Old School by Tobias Wolff

Old School is the Waukee community's Big Read book selection for 2009. Set in the 60s, it is the story of  a young man attending a prep school where literary prowess is held in high esteem. The school is to be visited by three world-renowned writers: Robert Frost, Ayn Rand and Ernest Hemingway. To win a one-on-one audience with an author, the students compete by submitting essays. Each author chooses one essay and meets that student. The competition is fierce, both for this event and for acceptance by peers; though reputations are made and lost in subtle ways. 

To what lengths will a person go to maintain social status or gain it? To what extent is deception acceptable? This book is a great read.