Book Review | Stars Around My Scars: The Annotated Poetry of Taylor Swift

Rating | ⭐⭐⭐1/2 

I really had to argue with myself about how to rate this one. The cover and the title are both so gorgeous, but there were some issues I can't ignore. Some of the annotations didn't fit with what we already know about the songs and the deep Taylor-lore that comes along with a nearly 20-year career. Some of the notes were also a bit of a stretch, but there was enough that made sense to keep me going.

The author does a deep dive into the poetry of Taylor Swift - at this point, let's call it what it is. She takes us line-by-line througha massive amount of songs - forty-six total, spanning all eleven albums. These songs are chosen carefully; they are among the most-loved and also the ones that cause Swifties the most grief in never-ending debates about the content and subject.

Each song is given its space to shine as the author takes us through the development and structure of each. The notes in the margins indicate literary references (TayTay LOVES literature. Check out this review on her many, many inspirations) and poetic techniques. Unfortunately poetry is not really my thing, so I had a crash-course in what some of the terms meant because certain ones were unfamiliar to me. She touches on the numerous easter eggs that we've come to know and love from Taylor, as well as cross-song connections and themes that flow from one song or album to the next.

Following the text of the song itself and notes, the author provides an in-depth analysis on the meaning and symbolism of each, and this is where I disagreed with some of the interpretations.

I loved the format, but felt the text was too small and the colors too light for those who may have issues with sight. Editing is one of my favorite things, so I loved the chaotic scribbles in the margins, the arrows connecting concepts, etc. I could see though how it would be overwhelming for some readers.

Overall, depsite some of the issues I found, I think this book is still of great value to Swifties - and weirdos like me who just love words. The text is impressive and the author clearly knows what she is talking about in terms of analysis of Taylor's songs as poetry. Taylor's work truly is deep and thoughtful in so many instances, and it is art. What she has created in the last twenty years is incredible and I am so eager to see what kind of album she will create next.

Highly recommended for Swifties, also recommeneded for those with open minds who want to see what the big deal is about Taylor's lyrical genius.

Something Sure Smells Around Here

Author: Brian P. Cleary

Rating: 5 Stars

Review:

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

What a fun and neat way to show students how to create limericks! I absolutely loved this text and the illustrations that went with each limerick. Any kind of poetry has been a struggle for me to teach with my students, especially for teaching those who lack confidence in their own writing, ANY kind of writing, period. But I am always looking for fun texts with silly stories or themes that will help put them at ease and show students that it is okay to laugh and have fun and be silly with writing. This would be a great text for our poetry units, I wish I had found it earlier in the school year!

I like that it could be independent for students as well, as it gives directions prior to the limericks for how students could write their own. The word play is also fun, such as the pirate shaking his booty while he also has a treasure chest, or the teacher who students are 'bright' (so bright, they are represented as light bulbs). 

I also found the 'further reading' section at the end to be helpful. It is always nice as an educator and parent to be pointed in the right direction to find my resources for my students.