Let’s be real: it was only a matter of time until I did this tag. Books and music? That’s my bread and butter. Basically, each item has an overarching topic and two different questions: one for a song and one for a book. I’ve been itching to do this tag and today seemed like a good day to do it and so here we are. Let’s take a look into the window to my soul.
- MY JAM: A song you MUST listen to every time it comes on, no matter how old or how many times you’ve listened to it/A book you’ll never get sick of
Song: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers. I also have to sing along to it every time. It’s the law.
Book: Harry Potter by JK Rowling. Sorry to be predictable but… it’s the only book that could fit this question. It’s been my number one since I was a kid. I’ll always love Harry Potter, whether I’m nine or ninety-nine.
- THROWBACK: A song that reminds you of the cringiest time of your life/A book that also reminds you of this time (or just something you wouldn’t like as much if you picked it up for the first time now)
Song: “Too Cool” from Camp Rock. Despite my borderline emo nature, I still loved Disney Channel when I was in high school. And this song was my ringtone for like five straight months. And like, I genuinely loved this song. I know realize that, as far as Tess Tyler songs go, “2 Stars” is far superior. But this song will always remind me of a fifteen-year-old girl with black hair and no shame.
Book: The Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith. While I do want to reread the first few books, I now in my heart I won’t love them like I did in high school. I’m sure I’ll find problems with it and won’t think the writing is as good. But I adored this series back then. I read it over and over again, I loved it so much. Due to this, it’ll always mean something to me deep down.
- REPLAY: A recent song you have on repeat right now/A recent favorite book
Song: “Feel it Still” by Portugal. The Man. I don’t really even know why I love this song. I just do. It makes me get up and dance.
Book: Warcross by Marie Lu. I’ve loved all of Marie’s books, but I think this one may be her best yet. It has lots of potential for morally gray situations and has great characters. I am eagerly anticipating the sequel next year.
- GETS ME: This song IS ME/This book is me in book form
Song: “Hello” by Kelly Clarkson. This song perfectly explains how I’ve felt for years. It talks about loneliness and depression, but also still has a little hope. Kelly believes it’s possible someone will “show [her] that [she’s] not alone,” and so it’s possible for me too. And hey, it actually happened for her not too long later. So… my time is coming (I hope).
Book: The Rest of Us Just Live Here by Patrick Ness. This book embodies two major things about me: coping with anxiety and dreaming of living in a magical world without the pressure of having to save the world. I read this book way back in January and it really resonated with me because of this. It’s stuck with me ever since. Truly, I don’t understand why this is one of Patrick’s least popular books. Or perhaps, that’s just another reason why The Rest of Us Just Live Here is me as a book.
- WUT: A song that is weird but you like anyway/A unique book that stuck out to you for whatever reason
Song: “Rock Lobster” by The B-52’s. I mean, if we’re talking about awesome weird songs, this one really takes the cake. It’s downright bizarre. I don’t even know what it’s about. And yet it’s so fun to sing along to. Definitely check it out—it’ll be the strange jam you never knew you needed.
Book: Shade, the Changing Girl, Vol. One: Earth Girl Made Easy by Cecil Castellucci. Not only is the story strange, but the art is trippy as hell. It’s definitely one of the weirder and more unique things I’ve read in my life.
- LET’S GO: Best pump up song (for workouts or just life)/A book that inspired you
Song: “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” by Shania Twain. I mean, the song starts off with the lyrics, “I’m going out tonight/And I’m feeling alright.” Plus, that guitar? Amazing. I feel pumped just thinking about it.
Book: Staying Strong: 365 Days a Year by Demi Lovato. In this self-help book, Demi lays out quotes and goals for the day that really kept me motivated for a whole year. I mean, she inspires me in general, but this book really helped give me some focus. Also, I just really love her.
- CHILL: Favorite chill, relaxing song/A book you’d curl up with and read on a rainy day
Song: “Hitchhiker” by Demi Lovato. Relying mainly on Demi’s vocals and acoustic guitar, this song is very minimalist. It’s also super soft and sweet and gay (yes, it is). I just love it so much.
Book: Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo. Truthfully, no book really stands out to me as a “rainy day book.” However, that does seem like a good time to do a reread and I’ve been wanting to reread Crooked Kingdom, so it seemed like the best response.
- ADDICTING: Guilty pleasure song (one that’s catchy and addicting but not a whole lot of substance)/A guilty pleasure/trashy/fast/light read
Song: “He Like That” by Fifth Harmony. This song is a bop. Each of the girls gets a solo. And that bass riff? So earworm-y. I can’t help but jam to this every time it comes on.
Book: The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli. While not trashy, it is a pretty quick read. It’s a light contemporary and has a fairly quick pace. I read the whole book in a couple sittings. It’s not challenging by any means, but it is relatable and I enjoyed it very much.
- NOSTALGIA: Throwback you look back on fondly/A book you read forever ago that you look back on fondly or reminds you of a happy childhood time
Song: “Burnin’ Up” by the Jonas Brothers. I used to fucking love the Jonas Brothers. This song remains one of their best to this day. Despite being Maroon 5-esque, it’s still so good. It’s goofy and cheesy, and it features a Big Rob solo. What more could you ask for?
Book: Dear Dumb Diary by Jim Benton. These books were fucking hilarious. And Jamie Kelly actually felt like a real thirteen-year-old girl. I lowkey want to read these again just to relive the weirdness. We love a hilarious middle grade series!
Do you have any answers to any of these questions? Let me know in the comments!
Strange Storyteller 