If you like this song, try this book
Haven't you ever listened to a song and thought Man, I wish I could read a book like this song! Well, allow me to make your day and give you FIVE song-to-YA book recommendations.
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1) SONG-to-BOOK: That's so True by Gracie Adams to The Naturals by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
The Naturals is a YA murder mystery book/series by JLB in which a group of teens make up a secret FBI task force and assist their "handlers" in solving serial killer cases. But my god, JLB writes this book so well. Her understanding of the complexity relationships is chef's kiss. If you loved the dreamy, yet harsh lyrics and beats of That's so True, don't sleep on The Naturals! And, forgive me, but That's So True gives off such Micheal and Cassie vibes.
Remember how I died/When you started walking/That's my life/That's my life
Like, you CANNOT tell me that Michael DIDN'T sing this in his head when he thought of Cassie.
2) SONG-to-BOOK: Heads Will Roll by Yeah Yeah Yeahs to Heartless by Marissa Meyers
When I listen to this song, I think of Catherine. That's it. That's the summary. I can so clearly envision Catherine singing this song it's not even funny. If you love the techno beats of the song and the lyrics, Heartless is THE book to read. Heartless is a Victorian-style Alice in Wonderland prequel. The book follows Catherine, the daughter of a marquess, who is - against her will - engaged to the King of Hearts. This book was so good, and I wasn't expecting it. Like, Catherine and Jest? Perfection. I don't want to spoil this book, but this song can be applied to Catherine at two points of her life. When she found out she was supposed to marry the King of Hearts, and when her love died.
The men cry out the girls cry out/The men cry out, oh no
Off, off with your head/Dance, dance til you're dead (dead)/Heads will roll
3) SONG-to-BOOK: Trouble by Valerie Broussard to Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
This song describes Six of Crows so well that I'm starting to think it's a conspiracy. If you love the background beats, the kind of gothic-dark-ominous-angry vibes of the song, and the strong vocals, Six of Crows is perfect for you. It follows Kaz Brekker, the teenage unofficial leader of the Dregs and nightmare of the Barrel. He brings together a group of five teenagers with special skills and "employs" them on a mission to break into the impenetrable Ice Court. The six teens each have their reasons for joining this mission, and because all of them are so, so traumatized, angry, angsty, and scary, they fit this song perfectly. No, but actually. Like, I want to wrap Kaz in a hug, and Jesper my precious. Inej my beloved, Wylan, you crazy pyro, Nina my strong baby, and RIP Matthias.
We wear red so they don't see us bleed/Hundred dollar bills under our sleeve/We intend not to sleep 'til we're dead/Drink our problems right out of our heads
4) SONG-to-BOOK: Paris is Burning by St. Vincent to The Gilded Wolves by Roshini Chokshi
Okay, wow. This song, this book? Bewitching. That's the only word that can be used to describe both, even individually. If you love the strong melody, haunting vocals, and killer lyrics, you are SERIOUSLY missing out on The Gilded Wolves. The Gilded Wolves is a historical fantasy novel that follows a diverse group of talented outcasts on a heist to claim their rightful inheritances. Led by Séverin Montagnet-Alarie, the team navigates a world of dark magic, ancient artifacts, and dangerous secrets as they unravel a mystery that could change the course of history. This book was so haunting and was on my mind for WEEKS after I read it, and the song pairs perfectly with it. This song reminds me of all the characters mixed into one, and their cumulative anger at their circumstances. My poor babies NEED things to go well for them, okay? The Gilded Wolves is dark, gothic, and lyrical, with witty humor and excellent world-building. If you love Paris is Burning, it truly cannot get better than this book.
We are waiting on a telegram to give us news of the fall/I am sorry to report, dear Paris is burning after all/We have taken to the streets in open rejoice, revolting/We are dancing a black waltz, fair Paris is burning after all
5) SONG-to-BOOK: Carousel by Melanie Martinez to Caraval By Stephanie Garber
Carousel fits Caraval so well but in an underrated kind of way. if you love the hardcore-dream feel of the song with its tough beats and dreamy-hard lyrics, READ CARAVAL! I promise you won't be disappointed. Caraval follows Scarlett Dragna as she and her sister, Donatella, travel to the faraway, once-in-a-lifetime, and mysteriously adventurous Caraval. But as soon as the two sisters arrive, Donatella gets kidnapped. And though Scarlett knows that everything that happens during Caraval is only an elaborate performance, it doesn't feel like it.
Oh, come, take my hand/And run though playland/So high, too high at the carnival/And it's all fun and games/'Til somebody falls in love/But you already bought a ticket/And there's no turning back now
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Happy reading to you guys! I hope you enjoy the books I've listed with the songs, and I genuinely hope you give them a try. Some of these books are so underrated, and they deserve all your love. See y'all next time!
