Book Review | Taylor Swift by the Book: The Literature Behind the Lyrics, From Fairy Tales to Tortured Poets

Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I don't think non-fans truly understand the depth and complexity of the stories that Taylor tells through her music, or the recurring themes from album to album. This is probably the book I would recommend to those who are not fans, but don't hate her just to say they hate her. It breaks down so many literary references that Taylor brings to life, even ones that I missed because I was scream-singing or ugly crying to some of my most favorite songs.

One author is a lit prof and the other an actor in musical theatre, so each have their area of expertise and absolutely know what they are talking about. I always go into these Taylor books cautiously, because you never know what might end up just being a cash-grab with no real substance that rehashes basic entry-level info that any casual fan might know.

Luckily, that is not the case here.

Anyone who has a remote interest in literature will catch the numerous references to The Great Gatsby and Alice in Wonderland (beyond the obviously titled 'Wonderland' from 1989, one of the greatest pure synth pop albums of all time). However, Taylor is also inspired by the Romantics, Gothic fiction, Postmodernism, and more. She is Dr. Swift after all (has an honorary PhD from NYU), so Taylor knows her stuff.

While Feder is a lit professor, the book remains an easier read and explains things in an academic way without being too dense. This is definitely important for younger readers and those who are not super familiar with literary eras but want to know how those informed Taylor's eras.

I am torn on the book's organization, which is why I rated four stars instead of five. The authors chose to go chronologically, which makes sense because then over time you see how themes developed and which references she continued to draw on. The downside to this is that there is some repetition from album to album, which would have made grouping songs thematically make more sense. But then the reader would miss out on the chronilogical growth, so really there are pros and cons to each.

Each album is accompanied by a reading list, which I found really cool. I like that the authors really dug into authors of each era and did not recommend titles or authors that many might already know. Of course we get Shakespeare and Greek mythology, but there is so much more that they offer up that keep with the themes Taylor was exploring on a particular album. The authors also did the reverse, offering playlists of Taylor's songs that matched up with different novels. The attention to detail and type of information offered here truly is far-reaching.

Highly recommended.

Author Gift | Expletives Not Deleted

I received free digital and physical ARCs and final copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐

The first thing I must do is apologize to you, Mr. Acord, for not getting this review posted in anything that could be remotely considered timely. I enjoy your work and devoured the book quickly. But reviews have been harder for me the last couple years and what I have posted, has been practically forcing myself to sit down at gun-point and write, instead of just reading, reading, reading.

In 2020 I read Acord's first book, Sub-lebrity: The Queer Life of a Show-Biz footnote and absolutely LOVED it. you can find my review HERE. Acord's writing style makes you feel like you're having a conversation with him. You could be best friends, chatting over dinner, getting drinks after a show, anything. I liked the book so much, I went and found his web series Old Dogs & New Tricks. It's fantastic as well.

I was so excited then when Acord offered advanced copies of his new book (in 2023. I'm a terrible person). He is a talented writer, witty and clever. All of the characteristics I loved in the first book were here as well, which makes for another fantastic book that is a must-read.

So, where to begin, but at the beginning? Acord tells us from the start, "I've been trying very hard lately to not become a grumpy old queen. I fear I am not being entirely successful."

There are plenty of things Acord was annoyed about when he penned this one, and it's likely he's still annoyed with those things, because some are even worse now. He touches on a variety of topics in this eclectic collections of essays. We get the heavy ones, like racism, cancel culture/culture wars, maga/the idiot-in-chief, and more. But he leaves plenty of room for lighter pieces as well, and it is a testament to his writing skills that he is successful with both. I know that no matter what topic Acord is tackling, he will be unflinchingly honest, and that kind of honesty is a breath of fresh air these days.

As in his first book, Acord takes us back to life in Indiana as he was growing up. I especially enjoyed his essay, "Am I a 'They'?" as he thinks back to his preferences in childhood for horses, books, and Barbies instead of GI Joe and cops and robbers. He concludes that he may actually be a They after all, but has reached the point in his life where he might just be "a bit too old to make a radical lifestyle change now" (page 150).

Acord also keeps us in the present as well, in the essays about cancel culture, facebook, and all this exhausting racist reactionary bullshit that followed President Obama's election as our first Black president. These essays are timely and hit the nail on the head each time. Acord is intelligent and concise without being preach-y. And as I said before, always, always honest.

Highly, highly recommended.

Book Review | Taylor Swift Style: Fashion Through the Eras

Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This book is stunning.

