As a huge Swiftie, I think this is such a fun, interesting read! Diving deeper into the lyrics of songs, it is easy to see Taylor Swift's evolution not only in eras of music but eras of writing. This book's format makes you feel like you're reading a person's journals, but in a good, educated way.

Though this was given as an e-book to me to review, I will be buying one to keep on the Swiftie Shelf on my bookcase to look at for years to come.

When I saw this I knew I needed it. I'm a huge Swiftie. It was interesting to see the authors thoughts on all of the different songs, and how songs intertwined with others. While it was cool to see, it didn't love it.

I loved this new look into Taylor Swift's lyrics, especially those from the Tourtured Poets Department. Many of the annotations connected lyrics to other songs, which I had not thought about before. I appreciated the analysis after the songs as well, as a summary to the annotations. So thankful I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, I really enjoyed reading this.

As a fan of Taylor Swifts lyrics and how she can weave a whole story into a simple 4 min song, I had really high hopes for the breakdown of said lyrics.
The book in and of itself is fairly easy to read if you’re an English major or have studied poetry. If not, you might need a dictionary or google for some of the terms used.
As much as I enjoyed the breakdown, some of it seemed like a stretch ? I get that it’s the authors interpretation of the lyrics but still. I also feel like they missed out on dissecting better songs than a few of the ones that were chosen, but that’s just me.

Dr. Elly McCausland presents an expansive literary deep dive into the songwriting of Taylor Swift. By methodically annotating Swift’s lyrics, McCausland builds a convincing case for considering them as poetry worthy of serious analysis.

McCausland, a professor of English literature and founder of the now-famous “English Literature (Taylor’s Version)” course at Ghent University, positions Swift as a 21st-century bard whose work resonates with literary traditions ranging from Shakespearean drama to Romantic poetry. The introduction addresses a persistent question among skeptics: Is Taylor Swift a poet? McCausland argues that Swift’s use of metaphor, rhyme, and layered storytelling proves she belongs in the same lineage as literary greats.

The book is structured around Swift’s discography, with each chapter dedicated to a specific album—from her self-titled debut to Midnights. McCausland unpacks themes of heartbreak, empowerment, and self-reinvention, all while pointing out literary references hidden in plain sight. For instance, the chapter on Fearless analyzes the famous track “Love Story,” noting its simultaneous embrace and subversion of Shakespeare’s *Romeo and Juliet*. McCausland also shines a spotlight on fan-beloved tracks like “All Too Well,” observing how a red scarf becomes not just a symbol of heartbreak but a talisman of memory and cultural mythology.

One of McCausland’s central insights is that Swift is a master of emotional imagery, using seemingly personal details—a cardigan, a string of lights, a spinning mirrorball—to evoke universal feelings. The book captures how Swift builds what the author dubs a "cinematic universe" within her lyrics, where recurring symbols create a sense of continuity and relatability for listeners.

McCausland also dissects how Swift navigates the murky waters of fame and personal narrative. The Reputation era, for example, is viewed as a declaration of autonomy in the face of public scandal, with McCausland showing how songs like "Getaway Car" use allusions to heists and betrayals to mirror real-life events. Meanwhile, Folklore and Evermore are celebrated for their experimental storytelling, turning Swift into a modern-day troubadour weaving fictional tales.

The author’s passion for poetic devices sometimes results in overly detailed dissections of straightforward lyrics, which could leave more casual fans yearning for broader thematic takeaways rather than line-by-line critiques.

Nonetheless, the book’s strengths far outweigh its occasional overreach. McCausland’s commentary on tracks like “You’re On Your Own, Kid” and “The Archer” highlights Swift’s rare ability to articulate loneliness and resilience with stunning precision.

In an era where the lines between "high" and "low" culture are increasingly blurred, McCausland’s work is a reminder that true storytelling transcends labels. Whether you’re a lifelong "Swiftie" or someone curious about her literary merit, Stars Around My Scars offers a fresh and thought-provoking perspective on one of music’s defining voices.

This is so fun and clever - a great read for a serious Swiftie! I liked the journal style of the book with annotations and reading about some of my favorite lyrics!

Long live the memories I’ve made listening to the lyrics of this woman’s songs for thousands of hours over the last 16 years! Oh, how I truly loved this.

Synopsis: A must-have book for all Swifties, “Stars Around My Scars: The Annotated Poetry of Taylor Swift” by Elly McCausland analyzes 46 of Swift’s songs line by line to help listeners understand and appreciate her songwriting abilities and literary connections. McCausland is a professor of English literature — and “Swifterature” — at Ghent University in Belgium, so she knows what she’s talking about when it comes to history, poetry and literary references.

This in-depth, well-researched book really took me by surprise, uncovering even deeper meanings to some of Swift’s most emotional and beloved songs. I. Learned. So. Much.

McCausland avoids speculating which songs are about specific people or relationships and instead focuses on how Swift’s songs draw from other works of art as well as her own discography. This is one book to buy — not borrow — and treasure for years to come.

