The Idiot

“Favorite book ever!”

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

“This book probably isn’t for everyone but it’s arch and it’s absurd and I laughed until the very last page.”

“This book is very funny.”

“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.”

“so clever and funny”

“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.”