Books as Songs from The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift

Hey there guys? How are youuuuu? How are we all holding up? I’m literally so overwhelmed because yesterday “The Tortured Poets Department” by Taylor Swift came out, and are we kidding? And she also put out a double album? I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, I’m so freaking overwhelmed. I like it soooo much through my first listens. It’s very different from what I expected but it was so good, I definitely enjoyed it a lot. And now, we are going to pair these songs with some books. And also, I hope you don’t mind, I’m so sorry guys, but this time I won’t give long explanations as to why I chose every book, there are literally 31 songs, I could be here all day and night. You will have to just go with the lyrics for this one, and my brief comment, I’m so sorry again.
Oh my God, are we ready? Let’s go.

1. Fortnight by Post Malone

“And for a fortnight, there we were

Forever running to you

Sometimes ask about the weather

Now, you’re in my backyard, turned into good neighbors

Your wife waters flowers, I wanna kill her”

Book: Everybody here is lying by Shari Lapena

It’s giving murder in a small neighbourhood and cheating to be honest.

2. The Tortured Poets Department

“And who’s gonna know you?

If not me

I laughed in your face and said, “You’re not Dylan Thomas, I’m not Patti Smith

This ain’t the Chelsea Hotel, we’rе modern idiots”

And who’s gonna hold you?

Like me”

 

Book: Alone with you in the ether by Olivie Blake

We love a torturous moment and a torturous book, not gonna lie.

3. My Boy Only Breaks His Favourite Toys

“My boy only breaks his favorite toys, toys, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

I’m queen of sand castles he destroys, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh

‘Cause I knew too much, there was danger in the heat of my touch

He saw forever so he smashed it up, oh, oh-oh-oh-oh-oh”

Book: Happy Place by Emily Henry

The saddest Emily Henry’s book, I said what I said.

4. Down Bad

“Fuck it if I can’t have him”

“I might just die, it would make no difference”

Down bad, waking up in blood

Staring at the sky, come back and pick me up

Fuck it if I can’t have us

I might just not get up”

 Book: The Serpent and the Wings of Night by Carissa Broadbent

You just have to trust me on this one, she was down bad, and then something changed, if you like romantasy give it a go.

5. So Long, London

“Thinking how much sad did you think I had, did you think I had in me?

Oh, the tragedy

So long, London

You’ll find someone”

Book: Atonement by Ian McEwan

London, tragedy and sea references, I swear I have it all.

6. But Daddy I Love Him

“And I’m running with my dress unbuttoned

Screaming, “But daddy I love him”

I’m having his baby

No, I’m not, but you should see your faces

I’m telling him to floor it through the fences

No, I’m not coming to my senses

I know it’s crazy”

Book: Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare

Do I even have to explain this one?

7. Fresh Out the Slammer

“And no matter what I’ve done, it wouldn’t matter anyway

Ain’t no way I’m gonna screw up, now that I know what’s at stake here

At the park where we used to sit on children’s swings

Wearing imaginary rings”

 

Book: A Court of Thorns and Roses series by Sarah J. Maas

Listen, I really don’t want to say that I see Taylor’s personal experience in this one (I would never Joe), but starting to breathe again after a relationship that felt wrong is a strong theme in this one.

8. Florida!!! Ft. Florence and The Machine

“So I did my best to lay to rest

All of the bodies that have ever been on my body

And in my mind, they sink into the swamp

Is that a bad thing to say in a song?”

Book: Weyward by Emilia Hart

Witchy vibes, disregard for men, a haunting melody, what could you possibly want more? This is my favourite song, I think, you guys.

9. Guilty as Sin?

“These fatal fantasies giving way to labored breath taking all of me

We’ve already done it in my head

If it’s make believe

Why does it feel like a vow

We’ll both uphold somehow?”

Book: Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney

I’m so sorry about Joe Alwyn for this one, I know the irony of it all, but just, this book was just so good for this song.

10. Who’s Afraid of Little Old Me?

“So I lеap from the gallows and I levitate down your street

Crash the party like a record scratch as I scream

“Who’s afraid of little old me?”

I was tame, I was gentle ’til the circus life made me mean

Don’t you worry folks, we took out all her teeth”

Book: The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

Literally I think this horror and haunting novel could go well with this song, it is one of my favourites in the album, the build-up is just so good.

11. I Can Fix Him (No Really, I Can)

“His hands so calloused from his pistol softly traces hearts on my face
And I could see it from a mile away
A perfect case for my certain skill set
He had a halo of the highest gradе
He just hadn’t met me yеt”

Book: Reckless by Elsie Silver

Listen, my brain is completely gone by this point, this just gives me bad cowboy vibes, so what better choice than this one?

12. loml

“If you know it in one glimpse, it’s legendary

What we thought was for all time was momentary

Still alive, killing time at the cemetery

Never quite buried”

Book: In Memoriam by Alice Winn

Do you want to cry as you were doing while listening to this song? Don’t worry besties, I got you covered.

13. I Can Do It With a Broken Heart

“Cause I’m a real tough kid

I can handle my shit

They said, “Babe, you gotta fake it till you make it” and I did

Lights, camera, bitch, smile

Even when you wanna die”

Book: When in Rome by Sarah Adams

If you want popstar with a broken heart finding love in a small town romance, this is the one for you, I enjoyed it a lot.

14. The Smallest Man Who Ever Lived

“And I don’t even want you back, I just want to know

If rusting my sparkling summer was the goal

And I don’t miss what we had, but could someone give

A message to the smallest man who ever lived?”

Book: Acts of Desperation by Megan Dolan

Tortured poets and girls being ghosted all over again, I think this is a perfect fit for this track.

15. The Alchemy

“So when I touch down

Call the amateurs and cut ’em from the team

Ditch the clowns, get the crown

Baby, I’m the one to be

‘Cause the sign on your heart

Said it’s still reserved for me

Honestly, who are we to fight thе alchemy?”