Thank you to #NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for an advanced reader copy of #StarsAroundMyScars. To be published Jan. 28, 2025.

This is such a good book with great annotations to help analyze and understand Taylor's songs. I will 100% be using this in my classroom in the future, especially while studying poetry.

This is an absolutely beautiful and brilliant take on Taylor Swift’s work!

As a fan since her first album, I’ve always appreciated the intricacies of her lyrics, but I’m grateful that it has been annotated in such a way in this book to prove the legitimacy of her poetry and lyricism. Sure, Blank Space is catchy as all get out, and there are plenty of other songs that can be dismissed by the public as “just a pop song”. But you cannot argue the lack depth of her writing even from the beginning, and it only seems to grow deeper and more layered with each album.

The next time a “Brad or Chad” tries to tell you that she’s “just a pop artist”, I beg you to whip out this book and prove them wrong.

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my digital advance copy!

A beautiful read that is perfect for Taylor Swift fans. Gives insight and deepth to songs, along with facts swifties may not know! This read would be the perfect book to display and have on your coffee table to browse every night! Adored this book!

Okay, I am thoroughly impressed with this book itself I will definitely be recommending it to all my Swiftie friends.

Stars Around My Scars is a must-read not only for Taylor Swift fans but also for everyone interested in the intersections of music, art, literature, and popular culture. McCausland's analysis of Swift's selected lyrics is thought-provoking and nuanced.

I absolutely LOVED this. One of my majors in college was English, but the focus was more on literature.
I am also an OG Swiftie. Taylor's lyrics are unlike anyone else, so having a book that really broke down the complexities was super fun to read.
I even uncovered a few hidden Taylor Easter Eggs I hadn't know before.

Highly recommend for a Swiftie who wants a thought provoking look into Taylor's lyrics.

As a Taylor fan with a degree in English, it was so satisfying to read this and blend two of my worlds. I wouldn't mind reading analyses like this for every song.

2.5 ✰ stars

This was my first time reading a book about lyric analysis and it wasn’t totally what I was expecting. I don’t really have any strong feelings about this book (dislike or love).

I went into this expecting a lot more than what was on the pages. I was pretty bored throughout the majority of the novel. I felt like there just could’ve more to it. Like analysis of the albums/eras as a whole. Plus I would’ve loved to see some certain songs that just weren’t included in here.

It’s a very easy read and some of it is pretty interesting but other than that it kind of just fell flat to me.

Thank you to netgalley, for providing me with an ARC. As always, all thoughts are my own and are in no way influenced by early access to this title.

This book was so wonderful to read as a swiftie and opened my eyes so much more to the extent of meaning and literary devices in her songs. I think the song choices and format were both wonderful choices, ensuring that the text wasn't to clustered or daunting.

3.5 ⭐️ I enjoyed this book but I wouldn’t recommend to read it in one time because it can get boring. As a big swiftie I did enjoy it but I think if you don’t know these songs the book isn’t fun. It is a good remember that Taylor is a poet and how deep her songs are but I didn’t think this book was anything above 3.5 stars. I did like the use of the word swiftian. I want to thank NetGalley and the publishers for this arc. I would like to have the physical copy of this book so maybe I’m gonna buy it.

Favorite chapter: you are in love (also one of my favorite songs and my surprise song)

4.5 stars

A poetic literary analysis of Taylor Swift’s beautifully complicated lyrics, complete with a glossary of terms so we can follow along as Dr. McCausland, professor of English Literature and fellow Swiftie, notes the different techniques, themes, and literary references Swift employs in her songwriting. Not only is the analysis itself fascinating, you’ll be inspired and encouraged to dig deeper into your favorite songs, interpreting them as they resonated with your experiences and emotions. 

This is a book every Swiftie will want on their shelf, and can illuminate the depth of Swift’s work to those who might think she only writes about one thing. I especially enjoyed the way Dr. McCausland’s notes were presented - seemingly handwritten into the margins of the lyric sheets, ideas flowing along with each song. It would be fun to follow her example and annotate our own insights.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance ebook of this work for review purposes. This one will be in stores on January 27.

Stars Around My Scars by Dr. Elly McCausland is a must-read for anyone who sees Taylor Swift as more than just a pop star—it’s a celebration of her artistry as a poet and storyteller. McCausland’s line-by-line analysis of 46 songs from across Swift’s career blends literary insight with fan appreciation, making it perfect for both casual listeners and devoted Swifties.

While some might wish for deeper dives into themes spanning multiple eras, the book strikes a thoughtful balance, offering accessible but meaningful commentary on Swift’s lyrics. With its focus on poetic technique, literary allusions, and the deeper craftsmanship in Swift’s work, Stars Around My Scars solidifies her place as one of this generation’s most significant artists.

Thank you to NetGalley for letting me read this before it came out! I really enjoyed reading this and learning more about the songs and their potential meaning. It was an easy read and is perfect for any Taylor Swift fan who wants to learn more about the potential meaning behind the lyrics. I wish there had been more songs chosen to dissect but loved that so many popular songs were chosen.