Book Recommendations Based On Your Favorite Country Songs

Bookworms and country music lovers are the two most superior kinds of people - we don't make the rules. Both music and reading can serve as an outlet for one's feelings and an escape from real life. Furthermore, the two mediums substantially overlap in the themes they cover. Often, authors and readers will curate playlists to echo the themes of novels. As avid readers ourselves, we'd like to introduce you to books you may love based on your taste in country music.

1. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Playlist: "What He Didn't Do" by Carly Pearce, "Secondhand Smoke" by Kelsea Ballerini, "Stilettos" by Kelsea Ballerini, "Independence Day" by Martina McBride, "Red" by Taylor Swift, "Better Man" by Taylor Swift, "The Lost Years" by Stephanie Quayle, "justified" by Kacey Musgraves, "Loud House" by Madison Kozak

Best-selling author Colleen Hoover was inspired by the real-life relationship between her mother and father when writing this novel. In the book, Lily Bloom tries to process her distant and abusive father's death, as she navigates starting a business and entering a relationship with the mysterious Ryle. Despite his intriguing nature, Lily soon learns of Ryle's numerous red flags.

We won't spoil too much about the plot, but we will say that it heavily covers domestic violence. Written in dual timeline and from Lily's growing point of view, It Ends With Us continues to resonate with readers worldwide. The sequel, It Starts With Us, was released a few days ago, which we would also highly recommend.

2. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Playlist: "MARILYN" by Kelsea Ballerini, "la" by Kelsea Ballerini, "The Lucky One" by Taylor Swift, "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" by Ashley McBryde and Carly Pearce, "Girl Crush" by Little Big Town, "Sinning With You" by Sam Hunt, "Follow Your Arrow" by Kacey Musgraves, "breadwinner" by Kacey Musgraves

Exploring poignant themes like forbidden love, the cost of fame, and various kinds of relationships, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo deserves all the recognition that it gets. The old Hollywood glamour serves as a backdrop to complex storylines that hook readers. The book, as well as the songs in this playlist, beautifully tackle this multitude of themes.

3. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune

Playlist: "I Still Love You" by Jessie James Decker & Billy Currington, "Back To December" by Taylor Swift, "Everything Has Changed" by Taylor Swift & Ed Sheeran, "Over You" by Miranda Lambert, "Light Of A Clear Blue Morning" by Dolly Parton, "Butterflies" by Kacey Musgraves, "cherry blossom" by Kacey Musgraves, "You're Still The One" by Shania Twain, "Fall In Love" by Bailey Zimmerman

Another dual timeline gem, Every Summer After covers the reunion of childhood lovers Persephone Fraser and Sam Florek. The book merges the themes of friendship, grief, and mistakes from the past into one masterpiece. It features the gorgeous setting of a Canadian small town with a lake, as well as a character who was obsessed with Dolly Parton and Shania Twain.

4. November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Playlist: "Enchanted" by Taylor Swift, "Begin Again" by Taylor Swift, "Don't You" by Taylor Swift, "Sad Beautiful Tragic" by Taylor Swift, "you were good to me" by Chelsea Cutler, "this is how you fall in love" by Chelsea Cutler, "Easy" by Kacey Musgraves & Troye Sivan, "Just For Now" by Maren Morris

Fallon, a fresh graduate, navigates a complex relationship with her father and the aftermath of a life-altering house fire. On the fire's anniversary, she meets Ben, seemingly by chance; she continues to meet him on this day every year with no contact in between. The alternating point of view and quickly rising action make it impossible to put this one down. Typical of any Colleen Hoover book, it contains a significant plot twist.

These are just a few examples of how well novels and music go together. Reading books and listening to a good country song truly are the most fun and relaxing activities. We hope we've helped you add to your reading playlists or discover your new favorite book!