In honor of the Taylor Swifts Era’s Tour starting, I am recommending a book based on the song I chose from each album. Anyone who knows me knows I am a huge Swiftie. I had so much fun creating this list, and I hope you enjoy it!
Taylor Swift’s Debut- “Mary’s Song”
“Every Summer After”
I was sixteen when suddenly
I wasn’t that little girl you used to see
But your eyes still shined like pretty lights
And our daddies used to joke about the two of us
They never believed we’d really fall in love
And our mamas smiled and rolled their eyes
And said, “Oh my, my, my”
“Every Summer After” is about Percy and Sam reuniting at a funeral after growing up together. Percy and Sam have always had an unspoken bond, but both of their actions have caused a wedge between them. They both have to deal with the chemistry that they have with each other but additionally the actions they made and whether or not they can find their way back to the way they used to be. This lyric reminds me of Percy and Sam’s young love that has persisted throughout time. This book is perfect for the upcoming warm weather and has such a nostalgic feel, much like Swift’s debut album.
Fearless (Taylor Swift Version)- “The Way I Loved You”
“Written In the Stars”
But I miss screaming and fighting and kissing in the rain
And it’s 2 a.m. and I’m cursing your name
So in love that you act insane
And that’s the way I loved you
Breaking down and coming undone
It’s a roller coaster kind of rush
And I never knew I could feel that much
And that’s the way I loved you
After a disastrous date between Darcy Lowell and Elle Jones, they swear to never see each other again. But when a situation arises where they have to fake date, they begin to notice the happiness they bring out in each other despite the passionate fights they have; Both women see that they can’t seem to leave each other. This lyric reminds me of the fire this couple’s relationship has. The book is a “Pride and Prejudice” retelling, which further emphasizes the fiery emotions that define love. This book also focuses on astrology, and it was so cute to read!
Speak Now- “Haunted”
“Wuthering Heights”
Come on, come on, don’t leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Something’s gone terribly wrong
You’re all I wanted
Come on, come on, don’t leave me like this
I thought I had you figured out
Can’t breathe whenever you’re gone
Can’t turn back now, I’m haunted
“Wuthering Heights” is about a tortuous romance that lasts decades. Catherine and Heathcliff are one of the most infamous couples in literature. Their love affair’s passion destroys both them and everyone else in the entirety of this book’s literary lens. This lyric reminds me of the quote “You say I killed you, haunt me then.” I adore this book and song. This is the most accessible classic I have read, much due to my love of Cathy and Heathcliff. I am a sucker for toxic couples.
Red (Taylor Swift Version)- “Better Man”
“Magnolia Parks”
Sometimes, in the middle of the night, I can feel you again
But I just miss you, and I just wish you were a better man
And I know why we had to say goodbye like the back of my hand
But I just miss you, and I just wish you were a better man
A better man
This novel is about the off-and-on relationship between BJ and Magnolia. Their relationship is extraordinarily unstable and rocky. It is a story about rich kids going wild. To me, this book is a parallel to “Gossip Girl.” Magnolia wants BJ to be a better man so they can have a better relationship and he tries very hard to make her jealous. The lyrics remind me a lot of how Magnolia just wants BJ to be a better man for both of their happiness. This book is about two soulmates who can’t help but hurt each other. It was definitely an aggravating read, due to the characters, but it was an extremely good book!
1989- “I Know Places”
“Shadow and Bone”
Just grab my hand and don’t ever drop it
My love
They are the hunters, we are the foxes
And we run
Baby, I know places we won’t be found and
They’ll be chasing their tails trying to track us down
‘Cause I, I know places we can hide
I know places
This is a popular Young-Adult book that Netflix has adapted into a TV show! This story focuses on Alina Starkov, a girl who believes she’s an ordinary orphan in love with her best friend. She discovers she has the power to destroy the Void, a dark place splitting the country in half. But when the Darkling threatens the kingdom, her friends, and the country itself, she must find the strength to do what’s right. The lyrics remind me of the constant hiding that Alina must do to win the war. Furthermore, the lyrics also remind me of Mal and Alina’s dynamic duo. This book is a piece of such a wonderful series about a found family, the price of power, and the strength that love gives you. It is one of my favorites.
