Let’s Talk Bookish is a weekly meme originally created and hosted by Rukky @ Eternity Books starting in August 2019, and was then cohosted by Dani @ Literary Lion from May 2020 to March 2022. Since April 2022, the meme moved to another host, Aria @ Book Nook Bits.
Let’s Talk Bookish is a meme where participants discuss specific topics, share their opinions, and share their love by visiting each other’s posts.
Hello! So, here I am, bringing you a brand-new topic that I’m super excited to dive into!
The topic is
Music for Books
Prompts
Last fall, one of the LTB topics was about listening to music while reading. Going more in depth with that this month, the question is if (and how) you connect music to books. Are there certain genres of music you associate with certain genres of books? Are there specific albums or songs you like to listen to while reading a particular series? A certain singer you think matches a certain author?
Music and literature often dance together in harmony. Many readers find certain genres of music enhance their reading experience. Some songs evoke the mood of a thrilling mystery. Others may perfectly complement a whimsical fantasy.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the fascinating connections between music and books. We’ll discuss genres that resonate with specific literary styles. We’ll also share personal playlists that match beloved series. Join us as we discover the soundtrack of our reading adventures.
Have you ever found yourself immersed in a book while a particular song plays in the background, creating a symphony of emotions that enhances your reading experience? The connection between music and books goes beyond mere background noise; it’s a profound relationship that can elevate the narrative and deepen your engagement. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating link between music genres and book genres, and how specific albums or songs can transport you into the worlds crafted by your favorite authors.
Are there certain genres of music you associate with certain genres of books?
When diving into a new book, atmosphere is everything. Just as a film score sets the mood for a movie, the right music can create an emotional backdrop for your reading journey. Let’s break down some popular genres of books and the music that pairs perfectly with them.
Are there specific albums or songs you like to listen to while reading a particular series? A certain singer you think matches a certain author?
Music can evoke emotions, set the mood, and create an immersive atmosphere that amplifies the reading experience. Studies suggest that music can improve concentration and memory retention, making it an ideal companion for those deep dives into the pages of a book. When paired thoughtfully, music and literature can create an unforgettable synergy.
Pairing music with reading can really enhance the experience. Here are some song recommendations for each of these series that can match the mood, tone, and intensity of the stories:
1. Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J. R. Ward
Themes: Dark, intense, paranormal romance, and action.
Songs:
- “Animal I Have Become” – Three Days Grace (for the raw power and inner conflict of the Brothers)
- “Demons” – Imagine Dragons (captures the inner struggles many characters face)
- “Bring Me to Life” – Evanescence (perfect for the dark, gothic atmosphere and the romances)
- “Hail to the King” – Avenged Sevenfold (reflects the themes of power and dominance)
- “I Will Not Bow” – Breaking Benjamin (fitting for the warrior mentality of the Brothers)
2. Anita Blake: Vampire Hunter series by Laurell K. Hamilton
Themes: Paranormal, dark fantasy, urban horror, and romance
Songs:
- Closer” – Nine Inch Nails (for the mix of dark, sensual, and intense moments)
- “Monster” – Skillet (Anita’s battles with her darker side)
- “Bring Me to Life” – Evanescence (haunting and intense, like Anita’s life)
- “Control” – Halsey (reflects Anita’s struggle for control over herself and her powers)
- “Bad Blood” – Taylor Swift (Anita’s complex relationships with vampires, shifters, and the supernatural)
3. The Born in Blood Mafia Chronicles by Cora Reilly
Themes: Dark mafia romance, family, loyalty, and power dynamics.
Songs:
- “Gangsta” – Kehlani (a smooth, seductive vibe that mirrors the dark romance)
- “Wicked Games” – The Weeknd (fits the dangerous allure of mafia life)
- “Toxic” – Britney Spears (reflects the intense and often toxic relationships)
- “Love the Way You Lie” – Eminem ft. Rihanna (captures the fiery, passionate relationships)
- “Power” – Kanye West (the sense of dominance and control in the mafia world)
4. Molotov Obsession series by Anna Zaires
Themes: Dark romance, obsession, control, and intense emotional conflicts.
