What the stars read: 10 favorite works of John Lennon

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

One of the most famous and popular musicians, singers and composers of the twentieth century is undoubtedly one of the founders of The Beatles, John Lennon. At school, he was not distinguished by special abilities and thirst for knowledge, but he always loved to read. Later he himself will write books, but good literature will accompany him all his life. In our today's review, we invite you to get acquainted with the favorite works of the legendary John Lennon.

Alice in Wonderland and Alice Through the Looking Glass, Lewis Carroll

John Lennon was very fond of Lewis Carroll's poetry and prose as a child, but "Alice in Wonderland" and "Alice Through the Looking Glass" impressed him so much that he even drew all the characters in this amazing fairy tale. He wrote poems based on the work, imagined himself in the role of different heroes and even then began to dream that one day he would become no less famous than the author of his favorite book. And this dream of his very soon came true, and the name of the musician is not forgotten even today, although almost 40 years have passed since the day of his tragic departure.

The Wind in the Willows by Kenneth Graham

This sad tale was also one of John Lennon's favorite childhood stories. At the same time, the future musician did not just read the book, he felt himself a part of it and decided that he must definitely live this work himself. And he wanted to become a real leader, as he later wrote about himself, "the leader of the school gang", so that his peers would play with him the very games that are discussed in the book by Kenneth Graham.

"Viscount de Bragelon, or Ten Years Later", Alexandre Dumas

John Lennon was a great romantic. And, of course, the musician could not help but be carried away by the works of Alexandre Dumas. At the same time, the novel "Viscount de Bragelon, or Ten Years Later" became the musician's favorite work. Insidious designs and intrigues, many sentimental scenes and subtle humor - all this was clearly to the musician's liking.

Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

A witty dystopia is still relevant today, although the first novel by Aldous Huxley was published almost 90 years ago. Despite the light syllable and graceful humor, the reader observes the development of a real drama in the life of the protagonist of this work. Perhaps, in the illusory world described by the author, John Lennon saw something that was close to himself?

Anna Karenina, Leo Tolstoy

The complex and very dramatic novel by Leo Tolstoy, John Lennon also called one of his favorite works. It is possible that the musician's restless soul was close and understandable to the sufferings and doubts of the heroes, their desire to know love and find their happiness. And the tragedy played out in the finale only underlines the imperfection of the world that John Lennon was trying to change.

The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe

The gothic tale from the horror classic is perceived ambiguously by many, but for John Lennon, the story of Roderick Asher and his sister, buried alive, was, apparently, very understandable. Only a master like Edgar Allan Poe could make the reader feel the atmosphere of despair that fills every scene of The Fall of the House of Usher.

Bible. Books of Scripture of the Old and New Testaments

It is hard to imagine, but the rebel and free-thinker not only loved the books of Scripture, but constantly re-read them. So he found answers to many of his questions, but he did not always take everything written on faith. He painfully searched for the meaning of life and, perhaps, it was the Bible that became John Lennon's first step towards knowing himself and his place in the world, towards realizing his destiny and his mission on earth.

Little Women by Louise May Alcott

The path of growing up and becoming the four sisters growing up in the March family, against the backdrop of the civil war, at first glance seems completely predictable. But at the same time, the novel is so touching and even sentimental that it cannot but charm literally from the first pages. John Lennon's choice in this sense is surprising. Perhaps the musician's life lacked this very ease of attitude towards himself and the world around him, the atmosphere of kindness and love, which is simply overflowing with the work of Louise May Alcott.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty by James Thurber

A short story by James Thurber is so vivid and fantasy that it became the basis for two film adaptations, in 1947 and in 2014. The inspiring story of a man who lived his own dreams makes you regret only that the story itself is unacceptably short. John Lennon named him among his favorite works and, it seems, in the main character he could see himself and his own life. Perhaps not all of the musician's dreams were realized in his life, but he really wanted to change this world and fill it with bright colors.

John Lennon is a British rock musician, singer, poet, composer, artist, writer. One of the founders and member of The Beatles, a popular musician of the 20th century. He preached the ideas of equality and brotherhood of people, peace, freedom. This made him a hippie idol and one of the most significant public figures of the 1960-1970s.