In "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Azar Nafisi emphasizes the immersive experience of reading a novel, suggesting that it should be approached with a sense of deep engagement, akin to inhaling. Readers are encouraged to fully absorb the narrative and emotions presented in a book, allowing the story and its themes to resonate within them. This method of reading transforms literature into a vital experience rather than a mere pastime.

By framing reading as an act of breathing, Nafisi highlights the powerful connection between literature and personal experience. The act of inhaling symbolizes the importance of embracing and internalizing the stories, characters, and ideas that novels offer. Through her memoir, she illustrates how novels can provide insight and solace, especially amidst challenging circumstances, urging readers to start this journey of discovery by fully investing themselves in the text.