Dear Reader: An Immersive Literary Journey Through Taylor Swift’s Lyrics

by Viktoria Capek

Based on the viral, sold-out 10-week course, this beautiful journal will take you deeper into the literary world of Taylor Swift's lyrics.

Dive into the literary world of Taylor Swift like never before. Between the pages of this interactive journal, you will meet iconic characters of classic literature, soak up the magic of folklore and fairytales, delve into the imagery of tortured poets, and so much more.

Organised by theme, enter the library of Taylor and become an expert in her canon, from the unreliable narrator of The Great Gatsby, the feminism of The Bell Jar or the social commentary of The CrucibleIf you haven't read the books, no problem! SwiftNotes give you a crash course of each literary workDeep dive into each topic with prompts, questions and invitations to create, doodle and dream, making this a private diary just for youDiscover even more easter eggs with the Music Video Muse, which explains the visual storytelling behind Taylor's music videosWith all your bookish knowledge, write your own lyrics, or even create your own Taylor Swift book club with friends

Genres: Nonfiction

264 pages, Paperback

Published September 9, 2025

Reviews

[Beatrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan, so I was excited to read this. You can imagine my disappointment and confusion when I realized it wasn't the full book but just a sample; I don't know if it was my mistake, but the description of the book on Netgalley doesn't mention a sample (this didn't affect my rating tho).
Anyway the idea of the book is really good, I loved the interactive prompts and questions, but I expected the author to analyze the lyrics more deeply. The concept is great and the illustrations are beautiful, I should definitely check the full book out in the future.

Thank you Viktoria Capek, Watkins Publishing and Netgalley

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC!

Viktoria Capek’s Dear Reader is such a fun take on lyrical analysis. I loved how easy everything was to follow, especially during the “Swift Prep” and “Swifts Notes” sections. For example, this history of Romanticism in chapter two provides the reader with a broad enough understanding to connect with the ideas in Taylor’s lyrics, yet it doesn’t feel like you’re reading from a textbook. I do think some of the questions/prompts were a bit inane. The prompts asking you to simply write down a specific lyric from a song could have been excluded, especially if the idea is for the reader to be listening to the songs as they go through this book.

Bonus because the layout and design of this book is very cute and pleasing to look at.

[Mariana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an interesting and delightful read. I’ve always loved Taylor Swift and I’ve always loved books, so seeing those two passions combined felt like a treat. I really enjoyed all the facts and the clever connections the author made between Taylor’s music and literature—it not only helps you appreciate her songs on a deeper level, but also lets you discover and learn through the music itself.

The illustrations were another highlight for me; they’re charming and add so much personality to the book. Overall, it’s the kind of read that makes you want to go back to Taylor’s albums with fresh eyes (and ears) and fall in love with them all over again.

[Ann T · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for an ARC of this book.

Reading, romanticism and Taylor Swift. And what a perfect release date as she became engaged yesterday!
This is a great book which digs into the lyrics of Taylor Swift and explores links to literature greats such as Shakespeare and Bronte.

Beautifully illustrated and a lovely engaging book with loads of reflective questions to really draw “Dear Reader” in. I loved the comparisons and opportunities to find Taylor’s “Easter Eggs” in her lyrics. This really is the perfect book for romantic Swifties and will be a lovely gift for fans and book lovers alike.

Thank you for the opportunity to read this great book and provide my honest opinion. . .

[Dee Hancocks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dear Reader is a gorgeously presented journal from the sample I have received. Perfect for lovers of literature and Taylor Swift. The tortured poets through time link in and influence each other beautifully to prompt you today. It shows us that language written, spoken or sung is so emotive and powerful. This is also partly just about vibes and some prompts very simple, but this makes it fun and you can go on exploring as deep as you want to go. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy. This is a voluntary review of my own thoughts.

[Jas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is deeper and more sophisticated than I expected. Being a non-swifty, it helped me to better understand Taylor and her music, and appreciate it. Found amazing depth in her music and appreciation of the music. The swiftie are going to love this book. Viktoria, thanks.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the abbreviated ARC. This is a really cute book/journal for Swifties. The writing style seems geared toward middle schoolers rather than adults, but I liked it. It brought up some fun parallels in Taylor’s lyrics and how they relate to classic works like Romeo and Juliet and Wuthering Heights. I think the full length book is probably really fun, and would make a great gift!

[Nathalie Najibi · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Dear Reader” by Viktoria Capek is a dreamy, bookish journal that almost made me believe Taylor Swift moonlights as a literature professor. Almost.

