Either/Or

Either/Or follows Selin, a Turkish-American sophomore at Harvard University in 1996, as she navigates her second year of college. The novel continues the story from Batuman's previous book The Idiot, but can be read as a standalone work. Selin's academic journey centers on literature and language as she processes her experiences from the previous summer. The narrative tracks her intellectual development through coursework, relationships, and time spent abroad, all while she grapples with questions of identity and purpose. The story unfolds against the backdrop of mid-1990s college life, complete with email correspondence, literary theory discussions, and cultural references from the era. Selin moves between campus life, international travel, and her Turkish-American family context. The novel examines themes of early adulthood, cultural identity, and the tension between lived experience and artistic expression. Through Selin's perspective, it explores the challenge of reconciling academic theory with real-world choices and the formation of an authentic self.

Readers describe Either/Or as a meandering campus novel that follows protagonist Selin through her sophomore year at Harvard. Many find the book's philosophical musings and social observations both humorous and relatable, particularly regarding dating and relationships in college. Readers appreciate: - The dry, deadpan humor - Accurate portrayal of college life in the 1990s - References to philosophy and literature - Sharp observations about social dynamics Common criticisms: - Lack of traditional plot structure - Too much internal monologue - Character can come across as pretentious - Length (many say it's too long at 368 pages) Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (13,000+ ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (500+ ratings) LibraryThing: 4.0/5 (300+ ratings) "Like listening to a very smart friend overthink everything," notes one Amazon reviewer. A Goodreads reviewer writes: "Either you'll find Selin's endless analysis charming or absolutely exhausting - there's no in-between."

Normal People by Sally Rooney Following university students through intimate relationships and academic life, this novel mirrors Selin's exploration of identity during the college years.

The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides Set at Brown University, the story traces an English major's journey through semiotics, literature, and love in a campus environment similar to Selin's Harvard experience.

On Beauty by Zadie Smith Through the lens of academic families at a prestigious university, this novel delves into cultural identity and intellectual life in ways that echo Selin's path.

The Idiot by Elif Batuman As the predecessor to Either/Or, this novel introduces Selin's freshman year at Harvard and establishes the foundations of her academic and personal journey.

The Secret History by Donna Tartt Set in an elite New England college, this novel explores the intersection of academics and personal transformation through a group of classics students.

🔷 The book's title directly references philosopher Søren Kierkegaard's 1843 work "Either/Or," which explores the aesthetic versus ethical ways of life 🔷 Author Elif Batuman is a staff writer for The New Yorker magazine and holds a doctorate in comparative literature from Stanford University 🔷 Either/Or is actually a sequel to Batuman's earlier novel "The Idiot" (2017), which follows the same protagonist during her freshman year at Harvard 🔷 The novel's 1996 setting captures a unique moment in technological history - when email was just becoming common but before the rise of cell phones and social media 🔷 The protagonist Selin's Turkish-American background mirrors the author's own heritage, providing authentic insights into cross-cultural experiences in academia