I received a sample of this guided journal, and it was so cool. I’m a big Swiftie, so it was really neat to connect her lyrics to some of the great literary classics. I especially loved the “SwiftsNotes” since I haven’t read all of the classics that are included. This is a great addition to any Swiftie’s library! Thank you to Watkins Publishing and NetGalley for the sample. I can’t wait to experience the whole book!

This is an absolutely gorgeous guided journal. It brings together Taylor Swift lyrics with classic literature in a wonderful interactive format. I was blown away by how mesmerising and enchanting the illustrations were. They really enhanced the luxury feel of this journal with the silk ribbon. There are ten themes within it that cover a number of different classic pieces of literature such as The Great Gatsby, The Picture of Dorian Grey and The Crucible. Each section has prompts to help you journal, reflect and be creative in a very accessible way. I am a massive Swiftie and reader. This book brought together two of my big loves in such a wonderful way. To quote Taylor it is all about those ‘Invisible Strings’. It really emphasised how deep Taylor’s lyrics are and there is so much thought behind the words she has been writing for almost two decades. This is the perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life!

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.