I went into this with high hopes and a cup of tea—ready to be swept into a cozy, lyric-laced library curated by Swift herself. And in many ways, Dear Reader delivers. It’s gorgeously illustrated, thoughtfully structured, and brimming with literary references that feel like secret handshakes between Swifties and bookworms. Capek’s concept is brilliant: unpacking Taylor’s lyrics through the lens of classic literature, from The Bell Jar to The Great Gatsby, and inviting readers to reflect, doodle, and journal their way through each theme.

The best parts?

The SwiftNotes—bite-sized summaries of each referenced book—are a lifesaver if you haven’t read the classics.

The Music Video Muse sections add a fun visual layer, decoding the storytelling behind Taylor’s videos.

And the prompts? Some are genuinely moving. I found myself scribbling down thoughts I hadn’t realized I’d been carrying, especially in the sections on unreliable narrators and heartbreak tropes.

But here’s where the 3.5 stars come in.

As much as I adored the concept, the execution sometimes felt uneven. A few prompts leaned too heavily on surface-level connections, and I wished for deeper dives into the literary themes—especially when the lyric-literature parallels were so rich. There were moments where I felt like Capek was almost about to say something profound, but then pulled back into safer territory. I wanted more risk, more emotional excavation.

Also, while the journal is pitched as interactive, some sections felt more like a guided tour than a conversation. I craved more space to interpret, remix, and respond in my own voice. That said, when Capek does lean into that intimacy—those moments where she writes like a friend dissecting lyrics at midnight—it absolutely sings.

Would I recommend it? Yes, especially as a gift for the Swiftie in your life who also hoards annotated paperbacks and bookmarks like treasure. It’s a love letter to fandom, to literature, and to the kind of emotional storytelling that makes you feel seen. Just know going in: it’s more cozy cardigan than Reputation edge.

[Natasha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should in theory love everything about this....
Taylor Swift ✔️
Disecting song lyrics ✔️
Literary themes ✔️
Journalling ✔️
But it was an absolute ❌

There are other Swiftie inspired journals out there which are better put together. If this had been what I was hoping it would be, it would have made great birthday/ Christmas gifts for people I love but it just wasn't put together very well. In my opinion.

The featured journalling questions were not prompts, but nearly all closed questions. Leaving the reader no possibility to explore themes, shutting down the creative process of journalling. Most of the questions had "answers" which any Swiftie would know it made it seem a bit like a magazine article in a teen magazine. A Q&A is fine, but throw in some more unusual questions and either scatter throughout in addition to the journalling parts or put in another section of the book.

The reason for 2*
When I requested to review this book I didn't realise it was a sample (and from other people's reviews I'm obviously not the only one) so it is hard to rate and review a book based on a sample. If I see this in the library when it's released I will have a look and adjust my review if it makes a difference viewing the book as a whole. But if it is the same format throughout as in the sample it will probable be a 1. I would not recomend the book based on the sample I have read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Watkins Publishing and Viktoria Capek for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. It's a shame I didn't like it more.

[Tarah Micka · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Dear Reader by Viktoria Capek is an enchanting journey through Taylor Swift’s lyrics that immediately captured my heart—right from the front cover! I love how aesthetically pleasing the entire book is, with beautiful illustrations that make it a true visual delight. As someone who, at around 38ish, still finds herself obsessively researching Taylor’s lyrics (hello, Easter eggs!), I was all in from the start.

Although I didn’t use the journal prompts because I have the digital copy, I genuinely appreciate this fun and interactive aspect for those who enjoy writing. The book’s breakdowns, like the Swiftnotes, are incredibly helpful and add a layer of depth to the lyrics. It’s a perfect blend of music, literature, and art.

This book is definitely tailored for the sophisticated Swiftie who also has a love for reading and writing. I thoroughly enjoyed Viktoria Capek’s engaging writing style and the clever connections made between Taylor’s lyrics and classic romance novels. The inclusion of a historical element woven throughout the book adds even more richness to the experience.

I am so impressed that I plan to purchase the physical copy because this book is truly a keepsake and a beautiful addition to any fan’s collection. If you’re a devoted Swiftie who loves literature and aesthetics, this is a must-have!

Thank you to Watkins Publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read this sample ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is slated to come out on 09/09/2025.

