If Taylor Swift Lyrics Were Books
A very serious and scholarly post + a playlist
Last school year, I saw several Taylor Swift book display ideas floating around online and spotted one in person at my local Barnes and Noble. I decided to put together my own Swift display for one of my high school libraries, where I recommended books based on specific song lyrics. The youths liked it, so that was a win. Anytime I can impress teenagers, it is a significant victory. Since I had so much fun making the display, I thought it would also make for an entertaining post.
Taylor’s music appeals to me because it’s so varied. She plays with different genres and themes, resulting in consistently enjoyable listening experiences. I took this post far more seriously than necessary to find books that complemented the highlighted lyrics. (You’re welcome.) Taylor covers a lot of ground in her music, so looking through her songs and making connections to books was a pleasant task that reminded me of my English major days when I searched for meaning in every text assigned to me.
Before I reminisce about my college days anymore, let’s let Taylor take it from here.
(Check out the Taylor 101 playlist at the end of the post.)
Bad Summer People by Emma Rosenblum: Wealthy New Yorkers head to Fire Island for the summer, hoping for relaxation. Instead, what they get is murder, lies, violence, and adultery in this fast-paced mystery.
The Golden Couple by Greer Hendricks and Sarah Pekkanen: After infidelity threatens their marriage, a couple seeks marriage counseling with Avery Chambers. She might have lost her license, but that’s not stopping Avery from continuing her work. But who is Avery, really? And what secrets are people still hiding? The Golden Couple is an unpredictable domestic thriller that I really enjoyed.
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn: Nick’s wife Amy has gone missing, and he’s a suspect. He claims he had nothing to do with her disappearance, but it’s hard to believe him. Their marriage wasn’t perfect. Nick and Amy both have secrets. This novel made me fall in love with the mystery genre. Gillian Flynn is a brilliant storyteller who paints a fascinating picture of a complicated marriage.
I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You by Courtney Maum: This is yet another book about a marriage in crisis. This time, a desperate, guilty husband uses art to woo back his wronged wife. Set in London and France, this novel is perfect if you’re looking for an escapist read that’s lighter than the plot might make it seem.
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell: In light of the #MeToo movement, a woman in her 20s must come to terms with the relationship she had with her high school English teacher. She doesn’t feel like a victim, but as she delves deeper into her memories, she begins to question her identity and role in the story that changed her life.
Now Is Not the Time to Panic by Kevin Wilson: In the ‘90s, two teenage misfits caused panic in their small town when they designed cryptic posters and hung them everywhere. Their friendship and choices that summer have affected the two into adulthood, and they finally come to a place where they can no longer outrun the past.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett: Nadia is a teen girl mourning her mother’s recent death when she begins seeing Luke, a local pastor’s son. When she gets pregnant, a coverup ensues that haunts Nadia, Luke, and their community for years to come.
The Woman in the Window by A. J. Finn: A reclusive woman watches her neighbors from her New York City apartment windows. When she sees something she shouldn’t have seen, everything changes, and questions arise about what’s real and what’s fiction.
Green Dot by Madeleine Gray: Hera, a listless twenty-something woman, has an affair with her older male colleague at her first adult job. He’s married and keeps promising he’s going to leave his wife. When it never happens, Hera must face the truth of her relationship and decide what she wants out of her life. This book is complicated and funny and examines technology's role in modern relationships.
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager: As a little boy, Ethan woke up alone in a tent he’d been sharing with his best friend, Billy. A slash was in the tent’s side, and Billy was taken. Decades later, Ethan returns back home to the scene of the unsolved crime and suspects Billy might be trying to send him messages to help him find the truth.
My Husband by Maud Venture: This delightful French novel follows a woman so obsessed with her husband that she’s annoyed by her own children. As the wife’s love and devotion continue to grow, her relationship begins to take unexpected turns.
Normal People by Sally Rooney: Connell and Marianne connect as high schoolers who start an on-and-off again romance that follows them well into adulthood, shaping their lives.
The New Me by Halle Butler: Millie is in her 30s and ready for a change. She wants more out of life, but as she starts to pursue it, she becomes uncertain of her path. This offbeat and darkly humorous novel is perfect for fans of My Year of Rest and Relaxation.
The Guest by Emma Cline: When Alex is kicked out of her older boyfriend’s house toward the end of the summer, she knows he’ll take her back if she reappears at his big Labor Day party. With a week to kill, Alex uses her skills to manipulate people and get what she wants. I adored this moody, atmospheric novel that’s a perfect read for the end of August. The writing is so good!
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Even if you’re not a Taylor Swift fan, I hope you enjoyed today’s lyrical journey. Can you think of other book/song pairs? I’d love to hear your thoughts on these books in the comments. Enjoy this playlist featuring my favorite Swift tracks. I’ll be so sad if you shuffle it.
These are so excellent!!!
cardigan works so well in the context of Normal People!! I never would've made that connection, but the lyrics fit perfectly. This list is so well thought-out!