by Jenny Han

Album: Fearless

Lyric: “I’m trying so hard not to get caught up now...”

Fearless is Taylor’s sophomore album (released in 2008, and the most awarded album in the history of country music). Not only did we see a slightly more grown up (but still very fetal) Swift, but we also got hits such as “Fifteen,” “Love Story,” and “You Belong With Me.” As with any good art, this album takes you on a roller coaster of emotions, but there’s just something about it that remains sweet, heartwarming, and full of feeelsssss….

…..a lot like To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before by Jenny Han (see what I did there?). This cute story is about sixteen-year-old Lara Jean, who writes letters to boys she has feelings for (kind of like a certain songwriter we know and love). Of course, she has no intention of ever mailing the letters and instead keeps them in a special box that her late mother owned. One day, her worst nightmare comes true: the letters (all five of them) have somehow been sent out, and now she has to deal with the aftermath. Luckily for her, some good may come out of this (in the form of one very lovable boyfriend).

The main lyrics that come to mind for this novel are: “We’re driving down the road/I wonder if you know/I’m trying so hard not to get caught up now/But you’re just so cool…” (from “Fearless”). In the song, Taylor sings about a romantic interest that made her feel brave and open and well...fearless. And that’s exactly what happens to Lara Jean, especially the part about herromantic interest being “just so cool.” Another fitting track from the album is “The Best Day,” a song that Taylor wrote for her mom to show how much she means to her and how much she’s done for her. The situation in the novel isn’t exactly the same but family is definitely a very important theme.