Book: The Wall of Winnipeg and Me by Mariana Zapata

 

Me and Taylor both love some football romance for us. First of a long list of football songs we’ll have in the future guys, here we go.

16. Clara Bow

“You look like Stevie Nicks in ’75

The hair and lips

The crowd goes wild at her fingertips

Half moonshinе, a full eclipse”

Book: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Oh Daisy, you would have loved The Tortured Poets Department. And this song was written for you.
Also can we talk about “You look like Taylor Swift, in this light, we’re loving it?” Cause I might go crazy if we don’t.

17. The Black Dog

“I move through the world with a heart broken

My longing state unspoken

And I may never open up thе way I did for you

And all of those best laid plans

You said I needed a bravе man”

Book: Normal People by Sally Rooney

Do you know when you see your ex out living his best life and you start thinking about what you had? Exactly.

18. imgonnagetyouback

“Whether I’m gonna be your wife, or

Gonna smash up your bike, I haven’t decided yet

But I’m gonna get you back

Whether I’m gonna curse you out, or

Take you back to my house, I haven’t decidеd yet

But I’m gonna get you back”

Book: Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

She really said “I’m gonna give a song to all the second-chance romance girlies out there”. And girlies is gender neutral.

19. The Albatross

“And when that sky rains fire on you

And you’re persona non grata

I’ll tell you how I’ve been there too

And that none of it matters”

Book: Burial Rites by Hannah Kent

This book still haunts my mind even years after I read it, and this song will too, I think my favourite in the second part of this album.

20. Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus

“So if you want to break my cold, cold heart

Say you loved me

And if you want to tear my world apart

Say you’ll always wonder”

Book: Talking at Night by Claire Daverley

Ill-fated lovers? A story of a meant to be love that never seems to actually have a realization and it is not meant to be? I think this could be it (also this is our May book club read for the month and I am EXCITED).

21. How did it end?

“Come one come all

It’s happening again

The empathetic hunger descends

We’ll tell no-one

Except all of our friends

But I still don’t know

How did it end?”

Book: Why We Broke Up by Daniel Handler and Maira Kalman

The autopsy of a relationship that’s dying is the main theme of this book, and also of this song, so win-win.

22. So High School

“Are you gonna marry, kiss, or kill me (Kill me)

It’s just a game, but really (Really)

I’m bettin’ on all three for us two (All three)

Get my car door, isn’t that sweet? (That sweet)

Then pull me to the backsеat (Backseat)

No one’s evеr had me (Had me), not like you”

 

Book: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Classic high-school romance, I loved this book, it’s so sweet and fun, just like this song.

23. I Hate It Here

“Secret gardens in my mind

People need a key to get to

The only one is mine

I read about it in a book when I was a precocious child

No mid-sized city hopes and small-town fears”

Book: The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

She literally says it in the song, so I guess this was the reference for this piece of work. I love when she combines music and books.

24. thanK you aIMee

“All that time you were throwin’ punches, I was buildin’ somethin’

And I couldn’t wait to show you it was real

Screamed “Fuck you, Aimee” to the night sky, as the blood was gushin’

But I can’t forget the way you made me heal”

Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

I was a bit struggling for this one, but I think both this song and this book have a strong theme of bullying, so I think this could be a good choice.

25. I Look in People’s Windows

“I look in people’s windows

In case you’re at their table

What if your eyes looked up and met mine

One more time”

Book: One Day in December by Josie Silver

This book follows someone who sees another person one time at a bus station, and then she believes to be in love, so I saw the resemblance.

26. Prophecy

“Hand on the throttle

Thought I caught lightning in a bottle

Oh, but it’s gone again

And it was written

I got cursed like Eve got bitten

Oh, was it punishment?”

Book: The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson

I can’t even begin to describe what this song did to me, I was a crying mess. I know this book talks about a woman who’s cursed, same as this song, and I just love female rage, what can I do?

27. Cassandra

“So, they killed Cassandra first ’cause she feared the worst

And tried to tell the town

So, they filled my cell with snakes, I regret to say

Do you believe me now?”

Book: Cassandra by Christa Wolf

Sometimes it’s just as simple as that, but I’m a Greek mythology girly, so I love all these references, and this song is so beautiful.

28. Peter

“And I didn’t wanna come down

I thought it was just goodbye for now

You said you were gonna grow up

Then you were gonna come find me”

Book: Wendy, Darling by A.C. Wise

Oh my, I love a good retelling, and this seems to focus on the character of Wendy so well,  so I think this could be a wonderful fit for the song.

29. The Bolter

“All her fuckin’ lives

Flashed before her eyes

It feels like the time

She fell through the ice

Then came out alive”

Book: Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Sometimes I think I’m funny, but bless you Amy March, you would have loved The Tortured Poets Department, the woman that you are.

30. Robin

“You got the dragonflies above your bed

You have a favorite spot on the swing set

You have no room in your dreams for regrets”

Book: The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

This is a sweet ballad about the innocence of childhood, so I could only pair it with my favourite childhood book of all times, this is so sweet.

31. The Manuscript

“The only thing that’s left is the manuscript

One last souvenir from my trip to your shores

Now and then I reread the manuscript

But the story isn’t mine anymore”

Book: Writers and Lovers by Lily King

A book about how writing gives the main character something to live for is what I thought could be best for this wonderful song that closes this very, very, very long album.

Okay guys, we have come to an end and I really hope that you liked this article cause I spent so much time on it, I’m not even kidding.

