Lana Del Rey’s Intellectual Journey: Books That Shaped Her Poetic World

From Beat Poetry to Spirituality: How Literature Fuels the Melancholic Muse of Our Time

Lana Del Rey has crafted a persona that effortlessly blends nostalgic melancholy and sumptuous romance, earning her a legion of fans who remain captivated not only by her music but also by her soulful intellect. However, what many may not fully realize is the depth of literary influence that has guided her along this path. From her early days diving into Beat poetry to her more recent spiritual and philosophical pursuits, Lana Del Rey’s book recommendations offer an intimate glimpse into her world—one where literature and music are entwined in an everlasting dance.

Early Inspirations: The Beat Generation and Self-Discovery

Howl by Allen Ginsberg

"I found this poem when I was 15, and it was one of the first pieces of literature that ever resonated with me,"

In an interview with The Fader in 2011, Lana Del Rey revealed her profound connection with Allen Ginsberg's Howl. For a young Lana, Ginsberg’s manic, drug-fueled rants mirrored her own turbulent emotions, hinting at the dark creativity that would later permeate her music. This early encounter with Beat poetry's raw expressiveness and its exploration of personal freedom left an indelible mark on her artistic psyche.

The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel

Alongside her poetic influences, Lana also delved into self-help literature. In the same 2011 interview, she dubbed The Master Key System by Charles F. Haanel as "essential reading for anyone looking to find their own road to happiness and success." This book aligns with her focus on personal development and inner peace, themes that consistently appear in her lyrics, revealing a blend of fragility and resilience.

Forbidden Gates by Tom and Nita Horn

Even as she explored these deeply personal themes, Lana’s curiosity extended to broader horizons. Forbidden Gates by Tom and Nita Horn, recommended in 2011, captivated her with its insights into technological advancements and synthetic biology. This book showcases Lana’s broader intellectual appetite, which encompasses not only the arts but also the evolving world of science and technology, suggesting layers of complexity in her thinking and artistic storytelling.

Mid-Career Musings: Nostalgia and Spirituality

Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger

Released during the promotion of her album Honeymoon, this tumultuous period saw Lana embrace Hollywood Babylon by Kenneth Anger. The book’s scandalous tales of old Hollywood resonated with her fascination for its glamorous yet dark history. Although she didn't offer a direct quote, Lana's affinity for the book is evident through its thematic influences on her work, showcasing her love for vintage Americana and its enigmatic allure.

The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda

In the mid-2010s, Lana’s interests grew more spiritual. She mentioned in a Billboard interview her admiration for The Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda, describing it as one of her favorite reads. This autobiographical account of a yogi’s life and spiritual journey influenced her philosophical musings and perhaps even her quest for inner peace amidst the chaos of fame.

Your Erroneous Zones by Wayne Dyer

"He gave me so much over the last 15 years,"

Another pivotal mid-career recommendation was Wayne Dyer's 1976 classic Your Erroneous Zones, an influential self-help book she acknowledged had a transformative impact on her life. Lana disclosed in a Billboard interview, underscoring the profound influence Dyer’s teachings had on her journey towards overcoming self-doubt and embracing her path.

Continual Influences: Classic Literature and Persistent Themes

Lolita by Vladimir Nabokov

Few works have intertwined themselves with Lana’s career as intricately as Nabokov’s Lolita. Frequently referenced in her songs like "Off To The Races" and "Lolita," the novel's themes of forbidden love and complex relationships perfectly encapsulate the tortured romanticism often found in her music. Her public persona and artistic narrative have thus found a mirror in Nabokov’s controversial masterpiece.

The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway

Lana's affinity with classic American literature extends to the Lost Generation’s Hemingway, whose novels The Sun Also Rises and A Farewell to Arms reflect the same melancholic beauty she often sings about. These works delve into themes of love, loss, and the inevitability of change, paralleling Lana’s own lyrical explorations of impermanence and the human condition.

Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill

Echoing her interest in self-help, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill has been another enduring influence for Lana. This book, often recommended in interviews, resonates with her proclivity towards self-improvement and the American Dream—a theme that permeates her music and public image.

Recent Fascinations and Current Interests

The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter

In 2023, discussions on fan forums highlighted The Bloody Chamber by Angela Carter as a fitting addition to Lana’s recommended reads. With its dark, magical realism and exploration of feminine power, this collection of rewritten fairy tales captures the enchanting and often eerie essence found within Lana’s music.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Virgin Suicides by Jeffrey Eugenides

In the past year, articles and forums have noted The Bell Jar and The Virgin Suicides as books that align deeply with Lana’s aesthetic and thematic concerns. Plath’s autobiographical novel and Eugenides' portrayal of teenage longing and despair both mirror the personal struggles and haunting, nostalgic tones that characterize much of her work.

Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass by Lana Del Rey

Adding a personal touch to her literary journey is Lana's own poetry collection, Violet Bent Backwards Over The Grass, released in 2024. This collection peels back the layers of femininity, personal identity, and American life, offering fans a poetic roadmap to the psyche of Lana Del Rey herself.

Sharing Her Literary Love

Lana Del Rey’s fascination with literature extends beyond private enjoyment; it's a gift she often shares with her audience. Through social media, interviews, and glimpses into her personal library, Lana fosters a sense of literary community among her fans. Her tattoos, too, serve as living pages—commemorating figures like Walt Whitman, whose Leaves of Grass resonates in her artistic soul.

Inspiring the Next Generation of Readers

Ultimately, Lana Del Rey’s literary journey is a testament to the transformative power of reading. Her intellectual growth, explored through an array of genres and themes, mirrors her evolution as an artist and an individual. For fans and followers, her reading habits offer not only a deeper understanding of her work but also a potential path towards their own self-discovery and enlightenment.

Additional Reading List

To delve deeper into the literary influences of Lana Del Rey, here’s an additional reading list—books she has recommended or been associated with:

The Road to Paradise Island by Victoria Holt

A classic yet lesser-known novel, this book's nostalgic and romantic themes echo Lana’s love for vintage aesthetics. Mentioned in her Honeymoon video, it underscores her appreciation for historical fiction and its decadent escapism.

Burnt Norton by T.S. Eliot

Quoted in her music and referenced during the release of Honeymoon, Eliot’s philosophical and poetic exploration in Burnt Norton reflects Lana’s own introspective and nostalgic undertones.

Lana Del Rey’s literary journey captivates not only through the books she reads but also through the way these works subtly and overtly shape her artistic world. For fans, her recommendations are more than just books—they are keys to understanding the depths of one of today's most enigmatic musical talents.