Being Lolita

A Memoir

De: Alisson Wood

Narrado por: Alisson Wood

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 seventeen-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

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.

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.

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.