My father introduced me to Anne Rice's works when I was in high school, and I am endlessly grateful for that.
Rest In Peace, Anne Rice.
You are still our vampire queen.
Interview With The Vampire is a phenomenal book, albeit a bit tricky for someone going into the series totally blind.
If you're genuinely thinking of reading the book, I'm gonna say it... even though Anne Rice did not enjoy them, I recommend watching at least the first movie, as to give better context as to what's occurring.
Keep in mind that this is a period piece, and thus should be treated as such.