Please tell me if you liked The Tortured Poets Department, and which was your favourite song at first listen.
Thank you so much for reading, and I’ll talk to you soon,

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson – Bookish Playlist

Hey there,

Every two months we host a book club on our Instagram page and at the end of the month I will bring you a bookish playlist to go with the book we just finished reading.
Book club pick for the month of March 2024: An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

(The moodboard credits are mine. Please give rights if you use it. The singular photos are not mine, all credits to the owner)

PLAYLIST

–  Dinner and Diatribes by Hozier
“Now that the evening is slowing
Now that the end is in sight
Honey, it’s easier knowing
What you’d do to me tonight”

– ilomilo by Billie Eilish
“Hurry, I’m worried
The world’s a little blurry
Or maybe it’s my eyes
The friends I’ve had to bury
They keep me up at night”

– Fire on Fire by Sam Smith
“Fire on fire would normally kill us
But this much desire, together, we’re winners
They say that we’re out of control and some say we’re sinners
But don’t let them ruin our beautiful rhythms”

– Staying Power by Allie X
“Don’t want to be a victim, but I want your sympathy
Don’t want to be religious, but life brought me to my knees
I’ve got so much to say to you that I want you to know
But I don’t wanna scare you off, I don’t want you to go”

–  Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo
“I should’ve known it was strange
You only come out at night
I used to think I was smart
But you made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin’ me dry, like a goddamn vampire”

– Sparks by Coldplay
“My heart is yours
It’s you that I hold on to
Yeah, that’s what I do”

–  No Body, No Crime by Taylor Swift (ft. HAIM)
“I think he did it but I just can’t prove it”
I think he did it but I just can’t prove it
I think he did it but I just can’t prove it
No, no body, no crime
But I ain’t letting up until the day I die”

– When I Kissed the Teacher by ABBA
“I was in a trance when I kissed the teacher
Suddenly I took the chance, when I kissed the teacher
Leaning over me, she was trying to explain the laws of geometry
And I couldn’t help it, I just had to kiss the teacher”

– Personal Jesus by Depeche Mode
“Your own personal Jesus
Someone to hear your prayers
Someone who’s there
Feeling unknown
And you’re all alone
Flesh and bone”

– Too Sweet by Hozier
“I’d rather take my whiskey neat
My coffee black and my bed at three
You’re too sweet for me”

–  Kill for you by Skylar Grey
“Even if you are wrong, you are right
Even if it’s a terrible crime
It’s alright, ’cause I got your back, and I know you got mine
I belong to the church of your name
Sing a song, ’cause I worship the ground you walk on”

–  Never Let Me Go by Florence + The Machine
“And the arms of the ocean are carrying me
And all this devotion was rushing out of me
And the crashes are heaven for a sinner like me
But the arms of the ocean delivered me”

–  Lilith by Halsey
“You got me thinking that I was too mean
Well, everything that I say I believe
Tuck a knife with my heart up my sleeve and
Change like a season
Reason for nothing
I am disruptive
I’ve been corrupted
And by now I don’t need a fucking introduction”

Choose a The Tortured Poets Department cover variant and I’ll recommend you a Dark Academia book

Hey there guys, how are you? You very well know that every time something Taylor Swift related comes out, I’ll be ready to talk about it. And maybe recommend you some books in the process.
Today we’re doing a fun little experiment, since I decided to recommend a Dark Academia book for every cover variant of The Tortured Poets Department that Taylor has announced.
Since of course the album will be out on April 19^th and therefore I still haven’t listened to it, this article will go on vibes alone (hence the Dark Academia) and I will write a different book recommendation type of article with every song and bonus track when the album will be out, so keep that in mind.

 

Variant #1: “The Manuscript”

The very first variant, the one that sent the Internet into a frenzy, the one nobody expected, and for this one I decided to go with THE Dark Academia book, The Secret History by Donna Tartt. It’s solid, it’s the classic, there’s a reason it is considered the pillar in this genre, and I still agree this is one of the best books I’ve ever read in my life. And TTPD is giving classical, it is giving literature, and it is giving masterpiece. A win-win.

 

 

Variant #2: “The Bolter”

The Bolter variant to me is softer in vibes, but it’s giving more “thinking about what makes one person sad” kind of vibes. This one strongly gives me The World Cannot Give by Tara Isabella Burton vibes. Sadness and anger, and what triggers the both of them, are very strong themes in this book, and it also depicts a very deep-felt insight about female rage, which I’m sure Taylor is also going to include in her new album.

 

 

 

Variant #3: “The Albatross”

This is maybe the variant I’m most excited about, will it be Coleridge adjacent, or will it be Baudelaire? And most importantly, will it have the same themes as the lyrical masterpiece that is Weight of Living (Part 1) by Bastille? We just have to wait and see. And for this one, given the sea vibes, the lighter aesthetic and the cover, I decided to go with one of my favourite novels of the last years: Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro. It’s such a tender depiction of youth, friendship and humanity and I recommend keeping a box of tissues next to you.

 

 

 

Variant #4: “The Black Dog” (The Sirius Black Variant)

In my eyes this is the saddest and darkest variant of them all, and I’m sure its bonus tracks will make us cry our hearts out, but going with the vibes alone (as that is the theme of this article) I think this one goes well with the book I’m currently reading, An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson. It’s a fantasy tale of vampires, lust, blood and wanting to be the best in every aspect of your life. It also deals with a poetry course at university, and you know, The Tortured Poets Department and all that, I think it’s quite fitting. I still haven’t finished it, but it’s an enjoyable read, even if it’s not blowing my mind.

 

 

 

Okay guys, these were my options for the four variants that Taylor announced for her upcoming album. I hope you enjoyed them, and please let me know your favourite variant. I think mine is a tie between The Manuscript and The Albatross.

