Reading books has become a hype on social media, especially on TikTok where thousands of videos are uploaded daily by the BookTok community. Even though it’s great that there are so many videos to get inspiration from, it can get a bit difficult to sort through all the books that get recommended. There are only so many books that you can read, which is why I’ve picked out some popular BookTok books that I have a hard time shutting up about when people claim to hate BookTok books. These books deserve the hype they have, and I’m here to tell you why that is. So open your notes app, Goodreads, Storygraph, or wherever you keep your ‘To Be Read’ list, and get ready to add some books.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
This book honestly deserves the hype that it has gotten. It’s a good story about fame, love, secrets, heartbreak, and acceptance that is not too slow in its storytelling and has easy writing. The book tells the story of a famous actress from the 50s, and how she married seven men on her rise to stardom. The characters are likable (except for you know who), and the story has beautiful and gut-wrenching moments that will have you wipe your tears away.
Malibu Rising
This is one of the books I have actually thrown into a wall because I was so frustrated with a character (the same you know who I mentioned before, he is actually the worst). The story takes place in the 80s and revolves around a famous singer’s children who throw a big party that goes completely out of control. It takes place in the same universe as The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, but it’s not a follow-up. The book can be read as a stand-alone. It’s truly an emotional rollercoaster with a lot of drama, but with a surprisingly wholesome ending.
The Song of Achilles
It can be a bit difficult to get into The Song of Achilles as it’s a retelling of the Trojan War. If you aren’t exactly familiar with this topic, certain names and places can be a bit confusing at the start. But damn, once you get into the story, it’s so hard to stop. It’s a romantic retelling of Patroclus and Achilles, and when I tell you I uncontrollably sobbed throughout the ending of the book, I’m dead serious.
Throne of Glass
The Throne of Glass series is literally my Roman Empire. Yes, the series is eight books long, but trust me, these books are so bingeable you will be done before you know it. The story follows a female assassin who lives in a corrupt kingdom where magic is banned. The story builds through each book and has a nice balance of fantasy and romance. Every book gets crazier and more intense, and it was one of the few book series I’ve read where every single book was so entertaining to read. The main character in this series is hands down one of my favourites I have ever read, and the writing in these books is not too difficult for people who are new to fantasy.
A Court of Thorns and Roses
The A Court of Thorns and Roses series is good to read if you are new to fantasy, but also if you are into romance mixed with fantasy. The story follows a girl named Feyre, who gets kidnapped to a magical land that humans have feared for centuries. The story is good on its own, but what really kept me reading were the characters. I will always be a Rhys girlie. The books are easier to read than Throne of Glass in my opinion, and it’s also spicier. So do yourself a favour and check this series out.
A Little Life
I think about A Little Life way more than I should. It has got to be the most gut-wrenching book I have ever read. The writing is exceptional, and the story is so devastating that it will leave a mark on you once you’re done. A Little Life tells the story of Jude St. Francis (just writing his name makes me want to bawl) and how he navigates through his life and relationships. Jude struggles with both mental and physical problems, and he is one of the most tragic characters I have ever read about. This book contains a huge number of triggers, so please, if you want to read this book, make sure that you have read the trigger warnings. And make sure that you are in a healthy mindset when reading, because let me tell you, this book is pure pain (but very beautiful).
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue
Sorry, but this book had me in a chokehold when I read it. It’s a story about a girl who is blessed with immortality but cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets. She spends her entire life being forgotten, until she one day meets a boy who can remember her. I would say the book is primarily fantasy, but there’s also some romance going on. It’s adventurous and emotional, and the villain is extremely entertaining.
These are some of the many recommendations that I have for BookTok books that definitely deserve the hype. Some TikTok accounts that I like to get reading recommendations from are @jack_edwards, @kierralews75, @dm6589, @edenvictorria, @aymansbooks, and @ellagoodbooks. There are also apps such as GoodReads and StoryGraph that are great for finding new books and keeping track of books you’ve read. I understand that taste is selective, so you might not agree with all my opinions. But if you haven’t gotten around to reading any of these books yet, give them a try and see for yourself what you think of them. Who knows, maybe you will love them as much as I do.
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