I received an e-ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Calling all current or former English majors and fellow Swifties! This creative work of non-fiction is unapologetically for you.

Dr. McCausland treats Taylor Swift's broad song catalog as a poetry collection and applies her extensive knowledge of poetic terms and references to analyzing several songs from each of Swift's Eras. As someone who was, in fact, an English and creative writing major in college, this book was a delight to read and brought back the feeling of being in a creative workshop. McCausland annotates the lyrics to make notes about poetic form or themes that resonate and connect one song to another. Each song ends with some brief analysis that effectively sums up the annotations if reading the writing in the margins feels like too much of a stretch.

I appreciated that McCausland offered her interpretation but also clarified that hers is not the definitive way to read this. There's something about this non-fiction that made me want to scrawl my own notes in the margins and build a conversation--something I think both McCausland and Swift would approve of. I also liked that the author isn't trying to do deep textual readings of all the Easter Eggs or past relationships that potentially surround the songs; McCausland is sticking to the lyrics and only discusses people that Swift herself has connected to a specific song.

My only complaint is that I wanted more! While I don't think it's reasonable to cover the entirety of Swift's current song list, this book felt more like a course syllabus in some ways. I wanted more thematic connectivity and discussion, but I think it would be difficult to do that without someone feeling like their favorite song(s) had been left out.

Overall, it was a fun read that gave me a deeper appreciation of Swift's songs and their connection to poetry.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC. I’m am a huge Taylor Swift fan and I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved how each chapter was a different album and there were a couple of songs per album discussed per chapter. I really enjoyed all the annotations and in depth look into the song and especially the analysis that was included. I wish more of her songs were featured in the book but other than that I loved this book and would recommend it to all Swifties.

As a lifelong Taylor Swift fan, Stars Around My Scars was so fun to read through! The annotations and analyses of the songs were really interesting to me. I liked seeing a deeper dive into some of my favorite songs and giving me some insight that I did not have before. This book is perfect for any Taylor Swift fan!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc in exchange for a review!

A must on the bookshelf of any Swiftie, interesting and insightful. Went much deeper than I was expecting on some songs! I can't wait to see how beautiful the book will be in person too.

As a Swiftie and someone who holds Taylor Swift's lyrics close to my heart, I’ve always found immense joy in delving into the deeper meanings of her songwriting. I love how her words can speak to her fans on such a personal level, and I relish any opportunity to explore the layers of emotion and narrative she weaves into every line. I had the privilege of attending London N7 of the Eras Tour, and it was an experience that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I was excited to read Stars Around My Scars, a book on the hidden intricacies of Swift’s lyrics through annotations and analysis.

From the very first page, Stars Around My Scars captivates the reader with a fresh perspective on Taylor Swift’s songwriting, revealing the impressive depth and sophistication behind her words. This book serves as a fascinating journey through Swift’s lyrics, highlighting the poetic elements that many might miss in a casual listen. The author skillfully dissects the lyrics, uncovering the literary devices and themes that make Taylor’s songs more than just pop anthems—they are rich, multifaceted works of art.

What stands out most in this book is the clear affection and respect the author has for Swift’s ability to craft deeply emotional and evocative lyrics. Whether you’re a longtime Swiftie or simply someone who admires great songwriting, this book offers something special. It’s a deep dive into the artistry behind Swift’s words, and each song is explored in a way that will leave you with a greater appreciation for her work. The annotations are concise yet insightful, offering a well-rounded look at the themes, symbols, and literary devices embedded within her songs.

While the book offers an engaging and educational experience, it does leave some room for improvement. One key critique I found in the reviews was the absence of an academic framework—though the book uses technical terminology, there is little effort to explain or elaborate on the significance of each literary device. For example, terms like "polyptoton" are used without fully unpacking how they enhance the meaning of the song or why they matter. This makes the analysis feel at times more mechanical than deeply revelatory. Still, for fans looking for a fresh take on Swift’s songwriting, the book succeeds in providing enough substance to spark deeper reflection on the lyrics we all know so well.

Another aspect to consider is the absence of the music itself in the analysis. Many of us, myself included, have a strong emotional connection to Taylor’s music, and while the book does a fantastic job of deconstructing the lyrics, it doesn’t fully capture the experience of listening to the song while reading the analysis. As noted by other readers, Swift’s lyrics exist within the context of the music, and it’s the combination of the two that truly elevates her work. If you’re like me, you might find yourself humming along to the tunes in your head as you read, but it’s clear that the music is a crucial part of the experience that is somewhat neglected here.

That being said, Stars Around My Scars is still an incredibly enjoyable read for Swifties and anyone who loves to explore the nuances of songwriting. The book provides valuable insights into tracks from albums like Folklore and Evermore, where the poetic elements are especially pronounced. The analysis of songs like "Innocent" and "Nothing New" is particularly well-done, showcasing the author’s deep understanding of Swift’s ability to weave complex emotional narratives with her lyrics.

