Throughout the years there have been two key pilars of my identity that I have clung to. My love for music and my love for books. I know… the perfect recipe for middle school bullying and horrendously cringy pictures. Despite all of that, those two things have remained important to me and led me to where I am right now. (Fun fact: I work at a bookstore).
As I read a book, I have found that I associate music with it. I could easily write a series of articles, diving into the intricacies of these associations. But for the sake of you all, I decided to make a broader list.
I wanted to include so many more books, but again, let me spare you. Here are some of my favorite books/series and the tunes I associate with each of them (in no specific order.) For the sake of spoilers and ranting, I am going to avoid specific reasons behind the choices 🙂
The Dark Artifices series, by Cassandra Clare
Okay, maybe I lied about ranking, this is my absolute favorite series. I recommend it to anyone wanting some fantasy spice in their life. It definitely falls more into the Young Adult genre of books but is one of the most impressive fantasy universes I’ve ever read. Cassandra wraps you into the world so well you wouldn’t be surprised if it was real. Also my god the tears, so many tears
• ‘Apocalypse’ by Cigarettes After Sex
• ‘History’ by One Direction
• ‘Space Song’ by Beach House
• ‘Arms Tonite’ by Mother Mother
• Any classic 90’s rock/grunge music can be played throughout like 80% of the scenes and fit perfectly as well
A Court of Thorns and Roses series, by Sarah J. Maas
This is my second favorite series for sure. This follows the same fantasy route (more so with Faeries) and is perfect for any adult who guiltily still loves that genre. Sarah J. Maas has a way of putting you through every emotion possible in the span of one chapter but in the best way.‘Cupid’s Chokehold/Breakfast in America’ by Gym Class Heroes feat. Patrick Stump
• ‘Aint No Rest for the Wicked’ by Cage the Elephant
• ‘Glory and Gore’ by Lorde
• ‘You Should See Me in a Crown’ by Billie Eilish
• Rock. Any rock, Metallica/Led Zepplin/Guns n’ Roses specifically perfectly suit the vibe. These books are full of absolute badasses.
Call Me By Your Name by Andre Aciman
Forewarning, this book is just one long heartbreak, be prepared. Regardless of that, it is beautifully written, and the movie is almost as amazing. If you are looking for something to split your heart in two, this is it. (I’m really making this book sound miserable, but I promise it will make you believe in love again.)
• ‘Dancing Under the Stars’ by Taylortot
• ‘Champagne Problems’ by Taylor Swift
• ‘Break my Heart Again’ by FINNEAS
• Essentially any song that you listen to at 2 am and sob to, works here. Slow and painful.
Any of Edgar Allen Poe’s poetry or stories
If you know me, you know I absolutely adore Edgar Allen Poe. His work is equally cryptic and romanticized, taking the simplest emotions, and warping them into so much more. With darker overtones and drama, his work is on entire other levels. He is without a doubt my favorite poet (aside from some classic Robert Frost and Sylvia Plath of course.)
• ‘lovely’ by Billie Eilish and Khalid
• ‘From Eden’ by Hozier
• ‘Basket Case’ by Green Day
• Anything Billie Eilish or Flatsound really hits home while reading his work, more so his poetry.
We All Looked Up by Tommy Wallach
This book hasn’t gotten nearly as much attention as it deserves. Though the idea isn’t anything new, the story surpasses anything similar I have ever read. Taking you through countless perspectives and stories, you become wrapped into this whole other world and end up finishing the book in one night. And the character development!! Wow!
• ‘If the World Was Ending (Feat. Julia Michaels)’ by JP Saxe and Julia Michaels
• ‘Black Hole Sun’ by Soundgarden
• ‘Sign of the Times’ by Harry Styles
• This book suits every genre and feeling, though I recommend any song you would play in your last moments. (Dark I know.)
Have you ever read a book and imagined a song to be playing in the background? Or maybe listened to an artist and felt like it resonated with your favorite character? I suggest you make playlists for it! The entire feeling of reading a book changes, you become wrapped into another world this way. It is one of my favorite things to do and helps you connect with other readers so much more.