 

Thank you so much for reading,

 

Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare – Bookish Playlist

Hey there,

Every two months we host a book club on our Instagram page and at the end of the month I will bring you a bookish playlist to go with the book we just finished reading.
Book club pick for the month of January 2024: Sword Catcher by Cassandra Clare

(The moodboard credits are mine. Please give rights if you use it. The singular photos are not mine, all credits to the owner)

PLAYLIST

– Seven by Taylor Swift
“And I’ve been meaning to tell you
I think your house is haunted
Your dad is always mad and that must be why
And I think you should come live with
Me and we can be pirates
Then you won’t have to cry
Or hide in the closet
And just like a folk song
Our love will be passed on”

–  Tradition by Halsey
“Take what you want, take what you can
Take what you please, don’t give a damn
It’s in the blood and this is tradition”

–  Moment’s Silence (Common Tongue) by Hozier
“When the meaning’s gone
There is clarity
And the reason comes
In the common tongue
In you lovin’ me”

–  Little Freak by Harry Styles
“Little freak, Jezebel
You sit high atop the kitchen counter
Stay green a little while
You bring blue lights to dreams”

– Can’t Be Together by Adele
“I may be out of the room, but I can see you
I know you still want me, you always will
And I can guarantee I know just how it feels
To never be free completely
Sometimes you just feel so empty”

– Various Storms and Saints by Florence and the Machine
“And the air was full
Of various storms and saints
Parading in the streets
As the banks began to break
And I’m in the throes of it
Somewhere in the belly of the beast”

– Everybody Wants to Rule the World by Lorde (Cover)
“Help me make the most
Of freedom and of pleasure
Nothing ever lasts forever
Everybody wants to rule the world”

– The Great War by Taylor Swift
“I drew curtains closed, drank my poison all alone
You said I have to trust more freely
But diesel is desire, you were playin’ with fire
And maybe it’s the past that’s talkin’
Screamin’ from the crypt”

– Not Strong Enough by Boygenius
“I lie, I am just lowering your expectations
Half a mind that keeps the other second guessing
Close my eyes and count
Always an angel, never a god
Always an angel, never a god”

– Count on Me by Bruno Mars
“If you ever find yourself stuck in the middle of the sea
I’ll sail the world to find you
If you ever find yourself lost in the dark and you can’t see
I’ll be the light to guide you”

– Can I Believe You? by Fleet Foxes
“It never got less strange
Showing anyone just a bare face
If I don’t, well, nothing will change
Staying under my weather all day”

– Game of Survival by Ruelle
“There’s no surrender
And there’s no escape
Are we the hunters?
Or are we the prey?”

– For Us by V
“Come before it’s too late
I got things to say
Before I go
There’s no time to wait
We can hide away”

If you like these singers, then read these books #1

Hey there guys, today I would like to introduce you to a new idea I had, and that is to give you three books to read that I think you might like if you enjoy listening to these artists. I will start with some of my favourite singers of all time, and if you like this format, maybe I will do others in the future.
I will say, buckle up and let’s get started!

 

Taylor Swift

Of course I had to start with my favourite singer of all time, Taylor Swift. She has such a vast catalogue, that it would be quite reductive to just offer you three books, but I will try for the sake of this article. If you would like more specific recs, I have various articles on this blog where I give a recommendation for every single song of various Taylor’s albums. For this time being, in honour of her career, I decided to split the recs as one for her country era, one for her pop era, and one for her indie folkmore one.
For the country category, what could be better than the Chestnut Spring Series by Elsie Silver? I think this romance series could really well reflect Taylor’s first albums, where romance was a huge part of the narrative. For her pop era, I decided to go with basically anything by Emily Henry, but in particular her book People We Meet on Vacation, it has that energetic and romantic vibe that Taylor’s pop albums tend to have, and a part of this is even set in New York, so win win. And for the folkmore era I decided to go with my favourite classic book of all time, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë. The moors, the drama of it all, the big emotions, this book has it all. And also, a lot of rain. What better than that to associate with these albums?

 

Harry Styles

Here we go with another one of my favourite singers of all time. I’ve been a big fan of Harry for years now, I’ve seen him live a bunch of times, and his music really has got me through a lot.
The three books I would like to associate with Harry’s music are The Binding by Bridget Collins, Call Me By your Name by André Aciman and Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
“The Binding” is maybe the less obvious of them all, but in my eyes it really encompasses a lot of Harry’s mellower songs vibes, the imagery is quite beautiful and convoluted, and it reminds me for example of songs like Little Freak. “Call Me By Your Name” is a book I simply had to include because in my eyes it is really tight with Harry’s songs, there’s something about the poetry but at the same time the angst that both convey, that really makes these two pieces of media similar in my eyes. And I think Daisy Jones is quite self-explanatory, right? I mean, we could discuss that Harry is maybe the most rockstar-y pop-star of our time, and his looks and antics really resemble the ones of a 70s band.  That’s just how it is in my eyes.

 

 

Hozier

Listen, Hozier is per se maybe one of the best songwriters of our generation, so his lyrics alone are a work of art, but if you would like to associate his wonderful songs with some books, I will give you my recs.
In my eyes Hozier’s music encompasses three big macro-areas of themes/aesthetic and they are literature references, mythology (in particular Greek) and the folkloristic nature feeling of being in the woods with magical creatures. So I have a book for everyone of these categories.
Let’s start with the literature one: what better than a classic dark academia book? The staple of it all? The Secret History by Donna Tartt is the book for you if you enjoy talks of poetry, glory and a mesmerizing writing style. I swear I think about this book on a daily basis and it’s been years since I first read it.
For the mythology area I had of course to go with The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller, I think it is a staple in the Greek mythology retellings genre, and I think its lyricism and the way it’s written, with an otherworldly delicacy, really declares it the best in the sector.
And finally, for the folkloristic area, I think the best choice might be Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier, an historical fantasy novel where nature is its own character and the cottagecore vibes are very present and set the tone for the whole story.

 

 

Phoebe Bridgers

And last but not least for this article we have a singer that also doubles as my therapist lol. Phoebe Bridgers is one of the best singers/songwriters of our generation, and I think she so well encapsul the struggle of being a woman in her twenties and thirties. For this reason, if you like Phoebe I can only recommend a bunch of books from the “hot girl literature” trend of the last few years:
First and foremost, a book I truly think well encompasses Bridgers’ lyrics is Milk Teeth by Jessica Andrews, a coming-of-age story, a love story and an ode to Europe all in one. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I would highly recommend it. If you want something more glamorous, I could recommend you Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors. This story is set in New York and it follows a girl in her twenties as she struggles with friendship, love, and a sadness that never seems to go away (like Phoebe perfectly says: “Jesus Christ, I’m so blue all the time”).
And last but not least, I think really resembling some of Phoebe’s earlier stuff, Bunny by Mona Awad is a very fitting choice. It’s something a little bit more unhinged and over the top, with some dark academia vibes and a deep dive into womanhood.

