Thank you NetGalley the publisher and author for the ARC.

This was an interesting take on pop hits written and performed by the mega star. Not quite my normal genre but I found it worth the time. If you love TSwift maybe this is for you but if not I would pass this one by.

I apparently wished for this on Netgalley because I got an approved wish so I thought I'd better give it a go. It's interesting all the links made to her songs, but like other reviews I've read, I feel some observations are a bit far off the mark and confusing.

However, I like the idea and the illustrations work nicely

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC

A fun title, likely to make a popular gift for Christmas. Thèmes well explored, if a little repetitively in places, and a nice balance struck between humour and literary theory.

Oh this book was wonderfully done! Absolutely buying this for my daughter for Christmas! It was so well done. I was so intrigued by each page. Loved it!

I wanted to like this book so badly because I love any high-level review of popular culture. But this book felt much too disjointed and didn’t really seem to have any unifying point or thesis.

As a Taylor Swift fan, I was really excited about the concept of this book. Unfortunately I decided to DNF at 34%. I found a lot of the references too basic and just sticking to simple explanations of a line here and there instead of really getting into the context and meaning of songs. Ultimately this wasn’t for me but maybe it would be a fun holiday gift for the right Swiftie in your life. Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley and librofm for the free ebook and audiobook.

“The greatest story is the messy, nonlinear, deeply flawed, and complex tale of what it means to be human. And falling in love with our lives might be one of the greatest love stories we’ll ever know.”

*Thank you to NetGalley for providing me an advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

Going into this, I knew I was biased in more ways than one. Not only am I a Taylor Swift fan but even more so, I’m a poet who LOVES literary devices. I’ve also been waiting ages for someone to finally annotate and reference Taylor Swift’s lyrics. Not only do the authors do this, but they also take us on a journey. They are our tour guide through the storytelling of Taylor Swift, complete with further readings and playlists for each album. They also include a glossary at the end with literary devices, which I absolutely loved and inspired my own writing.

As someone who could quite possibly spend all day talking about Taylor Swift and how incredibly clever she is, I will take any opportunity to overanalyze her work or read interesting takes on it. Unfortunately, I found this book to be a bit confusing, and at times, even frustrating. There are definitely some fun facts sprinkled throughout, as well as informative glimpses into historical references of Taylor’s (such as Emily Dickinson or The Great Gatsby). But I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to someone who’s an established fan, simply because I think they would also be confused by the authors analyzing portions of lyrics without looking at the broader context of the work.

It feels unclear who the audience for this book is supposed to be, because there are tonal shifts in nearly every chapter. Is it for a younger audience? Longtime fans? Academics? The writing goes back and forth between attempted academic analysis, and breaking the fourth wall (so to speak) by speaking directly to the reader in a casual manner.

I think this book would have benefited from more perspectives, in addition to analyzing lyrics/songs in a greater context of Taylor’s work. I know there are both academics and culture writers who have written really in depth and thoughtful pieces about Taylor Swift, and those perspectives probably would have rounded it out more.

