Reading Lolita in Tehran--NO SPOILERS

[Lori]

Here's a thread to discuss Reading Lolita in Tehran without any spoilers.

[Melissa]

So I really want to read this...however, if I haven't read Lolita/other books in this book, will it spoil the books for me?

[Tami]

I really didn't want to read this book, but the nominations from this group have "made" me read some really great books, that I wouldn't have otherwise. I am just waiting until I can either get a copy from the library or find it really cheap somewhere.

[Heather]

Melissa, I'm about halfway through it and there have been a couple spoilers to other books in it (luckily so far they are ones that I've read). I would suggest reading Lolita & The Great Gatsby etc first, but definitely read this after.

[Priscilla]

I doubt I've read any of the other books they are going to mention in the book either. Do you think I will get the gist of what's going on in the book, or will not having read the works mentioned take away from the experience of reading this book? I don't know if this makes sense, but if anyone understands the question, can you let me know your answer?

[Anna]

I think she did a pretty good job of explaining the parts of the books she was relating to so even though I hadn't read them I wasn't completely confused. I would maybe suggest looking the books up on GR or something just to get their gist.

I also kind of feel like the books she discussed are valued more for their writing style and whatnot than for their surprise value. Like how most people know the ending to Romeo and Juliet but that doesn't really detract from the quality of Shakespeare. (Hope that makes sense)

[Tahleen]

I understand what you're saying, Annashu. I've started it and I'm almost through the first part, Lolita. I haven't read it and there were spoilers in there, but nothing that would make me not want to read Lolita. I still want to read it eventually. That said, I think I would have enjoyed it more had I read the book first, which is why I think I'm going to take a break from this and read The Great Gatsby (it's shameful that I haven't read this, I know).

[Adanma]

I before starting each section (Lolita, Gatsby, James, etc.) I went on SparkNotes and read the plot outline as well as skimmed through the major theme summary. It really helped!