Songs:
- “Love Me Like You Do” – Ellie Goulding (obsessive, powerful love)
- “In the Night” – The Weeknd (for the dark, twisted romantic tension)
- “Dark Paradise” – Lana Del Rey (captures the eerie yet beautiful nature of the relationships)
- “Earned It” – The Weeknd (perfect for the intense, passionate moments)
- “Animals” – Maroon 5 (a bit wild and reflective of the darker, primal attraction)
5. Body Check by Elle Kennedy
Themes: Contemporary sports romance, light-hearted, but with deep emotional moments.
Songs:
- “Good for You” – Selena Gomez (captures that seductive vibe between the characters)
- “Shape of You” – Ed Sheeran (fun, upbeat, and romantic)
- “Shut Up and Dance” – Walk the Moon (captures the fun, flirty nature of the story)
- “We Found Love” – Rihanna ft. Calvin Harris (romantic with high energy)
- “Love on Top” – Beyoncé (for the lighter, fun-loving moments)
6. Molotov Betrothal series by Anna Zaires
Themes: Dark romance, arranged marriage, power dynamics, and intense attraction.
Songs:
- “Unholy” – Sam Smith ft. Kim Petras (the scandalous and forbidden undertones of an arranged marriage)
- “S&M” – Rihanna (captures the darker, seductive themes)
- “Don’t Let Me Be Yours” – Zara Larsson (tension between control and vulnerability in the relationship)
- “Dangerous Woman” – Ariana Grande (perfect for the female protagonist’s allure and strength)
- “Poison” – Alice Cooper (reflects the intoxicating and dangerous love)
These tracks align with the emotional and atmospheric elements of each book series and can add a layer of intensity or mood while reading.
7. Elite Ops by Lora Leigh
Themes: Romantic suspense, high-stakes action, alpha males, and intense attraction.
Songs:
- “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child (the resilience and strength of both the Ops team and their love interests)
- “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes (reflects the action-packed missions and intensity)
- “Animal” – Neon Trees (captures the raw, passionate romance that develops under dangerous conditions)
- “Bring Me to Life” – Evanescence (fits the emotional healing and redemption found through love in the midst of danger)
- “The Kill” – Thirty Seconds to Mars (the push-pull dynamic of their relationships)
8. Slater Brothers Series by L.A. Casey
Themes: Fiery romance, family dynamics, alpha males, and strong-willed women.
Songs:
- “Survivor” – Destiny’s Child (the resilience and strength of both the Ops team and their love interests)
- “Seven Nation Army” – The White Stripes (reflects the action-packed missions and intensity)
- “Animal” – Neon Trees (captures the raw, passionate romance that develops under dangerous conditions)
- “Bring Me to Life” – Evanescence (fits the emotional healing and redemption found through love in the midst of danger)
- “The Kill” – Thirty Seconds to Mars (the push-pull dynamic of their relationships)
9.The Twilight Saga by Stephenie Meyer
Themes: Supernatural romance, angst, eternal love, and emotional intensity.
Songs:
- “A Thousand Years” – Christina Perri (timeless love, perfect for Edward and Bella’s relationship)
- “Decode” – Paramore (captures the tension and mystery in the love triangle)
- “Flightless Bird, American Mouth” – Iron & Wine (used in the movies and perfectly reflects the dreamy, ethereal vibe)
- “With You” – Linkin Park (Edward’s inner torment and protective nature)
- “Cosmic Love” – Florence + The Machine (the powerful, otherworldly connection between Edward and Bella)
Music can transform a reading experience, amplifying the emotions and atmosphere of a story. Whether it’s the timeless love in Twilight, the heart-pounding action of Elite Ops, or the fiery family dynamics in Slater Brothers, pairing the right songs with your favorite series can bring the characters and plot to life in a whole new way.
- Do you have a favorite song you associate with a particular book or series?
- How does music influence your reading experience—does it heighten your connection to the characters or the world?
- What genres of music do you prefer to listen to while reading romance, action, or suspense novels?
Would you create your own playlist for any of these series? Let me know what songs you’d add!
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