It’s a useful step on the way to establishing literary Taylor Swift studies to agree on all the places where Swift seems to be reworking other texts. We don’t all want to reinvent the wheel every time we try to write about Swift and literature. For example, “happiness” includes a collection of quotations from The Great Gatsby. So far, really, we don’t have a way to compile this information except through the annotations on Genius.com, which are… unreliable. As far as that goes, this book is useful.
I found it less useful in explaining why it matters that Swift is thinking about her relationship to (e.g.) Fitzgerald.
The book is organized around “eras” (probably the wrong word, but I see what they did there) assigned to different Swift albums: these are Bildungsroman (Taylor Swift), Fairy Tale (Fearless and Speak Now), Modernist (Red and 1989), Decadent (reputation), Sentimentalist (Lover), Romantic (folklore and evermore), Gothic (Midnights), and Postmodernist (TTPD). There are also explanations of the lives and work of different “tortured poets” including obvious ones like Lord Byron and Emily Dickinson and the more obscure Edna St Vincent Millay and Frances Ellen Watkins Harper as well as playlists of Swift songs built around different motifs.
The book is set up as a series of annotations, although sadly (at least in my ebook review copy) these are annotations without a text: the title of a song is given, followed by only individual lines of interest each accompanied by a note. These range from well researched explanations of how Cheshire cats came to be associated with grinning to what feels more like filler. The line “we’re all bored” from New Romantics bears the annotation that “ennui” is common in modernist writing - and earlier writing… … … … I think the organization of the book into dubious “eras” is to blame for this. A suggestion that “This Love” could be considered “The Great Gatsby” “fan fiction” because of a mention of a lantern burning in the night follows another suggestion that the same song echoes a line in Samuel Beckett. But it remains unclear to me exactly what it adds to read either allusion into the song except to prove that the song does in fact fit within Swift’s modernist era, which… isn’t a thing. As W. K. Wimsatt Jr. and M. C. Beardsley argued in their foundational article “The Intentional Fallacy,” you’re the person who gets to decide what you think a text means, which includes what it seems to be alluding to, as long as you have a compelling reason for reading it that way. And certainly, you could imagine someone explaining why these details matter.
This work that you can imagine someone doing has the effect of making this book feel like a worksheet, like you’re looking at the teaching materials for a really interesting lesson. The line “clink, clink” from “Slut!” is cited as an instance of “onomatopoeia.” It is not clear why this is noted, except to teach the reader what onomatopoeia is. You can imagine what you would do with this in class. Who knows what onomatopoeia is? What’s another example? Why do you think this song is trying to reproduce the sound of the world it exists in?
Of course, as founders of a new field, a lot of what we are doing is imaginary work, projecting the way forward - like the speaker of “happiness,” who hasn’t met the “new me” yet and isn’t even sure whether she means by that her ex’s new girlfriend or her own healed self. We don’t know what Swift Studies looks and feels like yet.
I will say in its defence that this book definitely feels intended to spur you to further effort. Lit crit words like “trope” and “onomatopoeia” are in bold to denote that you can flip forward to the glossary at the end to find their definitions. You have to actively look them up, like you have to find a text of each song’s lyrics (or listen to it or remember it). The book asks a lot of work of its reader. There’s even a list of recommended reading after each “era.” And I think there are readers who will find it inspiring in starting their study of Swift.

Devoured this in a day. I’ve always been a huge Swiftie and literature addict so this was perfect for me.

I’d already been on so many deep dives into her lyrics I was sceptical whether there’d be much in this book that was new to me but there were quite a few texts referenced that I haven’t even heard of. The comparisons here were all well thought out and substantiated but I would have loved to see more tentative interpretations even if they won’t be agreed upon by everyone.

My only criticism is that I wish it were longer. Some of the songs are only touched upon with a single line such as labyrinth explaining that it’s a maze with a monster in, which I think is already common knowledge and without any further commentary, seems a bit redundant to have even bothered including. I also did not need the Robert Frost poem misinterpretation explained to me three times. Once would have sufficed.

It was a very good book and I won’t listen to a lot of the songs the same way again. I can’t wait to be even more insufferable now I know even more literary swiftie references

This is a really interesting read for anyone who wants to take the understanding of Swifts lyrics to another level. Packed full of literary references and interpretations. I think this would work really well as a physical book as I found myself wanting to flick between chapters and compare to the lyrics in more depth.

I am NOT a Swiftie; actually I have always been baffled by the power she wields over different generations of my students. Over 10 years ago, I had a KS4 student who was mesmerised by her songs. I chalked it down to a teenage girl 's longing for romance. But now I have KS2 students who are Swifties. Her fandom spans across a wide age range. I found that baffling. Her only songs that I knew of before today was her debut country song "You belong with me" and the much later dance song, "Shake it off". I could see how teenage girls could easily bond with the feelings of that lovesick heroine in "You Belong With Me", how the SNS generation could bond with that "To Hell With Them, I Do Me" attitude in "Shake It Off". But that was all that I knew about her. I was never intrigued enough by her songs, news or beauty to find out more about her.

