Ah but Lal ....I was also taught that "only a woman of ill-repute would read a novel before lunch" (that one didn't register though ....
) and "a lounge is something they have in Hotels, darling" ... (which did and causes frequent verbal contortions)...
But certainly, despite my struggles with the early volumes, I found that the LOTR HoME volumes a relatively strightforward read.
I skim factual books if I need something specific.....but it took me many years to trust my judgement and accept that if a book hadn't engaged me (and I do give them a fair shot) and have very wide tastes) then I didn't have to waste my life finishing them.