Heartbreak is the National Anthem

’[Sheffield] treats the enduring relationship between Swift and her audience with the respect it deserves.’ The Washington Post

‘Each dispatch is a perceptive close read of Swift’s music and persona…Sheffield drops enough of his own backstage encounters with Swift to satisfy fans hungry for new material to incorporate into their own character sketching.’ The New York Times

‘Sheffield’s writing is both relatable and lyrical, making this memoir a heartfelt tribute to the ways we navigate love and sorrow through song.’ Glamour UK

‘For the Swiftie in your life, this definitive account of the rise of pop megastar Taylor Swift by Rolling Stone journalist Rob Sheffield is a must-read.’ Our Culture

”[A] wonderful read.” Buzz

‘Sheffield is an intense, unapologetic fan of Swift, but this book is no glossy celebration. Surprisingly, it may be the first serious book-length discussion of Swift as an artist and cultural force.’ Bloomberg UK

‘Swifties won’t be able to put this down.’ Publishers Weekly

’[T]he first serious attempt to place Swift inside a music history.” Chicago Tribune

‘An affectionate homage from an ardent fan.’ Kirkus

’[T]here will be plenty here for long-time fans, newcomers, and those curious about Swift’s appeal in this accessible, thoughtful, and entertaining tour of Swift’s career, music, and impact.’ Booklist

Rob Sheffield is a longtime writer for Rolling Stone, where he has been covering music and pop culture since 1997. He is the author of the national bestsellers Love Is a Mix Tape: Love and Loss, One Song at a Time; Talking to Girls About Duran Duran: One Young Man’s Quest for True Love and a Cooler Haircut; Turn Around Bright Eyes: A Karaoke Journey of Starting Over, Falling in Love, and Finding Your Voice, On Bowie and Dreaming the Beatles: The Love Story of One Band and the Whole World. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.