Ultimately, while the book may not be a perfect academic study, it serves as a loving tribute to Taylor Swift’s songwriting genius. Whether you’re seeking a more profound understanding of her lyrics or simply want to celebrate her artistry in a new way, this book is a delightful companion. It’s an excellent resource for anyone who appreciates the depth of Swift’s lyrics and wants to take a closer look at the magic behind the words. I highly recommend it to fellow Swifties and fans of thoughtful, poetic analysis.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

This is my first book about lyric analysis, and in full transparency it will likely be my last. This was not what I was anticipating when I picked up this book, and maybe that comes down to expectations. I don't have a rating for this book, as it does not fall under the type of book I would normally rate, and that mostly has to do with content.

There were a limited number of songs per album which were analyzed, and while I realized the entire discography cannot be included, I wish more songs were included. The annotations felt chaotic, but I do believe that was intentional, and it did not bother me. It felt authentic to the writer and their process of analyzing and breaking down lyrics.

I felt like the annotations and breakdowns were thoughtful, and brought a different POV to her music as a whole. I have always been a huge fan, and seeing a breakdown such as this was very entertaining and educational for me. I love the light shown on the fact that there is so much put into her lyrics and writing style, and that she is a lyricist at heart. I think it was an ode to her talent and storytelling, and that was a beautiful thing to witness.

I don't think there is a LOT here for a longtime and loyal fan (like myself) but I think it's something that would be fun for a newer/more casual fan. A lot of the interpretations were either extremely basic or very far-fetched. Maybe this is more of a gift decorative item more than a way to learn something new.

Title: Stars Around My Scars
By: Elly Elly McCausland
Pub. Date: January 28, 2025

Genre:
Non-Fiction, Poetry, Biography, Lyrical, Informational

Summary/Review:
This book was different than I expected. I had hoped for original poetry and a deep dive into the research aspect of Swift’s lyrics. However, the annotations were not deep, I found them to be obvious and redundant. The format was not as expected either, as the author literally notes in annotations on the pages. This is more like the author’s own notes while reading along, not a comprehensive analysis. Some readers may enjoy this, but for me I was hoping for more.

Thank you to Elly McCausland, Andrew McMeel Publishing, and Netgalley for the Advanced Readers Copy for free. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

#StarsAroundMyScars
#reluctantreaderreads
#advancedreadercopies
#NetGalley

This book is for all the girlies who get told they’re looking too far into lyrics that you just KNOW have a bigger meaning. The feeling of wanting to share with other people what you think the lyrics mean and ending up stuck with the “nobody else gets this song like I get this song” feeling that makes you feel mysterious and unique but lonely because you have to be quiet when the song plays in the car.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrew McMeel Publishing for providing me an ebook copy to review

Im a rhetoric major and this book is right up my alley, because I am the exact girl I just described. The author perfectly highlights little details in Taylor’s songs even I would overlook, and assembles a very strong overall analysis of Taylor as a songwriter, beyond just the songs.

Like did you know every track #5 is the most earth shattering thing you’ve ever heard? I didnt until this book. And I looked and it’s true, Dear John (which the author analyzes perfectly), So Long London, Delicate, my tears ricochet…

The author breaks down the analyses into Taylor’s eras (obviously) and paints a picture of her journey through poetry as each album progresses. I especially love the Reputation section (dare i say Rep TV when??) because theres a HUGE overarching storyline/narrative in Rep that I completely overlooked.

Other tidbits to convince you: Illicit Affairs is tied to Death By A Thousand Cuts…

Just a beautifully executed rhetorical analysis thats inspiring because for all the “Its Not That Deep!” people in the world, there’s somebody writing annotations in a pretty purple pen and publishing it to the world.

I’m so happy that I got the digital ARC of this book! I’ve always been a die hard swiftie so to see an annotated book of some of her top songs… was truly a dream come true. During the release of TTPD, I had wanted a coffee table book that featured her songs since she truly is an incredible artist, writer and all around talented human.

I recommend this book to all swifties- would recommend also adding in your own annotations too! What a great idea!

A deeper dive into Taylor Swift's lyrical artistry. As we progress through the eras, we find our poet has woven even deeper meaning into her songs. Elly’s notations and summaries after each song give greater insight to the reader. Would be a great purchase for anyone who loves poetry and Taylor Swift. I downgraded to 4 stars because to the lay person, some of the annotations are too technical. Yes, there is a glossary of terms in the back but I would have personally enjoyed reading more if I didn’t have to refer to said glossary multiple times while trying to read the annotations. I also consider many Swiftie’s who are your and will be quite drawn to this book. I tried to share with my eleven year old and she couldn’t be less impressed. Maybe the intended audience for this book is scholars and not just fans of Swift.

