Swifties, how are we feeling? Midnights came out Oct. 21 and I know I have not recovered. Everyone is eating up Miss Taylor Alison Swift’s newest drop, but all I can think about is how we might not get any new Swift content until (probably) Speak Now (Taylor’s Version), which is coming out who-knows-when.
I just can’t imagine going so long without hearing her lyrical genius, but we have to. So instead, I scoured the internet to find every book Swift has ever recommended. If her lyrics are next to godly, then shouldn’t the books she name-drops be on par as well? One look at her NYT #1 recs have me convinced Swift knows exactly what she’s doing telling us to read these stories.
Breathe in, breathe through, breathe deep, breathe out. We’ll make it to the next release. And until then, these Swift-approved books can keep us at bay.
- REBECCA BY DAPHNE DU MAURIER
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Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, $11
This classic mystery-thriller inspired Swift’s song, “tolerate it.” When a shy wife moves into her new husband’s house she soon realizes that she can never take the place of his dead lover, Rebecca. But that won’t stop her from trying everything to win his love.
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
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The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, $7
After the “Delicate” music video, no one should be surprised Swift is a Fitzgerald fan. She said the glamorous imagery from her Reputation era was inspired largely by The Great Gatsby. She marveled at the writing style in the books when she sat down with ELLE UK: “To describe a scene so gorgeously interwoven with rich emotional revelations, that you yourself have escaped from your own life for a moment…”
- Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
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Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney, $12
Frances and Nick are a match made in hell. Their painful attraction and flirtation with adultery will draw in any drama-loving Swiftie. Writing one cheater-hating banger after the next, you’d think this wouldn’t make Swift’s recommendation list, but blondie always surprises us, and mentioned her love for Sally Rooney in an interview with Entertainment Weekly. Then again, her boyfriend Joe Alwyn is the male lead in the TV adaptation, so should we really be surprised?
- Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
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Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, $8
“Some people call [the main character] weird, but no matter how much they make fun of her, she continues to be herself.” Does that sound like anyone we know? That’s how Swift described Stargirl’s leading lady and herself. It’s interesting to see which characters Miss Swift relates to.
- The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
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The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins, $13
A classic. The Hunger Games follows Katniss as she’s roped into a rebellion she didn’t even know existed. In case you were living under a rock in 2012, go give “Safe & Sound” a listen. The side braid? The first photoshoot? Swifties, if you didn’t already know about blondie’s THG obsession — educate yourself.
- The Kennedy Women by Laurence Leamer
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The Kennedy Women by Laurence Leamer, $23
The women of America’s political powerhouse, the Kennedys, fascinate Taylor. She’s openly talked about how much their lives have impacted her and obvi the family has had some feelings about “the last great american dynasty.” This book covers their lives from start to finish, and it makes perfect sense why a Swiftie should pick it up. You’ll appreciate Rebekah’s anthem that much more.
- Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
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Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, $9
One of Swift’s favorite book picks for “You Are What You Read,” Eat, Pray, Love has staying power and has been an iconic story since it came out over a decade ago. It’s about a woman in her early 30s who has everything a woman could want — a successful career and relationship — but finds herself consumed by panic and confusion. Hello, blondie.
- Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White
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Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, $8
Another book on Swift’s “You Are What You Read” list, Charlotte’s Web is a tale of loyalty, friendship, and sacrifice. It’s a children’s book that is def going to make you cry. The pig, Wilbur, and his spider companion, Charlotte, will tug on your heartstrings more than “champagne problems” ever did, IMHO.
- The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
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The Fault in Our Stars by John Green, $7
John Green won Swift’s heart with The Fault in Our Stars. She said he’s her favorite author ever and his 2012 solo novel basically brought her to her knees. If you haven’t already devoured this book, you need to, okay? (Okay.)
- To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
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To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee, $10
If you went to an American high school, chances are you’ve read this. But if you skipped junior year English, here’s a brief rundown: To Kill a Mockingbird follows an alleged rape case of a white woman by a Black man in the 1930s, all through the perspective of the eight-year-old daughter of the defense lawyer. Swift said the storytelling in Lee’s novel works your mind.
- Wonderful Tonight by Pattie Boyd
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Wonderful Tonight by Pattie Boyd, $13
Pattie Boyd is the former wife of George Harrison and Eric Clapton. Mega-rockstars, seriously. Boyd is one of the most famous muses of all time and is referenced in more songs than even Joe Alwyn. Prepare for a wild ride with her autobiography. “I devoured this intriguing woman’s memoir,” Swift told Harper’s Bazaar.
- Furious Love by Sam Kashner
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Furious Love by Sam Kashner, $16
Swift mentioned this book in her 2018 interview with Pattie Boyd (remember her from earlier?) for Harper’s Bazaar. Furious Love captures scandal, love, and betrayal. The novel covers the infamous marriage of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor and likely reminds blondie of the tabloids back in the day.
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
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Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë, $9
Did you love “mad woman” and “invisible string”? Well, guess where Swift got her inspo for these songs — her own lover and Charlotte Brontë, allegedly. (But I’m hoping Swift doesn’t relate too much to the woman in the attic.) Of course, one of the most dramatic and taboo loves of all time would find its way into one (or two!) of Swift’s songs.
The list is complete with Swifties’ lucky 13. Get reading and we’ll meet again at midnight, when Speak Now (Taylor’s Version) hopefully drops.