Which novels does singer Lana Del Rey think are the best? Let’s take a look at one of her bookshelves
Lana Del Rey often turns to literature in her writing. She doesn’t just borrow lines from novels, but dedicates entire songs and albums to books, revealing them from a new perspective.
We were interested to know what books Lana Del Rey likes most of all. We came to the conclusion that the singer prefers motivational novels, as well as works that raise quite controversial topics. Rather see the titles of the books that Lana adores
Napoleon Hill’s “Think and Grow Rich
“After my freshman year of college, I read a book called Think and Get Rich by Napoleon Hill. And yes, it wasn’t about money at all. He wrote about burning all bridges except the one that leads to your greatest desire. And I thought, ‘My greatest desire is to sing,’” the singer admitted in a 2019 Rolling Stone interview.
What the book is about: Napoleon Hill interviewed 500 successful people to reveal the secrets to achieving goals. In his book, the author highlighted 13 main steps that will help realize all plans and get closer to wealth and success.
Why it is worth reading: the main idea of the book is that success requires great effort: overcoming fears and complexes, self-control and self-discipline, as well as clear planning and a systematic approach. The book can really motivate you to achieve all your goals!
Napoleon Hill began collecting materials for his book while he was still a student, when he worked part-time as a reporter. In 1908, Andrew Carnegie gave him the idea of a “universal formula for success.” Just 20 years later, Hill published the book “Think and Get Rich.”
“Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov
Directly about her love for this book, Lana Del Rey never talked about it, but the singer left a lot of Easter eggshells. For example, in 2012 she had the song “Lolita” released, and the track “Off to the Races” quotes Humbert Humbert’s phrase “light of my life, fire of my loins”.
What the book is about: the action unfolds in 1947. Humbert Humbert, a forty-year-old professor, becomes obsessed with a little twelve-year-old girl, Dolores Hayes, whom he calls Lolita. In the book, the narration goes from the first person, because we read the personal diaries of the main character.
Why it’s worth reading: Nabokov is a true wordsmith who has always chosen rather controversial subjects for novels. “Lolita,” however, became one of his most popular books, which the writer considered his best work – ”a serious book written with a serious purpose.”
There are two popular film adaptations of the novel. The first came out in 1962. It was filmed by Stanley Kubrick, and the main roles were played by James Mason and Sue Lyon. The second adaptation was released in 1997, directed by Adrian Lyne. In it, Humbert was played by Jeremy Irons, and Lolita – Dominic Swain.
Allen Ginsberg’s “Howl”
“I found this poem when I was 15 years old, and it was one of the first pieces of literature that resonated with me,” Lana told The Fader back in 2011.
What the book is about: it is a poem that combines both the autobiography of the writer and the representation of a special world order where loneliness, human weakness and aggression reign. The book was published in 1955.
Why it is worth reading: “The Shriek” is considered to be the very book that became the anthem of the disillusioned generation of post-war America. In it, Allen Ginsberg draws attention to different strata of society: the homeless, the insane, poets and artists. And all of them are not just people, for the writer they are “the best people of a generation”.
In 2010, a movie of the same name was released, directed by Rob Epstein and Jeffrey Friedman. The movie tells about the life of Allen Ginsberg after the publication of his famous book. The role of the writer was played by James Franco.
“The Master Key to Wish Fulfillment: How to get everything you want out of life” by Charles Enel
“This is essential reading for anyone who wants to find their own path to happiness and success in life. The godfather of all books written about becoming successful and finding peace,” the singer admitted in the same interview with The Fader.
What the book is about: the topic of success and achievement of goals is again considered here, but already through the prism of psychology, esotericism and spiritual practices. Charles Enel pays special attention to our subconscious mind, which can realize all our desires.
Why it’s worth reading: many readers who are interested in delving into the realm of visualization and esotericism have commented that the book provides really workable techniques for achieving one’s goals. It is also an easy and quick read.
In 1919, Napoleon Hill, author of Think and Grow Rich, wrote Charles Enel a letter of thanks for his work. He admitted that this book had greatly influenced his development.
In addition, the work “The Master Key to Wish Fulfillment” was the main source of inspiration for Rhonda Byrne in writing the book “The Secret” and its movie adaptation of the same name.
“A Clockwork Orange” by Anthony Burgess
Lana Del Rey didn’t talk about her love for the novel directly, her writing said it for her. Many critics and fans saw a parallel between the album “Ultraviolence” and the book by Anthony Burgess, as the title of the record clearly refers to the famous “ultraviolence” from the novel.
What the book is about: this dystopia is about a violent young man named Alex who is the leader of a street gang. In his gang aggression, immorality and violence “thrive”. One day Alex will find himself in the shoes of his victims. Will it help to change his violent character?
Why it is worth reading: it is a deep book that deals with the themes of growing up and the formation of personality. The novel may indeed seem cruel, as it contains many scenes of violence, through which the author reveals the theme of redemption.
In 1971, a film adaptation of the novel of the same name was released, directed by Stanley Kubrick. In 1972, the film was nominated for an Oscar in four categories at once: Best Film, Best Director, Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Editing.
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