Reputation- “Call it what you want”
“All My Rage”
My baby’s fit like a daydream
Walking with his head down
I’m the one he’s walking to
So call it what you want, yeah, call it what you want to
My baby’s fly like a jet stream
High above the whole scene
Loves me like I’m brand new
This book will live in my heart forever. The lyrics remind me of how Salahuddin will always choose Noor, no matter what. Salahuddin and Noor are unconditional soulmates This book focuses on Salahudin and Noor, two Pakistani teenagers living in Juniper, California, fighting against life’s hardships and ones that they have created themselves to keep their families afloat. Salahudin is struggling to keep the motel that his mother loved alive and makes a desperate choice, because is an alcoholic and he is drowning in bills. Noor is tethered to her uncle’s convenience store but is secretly applying to colleges to find a viable escape. Both Noor and Salahuddin are not speaking to each other, but when the death of Salahuddin’s mother brings them together, Salahuddin and Noor must face the downward spiral of life together.
Lover- “Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince”
“Prince Charming”
It’s you and me
That’s my whole world
They whisper in the hallway, “she’s a bad, bad girl”
Oh, I just thought you should know
You should know
It’s you and me
There’s nothing like this
Miss Americana and The Heartbreak Prince
When Daisy’s older sister is about to be engaged to the Prince of Scotland, she’s whisked away to a secluded retreat there. However, when the Prince’s brother, Miles, only brings trouble to her life, she must decide if she wants to be the lady that the Royal Family wants her to be or stand true to herself.
The lyrics describe the bond that Miles and Daisy have. They will always choose each other and are always willing to have a great adventure. This book is just so much fun! It is definitely a ‘feel-good’ book, but the storyline makes the read worth it.
Folklore- “This is me trying”
“Poppy War”
I just wanted you to know
That this is me trying
They told me all of my cages were mental
So I got wasted like all my potential
And my words shoot to kill when I’m mad
I have a lot of regrets about that
This book is about war, sacrifice, friendship, and power. Rin passes the Keju Test to grant her admission into the elite military school. There she makes enemies, friends, and gains a mentor. But when the Federation of Mugen wants to take over the country, everyone is drafted. Rin discovers magic and gods that can help her bring ruin to everyone. I chose this song because Rin is dedicated to being the best, which ultimately leads to her ruin. This book is violent, powerful, and horrifying.
Evermore- “Willow”
“RayBearer”
Wherever you stray
I follow
I’m begging for you to take my hand
Wreck my plans
That’s my man
Life was a willow and it bent right to your wind (oh)
Head on the pillow, I could feel you sneaking in
As if you were a mythical thing
Like you were a trophy or a champion ring
And there was one prize I’d cheat to win
Tarsai has been forced by her mother to participate in the competition to become a member of the Crown Prince’s Council of 11, but is instead destined to kill the crown prince. However, she can’t help befriending the man she has been ordered to annihilate, instead finding her place in the kingdom, discovering romance, and realizing her own power. The question is: Is she strong enough to thwart her destiny?
I chose this song because Tarsai not only finds her place, she finds a person to stand by her side throughout all struggles.
This book is a magnificent addition to the dystopian genre and has a fantastically captivating emphasis on friendships.
Midnights- “Would’ve, Could’ve, Should’ve”
“Daisy Jones and The Six”
Memories feel like weapons
And now that I know, I wish you’d left me wondering
If you never touched me, I would’ve
Gone along with the righteous
If I never blushed, then they could’ve
Never whispered about this
And if you never saved me from boredom
I could’ve gone on as I was
But, Lord, you made me feel important
And then you tried to erase us
This book is based on “Fleetwood Mac,” and follows a band of six that has chosen Daisy Jones as their main singer with the hope of success. But with the attraction between bandmates, the temptation of the ‘Rockstar Life,’ and the stress of touring, the band slowly deteriorates. These lyrics reminds me of the dynamic between Daisy, Billy, and Camilla. However, you must read to figure out why. I cannot recommend this book enough. It was even chosen to be adapted into a television miniseries by Amazon Prime!