The setting described in Gary Shteyngart's "Lake Success" features an intimate collection of books, reflecting the tastes of an intellectual crowd. The presence of authors like Joan Didion and Flannery O'Connor alongside works on musicians such as Leonard Cohen and Neil Young reveals a diverse blend of literature that appeals to both emotional and aesthetic sensibilities.

The framed poster of landscape paintings from Dresden adds another layer, suggesting an appreciation for art and culture. This curated environment hints at a complex lifestyle where literature, music, and visual arts intersect, emphasizing the unique experiences of the intellectual characters within the narrative.