[Katie Valentine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally CANNOT WAIT to get my hands on a full copy of Dear Reader. This sampler was outstanding. I have been a Swiftie since the beginning. Taylor and I are only 22 days apart in age so I have grown up and experienced over half of my life with her music. She puts into words all the thoughts and feelings I have but don't have the words to express. So I was very excited to review this sample of Dear Reader. Dear Reader is a fantastic exploration into the themes and literary influences in Taylor Swift's music. The prompts for reflecting on the themes are very well crafted prompts and do a great job at evoking deeper thought into Taylor's lyrics. The book is also like a journal too as it allows the reader to not only reflect on the themes in the songs but also the emotions that the lyricism evokes in the reader. I know every Taylor song by heart and I appreciated that the prompts allowed me to listen to the songs with fresh ears and think about them in new ways. It just deepened my love for the 5 songs discussed in the sample and I just cannot wait to experience that fresh take with the rest of the songs included in the book. Based on the sample, I will definitely be recommending this book to all of my Swiftie friends and bookshops my brand works with!

Thank you NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the sample ARC of Dear Reader.

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Only 35 of anticipated 264 page book were available for the advance review.

I know that Swifties will be all over this book.

I'm not a Swiftie. I felt that the sample pages that I reviewed were basically a high school English exam where you are required to fill in your own thoughts and feelings. Some basic information is provided ... like some details about the play Romeo & Juliet or Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte. Then quite a bit of "blank space" (pun intended) after "fill in the second line from the third verse of this song" and answer this question.

Lots of graphics and illustrations.

I was curious about the book, but I'm definitely not the target audience.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for approving my request to read 13% (haha) of Dear Reader in exchange for an honest review. Publication date of Sept 9 is expected.

[Jessisquishy ➰ · Rating 3 out of 5]

First I want to thank Netgalley for letting me read an ARC of this book. Since I'm a huge Taylor Swift fan I had high expectations for this book and though I liked it, I thought that it was going to be more focused on the actual lyrics than in the vibe of the songs.

For anyone that doesn't know in this book the author compares some romantic books, XIX romantic, to Taylor Swifts songs. If you haven't read those books it doesn't matter, because the author gives us a summary of the relevant parts, which makes it way easier to follow. I also liked that it doesn't feel like a textbook and that you can interact with it by sharing your own thoughts. I would also like to mention that the art in this book is absolutely astonishing.

[Crystal Bearden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This would be a great addition to the library of a Swiftie who's new to literary analysis. The prompts and questions accompanying each entry are thought-provoking without going too deep, allowing the reader to relate to lyrics on whatever level they choose. Truly "meeting the reader where they are" is an excellent way to get less-experienced readers interested in reading critically.

As a more experienced reader, I was hoping for more depth to the Taylor Swift references chosen for showcasing, but it would take a thirteen-volume encyclopedia to highlight every known easter egg.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this title.

[Danielle McFadden · Rating 2 out of 5]

As a massive Taylor Swift fan I was so excited to read this ARC. The art work is beautiful throughout and I liked the fun interactive prompts, as well as the synopsis of the books if you haven’t read them. Sadly I was left disappointed as it didn’t really deep dive into any lyrics and more just a “vibe” of a song. There wasn’t really any Taylor Swift Lyrics in it and some of the connections were a slight reach. Overall I love the concept and the idea of dissecting Swift’s lyrics, I was just not a huge fan of the execution.

[Erin Keller · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the chance to read Chapter 2 of Dear Reader by Victoria Capek, and it’s left me eager for more. Chapter 2 discusses how Romanticism and Taylor Swift's lyrics are interconnected. I love the deep dive into the literature that inspired the lyrics. It brings a new depth to the songs I already love.

I’m holding back one star only because this is just a sample and I can’t yet judge the full scope of the book. I anticipate it will be a standout. I’m looking forward to reading the full version!

Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the review sample.

[Jodim Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a guide for analyzing Taylor Swifts song writing. You can use it on your own, but I am using it as part of the author’s Zoom course of the same name. I have enjoyed Taylor’s music since her first hit but have become more of a true Swifty with her more recent albums. I’m drawn to singer/songwriters and view their songs as another form of literature. Dear Reader is specific to Swift but could easily be used as a model for analyzing other artist’s body of work. I’d love to see youth introduced to lyric analysis as a way to get them more into reading and cultural analysis.

[Claire Druschel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a sample arc from NetGalley. I think exploring Taylor’s literary references is such an interesting idea, but I wish it the book went into more depth. I felt a little surface level. I also think the journal/question prompts were fun but there were a lot of them. I think there could have been a better balance between questions and explaining Taylor’s literary references. Though I only read the sample maybe there’s more explanation in the back half.

