If you’re anything like me, you’re obsessed with all the new and exciting recommendations of BookTok. Maybe you even have a favorite BookToker (shout out to Jack Ben Edwards– I will read anything you recommend, you dashing Brit). Perhaps you’re just getting back into reading; classes have been stressful and life has been busy, but now you want to partake in some refreshing self-care.
Regardless of your circumstances, it’s time to read– and let me be your guide! Some BookTok choices are absolutely wonderful (no spoilers, but one of these books is my absolute favorite, and there are a few that don’t hit, so to speak. Here are my ratings of 5 BookTok readings!
1) The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton— 2.5/5
The concept, plot, and idea are amazing— chef’s kiss; however, the execution was not amazing. I really wanted to like this book… especially because I bought it from Barnes and Noble, but I was disappointed. I feel like the book starts off as strong as an ox, but it slowly dissipates and becomes almost confusing. The murder mystery and dark gothic vibes were immaculate, but the characters and storyline were not well formed. Overall, the ending had gaps, leading to 2.5 out of 5 stars.
2) A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson—3.8/5
If cute could be bottled into a book– then this book encapsulates the feeling of young love and a thrilling mystery. While this is not the best book I have ever devoured, nor is it the best Young Adult book, it is a fast, easy, and fluffy read that is sure to distract you from any stress in your life. And, if you really like Jackson’s writing and the plot, there are two more books in the series… I’d even argue that the second is better than the first!
3) Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner— 4.8/5
Zauner completely stuns her audience; her prose and storytelling are beautifully intertwined creating an absolute masterpiece. Unlike Jackson’s book, this is not a fun nor a fast read, but it’s poignant and tear-jerking. If you are in the mood for complicated parental relationships, heartache, cancer’s pure destruction of the human body, and finding hope after tragedy, then this is the read for you. I can tell this memoir will be a literary classic due to Zauner’s word choice and vignettes covering her early life. Bonus points if you listen to the Yeah Yeah Yeahs!
4) They Both Die at the End— Adam Silvera— 4.6/5
While I’ve seen differing opinions on Silvera’s YA novel, I personally thought it was wonderfully written with an unsurprising surprising ending. While, yes, it is an easy read and does basically spell everything out for readers, the relationship between Mateo and Rufus is absolutely heartwarming and devastating. This easy, but beautiful, read is a great way to pass your time, especially if you need a break from everything happening in your life. Also, while this book is better than the prequel, The First to Die at the End, the way Silvera intertwines both novels is perfect.
5) The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid— 5/5
Yes, you read that right— this book is a 5 out of 5! One of my new favorites, Reid’s characters are masterfully written, bringing life to Old Hollywood (although, I am a huge sucker for anything Old Hollywood). I loved imagining myself in the character’s shoes and pretending I could feel the glitz and glamor. Besides having sparkle and shine, this book has so much depth and poignant moments— it’s so easy to tell that this is a well-written book. All of my friends that have read this book agree with me… it’s an instant classic and one that is enjoyable for everyone. Even though it should be a TV show adaptation (one for each husband, it just makes sense), I am super excited for the movie to come out!
BONUS:If I was a BookTok influencer, I would recommend: The Witches Heart by Genevieve Gornichec, I’m Glad my Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy, Beartown by Frederik Backman (any and all books by him), The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides. While you probably have seen The Silent Patient (4.3/5) and I’m Glad my Mom Died (4.8) all over TikTok, I have not seen nearly enough love for Beartown and The Witches Heart. Whether you’re a sports fan, from a small town, or need to be invested in an action-packed tear jerking book, Beartown is the book for you. If you’re looking for more of a retelling of Norse mythology with a side of romance, The Witches Heart is the way to go. If you have read The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller and were enthralled with it, you’ll love this one, but if you didn’t love Miller’s page-turner (and I am personally in the not my fav book category), you’ll still love Gornichec’s opus. Hopefully, if you’re hankering for a read, you now have some choices— happy reading!