boogiebeez's review against another edition
challenging
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
her majesty elif batuman back at it again with A BANGER.
I am actually Selin (it is rare that I relate to book characters this much). I often felt like the observations and witticism she made are similar to how i regard the world but way more efficiently articulated. safe to say that I loved this book and will gobble up anything else written by Ms Batuman
I am actually Selin (it is rare that I relate to book characters this much). I often felt like the observations and witticism she made are similar to how i regard the world but way more efficiently articulated. safe to say that I loved this book and will gobble up anything else written by Ms Batuman
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment and Sexual content
Moderate: Xenophobia and Alcohol
brynpemery's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was delightful. I also really enjoyed The Idiot and was surprised it had a sequel, but this really worked for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Alcohol, Misogyny, and Sexism
Minor: Sexual harassment
risemini's review against another edition
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol and Sexual content
savvylit's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Two aspects of this novel that I really enjoyed were the same things that I loved about The Idiot: Selin's dry humor & her genuine confusion regarding societal norms. As I read, I found myself thinking that I'd missed Selin and her perspectives on the world. That's how effectively her character is written. Batuman makes Selin feel as authentic and accessible as someone you could know in real life.
**Slight spoilers ahead**
**Slight spoilers ahead**
Spoiler
Either/Or was ultimately quite different from The Idiot in one primary way: Selin begins to have physical encounters with men for the first time. Throughout Either/Or, Selin mentions her desire to feel like she's living a full life - like she were a character in a novel. Thus, rather heartbreakingly, her desire to have sex is mor abstract and solely motivated by a heteronormative sense of obligation. As the book progresses, Selin is often sexually harassed and coerced into sex. The accuracy and realism of these passages is devastating and demonstrative of the need for all people to continue to demand enthusiastic consent. It's the only acceptable response for any question of physical intimacy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming
More...