 

Okay guys, these were my book recs if you like the same artists I listen to. Please let me know your advice and recs, and if you liked this kind of article. I could always do more with other singers.
Thank you for reading and for your time.

Beartown by Fredrik Bakcman – Bookish Playlist

Hey there,

Every two months we host a book club on our Instagram page and at the end of the month I will bring you a bookish playlist to go with the book we just finished reading.
Book club pick for the month of November 2023: Beartown by Fredrik Backman

(The moodboard credits are mine. Please give rights if you use it. The singular photos are not mine, all credits to the owner)

PLAYLIST

–  Would’ve Could’ve Should’ve by Taylor Swift
“If clarity’s in death, then why won’t this die?
Years of tearing down our banners, you and I
Living for the thrill of hitting you where it hurts
Give me back my girlhood, it was mine first”

–  Northern Attitude by Noah Kahan
“If I get too close
And I’m not how you hoped
Forgive my northern attitude
Oh, I was raised out in the cold
If the sun don’t rise
‘Til the summertime
Forgive my northern attitude
Oh, I was raised on little light”

– Can’t Catch Me Now by Olivia Rodrigo
“But I’m in the trees, I’m in the breeze
My footsteps on the ground
You’ll see my face in every place
But you can’t catch me now”

– Everybody Hurts by R.E.M
“If you’re on your own in this life
The days and nights are long
When you think you’ve had too much
Of this life to hang on
Well, everybody hurts sometimes
Everybody cries
Everybody hurts, sometimes”

–  In The Woods Somewhere by Hozier
“An awful noise
Filled the air
I heard a scream in the woods somewhere
A woman’s voice!
I quickly ran
Into the trees with empty hands”

– Innocent by Taylor Swift
“Wasn’t it easier in your lunchbox days?
Always a bigger bed to crawl into
Wasn’t it beautiful when you believed in everything
And everybody believed in you?”

– A&W by Lana Del Rey
“I mean, look at my hair, look at the length of it there
and the shape of my body
If I told you that I was raped
Do you really think that anybody
would think I didn’t ask for it, didn’t ask for it?”

– Bad Guy by Billie Eilish
“So you’re a tough guy
Like it really rough guy
Just can’t get enough guy
Chest always so puffed guy
I’m that bad type”

– Vampire by Olivia Rodrigo
“I should’ve known it was strange
You only come out at night
I used to think I was smart
But you’ve made me look so naive
The way you sold me for parts
As you sunk your teeth into me, oh
Bloodsucker, famefucker
Bleedin’ me dry, like a goddamn vampire”

–  Weight of Living, Pt.1 by Bastille
“Your Albatross, let it go, let it go,
Your Albatross shoot it down, shoot it down
When you just can’t shake the
Heavy weight of living”

–  Holocene by Bon Iver
“And at once, I knew I was not magnificent
Hulled far from the highway aisle
Jagged vacance, thick with ice
But I could see for miles, miles, miles”

–  Daylight by David Kushner
“Tellin’ myself it’s the last time
Can you spare any mercy that you might find
If I’m down on my knees again?
Deep down, way down, Lord, I try
Try to follow your light, but it’s night time”

–  History of Man by Maisie Peters
“I’ve seen it, in the poems and the sands
I’ve pleaded, with the powers and their plans
I tried to rewrite it but I can’t
It’s the history, the history of man”

Books as Songs from 1989 (Taylor’s Version) by Taylor Swift – From the Vault

Hey there guys, how are you? It’s been more or less a week since 1989 TV came out and now, I feel like I’m 10 years back in time. 1989 was surely a cultural pop reset, I was very attached to it when it first came out and while I think it falls right in the middle of my ranking of Taylor’s albums, it will always hold a special place in my heart.
For this reason, I decided to do what I like to do best, and that is to connect the Vault tracks with some books, so if you want some reading material that feels like your favourite Vault song, I got you covered. By the way my favourite Vault track is by far “Is It Over Now?” I just love the song in general and the bridge so much (Harry Styles can’t say the same, I’m so sorry Harry, I love you so much, I honestly do, that song is just so good).
Okay, let’s get started with the recs, hope you enjoy them!

Slut!

But if I’m all dressed up
They might as well be lookin’ at us
And if they call me a slut
You know it might be worth it for once
And if I’m gonna be drunk
Might as well be drunk in love

Book: ‘Tis the Season for Revenge by Morgan Elizabeth

I think this is the perfect book to read both for this time of the year, and also if you like this song.
It’s a “leading to Christmas days” romance book, following a girl that starts fake-dating the boss of his ex emotional abusive boyfriend, who always chastised her for what she did and how she dressed.
In here the main character finds love again but most of all she finds herself and her confidence after someone badly mistreated her. I really enjoyed it.

Say Don’t Go

Why’d you have to twist the knife?
Walk away and leave me bleeding, bleeding
Why’d you whisper in the dark
Just to leave me in the night?
Now your silence has me screaming, screaming
Say, “Don’t go”

Book: Happy Place by Emily Henry

If you search on the dictionary the definition of “exes to lovers perfection” this book comes out, not even kidding. This is just a wonderful story of two people reconnecting after breaking up a relationship of several years and a very serious one at that. It has all of the emotional turmoil and I think it could be the greatest choice ever if you like this song the most. You will for sure cry and smile like I did while I read this wonderful story. And I always say it but Taylor Swift girlies are Emily Henry girlies and viceversa. The girlies here is used without any real gender connotation, just to be clear.

