As an avid book lover, it’s always so exciting to find a community of people to share your love of reading with. The digital space #Booktok has made that possible to thousands of readers across the globe.
But what is Booktok? Booktok is a side of TikTok where fellow readers can talk about their favorite books or series in a short video form. Creators can recommend their must-reads, share emotional reactions, and make creative edits to the most popular and new coming stories. This digital phenomenon has significantly reshaped reading habits in young adults. By promoting diverse voices and shining a light on self-published authors, booktok has made books more accessible, and a more open community.
With over 60 billion videos, there have been countless book recommendations and trends on #BookTok. The massive amount of content means there’s something for every reader—whether you’re into romance, fantasy, or thrillers. The variety keeps things fresh, with new book suggestions and discussions popping up every day. It’s easy to find your next favorite read. Now with so many books to choose from, the hottest book recommendation off of #Booktok include Red, White & Royal Blue, The Song of Achilles, A Court of Thorns and Roses, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and It Ends with Us.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston became a BookTok sensation for its charming romance and witty humor. The story follows Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales as their rivalry turns into a secret love affair. It explores themes of identity, acceptance, and the courage to love openly, all set against the backdrop of political and royal obligations. The novel became a New York Times bestseller, thanks to its relatable characters and heartfelt moments, and was widely praised by BookTok users. Videos tagged with #redwhiteandroyalblue on TikTok have over 500 million views and it grew even more popular with its adaptation into an Amazon Prime film, bringing Alex and Henry’s love story to life on screen.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller became one of my favorite books to come out of Booktok. Miller beautifully retells the story of the Trojan War through the characters of Achilles and Patroclus. Her version focuses on their deep bond and is eye catching to lovers of Greek Mythology. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and individuality, celebrating their love while showing how it shapes their destinies in the midst of war. BookTok users have praised its poetic prose and emotional depth, helping it sell over 2 million copies.
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J Mass
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas became a BookTok sensation as fans quickly embraced its mix of romance, magic, and adventure. This fantasy novel follows Feyre Archeron, a young woman who is taken to a faerie realm after killing a faerie wolf and becomes entangled in a world of intrigue and danger. As Feyre navigates this new world, she uncovers hidden secrets and forms a powerful bond with Tamlin, a fae lord. The book’s popularity surged on TikTok, where readers shared their love for the captivating story, leading to a growing fanbase. A Court of Thorns and Roses, the first book in the ACOTAR series, has inspired fans on TikTok to discuss the characters, create fan art, and even cosplay, making it a major hit among fantasy lovers. In 2024, Maas sold more ACOTAR books than all of the top-selling books of the year combined, and the series is now set to become a TV adaptation, bringing its magic to the screen.
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Another personal favorite book out of BookTok is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid. This captivating novel tells the story of Evelyn Hugo, a Cuban American Hollywood actress who reveals her complex life story, one filled with loss, love and sacrifice. It explores themes of identity and ambition and how being famous isn’t all that. As Evelyn reveals the truth about her seven marriages, readers are drawn into her fascinating, and scandalous world. The book has gained huge popularity on BookTok, with creators casting their favorite actors for a potential movie adaptation. It highlights the price of fame, the difficult decisions people face in their pursuit of happiness, and the challenges Evelyn faces as a bisexual Cuban-American woman in the entertainment industry.
And finally,
“It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover
It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover became a Booktok sensation in 2021. This powerful romance explores love, heartbreak, and resilience while addressing the deeply important issue of domestic violence. It tells the story of Lily Bloom, a woman navigating the complexities of love while finding the strength to break cycles of abuse and reclaim her independence. Hoover’s novel became the most talked about book on Tiktok as it sold over 14 million copies in a year. More recently, the novel has been adapted into film starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni bringing more attention to the struggle of domestic violence.
Overall, BookTok has had a significant impact on the book industry, helping to bring more readers into the world of literature. It has turned previously unknown titles into bestsellers and created a passionate community that shares their love for books. By elevating diverse voices, sparking viral trends, and bringing new ideas to the screen through adaptations, BookTok has made books more accessible and engaging to a wider audience.