Bookshelf with Alai Landa
Behind every great woman, there’s a shelf of great books.
I’m not sure if anyone’s actually ever said that, but I’m 100% sure it’s true. In the spirit of isolation, we’re turning to the creatives we adore and getting a peek at the over-stuffed bookshelves behind them. Self-help? Fiction? Philosophy? Business how-to’s? Romantic epics? Biographies? Poetry compilations? What are the books most adored by our friends, and why?
In this instalment, Alai Landa (founder of It’s Dated) shares her most influential reads so far. Having just recently returned from Barcelona (where she was studying and interning at an art gallery), she’s a driving force on social media, spreading love and teachings about spirituality, philosophy, our earth + more. In addition, she’s spent the last year and a half writing and creating her own first book, “That’s Just Reality” - a philosophic exploration of the human race, written in various states of mind. You can delve into her most-loved books below <3
Remember, Be Here Now — Ram Dass (1971)
A classic. This book came out in at the perfect time for it to complete the feat of outselling the Bible (usually set as the top seller). It’s message and layout help you navigate your own mind smoothly. I like to say it’s “better than meds” because if I am ever feeling down, I just open a page and start to read.
On God — Krishnamurti (1992)
While not actually created by Krishnamurti, this is a compilation of interviews, speeches, and personal journal entries. He demystifies spirituality by pointing out that if one statue or temple is sacred, so is all else. Right when we know something it is no longer IT. He redefines “religious” while being grounded and beyond the clouds at the same time. “The word is not the thing.”
The Kybalion — The Three Initiates (1908)
An “anonymous” channeled work of Hermetic philosophy which lays out the fundamental laws of the universe. It’s like a key to understanding all the various philosophies and vocabulary people use when speaking of all things meta. If this were a trendy teen girls clothing store, it’d be in the “essentials” rack.
The Doors of Perception — Aldous Huxley (1954)
Here, Aldous Huxley, one of the Western psychologists to research and run experiments on psychedelics, describes his personal experience while on Mescaline. It is very interesting and mind opening to read such an account from a professional psychologist from the 50’s.
The Republic — Plato (~375 B.C.)
Although lengthy, this is probably one of my favorite books. In a attempt to understand justice and injustice, good and bad, Plato goes on a deep journey uncovering the fundamentals of society. The inequality between sexes, dominion of the patriarchy, the importance of kindling our inner wisdom, immortality of the soul, generational orgies, capitalism, communism, mass brainwashing, and more. Although dense, his writing style is incredibly entertaining - I highly recommend.
The Science of Self-Realization (1968) — A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada
This book helped open my mind in the beginning of my journey. It showed me how much magic we each have within us and how integral it is to focus inwardly and develop oneself.
The Symposium — Plato (~380 B.C.)
A quick read, the Symposium follows a group of philosophers who get together, drink wine, and discuss the meaning of Love. This is where the concept of “Platonic Love” i.e. Eros, originates from. The exploration and definition of an ascended love we should all share with each other inspires one to expand their concept of love beyond the limits of romance or family. The book also includes an interesting discourse on Beauty and, again, ascends its definition to something inspiringly divine.
