I Love Taylor Swift: An Unofficial Fan Journal by Princess Gabbara

The Updated & Expanded Version!

Okay, I have to admit it: I’m not a hardcore Swiftie. I love music, so I’ve definitely enjoyed listening to her stuff ever since We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together showed that she was embracing her sense of humor and not taking herself too seriously any more (unsurprisingly, my sister thought that song was psychotic, but she would.) I did buy copies of Reputation (amazing) and Lover (meh) to play in the car before I figured out how to stream music from my phone (Midnights 3AM version is straight bangers,) and have followed Ms Swift’s career and personal life with interest. I don’t have the psychological make-up to obsess over her or the disposable income to attend her Eras tour, but I do think that she’s a positive influence on the zeitgeist, especially after the lawsuit she pursued against the DJ who thought he could get away with groping her. It’s genuinely refreshing how she continually and publicly stands up for people who don’t have the resources that she does, whether through fighting the patriarchy or taking on greedy corporate interests trying to profiteer off of creators, simply because it’s the right thing to do.

Which is to say that I’m absolutely a fan, and it’s awesome if you’re one, too. This unofficial journal is great for all levels of being into Taylor Swift, tho is arguably more valuable the more you care about her. As a more casual fan, I learned a lot of interesting things from it about the artist, her music and her personal life. I suspect, however, that it’s the journaling and inspirational parts of this book that will likely most appeal to die-hard Swifties.

Princess Gabbara has thoughtfully crafted a book that talks to the fan experience, rewarding the Swiftie attention to detail with her writing prompts and encouraging the kind of harmless daydreaming that serves as a nice, brief escape from the humdrum of daily life. The questions and blank spaces below them — as well as the coloring and scrapbooking pages — are meant to spark creativity in a positive way. Ms Gabbara also easily avoids going too far with her fandom: while Ms Swift’s romantic entanglements are mentioned, they’re discussed in tones free of both value judgments and salaciousness.

I really enjoyed going through this book, tho I also think I’m going to save it to gift to someone who’s a much bigger fan than I am. The journal itself is sturdy and elegantly designed, making it the perfect gift for the Swiftie in your life. It’s also worth paging through — before said Swiftie puts all their personal thoughts into it, ofc — for those who want to know what all the fuss is about.

I Love Taylor Swift: An Unofficial Fan Journal by Princess Gabbara was published November 5 2024 by Adams Media and is available from all good booksellers, including