25 BookTok Books That Are Absolutely Worth the Hype
TikTok's book-loving community is a treasure trove of reading recommendations. But with so many BookTok books out there, which ones truly live up to the hype? We've done the research and compiled a list of the most popular and compelling reads that BookTok loves.
The Power of BookTok
TikTok's sub-community, BookTok, has a profound impact on book sales, catapulting titles to bestseller status with its massive reach of over 77 billion views for #BookTok videos. This social platform has revolutionized the way books are discovered, discussed, and celebrated.
The Rise of Self-Published Titles
Notably, BookTok has not only boosted traditional bestsellers but also breathed new life into self-published works, particularly in the romance genre. Authors are finding unprecedented success, and traditional publishing houses have taken notice.
The Most Viral BookTok Books
Here are some of the most viral and talked-about BookTok books that deserve a spot on your reading list:
1. Verity by Colleen Hoover
Сolleen Hoover is a BookTok favorite, and her white-knuckle psychological thriller, Verity, is a must-read. Struggling writer Lowen accepts a chilling offer to complete a bestselling series for an injured author. But as she delves into the author's research, she discovers a dark autobiography, leading to inexplicable events that threaten her safety.
2. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
This Black Mirror-esque YA novel is set in a world where people are informed of their last day to live. The poignant story follows two teenage boys, living in New York City, who form a bond on their final day. The book has captured hearts and amassed 58.5 million collective views on BookTok.
3. Act Your Age, Eve Brown by Talia Hibbert
Talia Hibbert's witty and relatable characters have won hearts on BookTok. In this rom-com, Eve Brown, the youngest sibling of the Brown Sisters, finds herself entangled with a B&B owner after a hilarious accident. The book is brimming with charm and delightful moments.
4. The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
Dark academia enthusiasts are raving about The Atlas Six, where six students compete to join the prestigious Alexandrian Society. This self-published gem, once a hidden treasure, now enjoys popularity with over 61 million views on BookTok.
5. People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Emily Henry's captivating romance follows Alex and Poppy, close friends who vacation together every summer. When a falling out occurs, they embark on a trip to reconcile, leading to heartwarming and hilarious moments.
6. Babel by R.F. Kuang
For those who adore historical fantasy with rich writing, Babel is an unmissable book. Set in 1828, it revolves around Robin, a Chinese boy studying at Oxford, torn between academia and loyalty to his homeland amid the looming threat of war with China.
7. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This cult-classic historical fiction has captured the hearts of readers on BookTok. A journalist, Monique, is chosen to write the exclusive life story of the enigmatic Hollywood starlet, Evelyn Hugo. Unraveling the secrets, the book explores tragic intersections between the two women.
8. Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
A steamy and witty queer romance, Delilah Green Doesn't Care, has been a sensation on TikTok since its release in 2022. The book follows Delilah and Claire's heartwarming journey of love and acceptance.
9. I'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
This poignant memoir by former child actor Jennette McCurdy has resonated deeply with readers. McCurdy's unflinching honesty explores her rise to fame and personal struggles, making it one of the best memoirs of 2022.
10. My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
For those who enjoy dark satire and literary fiction, My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a compelling choice. The protagonist embarks on a year of prescribed medication-induced sleep, seeking escape from her unhappiness, but the journey leads to self-alienation.
11. Transcendent Kingdom by Yaa Gyasi
This contemporary fiction masterpiece by Yaa Gyasi follows Gifty, a neuroscience candidate researching depression and addiction, as she grapples with personal and familial struggles.
12. Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
A heartwarming contemporary romance set in Canada, Every Summer After, tells the story of Percy and Sam, childhood friends reunited and rediscovering their connection.
13. Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
This gothic historical fiction has found a dedicated fan base and is soon to be adapted as a Hulu original series. It delves into eerie and menacing mysteries within a family's home.
14. It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
This enemies-to-lovers contemporary romance follows a fallen it-girl's journey as she works in her late father's dive bar and sparks a spicy romance with a grumpy sea captain.
15. A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
Sarah J. Maas is known for her romantic fantasies, and A Court of Thorns and Roses, a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, has captured the hearts of readers on BookTok.
16. Time Is a Mother by Ocean Vuong
Ocean Vuong's latest poetry collection, Time Is a Mother, delves into themes of loss and memory with profound emotion and vulnerability.
17. Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
A romantic fantasy inspired by the legend of Chang'e, Daughter of the Moon Goddess, is an enchanting blend of mythology and romance.
18. Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
This LGBTQ+ YA contemporary fiction set in the '80s tells a powerful coming-of-age story of friendship and love.
19. Bunny by Mona Awad
This eerie literary satire horror revolves around Samantha, an outsider drawn into the eerie world of a vapid rich-girl clique.
20. Red White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red White & Royal Blue explores a fake friendship blossoming into a genuine romance between the First Son and a royal prince.
21. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
Set in 1954 San Francisco, this sapphic historical novel follows the love story between Lily, a Chinese American teen, and Kathleen, in an era where love is deemed dangerous.
22. Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi: A Captivating YA Dystopian
First published in 2011, Shatter Me quickly captured the hearts of readers, especially on TikTok, where it gained over 1.3 billion views. Tahereh Mafi's distinct and unique voice sets this dystopian book apart. The story follows Juliette, a teenager locked up by the oppressive Reestablishment for her deadly touch. When she meets Warner and Adam, two influential figures with opposing ideals, Juliette faces a life-altering choice: Will she be a weapon or a warrior?
23. A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: Prepare for an Emotional Rollercoaster
Hanya Yanagihara's A Little Life has left readers on TikTok emotionally wrecked and profoundly moved. As a National Book Award finalist, it has earned national acclaim and countless mentions on the platform. The novel revolves around four classmates who pursue their dreams in New York City after college. Over the years, their lives are shaped by trauma and unforeseen challenges, painting a picture of harrowing realities.
24. Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin: A Popular Coming-of-Age Novel
Gabrielle Zevin's Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow has become a sensation on BookTok, prompting readers to seek it out regardless of its hardcover price tag. The 2022 novel delves into friendship, following Sadie and Sam, childhood friends united by their love for video games. Their collaboration on a successful video game, Ichigo, leads them on a tumultuous journey of ambition, tension, and heartache as they navigate their careers.
25. She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan: An Enchanting Historical Fantasy
TikTok and Instagram readers adore She Who Became the Sun, a historical fantasy with over 8.5 million views on discussing videos. Set in an alternate 1345 China, the story follows a girl who assumes her brother's identity to join a monastery. When her sanctuary is destroyed, she seizes the opportunity to fulfill her brother's destiny and effect real change.
BookTok has become a powerful force in the literary world, propelling hidden gems and beloved classics alike to new heights of popularity. Whether you enjoy psychological thrillers, rom-coms, historical fantasies, or LGBTQ+ romances, there's a BookTok book for every reader's taste. So dive in and discover the magic that awaits within these pages!