Book Recommendations Based off of your Favorite Music Artist

You judge books by their covers, right? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there. But, what if I told you there was a better way to find your next read? One that didn’t include grabbing the most interesting spine and frantically skimming over synopsis after synopsis, only to discover the new book you chose is filled with all the worst tropes (cough cough miscommunication).

So, what’s the magic solution? A list of book recommendations curated to fit your exact music taste. Matching good music with a good book is the perfect afternoon, but it also gives a whole ‘going off of vibe’ thing that you can’t get by searching ‘top ten, enemies to lovers, mystery, historical fiction, money, power, glory, light academia books’. Yes, I too am a Lana Del Rey fan. So, without further ado here’s the list: 

Taylor Swift 

-The Midnight Library 

Tons of (accidental?) references. It’s as if Midnights was a book. Provides insightful reflections and solid material. The kind of book you would find in your local bookstore that jumps into your main bookshelf rotation after just one read.

- The Summer of Broken Rules

Also a ton of references but these are on purpose I believe. Less intensive than The Midnight Library and most of the other recs on this list. Sort of a fun summer read while on the go. It’s giving “Cruel Summer”. It’s just giving.

Olivia Rodrigo 

-A Good Girl's Guide to Murder 

It’s like, is this her next album? Seriously though I love the style Olivia’s taken on since her last album, it has a nice touch of pop-punk influence, which is basically edgy mainstream pop. So, if I were to take that style and make it into a book, it would be this one. 

-We Were Liars

I know you love the drama. Gonna be real honest, I haven’t read this one but my friend who’s a massive Olivia fan and a reader constantly recommends this. According to her it’s “More addictive than her situationship”. 

Lana Del Rey 

-The Secret History

I feel like this doesn’t need an explanation but, I’ll give it one anyways. It’s chaotic academia at its finest with a dark twist that gives the book a haunting vibe. Very, “Money, Power, Glory” with a touch of “Born to Die”. Warning: this book is so gripping you may have to cancel your plans in order to finish it. 

-The Dead Poets Society 

Yes, the movie came first. Yes, the movie is better. Yes, you still should read the book. Next question? Sort of a situation where the Secret History falls a bit flat this book excels. Characters you’ll fall in love with, beautiful relationships and a bittersweet optimistic feeling. More of a “Young and Beautiful” vibe. 

Hozier 

-The Song of Achilles 

A personal favorite of mine. Madeline Miller somehow managed to blend just the right mix of classical literature and contemporary romance to create a book filled with quote-worthy phrases and maybe a few tears. I think “Talk” by Hozier is the main reason I associate this book with Hozier fans, but it also contains the same beautiful tragedy that he portrays in his music. 

-A Picture of Dorian Gray

A bit of a rough one according to some, personally couldn’t get enough of it. It really helps you get into it if you do some research on who the author is, and like who am I kidding, you’re Hozier fans. Don’t tell me your search history doesn’t have at least one ‘True meaning of’ or ‘what does - symbolize’ in it. Also, Oscar Wilde would totally be a Hozier fan so it seems only fair. 

Harry Styles

-All the Bright Places 

Did someone say Harry’s house? Seriously though I think this sums up the bitterness mixed with the reverant love the album portrays perfectly. The romance in this book really hit me, because normally I’m not always a fan of teen demographic romance books. Turns out I was wrong. Just gonna say this book may be a romance but you won’t be laughing at the end. 

-Stargirl

Also a much lighter read than some of the other titles listed. Probably more of a single-sitting book, as the target demographic is a bit younger than most of these recommendations. That being said, I still adore this book, it holds the same place in my heart as books like Wonder and Maniac Magee (by the same author). Strong “Little Freak” vibes here.

Noah Kahan

-The Boys in the Boat 

Yes, it’s nonfiction. Get over it. It’s a hurdle I had to overcome as well. It’s got that perfect northern accent to an achingly beautiful story that takes place in historical Washington. What else do you want? 

-The Crossing

If you get it you’ll get it. I will be completely transparent here, not everyone’s going to like it. But, you guys probably will. It’s basically if “Orange Juice” and “Paul Revere” had a child, and then that child was raised in Texas. It’s good I promise. (P.S. It’s totally normal to Google the symbolism, I didn’t get it either)

Conan Gray 

-They Both Die at the End

This book is literally written for Conan. Like you can’t convince me it wasn’t planned how perfectly it aligns with Kid Krow. Extremely well-written, and narratively interesting, and the premise really gets you hooked. 

-All We Can do is Wait. 

Apparently, Conan Grey fans like kinda dark stuff. Don’t know what to tell ya. This one is sort of like the world’s longest cliffhanger but in the best way possible. Overlapping stranger's stories emerge and mix in the wake of a terrible accident. Some slightly predictable but very rewarding character developments gave it a special place in my heart. 

The Weekend

-Magnus Chase

I’m sorry I’m just assuming you’re a teenager with good taste. So here you go. While anything by Rick Riordan is objectively good, Magnus Chase is both insanely underrated and objectively the best. Magnus is like if you took Percy Jackson and sent him through three more years of high school before telling him he’s a demigod. A bit more pessimistic, chiller, but still loveable. Plus the Norse mythology is portrayed way more hardcore than the Greek stuff. 

-Warcross

Got that neon city vibe mixed with cool action and just a little romance. The whole premise sets you up for success with the story taking place in a video game tournament that ACTUALLY WORKS and doesn’t take away from the plot or characters.