I really enjoyed this book and wish I could travel to Belgium and take Dr. McCausland’s course! I enjoy literary/poetry analysis so I did know what to expect, and honestly, have often thought about printing out all her lyrics and doing this myself sometime, so I was tickled to see this be a book.

There were a few little connections that I maybe would have drawn that she didn’t, and, as others have noted, while I do enjoy this type of analysis, I don’t actually know all the terminology, so it would have been nice not just to have the glossary but to have had an explanation of what each instance of the literary device adds to the work.

For me, I was sort of singing the song to myself as I was reading, but as others have pointed out, there is really something missing from the experience when the actual music is not incorporated. I think for me the ideal experience would be to listen to the song while reading the lyrics at the same time, since I do really love to read, and being able to physically see them does help me to see some of the attributes better, but… of course if I have to pick between the two, I will pick just listening to Taylor every time, as that is the medium she really chooses to express herself in. However, not that it ever really was in doubt, of course she is a poet. She is a beautiful writer, who has authored extremely gorgeous lyrics for years. It was a treat to get to read them and enjoy some analysis from a pro.

4.5 stars
Poetry doesn’t have to be obscure and poets don’t have to be penniless. I think everyone who tries to deny that Taylor Swift is a poet should read this book. It’s obvious to her fans and should be apparent to all at this point. Swift has words within her and stories to tell. Everyone who hears her songs and reads the words knows this to be true.
I really enjoyed this book/analysis and how it tied back imagery from previous songs and commented on the different forms and functions in the structure of the songs/poems. Yes, I did listen along with each of the songs as I read the book! The only complaint I have is that Cardigan wasn’t analyzed.
*Thanks to Andrew McMeel publishing and netgalley for the advance reader copy

I loved the idea of this book and while I enjoyed parts of it the finished product left me a bit underwhelmed and disappointed. I didn't find myself reaching for the book and eventually, I had to make myself finish it. 2.5/5 from me, but I'll round it down to 2 stars.

If you need help in your English class and love Taylor Swift, this will be a great book to have on hand. While I enjoyed the summaries provided after the lyrics, I found many of the notations to be a tad farfetched. While this is a nice book to have on hand and occasionally reference, it was dull as a cover-to-cover read. I'm sure many people will love this analytical look into the poetry of Taylor's lyrics, but I found it all a bit much. If you enjoy the assignment of literary terms to lyrics, this one is for you.

The premise of this book sounded really promising. I'm a huge Swiftie and I always like to know more about Taylor and her songwriting and how it can be interpreted. The book obviously couldn't cover all of her songs, but the selection was interesting and diverse and showed different sides of Taylor's songwriting.

The book itself was captivating to read and to see other ways to interpret and understand the songs on a more lyrical note. I just feel like that the book wasn't for me. It didn't really catch me and I probably already forgot about most of it in a few weeks.

This book is perfect for people who love language and poetry and maybe know more about it than I do. I still enjoyed it and had fun reading all the annotations.

You could really see that the author is passionate about not only Taylor Swift and her songs but also about poetry and finding ways to interpret and see thing in a different light.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for this EARC!

Nice concept, and I enjoyed seeing someone else’s thoughts on some pretty wonderful songs. One thing I didn’t love, though, was that some of the notes didn’t seem very insightful. It was almost like some comments were meant to fill space, especially in the earlier songs. I started to see at trend of more comments in songs on the later albums and the older songs were sparser, which makes sense, but I feel like some comments were added just to make the older songs look just as “full.” I also felt like there could have been more songs added. An entire book could have been written on this just on The Tortured Poets Department. Overall, a very enjoyable experience. I just wish there was a bit more.

The premise of this poetry collection was interesting, treating Swift like a poet, however, the final product was a little underwhelming. Would make a good book to selectively skim through but not a cover to cover

4 stars ⭐️
I really enjoyed this!! the analysis of each album with each song was easy to follow and definitely gave me new insight into the storytelling of each album + songs on the album. there were a lot of common themes, especially that tied together from different albums and it was neat to see this invisible string! One thing I would’ve like tho is if the glossary appeared at the beginning of the book so i could’ve gotten an overview of each literary device beforehand going into each album/song, instead of the glossary appearing at the end of the book. otherwise, it didn’t take aware from the enjoyment so it would’ve a huge issue, just something small that would’ve been nice. Would totally recommend to all swifties out there but especially the ones who are interested in learning and diving deeper into each of Taylor’s narratives.

Thank you NetGalley for providing this copy in exchange for an honest review.
Taylor is one of my favorite artists and the dissection of her lyrics has always been a curiosity.
This book provides precisely that.
It was a surprise, and I've learnt that I'm not that far off on my independent interpretations.