This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Possessed

   Adventures with Russian Books and the People Who Read Them

   

   "The Possessed" is a compelling narrative that combines memoir, criticism, and travel writing to explore the author's deep fascination with Russian literature. Through her experiences as a graduate student at Stanford, her travels to Turkey, Russia, and Uzbekistan, and her encounters with other scholars, the author delves into the works of great Russian authors such as Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, and Chekhov, while also reflecting on the nature of literature, identity, and the human condition.

   The 3577th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Idiot

   

   The novel follows the experiences of Selin, a daughter of Turkish immigrants, during her freshman year at Harvard University in the mid-1990s. As she navigates the complexities of language, love, and her own identity, Selin begins an email correspondence with Ivan, a senior mathematics student. This digital romance and her quest for understanding lead her through various intellectual and emotional adventures, from teaching in Hungary to grappling with the nuances of communication and the nature of storytelling. The book is a coming-of-age tale that humorously captures the challenges of self-discovery and the transition into adulthood.

   The 5984th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Either/Or

   

   The novel follows Selin, a Turkish-American college student, as she navigates her sophomore year at Harvard in the mid-1990s. Through her introspective and often humorous perspective, Selin grapples with questions of identity, love, and the purpose of art and literature. As she explores the complexities of relationships and the challenges of adulthood, Selin reflects on her experiences and the philosophical ideas that shape her understanding of the world. The narrative delves into the nuances of cultural and personal discovery, capturing the essence of a young woman's journey toward self-awareness.