In "Reading Lolita in Tehran: A Memoir in Books," Azar Nafisi explores the profound impact of literature and art, likening their significance to that of bread. This metaphor highlights that art nourishes the soul and intellect much like bread sustains the body, underscoring its essential role in human life and society. Nafisi's memoir reflects her experiences teaching Western literature in Iran, where the power of storytelling becomes a means of resistance against oppression.

The book illustrates how literature serves as a refuge for her and her students, allowing them to escape the harsh realities of their lives under a repressive regime. Nafisi emphasizes that engaging with art and literature fosters critical thinking, creativity, and empathy, ultimately enriching the human experience. Thus, the quote about art being as useful as bread encapsulates the idea that cultural expression is vital for personal and collective growth.