The Swiftie Reading List
- Freya Sibson
- Dec 14, 2023
- 4 min read
Taylor Swift's expertise in songwriting is unmatched, with her ability to tell incredible stories and create lyrics that rival those of Emily Dickinson. For over 16 years, she has shared her favorite reads with fans, like Rebecca, Jane Eyre and The Great Gatsby. One of the reasons why she's so beloved is the meticulous planning that goes into her album releases, where she leaves little "easter eggs" for fans to discover and speculate about. Her loyal followers have even inspired some authors to include subtle references to her in their books just like Taylor does in her music career, making them extra special for fangirls. Here is our swiftie reading list...
1. Better Than The Movies - Lynn Painter
Better than the movies is the ultimate cute enemies to lovers teen romance book and is the most perfect comfort read, in my opinion.
Liz Buxbaum is the protagonist in Lynn Painter's novel Better Than the Movies. A high school student and avid romantic comedy fan, Liz attempts to secure her own happy ending by fake dating her neighbour to get the attention of her childhood crush, Michael. Liz is relatable and endearing, but not without flaws, as she struggles with the loss of her mother while pushing her stepmother away. The relationship between Liz and her nemesis neighbour, Wes Bennett, is a highlight of the book, as their chemistry evolves throughout the story. The novel is filled with references to popular rom-com films and is a delightful read that will leave readers grinning.
Better Than The Movies is filled with references to Taylor Swift and a line that will make swifties fall head over heels for Wes Bennet ‘I realised that Liz was a Taylor Swift song’. We need more Wes Bennetts in this world. There are so many heartwarming, romantic moments and it is a must read for anyone who enjoys a good enemies-to-lovers story.
2. Begin Again - Emma Lord
If you love Taylor Swift references in your reads then this is perfect for you, there are so many references throughout the story (beyond just the title). Here is a little synopsis:
Andie Rose plans to transfer to Blue Ridge State, major in psychology, and become a self-help figure. However, her plans go awry when she arrives at the college. Her relationship with her boyfriend, Connor, gets more complicated, her roommate Shay needs help, and her R.A. Milo challenges her ideas about love and relationships. But Andie discovers the power of her voice as the anonymous Squire on the school's pirate radio station. She learns that not all plans are right and finds out what she's made of.
3. Little Women - Louis May Alcott
Little Women follows the lives of the four March sisters - Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy. The novel delves into themes of family, love, and societal expectations, highlighting each sister's unique personality and aspirations. Jo, an aspiring writer, takes centre stage as she pursues her literary dreams. The story captures the sisters' struggles, triumphs, and personal growth, showcasing the bond of sisterhood and the pursuit of individual dreams amidst societal standards in 19th-century America.
In my eyes, Taylor Swift has always been a symbol of pure talent from an incredibly young age. Her maturity in song writing from her debut album (released at 16) is something I will always look up to and I think is a great inspiration for young people growing up listening to Taylor now. Little Women reminds me of this, the March Sisters, also show their talent and unclouded ambition from a young age despite problems that they have to overcome. I think this is a great novel that swifties would enjoy, especially one’s who can appreciate Taylor’s song writing like they can appreciate an incredible piece of literature.
4. The Summer of Broken Rules - K. L. Walther
The Summer of Broken Rules is a perfect summer romance book, but with more depth. It deals with themes of grief whilst still delivering a cute yet captivating plot. The characters are loveable, and I love the fact it takes place during a family wedding, bringing all the characters together as one big family. Here is a quick plot summary:
Meredith Fox returns to Martha's Vineyard for her cousin's wedding, reuniting with her extended family after the death of her sister. She joins her family's annual game of Assassin but finds herself distracted by a cute groomsman, risking both the game and her heart.
This is a great summer listening to Taylor Swift on the beach-type read!
5. The Summer I Turned Pretty - Jenny Han
If you are a swiftie you must be aware of The Summer I Turned Pretty trilogy...but if you haven’t it is time to read it! Taylor herself features in the soundtrack for TSITP soundtrack in the series, some episodes even featured unreleased ‘(Taylor’s Version)’ editions of her songs. Jenny Han, the author, is a huge fan of Taylor herself along with cast of the series. If you aren’t aware of the story of the perfect summer romance books here is a little synopsis:
The Summer I Turned Pretty is a story that revolves around the life of Isabel "Belly" Conklin, a 15-year-old girl who spends her summers with her family and her mother's best friend and her sons, Conrad and Jeremiah, at Cousins Beach. Belly has been friends with Conrad and Jeremiah since childhood, but as she approaches her 16th birthday, she begins to develop romantic feelings for both brothers, and must choose with whom she wants to be.
This is another a perfect summer read! You will literally be hooked to the story I think it is an amazing teen romance book. The characters are loveable yet have their flaws and these books are so popular so you can have discussions with your friends about whose side you are on!
Thank you for reading! Let me know what you think of these books in the comments.
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