In her memoir "Reading Lolita in Tehran," Azar Nafisi emphasizes the immersive nature of reading a novel. She argues that a book is not merely a symbolic representation of ideas, but rather a vivid sensory experience that transports readers to another realm. To fully appreciate a novel, one must engage with its characters and their journeys, effectively breathing in the story and internalizing it deeply.

Nafisi insists that genuine involvement in the narrative leads to empathy and understanding of the characters' fates. She encourages readers to approach novels with the intent to truly feel and experience the world they depict, suggesting that this engagement is essential for a profound connection to the text. Ultimately, her view highlights literature's power to evoke emotions and foster a shared human experience.