[slothtrop]

If they're readers, they've read more accessible books. I don't think the lesser known works for those authors in any way prepare you for the more challenging ones. You either go for it as an experienced reader, or you don't. You won't really understand the appeal of Pynchon or Joyce without diving into them.

I would concede if there were a particularly outstanding accessible book, it would be a good starting point - I don't think there is.