Taylor’s taste in books is diverse and inspiring, which is also reflected in her works. If you’re curious about the literature that resonates with her, you can start by reading these titles:
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
The first book on the list is Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier, a classic gothic romance about the love between a poor maid and a wealthy widower who wishes to marry her. This story combines deep psychological realism with the well-known Cinderella fairy tale. According to Taylor Swift, she felt a strong connection to the protagonist's struggles with self-doubt and the desire for acceptance. Even her song "Tolerate It" was inspired by the feelings evoked by this novel.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
The book Normal People by Sally Rooney touches on a similar topic. Here, the events unfold in 2008 during the economic crisis in Ireland. The main characters are a smart but underprivileged young man and a wealthy yet socially awkward girl from an elite background. The inequality in social statuses prevents them from achieving emotional intimacy. Swift admires Rooney's writing style, feeling as though she is inside the author's mind while reading.
Conversations with Friends by Sally Rooney
In the same way, Swift loves other books by Sally Rooney, such as Conversations with Friends, which is the author's debut novel. The plot centers on two friends who accidentally meet a married couple and begin to spend a lot of time together. One day, one of the girls finds herself feeling something for a married man who is 11 years older than her. This is a story about the complexity of human relationships and love, even when it seems you have already made your life choice.
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
The next novel that touched the artist was a book by John Green, The Fault in Our Stars. This book delves into the themes of life meaning and the issue of human mortality, using the example of two young people who fall in love, knowing that both are terminally ill. Taylor Swift shared that she has been inspired by the resilience of the main character. Taylor even declared John Green to be her favorite author.
Furious Love by Sam Kashner and Nancy Schoenberger
Furious Love by Sam Kashner reveals the truth about the most sensational couple in Hollywood – Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton. This is an intriguing story about passionate yet tumultuous relationships that not only summarizes the facts of the couple's life but also contains unique memories of Elizabeth herself about her life with Richard.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Taylor Swift is a fan of Suzanne Collins’s The Hunger Games. This book tells about the annual life-or-death competitions for the amusement of the rich residents of the tyrannical and cruel Capitol. Like millions of other book and movie lovers, the singer appreciates the emotional depth behind the action-adventure narrative.
Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli
Fame is desirable and pleasant but, at the same time, fleeting and cruel. This is proved in Stargirl by Jerry Spinelli, where the noisy and bright Stargirl unexpectedly invades the gray everyday life of Leo’s school. However, the girl won’t shine in the rays of glory for long. The novel explores the complexities of teenage life, including love, acceptance, and the challenges of being different. Taylor Swift shared that she likes how the book emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
The most renowned novel of F. Scott Fitzgerald also holds significant importance in the singer's life. It tells the story of a mysterious millionaire obsessed with reuniting with his former lover. The themes of love, loss, and pursuing the American Dream in The Great Gatsby resonate with Swift's lyrics style. She has drawn parallels between the book and her music videos. Specific songs like “Happiness” incorporate direct quotes from The Great Gatsby: e.g., “I hope she'll be a beautiful fool – who takes my spot next to you.”
Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert
Eat Pray Love is a memoir by Elizabeth Gilbert that follows the author's journey to self-discovery and healing after a painful divorce. Experiencing depression, Elizabeth decided to travel to rediscover herself. The book is divided into three parts, according to each country visited – Italy (Eat), India (Pray) and Indonesia (Love). The way Gilbert confronts her insecurities and learns to embrace herself inspired Swift, who has faced her own challenges in the public eye, including heartbreak and criticism.
Charlotte’s Web by Elwyn Brooks White
This book is considered a classic of children's literature, which readers of all ages enjoy. It tells the story of the friendship between a pig who is in danger of being killed by a farmer and a spider, Charlotte, who does everything possible to save her friend.
The Kennedy Women: The Saga of an American Family by Lawrence Leamer
This novel introduces you to women of America’s "royal family." For this book, the author, Lawrence Leamer, interviewed the Kennedy family members and their old friends, uncovering exclusive facts previously remaining in the shadows. All the secrets of this great family are now gathered in one captivating volume. In a 2012 interview, Swift explained how she came across a vintage photograph of Ethel and Bobby Kennedy dancing, which sparked her imagination. This moment led her to write "Starlight," capturing the essence of youthful love.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is a profound novel about the mores and cruelty of the adult world through the eyes of a child. Set in Alabama during the 1930s, it portrays a society sharply divided between rich landowners and the African Americans who worked on their plantations in harsh conditions. Swift appreciates how the book challenges readers to confront uncomfortable truths about society.
Taylor Swift's songs captivate with their sincerity and truthfulness. The literature she loves elites this. Taylor is keen on deep explorations of psychological, social, and political topics and sees beauty in both the struggle in the Capitol arena and in the tender gestures of a spider helping its friend. These captivating stories will forever echo in songs loved by millions.
