Rec League

Elif Batuman

The Idiot

The Idiot

9 people recommend this

Recommended by

  • Nina Gomez
    Nina GomezFirst to rec

    “Favorite book ever!”

  • Landon Groves
    Landon Groves

    “A book about how language can sometimes be an ineffective means of communication. An incredible concept, brimming with subtle beauty”

    71
  • Wynne
    Wynne

    “This book is very funny.”

    4
  • Lida Richardson
    Lida Richardson

    “One of my absolute favorites; I’m surprised I didn’t already have it on here. Captures the nauseous jittery electric feeling of being young and obsessively in love in a way that is really miraculous. And I think it is a pretty phenomenal example of writing about young people/ writing a young narrator in a very adult style. I’ve been a bit scared to reread the sequel, partially bc I’d have to reread this and I know it would be a different experience at 31.”

    4
  • Morgan Warren
    Morgan Warren

    “so clever and funny”

    2
  • Sophie B
    Sophie B
    1
  • Rachel Jacobson
    Rachel Jacobson

    “Best novel I’ve read in a while. Protagonist is a freshman at Harvard in the late 90s. Wonderful dialogue, real & dynamic characters, hilarious details. Semi-autobiographical & lots of fun with language & semiotics.”

  • Claire Simon
    Claire Simon
  • Madeline
    Madeline

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