As quite a few of my students love her, I requested this book. And it changed me. The book tries to see Swift's own growth in her unique Swift's world through the lyrics of her songs. It is really eye-opening. It drove me into watching a few of her lyrics videos. She is indeed a breath of fresh air in the Western pop music world where lyrics are often as graphic as a porn site video.

Admittedly, the book can be difficult to read at times due to the layout of the book, but it is a rather refreshing and intriguing look at a pop icon's work.

I am still NOT a Swiftie. But I am beginning to understand why she is so popular with my students.

This is a must have for Swifties and readers! I have been working through a Taylor Swift reading challenge that I created for myself to get through some of my TBRs but after reading this book I need to go back and redo some of the prompts! I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book! As an academic I am adding Rachel to my list of dream collaborators! I have made a note to come back and post a goodreads and instagram review once I have physical copy so that I can show off the beautiful artwork

Thank you to NetGalley and Quirk Books.

Like Feder's last book, "The Darcy Myth: Jane Austen, Literary Heartthrobs, and the Monsters They Taught Us to Love," I found issue with Feder's lazy scholarship and lack of editing. This book also struggles with who the intended audience is and because of that, the tone shifts often, too often. Is this book for younger Taylor Swift fans? Academics of literary legacies (like myself)? Serious academics? General Swifties? I have no idea. This book also really takes a lot of credit away from academics who work at illustrating ways in which classic texts are still present in contemporary pop culture.

One of my biggest issues is how often Feder will cherry pick lines from songs and go off from there for their entire thesis. This I think is incredibly lazy because it and the following analyses ignore the rest of the song. If I wanted a book that just pointed out potential links, I would rather look at a particular Google spreadsheet that a Swiftie had made that contains all potential literary references in Swift's music. Instead, Feder seems to be pulling theories out of gossip magazines and social media rather than from interviews with Swift herself, of which I believe are plenty. I generally just found the "analysis" and connections quite lazy because Feder and her cowriter attempt to go through Swift's discography but again, only tackling song lyrics rather than a song. It would have been better for Feder's work quality to instead look at one or two songs and focus on that rather than multiple albums and songs.

I might be particularly critical of this book because I recently started work on a potential dissertation chapter that links one of Swift's songs to a literary text/author.

ANYWAYS. I found myself very optimistic because again, I had recently started my own research and found it to be easy (easier at least than my Beach Boys project), but unfortunately, like her previous work, I was incredibly disappointed and annoyed. With the low level of work that Feder does, it really does seem like she continues to be published not because of the quality of her work but because she picks buzzworthy projects.

And also, who the hell is the audience? There's a tone at the start that implies this is for high school aged readers but then as they delve further, the tone juggles between the former and experienced academics and Swifties. There is absolutely a way to write this that appeals across all levels and Feder and her cowriter did not write in that way. On top of struggling with supporting their thesis and their shoddy scholarship, they really struggled with just general tone. This really stems from the lack of direction in their central idea and thesis and it shows in every aspect of the book.

The art is nice.

Would not recommend, not even for a Swifty. As a Swifty and an academic whose research is in literary legacies (literally this), I find myself disappointed and annoyed. Don't pick up.

"Taylor Swift by the Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, from Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets," Rachel Feder and Tiffany Tatreau have crafted a captivating resource for those interested in immersing themselves in literary terms in a way that is both accessible and engaging.

By dissecting Taylor Swift's lyrics, the book offers a deep dive into allusions, motifs, and literary devices, providing a richer understanding of Taylor's songwriting prowess. Whether you are a die-hard Swiftie or a casual fan, this book will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the depth and intricacy of Taylor's lyrics. Additionally, the book's exceptional ability to present complex literary concepts in an understandable manner makes it an invaluable tool for educational purposes and self-study.