Now That We Don’t Talk

“Remind myself the more I gave, you’d want me less
I cannot be your friend, so I pay the price of what I lost
And what it cost
Now that we don’t talk”

Book: Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren

One of my favourite romance novels ever, and definitely my favourite from the Christina Lauren’s books I’ve read. This song is also my second favourite from the Vault, it’s so fun. I think it could go really well with Love and Other Words because in this one the two main characters were best friends growing up, and as adults they don’t speak anymore for something that happened between them. They don’t really know each other anymore, and when they re-encounter they have to deal with their emotional distance. I think it could be a great choice.

Suburban Legends

“We were born to be suburban legends
When you hold me, it holds me together
And you kiss me in a way
that’s gonna screw me up forever”

Book: To Love Jason Thorn by Ella Maise

This one was the most difficult for me, I admit this is the Vault song I feel less attached to, but I wanted something dealing with famous people or at least very notorious ones for this track. I think To Love Jason Thorn could be a good choice, it’s a romance following a romance writer whose book is going to be turned into a movie, and the main actor will be her childhood crush, Jason Thorn, who, when she was a child, was her brother’s best friend, and now has become one of the most famous actors in Hollywood.
This is fun, while it didn’t blow me away I still had a good time and I think it could be a great choice for this book.

Is It Over Now?

“And did you think I didn’t see you? There were flashing lights
At least I had the decency to keep my nights out of sight
Only rumors ’bout my hips and thighs, and my whispered sighs
Oh Lord, I think about jumping
Off of very tall somethings
Just to see you come running
And say the one thing I’ve been wanting”

Book: Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

This is my favourite Vault track from 1989 TV and one of my favourites from all the ones she released until now, so it seems only fair to pair it up with one of my favourite books of all time. You have to know that I’m first and foremost a Daisybilly apologist in life. I know they weren’t good for each other, but Lord, if they made me feel things. And this song is just basically them in my eyes, every single line: from the flashing lights, to the lying traitor line, to a story that never seems to be really over. I know Taylor darling wanted me to think about Harry Styles but I’m so sorry to say, I can only think about Daisy Jones and Billy Dunne while listening to this song. I will never get over that book, I’m so sorry.

Okay guys, we have come to the end of this article, I hope you enjoyed. Taylor blessed us with new music, so these are happy times. Please let me know with a comment if you agree with my choices, if you have better suggestions, and which your favourite Vault track is, I would love to know.

Thank you so much for reading, talk to you soon,

Fictional Characters (Taylor’s Version) – 3 for each album

Okay guys, today I hope to bring you a fun article. I decided to match three different fictional characters (from various mixed media such as books, tv shows, movies etc) to every single one of Taylor Swift’s albums, and with every character I’ll just associate lyrics that I hope will explain my choice.
I hope this will be fun and that you’ll have a good time, so let’s get started.

Taylor Swift (Debut)

Sophia (The Longest Ride by Nicholas Sparks) ➔  “The Moon like a spotlight on the lake, when you think happiness, I hope you think that little black dress. Think of my head on your chest, and my old faded blue jeans” (Tim McGraw)

Wes (Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter) ➔ “Our song is the slamming screen door, sneakin’ out late, tapping on your window. When we’re on the phone, and you talk real slow, ’cause it’s late, and your mama don’t know. Our song is the way you laugh, the first date, “Man, I didn’t kiss her, and I should have” (Our Song)

Macy (Love and Other Words by Christina Lauren) ➔ “Well, 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” (Mary’s Song, Oh my, my my)

Fearless (Taylor’s Version)

Lola Tung (Belly)

Alex (People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry) ➔“So baby drive slow, ’til we run out of road in this one horse town I wanna stay right here in this passenger seat. You put your eyes on me.
In this moment now capture it, remember it” (Fearless)

Belle (Beauty and the Beast, 1991) ➔ “So I sneak out to the garden to see you. We keep quiet ’cause we’re dead if they knew, So close your eyes. Escape this town for a little while” (Love Story)

Belly (The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han) ➔ “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” (The Way I Loved You)

Speak Now (Taylor’s Version)

Elain Archeron (A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas) ➔ “This night is sparkling, don’t you let it go. I’m wonderstruck, blushing all the way home. I’ll spend forever wondering if you knew I was enchanted to meet you” (Enchanted)

Susan Pevensie (The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis) ➔ “Long live all the mountains we moved
I had the time of my life fighting dragons with you. And long, long live the look on your face, and bring on all the pretenders. One day, we will be remembered” (Long Live)

Chaol Westfall (Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas) ➔ “Smoke billows from my ships in the harbor.
People look at me like I’m a monster. Now they’re screaming at the palace front gates, used to chant my name, now they’re screaming that they hate me. Never wanted you to hate me” (Castles Crumbling)

Red (Taylor’s Version)

Evelyn Hugo (The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid) ➔ “New to town with a made-up name, In the angel’s city, chasing fortune and fame. And the camera flashes make it look like a dream. You had it figured out since you were in school, everybody loves pretty, everybody loves cool.
So overnight, you look like a ’60s queen” (The Lucky One)

Jo March (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott) ➔ “And run, like you’d run from the law.
Darling, let’s run, run from it all. We can go where our eyes can take us. Go where no one else is, run” (Run)

Clary Fairchild (Shadowhunters series by Cassandra Clare ➔ “I was reminiscing just the other day
while having coffee all alone, and Lord, it took me away. Back to a first glance feeling on New York time.
Back when you fit my poems like a perfect rhyme” (Holy Ground)

1989 (Taylor’s Version)

Never Have I Ever. Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as Devi in episode 301 of Never Have I Ever. Cr. Lara Solanki/Netflix © 2022

Billy Dunne (Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid) ➔ “You got that James Dean daydream look in your eye. And I got that red lip classic thing that you like. And when we go crashing down, we come back every time, ’cause we never go out of style, we never go out of style” (Style)

Devi Vishwakumar (Never Have I Ever) ➔ “‘Cause baby, I could build a castle out of all the bricks they threw at me. And every day is like a battle, but every night with us is like a dream” (New Romantics)

