory academy. Through vivid recollections of alienation, cruelty, and family dysfunction, Marbach unearths the pain of adolescence while recounting surreal experiences, such as writing letters to Barry Manilow to escape the harsh realities around her. This candid coming-of-age story explores the tension between outward appearances and hidden struggles, offering a relatable glimpse into the emotional turmoil of being an outsider.
