I have preface this by saying I have been obsessed with Taylor’s music ever since I had internet access. So I’ve done my fair share of analysis into her lyrics. This is went deeper in some areas than I expected it would while still being surface level enough to appeal to people who aren’t well versed in her music. Pretty enjoyable read throughout.

You will need to have google or dictionary handy for a lot of the terms used. Not something anyone can just pickup and read.

I enjoyed Drs dissections and interpretations of Taylor’s work. It explained things clearly. I learned a lot of new words like antiprosopopoeia or dialogismus.

This is absolutely BEAUTIFUL and is the perfect book for any swiftie or anyone who is interested in lyrics, songwriting, or poetry. It’s so intricate and well- thought. I loved it!! I can’t wait to get a hard copy for my shelf.

This annotated poetry book based on Taylor Swift was absolutely incredible to read. I’m not someone who’s usually into poetry so it was something new for me but mixed in with one of my favorite music artists. I loved seeing some of my favorite lyrics resonate with people in similar ways and expressed through poetry. This is such a cute read and i loved seeing Taylor mixed in with the art of writing!

Thank you to the publisher for the early review copy, my opinions are my own.

This analytical text breaks down some of Taylor Swift's most complex songs with an eye on the lyrical/poetical structure and giving insightful information into poetry as a literary subject. The author is known for the fact that she built an entire course on the poetry of Taylor and from the attention to detail in the selected songs, I would absolutely would have loved to take a college course on this. I came out of my reading knowing more about poetry and an even deeper appreciation of Taylor's skill with writing.

Recommend for Taylor enthusiasts and poetry lovers.

Stars Around My Scars by Elly McCausland brilliantly highlights Taylor Swift’s songwriting as modern poetry. Through insightful annotations and literary analysis, McCausland showcases the depth, nuance, and artistry in Swift’s lyrics. Perfect for swifties - such as I - and literary enthusiasts alike, this book elevates Swift’s work and celebrates her storytelling prowess.

I cannot express how much I enjoyed this book and how much I look forward to having it on my personal shelf!

I, like most (if not all) Swifties, love reading into Taylor Swift's lyrics and picking apart her songs. As an English major, this task is even more fun when I'm able to identify literary figures of speech. This book combines those two loves perfectly.

From synecdoche to zeugma, Taylor Swift employs so many powerful devices to convey emotions through her music.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a digital copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinions.

Love love love love love this book!! It’s so so cool to see an in depth analysis of Taylor’s lyrics throughout the years!!!! Absolutely recommend this to every swiftie ever!!!

This wasn't *exactly* what I was expecting but it was definitely interesting. Any Swiftie who also loves English or majored in English would appreciate this and it would make a great gift! I think I was hoping for a little bit more of a theoretical breakdown than the very literal one presented here (examples of alliteration, etc. annotated). Definitely still enjoyable and a good break from my usual reading!

Thank you Netgalley, the publisher and the author for providing this arc!
-3 stars-

As a Taylor Swift fan, this was a fun read. I particularly loved the song analysis at the end. While it wasn't surprising to me, I think it would be a great resource for new fans, those curious about her songwriting, or even superfans who enjoy diverse perspectives on her music.

This was not quite what I expected but was an interesting read, and analysis of some of Taylor’s songs. I think it’s amazing that she is such a cultural phenomenon that there are actual college courses dedicated to her poetry. I liked that there was no mention or speculation about who the songs could be about and tied songs together in a way that I would not have thought of. Overall, if you’re looking for a deep dive into Taylor’s lyrics/poetry, t is the book for you.

This was an arc.
This book is truly dedicated to Swifties sure. But if you are a girly who loves poetry, this book is for you..
It doesn’t only take that theory about Taylor Swift being at truly poet besides being a songwriter.
This book takes a couple of songs from each era of Taylor Swift career and analyze the lyrics of the songs based on the rules or the types of poetry. which means you get a different side to the songs and like a little bit of explaining of the metaphors that she used to write songs.
But the side of analysis the meaning behind the lyrics of the song doesn’t surprise much if you are a swiftie because you practically now it, that Taylor sings about her life and inspire herself through literature in general.
I think is a really pretty book to add to your collection if you like poetry and Taylor Swift

As a Taylor fan and lover of her lyrics, this was such an amazing book! I loved the break down, notes and potential meanings behind some of Taylor's best lyrics.

As a high school English teacher who frequently has her students break down music as poetry, this book was PERFECTION! McCausland's annotations of each song and the subsequent analysis is exactly the type of thing I get my students to do. I have so many students who are Swifities, so I will definitely NEED a copy of this for my classroom!

I really enjoyed this one. It was hard to put down. It kept me wanting more. The characters are amazing! And I love the title and the story line. Such an amazing book! I love tata

As a book lover, english teacher and second language learner there's nothing I love more than learning about writing and meaning and significance in writing. Except of course, Taylor Swift.

Luckily for me, this book dives head first into Swift's writing in a deep analyis that scratches that good part of my brain that's reserved for poetry and academics.

In a very well thought and planned out path through Swift's discography, McCausland points and signals on the lyrics, marking the points of interest and the literary figures she employs. In a very swiftie style and with a pink pen, this points of interest make the experience of this song one even deeper.

This is the perfect book for every swiftie ♥

A very in depth look at some of Taylor's most poetic songs. As a huge swiftie ND someone who enjoys analyzing her songs, I really loved reading this. I didn't always agree with line interpretations, (which is probably what Taylor would want, us being able to interpret songs differently depending on our life experiences) but it was still so enjoyable to read. I especially enjoyed the Evermore and TTPD sections. Those songs are lyrical works of art.

Is Taylor Swift a poet? Absolutely, she is!

I loved this book! As an over-analyzer myself, I’m always captivated by the way Taylor Swift weaves her stories into the world. But this book takes it to the next level.

It dives deep into the meaning behind the lyrics, unraveling the metaphors, symbolism, and Taylor’s artistic evolution over the years. The detailed analysis offers a richer understanding of her creative process and the layers within her songwriting.

If you’re passionate about music and poetry, this book is a must-read. And for Swifties? You definitely don’t want to miss it!

I took my sweet time, reading it two songs a day but it could have been a much faster read!

Thank you netgalley for the opportunity to read this amazing book, this is my honest review.

I already knew Taylor was a lyrical Mastermind, but Elly McCausland's annotations really made me realize Taylor is a poet as well. The author chose a variety of songs from each album to annotate, pointing out the various poetic aspects to the lyrics.

Though I did enjoy this book, it did give me some minor flashbacks to my high school AP English days of over analyzing books read in class. I feel like the majority of the conclusions the author drew were valid, while others felt like a bit of a stretch. My main grievance with the book, though, is the varying layouts that the analyses were presented. Most songs were annotated and then an analysis summarizing the annotations was at the end. But there were a few songs where the analysis was written out and inserted within the lyrics. Not a huge deal overall, but it did feel a little jarring.

This is the book for the Swifties! I had a marvelous time reading about my favorite lyrics. I feel like this is a book I will reread many times just like I continuously listen to the music and each time I’ll notice something new that blows my mind! I 100% recommend this to Taylor fans, especially those who are fascinated by the poet that is Miss Americania herself! Thanks to the author, Net Galley, and the publisher for the ARC!!