Cardan Greenbriar (The Cruel Prince by Holly Black) ➔ “Loose lips sink ships all the damn time.
Not this time. Just grab my hand and don’t ever drop it, my love. They are the hunters, we are the foxes”
(I Know Places)

Reputation 

Jude Duarte (The Cruel Prince by Holly Black) ➔ “Come here, dressed in black now. 
So, so, so it goes. Scratches down your back now. So, so, so it goes” (So It Goes) 

Kaz Brekker (Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo) ➔ But I got smarter, I got harder in the nick of time.
Honey, I rose up from the dead, I do it all the time, I got a list of names, and yours is in red, underlined” (Look What You Made Me Do)

Manon Blackbeak (Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas) ➔ “They’re burning all the witches, even if you aren’t one. They got their pitchforks and proof, their receipts and reasons. 
They’re burning all the witches, even if you aren’t one, so light me up, light me up, go ahead and light me up” (I Did Something Bad)

Lover

Meg March (Little Women by Louisa May Alcott) ➔ “I like shiny things, but I’d marry you with paper rings. Uh huh, that’s right, darling, you’re the one I want, and I hate accidents except when we went from friends to this” (Paper Rings)

Rapunzel (Rapunzel, 2010) ➔ “I don’t wanna look at anything else now that I saw you. I don’t wanna think of anything else now that I thought of you. I’ve been sleeping so long in a 20-year dark night. And now I see daylight, I only see daylight” (Daylight)

Liz (Better than the Movies by Lynn Painter) ➔ “I am an architect, I’m drawing up the plans.
It’s like I’m seventeen, nobody understands, no one understands. He got my heartbeat skipping down 16th Avenue” (I Think He Knows)

Folklore

Connell (Normal People) ➔ “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.
I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere” (This is Me Trying)

Addie LaRue (The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab) ➔ “And I can go anywhere I want, anywhere I want, just not home. And you can aim for my heart, go for blood, but you would still miss me in your bones. And I still talk to you (when I’m screaming at the sky), and when you can’t sleep at night (you hear my stolen lullabies)” (My Tears Ricochet)

Henry Winter (The Secret History by Donna Tartt) ➔ “Take me to the lakes where all the poets went to die. I don’t belong, and my beloved, neither do you. Those Windermere peaks look like a perfect place to cry, I’m setting off, but not without my muse” (The Lakes)

Evermore 

Rory Gilmore (Gilmore Girls) ➔ “She would’ve made such a lovely bride, ahat a shame she’s fucked in the head”, they said. But you’ll find the real thing instead. She’ll patch up your tapestry that I shred.” (Champagne Problems)

Marianne (Normal People) ➔ “So we could call it even, you could call me babe for the weekend.
‘Tis the damn season, write this down. I’m stayin’ at my parents’ house and the road not taken looks real good now. And it always leads to you in my hometown” (‘Tis the Damn Season)

Emily Dickinson (Dickinson, TV Series) ➔ “How’s one to know? I’d live and die for moments that we stole on begged and borrowed time. So tell me to run or dare to sit and watch what we’ll become
and drink my husband’s wine” (Ivy)

Midnights

Daisy Jones (Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid) ➔ “From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this. I hosted parties and starved my body like I’d be saved by a perfect kiss” (You’re on Your Own Kid)

Henry Strauss (The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab) ➔ “If you knew where I was walking.
To a house, not a home, all alone ’cause nobody’s there. Where I pace in my pen and my friends found friends who care. No one sees when you lose when you’re playing solitaire” (Dear Reader)

Feyre Archeron (A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas) ➔ “Soldier down on that icy ground
looked up at me with honor and truth. Broken and blue, so I called off the troops. That was the night I nearly lost you, I really thought I lost you” (The Great War)

Okay guys, thank you so much for reading, I really hope you had fun and you enjoyed this article. If so, please let me know what you think about my choices.
Thanks again, talk to you soon,

The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer – Bookish Playlist

Hey there,

Every two months we host a book club on our Instagram page and at the end of the month I will bring you a bookish playlist to go with the book we just finished reading.
Book club pick for the month of September 2023: The Wishing Game by Meg Shaffer.

(The moodboard credits are mine. Please give rights if you use it. The singular photos are not mine, all credits to the owner)

 

PLAYLIST

 

–  Mastermind by Taylor Swift
“I laid the groundwork and then just like clockwork
The dominoes cascaded in a line
What if I told you I’m a mastermind?”

–  Clocks by Coldplay
“Confusion never stops
Closing walls and ticking clocks
Gonna come back and take you home”

– Come Over by Noah Kahan
“And my house was designed
To kinda look like it’s crying
The eyes are the windows
The garage is the mouth
So when they mention the sad kid
In a sad house on Balch Street
You won’t have to guess who they’re speaking about
Come over
Come over”

– We Remain by Christina Aguilera
“So, burn me with fire, drown me with rain
I’m gonna wake up screaming your name
Yes, I’m a sinner, yes, I’m a saint
Whatever happens here
Whatever happens here
We remain”

–  Home by Edith Whiskers (Cover)
“Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I’m with you
Oh, home, let me come home
Home is wherever I’m with you”

– This is me Trying by Taylor Swift
“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
I was so ahead of the curve, the curve became a sphere
Fell behind all my classmates and I ended up here”

– I’ve Been Waiting for You by The Cast of Mamma Mia 2
“You thrill me, you delight me
You please me, you excite me
You’re something I’d been pleading for
I love you, I adore you
I lay my life before you”

– Treat People with Kindness by Harry Styles
“Maybe, we can find a place to feel good
And we can treat people with kindness
Find a place to feel good”

–  Dusty by Ed Sheeran
“Yesterday was a long night
But I got a feeling that the future is so bright
All of the pressure washed away in the low tide
But we got to wait ’til our clothes are bone dry
So I’ll drop the needle on Dusty”