Through its captivating exploration of various literary eras, from the Romantics to modern Gothic, the book offers an informative and enjoyable journey, using each song's lyrics as a gateway to explore broader literary themes. The stunning layout and illustrations enhance the reading experience, making the connections to literature even more vivid.

"Taylor Swift by the Book" is not just a fascinating exploration of Taylor's music; it is an inspiring educational journey that unveils the beauty of literary terms in an accessible and enjoyable manner.

Whether you are an educator seeking to inspire your students, a dedicated Swiftie yearning to unravel the layers in Taylor's music, or simply a lover of literature, Taylor Swift by the Book is a fantastic resource. This book takes readers through literary history by breaking down Taylor Swift's lyrics and explaining the allusions, motifs, and literary devices she uses in her songwriting. Whether you're a seasoned Swiftie or a casual fan, this book offers a deeper appreciation of the genius behind Taylor’s lyrics.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to make complex literary concepts easy to understand. Feder and Tatreau do a remarkable job of explaining literary terms through the lens of Taylor's music, making it a perfect tool for teaching and self-study. The journey through different literary eras, from the Romantics to the modern Gothic, is informative and enjoyable, with each song’s lyrics serving as a springboard for exploring broader literary themes.

The book's layout and illustrations are stunning, enhancing the reading experience and making the literary connections even more vivid. The book doesn’t just educate—it inspires. Teachers and librarians will find it an excellent resource for creating authentic lessons that connect literature to popular culture. The book can spark a love for music and literature in readers of all ages.

Taylor Swift by the Book is not just a deep dive into Taylor’s lyrics; it’s an educational journey that brings literary terms to life in a way that’s both accessible and fun. Whether you're a teacher looking to inspire your students, a Swiftie eager to understand the layers in Taylor's music, or someone who loves literature, this book is a must-read.

Thank you Netgalley and publisher for this book.

I will read literally anything that mentions Taylor Swift!

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC version of Taylor Swift by the Book!

Swifties will love this book! It is a deep dive into Taylor's lyrics and their place in literary history. It is also incredibly pretty. I enjoyed the explanations of the different types of metaphors she uses in her songs and the brief biographies of poets/authors in each era. Taylor Swift by the Book was incredibly easy to read and it flowed seamlessly between different topics. I did learn many things about certain tropes

The reason for my low review is that at times it became a bit confusing. Because I am just a casual fan of Taylor Swift, a lot of the lyrics seemed to be taken out of context. I wish there were longer sections of the songs that could have been used to give a more in-depth reading of the song. By only having one short line, such as "I get more angry" from Mad Woman or "I ride off alone" from The Archer, it gives the sense that many of the literary connections are mental leaps rather than any solid connection. It gave the impression that you needed to be a diehard fan who knows every word to fully appreciate the Taylor Swift by the Book. I also became confused about which level of education or age this book was targeted at. Some entries felt like the book was suited to middle school or high schoolers, while others gave the impression it was for adults.

As I said at the start of my review, I am sure Swifties will love this title, but I am not sure if I would recommend it for a casual fan.

This book feels like someone crawled into my brain and wrote about some of the main things I think about; books, and Taylor Swift. It's so well researched, and you can tell that the authors are experts on the subjects, not just TS fans who happen to have read a book once. I cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book! I think even Taylor herself might be interested in the literary parallels found here.

Very interesting book that delves into literary references and devices used by Taylor Swift. A wonderful book for a swiftie and not a bad book for someone looking to learn literary terms in an accessible way. It's inspired me to try some new authors too. Interesting profiles about other tortured poets too

The Swiftie in me had to check this out, the ELA nerd in me couldn’t stop reading, and the teacher/librarian me cannot wait to order a copy for my own daughter and my patrons. I love the journey through the eras as song lyrics are broken down with explanations of allusions, motifs, and more. I really feel this book can be used to inspire and create authentic lessons for the classroom as well as make any Swiftie new or old appreciate the genius behind Swifts lyrics on a deeper level. Beautiful layout and illustrations.