raychelbennet's review
5.0
I've been a fan of Lana Del Rey since her debut of Born to Die, and I've always struggled with my love for both her and feminism. Her problematic tropes made me feel like a bad feminist for thoroughly and wholeheartedly enjoying her music. Megan Falley takes every reservation I've ever felt about Lana and turns it on its head. Falley deals with Lana's anti feminism and problematic messages wonderfully. I laughed multiple times throughout this collection, and my happiness extended to the acknowledgements, thank you's, and author description when I saw the spattering of Lana quotes. This collection is hilarious but also heartfelt and important. I'm so happy it's a part of my library.
ainsleyexe's review
5.0
4.98 stars.
I’m writing this on my phone from my bathtub, complete with a lit candle and crystals, and it feels very right. Getting ahold of this book was a long process (thanks USPS I love it when a 44 page book costs $50 dollars for shipping) but alas, I have listened to Lana’s entire discography including the new singles, and now I have it; everything has led up to this moment.
I really, really enjoyed this collection. I loved the subversive take on Lana herself. The imagery was so fascinating- a magnetic mix of the cherry-flavoured american nothing that Lana peddles and almost grotesque, bizarre creations of the poet herself. The craft was so evident- no rambling and running on, no random abstracts, no purple prose. Consise, cool and to the point, but still
imaginative and weird and memorable. Finally, I love how the poet confronted Lana about all of the actually shitty things that she has said and done. As much as I love her and her music, Lana Del Rey isn’t a real person and she says gross stuff sometimes, and the poems make that abundantly clear. She does her makeup, and chainsmokes Parliaments and goes by Elizabeth at AA.
Ultimately, Lana is both unreal and a human, and I love how these poems make us reckon with both of those facts.
I’m writing this on my phone from my bathtub, complete with a lit candle and crystals, and it feels very right. Getting ahold of this book was a long process (thanks USPS I love it when a 44 page book costs $50 dollars for shipping) but alas, I have listened to Lana’s entire discography including the new singles, and now I have it; everything has led up to this moment.
I really, really enjoyed this collection. I loved the subversive take on Lana herself
Spoiler
not as spirit guide, but as the toxic best friend you want to get rid of but don’t have the heart to, because you know she’s struggling too and you just cope in different waysimaginative and weird and memorable. Finally, I love how the poet confronted Lana about all of the actually shitty things that she has said and done. As much as I love her and her music, Lana Del Rey isn’t a real person and she says gross stuff sometimes, and the poems make that abundantly clear. She does her makeup, and chainsmokes Parliaments and goes by Elizabeth at AA.
Ultimately, Lana is both unreal and a human, and I love how these poems make us reckon with both of those facts.
lolasebastian's review
4.0
I was pleasantly surprised by this volume, even though I enjoy Megan Falley’s writing. I’ve been a fan of Lana’s since Born to Die and I’ve always been fascinated by the image she curates. Likewise, Falley plays with imagery in unexpected ways in this volume. Fake eyelashes crawl. Lips are spat off the face like old gum.
I was afraid that this volume would read like adoring fanfiction but it doesn’t. It reads like a loving and subversive tribute to a great female artist. I think the idea of Lana Del Rey as a toxic imaginary friend figure would translate well to the stage, too.
I was afraid that this volume would read like adoring fanfiction but it doesn’t. It reads like a loving and subversive tribute to a great female artist. I think the idea of Lana Del Rey as a toxic imaginary friend figure would translate well to the stage, too.
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