Don't be so quick to discount the importance of trust. While it is true that some may need more time to process the information, this is only one factor in considering audience readiness. The other factor is trust. Without trust, a reader's ability to fully comprehend the content of a book can be greatly hindered. If the reader doesn't trust the author, they may have difficulty believing that the journey will be worth taking.
So, while it is true that allowing time for processing may be necessary, it is just as important that the audience trusts the author and their decision to take them on a darker path. Nikhil's original essay makes this point clear. He speaks directly to his audience, asking them to trust him on his journey. The reader must trust the author to gain the full value of the experience.
To conclude, trust between the reader and the author is essential for an optimal reading experience, and Nikhil's essay does an excellent job of conveying this idea. After all, why would anyone want to take a journey through darkness if they don't trust their guide to bring them back out? Just remember that a darkened room can still be filled with laughter if it's shared with someone you trust!