Whether you're a fan of Taylor or not, this book is gorgeous and those who enjoy reading about fashion may very well like it as well.

I was unfamiliar with the author prior to reading this one; she has been blogging about Taylor's fashion ensembles for over a decade and has a massive following.

Here she not only details the designers who dress Taylor, but provides commentary and analysis on signature looks, daily wear, and concert costumes. She documents Taylor's entire career, from the cowboy boots and dresses of Taylor's early days, to the dazzling choices she displays on red carpets.

Understanding Taylor's clothing choices play a huge role in the narrative of each era. Nothing Taylor does is accidental. Fans know that ANYTHING can be an easter egg and she truly is a Mastermind. Taylor herself has said she typically has things planned two years in advance, so much of what she is showing us now even as she enjoys well-deserved time off after the greatest tour in music history could indicate what is to come.

The author dives into the specifics of each album, detailing a selection of looks that Taylor wore in that particular era. The author connects various outfits to certain songs and lyrics, and why she thinks Taylor and her stylist chose certain pieces. The commentary is subjective of course, but much of the analysis makes sense. The chapter dedicated to what the author calls 'bloopers' is a perfect example - outfits she personally did not think worked for Taylor.

It's almost impossible to not recognize these looks, even if one is not a fan. Through over 200 photos, I found I recognized most of them, despite being a newer fan. I loved seeing the evolution of Taylor's style from her start in Nashville to now being literally the most famous woman on the planet.

Despite being 'unauthorized', I don't feel lke this book was just a chas-grab, unlike much of the other nonsense currently being published. It is clear from start to finish that the author is a fan who loves Taylor so much. Her dedication is apparent throughout, because she is one of us.

Highly recommended.

Book Review | How to Piss Off Men: 106 Things ot Say to Shatter the Male Ego

Rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

From Goodreads:

BE NO MAN'S PEACE.

Have you ever been badgered by an annoying pick-up artists at the bar? Ever felt a burning desire to emotionally torture a friend's boyfriend in an act of revenge? Have you ever endured just talking to a man before?

If so, then this book is for you.

With more than 100 phrases, questions, and comebacks, How to Piss Off Men is your essential guide to sending even the most relentless mansplainer into an existential crisis. Whether it is referring to his expensive NFL jersey as "cosplay" or letting him know he has the confidence of a much taller man, this handbook will ensure you're equipped to combat toxic masculinity in any situation.*

*The advice in this book has been thoroughly tested for effectiveness. Even on the author, bless his heart.

+++++++++++

Well, if you have not yet figured it out from previous reviews and such, I will never be any man's peace, thank you very much. I live for confronting toxic masculinity because no one needs that shit. And men still have the nerve to question why we choose the bear? Just look at all the male responses to our choice in the first place.

Anyway, this book is supposed to be light-hearted and fun, so that's where I am going to keep the vibe at.

I was cautious because it was written by a cis white dude, but the author having self-awareness definitely helped. No mansplaining, misogyny, or garbage here. Just funny ways to bring those types of guys back down to earth.

Personal favorites:

• No.
• Maybe you'll feel differently about that when you're older.
• You seem to be having a lot of feelings right now.
• You look like you'd be a slow runner.
• Were you homeschooled?
• I'll just Google it.
• You have the confidence of a much taller man.
• Do you need me to walk you to your car?
• I love your pixie cut.
• I thought your voice would be deeper.
• Were you a leash kid?
• Huh. That's so interesting. You SOUND really smart
• You smell a lot better than I thought you would.

Some are very situational (like asking a super jacked guy if he has a friend that knows a good gym), but many were able to bring a chuckle. Eleanor and I laughed for ages over these and we highly recommend it.

Tackling the TBR | Week 21 & 22 | Jun 1 - Jun 14, 2025

Here we go!

This is year SIX of Tackling the TBR. When I started this mess  I was well over 5,000 books on the TBR, so to be where I am now is pretty incredible.

I will post on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and last day of the month.

Previous Week's TBR Total: 1,922

On My 'Currently Reading' Shelf
(This does not mean I am reading all of these at once. As soon as I get a book from the library, NetGalley, a publisher/author/marketer, or - for not much longer - Prime, I put in on my 'Currently Reading' shelf. Yes, I know I have a problem. No, I don't want to do anything about it.)

Books Read

Books DNFed: 

Books Added to TBR: 0

Books Removed from TBR: 1

Duplicates Removed: 0

New TBR Total: 1,894

Happy Reading!
Sarah