Book pairings for every track on Taylor Swift’s “The Life of a Showgirl”

I hope that everyone has taken some time to listen, process, dance, bop, cry (if you are a firstborn like me), and just revel in the newest offering from one Taylor Alison Swift. I have listened to the album at least 13 times, made more friendship bracelets, went to the movie, exchanged what feels like hundreds of theories with my sister-in-law, and thrown out nearly all of the book and song pairings that I did early last week, thinking I would be ahead of the curve (note to self: stop trying to predict what Taylor will do; that is how you end up with a bunch of rom-com pics for Actually Romantic). She’s done it again!

And again, we’re bringing you another round of Taylor Swift book and song pairings, this time inspired by her dazzling new album, The Life of a Showgirl. All hits. No skips. And I think the same goes for all of these books as well! So, let’s keep it one hundred and get to the fate of your Libby TBR!

Track 1: “The Fate of Ophelia”
Book: Fair Rosaline by Natasha Solomons
🎧 Audiobook

I’m choosing to focus on the Shakespeare of all of this, and who doesn’t love a retelling that dares to ask us to change the ending that we all know and love(?).

In this book, we are reintroduced to Rosaline, who only gets a passing mention in Romeo and Juliet, but stars in this story as the person who sees the truth about Romeo and worries when he turns his attention to her young cousin, Juliet.

While not the “Love Story” that we might expect, this book shows that women can be fearless and pledge allegiance to each other.

Track 2: “Elizabeth Taylor”
Book: Big Fan by Alexandra Romanoff
🎧 Audiobook

Get ready to cry your eye violet and wonder if it’s forever with this swoony series starter.

After a scandal threatens her rise in the political world, Maya finds herself thrown back in time (not literally!) when her teenage boyband crush reaches out and offers her a way to bring both of their careers back, all while getting closer together.

Do you think it’s forever? Read on to find out!

Track 3: “Opalite”
Book: We’ll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida, transl. by E. Madison Shimoda
🎧 Audiobook

Everyone knows that Taylor’s other love is cats, so a book about finding joy with cats has to pair perfectly with a song about finding joy with others.

The Kokoro Clinic has the most unique treatment for its patients who are in need of the direst care: a cat to take home and watch their lives improve for the better.

Dance right through that lightning and add this to your TBR!

Track 4: “Father Figure”
Book: The Family by Naomi Krupitsky
🎧 Audiobook

I’ve been whispering, “I protect the family,” so many times to my daughter that I’m pretty sure she thinks I’m some kind of mafia don, but this song has me in its grip!

And speaking of families, this is the story of two women, best friends since birth, who build their empires as Brooklyn grows around them, while time tests their bond and trust.

Track 5: “Eldest Daughter”
Book: Maame by Jessica George
🎧 Audiobook

As an eldest daughter myself, this track hits HARD. It’s not just about the weight we carry—it’s also a powerful anthem for showing who we really are (and how we look fire).

After a lifetime of being the one who takes care of her parents, Maddie finally takes control of her own life, moves out, and begins to get to know who she really is outside of her family as her new freedom is put to the test.

When you finish this book, I guarantee it will feel like you’re home.

Track 6: “Ruin the Friendship”
Book: Summer Sisters by Judy Blume
🎧 Audiobook

Okay, so I’ve read this book about 4,000 times, and I am THRILLED that I finally have a good time to talk about it!

When they’re children, Victoria is chosen by the new girl at school, Caitlin, to travel to Martha’s Vineyard for summer vacation. Their lives are intertwined, love, lies, and all, from that day forward.

Reading this book is the best mistake.

Track 7: “Actually Romantic”
Book: Idol, Burning by Rin Usami, transl. by Asa Yoneda
🎧 Audiobook

This song is giving Mean Girls and toxic fandom and is playing in my brain at all times like a toy chihuahua barking at me.

Akari is the number one fan of J-pop band member, Masaki. When he’s accused of assault, she finds herself drawn deeper into her obsession with him as she struggles to know what’s true and what’s made up for those watching.

Just think of all the time you’ve spent and all the effort you’ve put in when you read this one.

Track 8: “Wi$h Li$t”
Book: Love Is a War Song by Danica Nava
🎧 Audiobook

Even the biggest pop stars sometimes dream about a driveway with a basketball hoop.

Avery Fox is a pop star on the decline. After her latest scandal, she heads home to her grandmother’s ranch on a reservation in Oklahoma, where she hopes to learn more about her heritage, perhaps with the help of the ranch hand, Lucas.

I hope you get what you want when you read this book!

Track 9: “Wood”
🎧 Audiobook: The C*ck Down the Block by Amy Award

It ain’t hard to see why everyone is talking about this song, and hopefully, they’ll be talking about all of the Kingman brothers soon (we all love brothers who play football)!

Librarian-next-door Trixie is gearing up for her high-school reunion. She finds herself blurting out that her new boyfriend (who definitely isn’t her boyfriend, but is quarterback for the Denver Mustangs) will be her plus one, not knowing that he’s been hoping to make things more than friendly with her for years.

I do understand that this also has “Ruin the Friendship” vibes, but the entire Kingmans series definitely fits into this song.

Track 10: “CANCELLED!”
Book: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
🎧 Audiobook

Never underestimate the power of a great female friendship, scandal and all.

When Fern arrives at a house for unwed mothers in St. Augustine, she and all of the girls there find themselves under scrutiny by the adults—until a librarian gives her a book on witchcraft which opens them up to power for the very first time.

Reading this book will certainly catch you having too much fun in the underworld, where it gets quite dark!

Track 11: “Honey”
Book: Fake It Till You Bake It by Jamie Wesley
🎧 Audiobook

Everyone needs to find another football book boyfriend to be their forever-night stand.

After Jada turns down her reality TV proposal, she crawls home and starts working at pro football player Donovan Dell’s bakery. That is, until they’re mistaken for a couple and both realize that a fake-relationship might help both of them get what they want (and each other!).

Sour-doughn't miss out on this great book!

Track 12: “The Life of a Showgirl”
Book: A Showgirl’s Rules for Falling in Love by Alice Murphy
🎧 Audiobook

We’ve reached our grand finale, and before we take a bow, we have one more read that is softer than a kitten.

When “thin” becomes “in” at the turn of the twentieth century, Evelyn Cross knows that she has what it takes, regardless of what people say makes a showgirl. Thomas Gallier, a man looking for his next star, agrees.

This one’s for all of our Libby Life readers, who are the most pretty and witty.

*Title availability may vary.

🎤 That’s our list! We love you so much! Goodnight (or morning or afternoon or whenever you’re reading this)!

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