[Kailee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dear Reader is a fun comparison between Taylor Swift lyrics and classical literature. I think this would be a great way to introduce people to the classics through a form of media they already enjoy! Unfortunately I was given only one chapter to rate, and therefore I cannot give a very full rating, but the one chapter was fun! There are questions about lyrics and how they compare, illustrations, and playlists! Can't wait to see the rest!

[Alejandra Martin ~ Lexi Likes to Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

This beautifully illustrated guided journal is a must-have for Swifties and book lovers alike. With themed prompts inspired by the literary works that influence Taylor Swift’s lyrics, it offers a cozy, creative space to reflect, write, and explore. Even if you haven't read the classics, SwiftNotes give you the perfect crash course. From visual easter eggs to lyric-writing inspiration, this journal turns Taylor’s literary world into your own. It's thoughtful, gorgeous, and totally magical.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the perfect gift for a swiftie. The illustrations are great and the links between Taylor’s music and great romantic writers made perfect sense. The prompts are approachable. I appreciated that the author also gave a background on the stories they’re referencing in case someone hasn’t read it.

Thank you NetGalley for sharing an e-version with me so that I could write a review.

[Zoe Wilkes · Rating 1 out of 5]

i was to the first 2 chapters of this book through netgalley, not the full novel. overall i found this quite boring it has a stronger focus on generalised themes used in songwriting not just taylor swift then vaugly linking it back to her. it reads like she was used like clickbait. if your a swifie looking for a deep dive into her lyrics this isnt for you.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this deep dive into Taylor Swift’s lyrics. It was beautifully illustrated and provided thought provoking analysis on Swift’s varied and vast works. Disappointed to find out this is merely a sample, as I don’t recall the posting being just a sample, but nonetheless this was lovely and I enjoyed the concept.

— Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins for the ARC —

[Samantha Balentyne · Rating 3 out of 5]

***Thank you @NetGalley and @AngryRobotBooks for this ARC. My review is true to what I’ve experienced and not generated elsewhere.***

I was incredibly excited to read this book since I’m a huge Taylor Swift fan! What I was able to sample, was really well written. It did feel more like a research paper for a college class but honestly it was so good to learn so much more about the comparisons to past literature. I believe this novel has a lot going for it and will do well with other fellow fans. I’m excited to see what other books this author has up their sleeve!

[Magen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun! Really beautifully laid out and a must have for Swifties who want to creatively linger in the literary aspects of Taylor Swifts work. Really lovely, I can't wait to get my own physical copy.

Thank you to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Sweetmusicwoman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley for the chance to read this arc. It was fun and cute. As someone who loves Taylor Swift and books, this was perfect for me.

[Destynie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Viktoria created such a beautiful, engaging, and thoughtful book and I highly recommend it to any Swiftie friends who'd enjoy analyzing her lyrics from different perspectives.

[Elisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a sample of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Reader is a beautifully designed guided journal that blends literary exploration with Taylor Swift’s lyrics in a way that feels both playful and thought-provoking. Structured around ten themes - from the windswept passion of Wuthering Heights to the feminist undercurrents of The Bell Jar - Viktoria Capek sets up each section with “SwiftPrep” introductions, accessible literary summaries and journaling prompts that invite the reader to pause, reflect and make connections of their own. The result is less like reading an academic text and more like being gently guided through a cosy, book-lined conversation.

What I loved most was how approachable it felt. Even when the references reached into the classics, the SwiftNotes kept things clear and digestible, so I never felt out of my depth. The prompts struck a nice balance between fun and reflective - they encouraged me to think about lyrics in a new light without tipping over into heavy analysis. The design also deserves a mention: the illustrations, layout, and overall presentation make it feel like a keepsake as much as a journal.

That said, the focus here is definitely on inspiration and interaction rather than deep literary or lyrical critique. Some prompts leaned a little basic, and at times the connections between song and text felt more about capturing a vibe than unpacking meaning. But for me, that was part of its charm. I enjoyed the lightness and the creative freedom it left me as a reader.

Overall, Dear Reader is a delightful, interactive companion for anyone who loves journaling and wants to explore Taylor Swift’s music through a literary lens. It won’t give you dense essays or exhaustive analysis, but it will give you space to reflect, doodle and play with ideas in a visually enchanting format. A perfect gift for Swifties and book lovers alike.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Watkins Publishing for the opportunity to read a sample. All thoughts are my own.