‘Stars Around My Scars’ is a very thoughtful exploration of a selection of Taylor Swift songs, and how she uses the English language to evoke the emotions that she does through her songwriting.

I think that the way this book is laid out is gorgeous, and makes for such an engaging reading experience - almost like Taylor’s lyrics have been handed in for marking, with McClausland adding her analysis and insights into the songs, as if she’s scribbled in the margins. She points out different writing techniques, metaphors that Taylor frequently uses, and notes literary references that appear, among other things. Some songs get bonus text, delving into them deeper than the scribbles allow, and others also get more fleshed out essays.

I honestly found it quite educational - I know these songs like the back of my hand, but by learning, and understanding, how different writing techniques have been used, I feel like I’ve come to understand them on a deeper level, which is such a lovely thing - although, this is hardly surprising as it’s written by Dr. Elly McClausland, someone who’s well versed on this subject, as she teaches a university course on Taylor Swift’s songwriting. I’ve definitely come away from this book feeling a little bit more schooled on Taylor’s lyrics!

I highly recommend this book for any Taylor fan who’s looking to sink their teeth a little deeper into her discography.

Thank you to the publishers, and Netgalley, for the copy to review.

I wasn't sure when I saw this, but I was intrigued. I took a History of Rock and Soul class back in college and we analyzed a lot of lyrics. This reminded me of that. It was interesting and didn't feel as if I was reading some fan's opinions of what her lyrics mean. It was very informative and kept me engaged. Great book. I'd love to take one of Elly's classes!

I received an advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

I'm a massive Swiftie (Van N3!!) and have been since debut so obviously I had to check this out. I know as Swifties we're always clowning and looking for deeper reasons and hidden meanings in her lyrics so this was super fun to read through. I think it really highlights how clever and talented she is as a song writer even if her lyrics on a surface level appear to be simplistic.

I really enjoyed the format of this book! The author chose some of my favorite Taylor Swift songs to do a deep dive on and I appreciated her thoughtful commentary and analysis. I would recommend to other fans who are as invested in the lyrics of Taylor Swift as I am!

A good book for Swifties who also love literature! I liked the layout of this book, with the annotations of the songs, along with a short essay afterwards. It made it easy to digest the analysis and get a deeper meaning of each song. I'm also into the "lore" of who each song is about, but the author understandably doesn't include speculation about other people in her analysis. Overall I would recommend this to Taylor Swift fans who are looking to dissect her song lyrics more closely from a literary perspective. If you are more into speculation about the real events surrounding her songs, this may not be for you.

This book is for all the Poetry loving, Taylor Swift fans in your life. It was such a fine look at her music and lyrics through the close reading style we're all familiar with from our High School ELA classes. It gave me a new appreciatiation for some of Taylor's less popular songs.

Thank you Netgalley and the publisher for providing the arc in exchange for an honest review.

The author truly did justice to the mastermind that Taylor Swift is. Every song mentioned is explored in detail, highlighting its literary significance, alliterations, metaphors, and connections to Taylor's life and her other songs.

This book offers a deep insight into how brilliant of a writer Taylor is. I wouldn’t call it beginner level, as some of the lines reference other songs, but if you’re familiar with her music, it’s easy to follow. My favorite part was the analysis of the tracks from The Tortured Poets Department.

As an English teacher and Swifty, I loved this book. It took Swift's lyrics, annotating and analyzing the figurative language, imagery, and meaning of each (basically what I teach students to do with poetry). Nothing in here is groundbreaking relating to Taylor's biography, but rather, details the incredible writer that she is. If you like Taylor Swift and want to know more about the lyrics to her songs, you would appreciate this book.

Thank you NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read this book. The poetry about Taylor’s songs was absolutely amazing. I’ve been a Swiftie since the beginning and this book had me feeling all the feels.

Thank you Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book. These opinions are completely my own.

I enjoyed reading dr.mccausland's interpretation of Taylor's Lyrics. I also greatly enjoyed that she didn't only use the most popular songs, she even used vault songs, which was pretty neat.

as a swiftie i find it enjoyable to read about theories and fun facts. this book gave exactly what needed to be given

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.