Maggie Nelson, acclaimed author of The Argonauts, has drawn an unexpected comparison: Taylor Swift as the Sylvia Plath of her generation. A devoted Swift fan, Nelson recently attended the Vancouver leg of the Eras tour with her family, demonstrating her deep appreciation for the singer-songwriter’s work. Her latest book, The Slicks, explores the intersection of pop music, poetry, and female ambition, linking Swift’s modern fame to Plath’s literary legacy. Nelson’s inspiration came after hearing Swift’s 2024 album, The Tortured Poets Department, which contains literary references to F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dylan Thomas, and Shakespeare, alongside clear echoes of Plath’s introspective style. The idea for The Slicks solidified during a casual bracelet-making session with her 13-year-old son’s friend, who asked if she had ever heard of Plath. That moment highlighted generational gaps while underscoring the ongoing relevance of women’s artistic ambition. The Slicks is a hybrid essay that argues for Swift as a poet as well as a lyricist. Nelson likens Swift’s relentless creative output to Plath’s famous imagery of the “blood jet” as poetry. Both women openly pursue fame and ambition, a theme Nelson connects to broader societal scrutiny of women’s success. She also examines Vice President Kamala Harris, noting how discreet political ambition can be both strategic and criticized differently than the overt drive displayed by Swift and Plath. Nelson emphasizes that publicly declaring ambition remains a punishing experience for women. Her book critiques the cultural belief that women who explore personal experiences for art somehow diminish themselves. Swift’s high-profile career exemplifies both the rewards and scrutiny of such visibility. Nelson writes that celebrating female creativity often intersects with patriarchal expectations that limit women’s expression and agency. The book also engages with Nelson’s personal history and prior works. Known for formally experimental writing that blends prose and poetry, she has tackled subjects from grief and queerness in The Argonauts to reflections on color in Bluets. Her newest work, Pathemata: Or, the Story of My Mouth, mixes memoir with dreamscapes and chronic pain experiences, juxtaposing personal suffering with broader societal challenges, such as healthcare shortcomings during the pandemic. Nelson describes the writing process as playful and experimental, often mining personal diaries and dream logs to create layered narratives. Nelson’s approach to writing reflects precision and economy, influenced by Plath’s style. She has honed her craft through extensive editing, distilling her work to its essence while still defending Swift’s lavish creative output. She sees value in engaging with mainstream culture despite her leftfield literary background, viewing participation in pop phenomena like Swift’s Super Bowl performance as a statement of cultural inclusion and personal agency. Living in California with a son and a gender-nonconforming partner, Nelson navigates shifting political and social landscapes. She remains outspoken on issues of freedom, civil rights, and white supremacy, integrating these concerns into her literary lens. Swift’s music, she suggests, channels joy as a counterbalance to societal darkness, providing both personal and cultural uplift. Nelson’s admiration for Swift extends beyond fan enthusiasm; it informs a critical exploration of ambition, artistry, and the societal expectations imposed on women. By paralleling Swift’s contemporary fame with Plath’s enduring literary impact, Nelson underscores the pressures, rewards, and persistent cultural debates surrounding women’s visibility and creative expression.