– The Story by Conan Gray
“Oh, and I’m afraid that’s just the way the world works
It ain’t funny, it ain’t pretty, it ain’t sweet
Oh, and I’m afraid that’s just the way the world works
But I think that it could work for you and me
Just wait and see
It’s not the end of the story”

–  The Best Day by Taylor Swift
“I don’t know why all the trees change in the fall
But I know you’re not scared of anything at all
Don’t know if Snow White’s house is near or far away
But I know I had the best day with you today”

–  Two of Us by Louis Tomlinson
“So I will keep you, day and night, here until the day I die
I’ll be living one life for the two of us
I will be the best of me, always keep you next to me
I’ll be living one life for the two of us”

–  Matilda by Harry Styles
“You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
You can start a family who will always show you love
You don’t have to be sorry for doing it on your own
You can let it go
You can throw a party full of everyone you know
You can start a family who will always show you love
You don’t have to be sorry, no”

 

Books as Songs from Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) – From the Vault

 Hey there guys, last week the most wonderful thing ever happened, and that is that the new version (Taylor’s Version) of Speak Now finally came out. For years, Speak Now has been my favourite Taylor’s album, and then Folklore came and it took my heart by storm, but Speak Now will always have a special place in my heart considering it has been the soundtrack of my teenage years. And this time we had the most superior vault tracks ever. They are all so good, I love all of them so much. For this reason I decided to give you some bookish recommendations based on your favourite one.
Are you ready… for it?
Let’s go.

 

Electric Touch (ft. Fall Out Boy)

“All I know is this could either break my heart or bring it back to life
Got a feelin’ your electric touch could fill this ghost town up with life
And I want you now, wanna need you forever
In the heat of your electric touch”

Book: Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

I mean, this album came out in the Twilight years, what do you want me to say? We all had a Twilight phase (I still have, it never went away) and this song strongly reminds me of an insta-love situation. What better than Edward and Bella? They describe the ups and downs of first love just so well… even if one of them is a vampire. This classic is the right fit if you like Electric Touch. Also, Taylor and FoB slapped so hard, this song is a bop.

 

 

When Emma Falls in Love

“’Cause she’s the kind of book that you can’t put down
Like if Cleopatra grew up in a small town
And all the bad boys would be good boys
If they only had a chance to love her
And to tell you the truth, sometimes I wish I was her”

Book: Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

We have a new IT girl in the T-Swift fandom, and I have to say this one is by far my favourite song from the Vault. I see so much of myself in it, and it even reminds me of a dear friend of mine, so yes, it’s quite important to me. And it immediately made me think of Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter. This is such a cute YA romance book, and the main character, Liz, really reminds me of Emma, as Taylor sings about her in this song. She has such a big heart, and she’s also in love with love, but at the same time she’s quite scared of it, even if she won’t admit. It’s a lovely book that really surprised me, and I really recommend it.

 

 

I Can See You

“But what would you do if I went to touch you now?
What would you do if they never found us out?
What would you do if we never made a sound?
‘Cause I can see you waitin’ down the hall from me
And I could see you up against the wall with me
And what would you do? Baby, if you only knew, oh, oh, oh
That I could see you”

Book: The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

This is my least favourite song from the Vault, and it still slaps so hard, it still is the biggest bop, Speak Now really has no bad songs. Also, this song really reminds me of the enemies to lovers trope, no lies here, it just gives me that… tension. And The Cruel Prince has one of the best enemies to lovers relationships of the last few years. Cardan and Jude really deliver that tension I was talking about. You won’t be disappointed.

 

 

Castles Crumbling (feat. Hayley Williams)

“My foes and friends watch my reign end
I don’t know how it could’ve ended this way
Smoke billows from my ships in the harbor
People look at me like I’m a monster
Now they’re screamin’ at the palace’s front gates
Used to chant my name
Now they’re screaming that they hate me
Never wanted you to hate me”

Book: The Throne of Glass series by Sarah J. Maas

This song is just so good, it really has Folklore vibes, no wonder I love it so much. And from the first listen, this reminded me of Throne of Glass. The imagery really recalls a high fantasy novel, and I highly connect it with some of the main characters in that series that’s just so good, and so well-thought. It surely is one of my favourites of all times. Also, the bridge of this song carries it all, that’s the point in the song that really screams Throne of Glass to me.

 

 

Foolish One

“Foolish one
Stop checkin’ your mailbox for confessions of love
That ain’t never gonna come
You will take the long way, you will take the long way down
Foolish one
Stop checkin’ your mailbox for confessions of love
That ain’t never gonna come
You will learn the hard way instead of just walkin’ out”

Book: The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks

I have to admit I only saw the movie adaptation of this novel, but after I listened to this song (that actually talks about me personally lol) I immediately thought of this story of Nicholas Sparks. Obviously I think it’s because of the mailbox element to it, I think you all know the story, but if you don’t just know that the main characters really wait next to their mailbox for confessions of love that ain’t never gonna come. Of course, here the reason is quite different, but I think this could be a good comparison.

 

 

Timeless

“And you were headed off to fight in the war
You still would’ve been mine
We would have been timeless
I would’ve read your love letters every single night
And prayed to God you’d be comin’ home all right
And you would’ve been fine
We would have been timeless
‘Cause I believe that we were supposed to find this
So, even in a different life, you still would’ve been mine
We would’ve been timeless”

Book: In Memoriam by Alice Winn

I was sobbing by the end of this book and I was sobbing by the end of this song, so we already are in for a good start. I strongly believe that this is one of the best songs Taylor has ever written in her career ever, and I really don’t know how she decided to leave it out of the OG Speak Now. And In Memoriam is one of the best books I’ve read this year, point blank. It is a really sad read, I want to prepare you for that, it follows the story of two boys that fell in love in college (unbeknownst to each other’s feelings) and divided by The First World War. I found myself crying my eyes out at various points of this novel but it was totally worth it.

Okay guys, we have come to the end of this article, I hope you enjoyed it, let me know if you listened to Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) and which your favourite Vault track is.
Thank you so much for reading,