Being Lolita

A Memoir

By: Alisson Wood

Narrated by: Alisson Wood

Length: 6 hrs and 46 mins

Publisher's summary

This program is read by the author.

A dark romance evolves between a high-schooler and her English teacher in this breathtakingly powerful memoir about a young woman who must learn to rewrite her own story.

“Have you ever read Lolita?”

So begins 17-year-old Alisson’s metamorphosis from student to lover and then victim. A lonely and vulnerable high-school senior, Alisson finds solace only in her writing - and in a young, charismatic English teacher, Mr. North.

Mr. North gives Alisson a copy of Lolita to read, telling her it is a beautiful story about love. The book soon becomes the backdrop to a connection that blooms from a simple crush into a forbidden romance. But as Mr. North’s hold on her tightens, Alisson is forced to evaluate how much of their narrative is actually a disturbing fiction.

In the wake of what becomes a deeply abusive relationship, Alisson is faced again and again with the story of her past, from rereading Lolita in college to working with teenage girls to becoming a professor of creative writing. It is only with that distance and perspective that she understands the ultimate power language has had on her - and how to harness that power to tell her own true story.

Being Lolita is a stunning coming-of-age memoir that shines a bright light on our shifting perceptions of consent, vulnerability, and power. This is the story of what happens when a young woman realizes her entire narrative must be rewritten - and then takes back the pen to rewrite it.

A Macmillan Audio production from Flatiron Books

"Being Lolita is an unflinching depiction of grooming and a searing indictment of exploitative teachers, but most of all it’s an act of redemption - a powerful realization of Wood’s vow 'to do the little I can to make sure what happened to me doesn’t happen again.'" (Susan Choi, author of the National Book Award-winning Trust Exercise)

"Wood reminds us that stories still have the power to change the world. This is a fascinating story of survival and purpose, yet it is also a story of interpretation. How we read the world changes how we live in it. A fantastic debut." (Garrard Conley, author of Boy Erased)

©2020 Alisson Wood (P)2020 Macmillan Audio

Soulful and Sincere

I loved this book for its honesty, fairness and final call to action. I admired the references and wordplay. Mostly I cried. I consider my own daughter's literary diet, and how best to develop her intellectual and emotional self-defense in the future.

An important read, even if it could stand to be a bit more concise

This is an important story. Particularly because it is not just one woman’s story. This story, sadly, is happening right now, today, in classrooms all across the US and around the world. We read “Lolita” in an English Lit class, or we read about Vili Fualaau and Mary Kay Letourneau, and have the audacity to question if these are, in fact, stories of true love. When a teacher crosses that line, and sullies the sacred relationship between teacher and student, there are no excuses; it is vile, repugnant, toxic. Period. And until all of society sees it for what it is - without the ifs, ands, and buts - this will remain an important story, one that should be read by anyone who works with young people.

That said, the book does drag in parts. From the beginning leading up to Allison’s 18th birthday is very long and repetitive and could have made the same points in half the time.

I’m glad she doesn’t make a hero out of her abuser. I appreciate that she points out his mispronunciation of “Nobokov” and the fact that he seems to miss key points in the narrative, in spite of his self-proclaimed admiration of the book. It almost seems as though he never read it in it’s entirety. And the scenes where he takes her through the Cornell campus show him for what he is; a pathetic loser, desperate for the days of his youth, unable to relive them with people his own age and preying on children to satisfy his own fears and desires.

Overall, a good read. But would be a great read with a few edits to make the top of the book a bit more concise.

A bit overlong but still an important read

I felt like Part 3 could have been condensed to the last chapter; otherwise, this was a powerful narrative about a young woman who, luckily, realized that she was in an abusive relationship and got out before she could marry her abuser, drop out of college, and become trapped. Prof. Wood apparently works with at-risk teens, and I imagine that her story could help young women see the signs before they fall victim to an abuser.

Painful, but well written

This book was written and performed very well. I, however, couldn't finish it. The parts reflecting the abuse she went through cut into my soul and I was unable to finish it. if you are a super, overly empathetic person, you may struggle to finish as I did. Aside from that, though, it is a well written book and is performed excellently. If you can get through tough descriptions of mental and verbal abuse then I definitely recommend this book.

Relatable

I absolutely enjoyed listening to this audiobook (to the point I purchased the physical book as well) I was able to find things relatable in my own life that I’m glad I wasn’t alone in feeling ways and that gave me courage to finally talk to someone about it. Amazing job Allison!

Great!

I have been searching local libraries and book stores to fine a copy of Being Lolita. The story seemed captivating. I am so glad a went the audiobook route. A well written story full of hard truths and a vision of the world that is all too familiar with young girls.

Beautiful and Heartbreaking

Reading this was healing for me. I wasn’t sexually abused, but I was with a man who was the age difference that the characters were, and I heartbreakingly realize the manipulation tactics that he used. Even though there are years between now, and when we broke up, this book still added to my healing journey. I hope that I can pass on the lessons that I learned from, and empathy that I felt for Alisson to other people who may have been in a similar situation. Thank you, Alisson.

The story is very impactful

The authors voice is extremely soothing and she is very impactful with her story. I couldn’t stop listening to it.

the way the authors feelings are heard through the narration.

I love this book. it was beautifully written and narrarated by the Author Allison. This book had so much feeling put into it. it's a must read. I will forever remember this book and all the emotions I felt listening to the author read it. I fully recall this book.

Wow..

I first heard of Alisson Wood when I watched the Hulu series “Keep this Between Us” and she was interviewed for it. I was intrigued to know her personal story and it’s not at all what I imagined. The type of behavior “the teacher” displayed was smart, unfortunately. I’m still trying to fully process how this can keep happening to students, young women or men, and there are hardly any repercussions for the ones in authoritative positions. It’s truly heartbreaking what the Author had to go through and learn much later.