BookTok Reccomended These Books To Me. Here's The Ones That Are Worth Your Time

May all your academia dreams come true! (This is for the Editorial Fellowship)

Like many social media apps, TikTok users have formed communities around the content they make. There's fashiontok for outfit inspo, foodtok for recipe recommendations, and even a whole part of TikTok users who collect bones

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(If you've seen it, you've seen it, and if you haven't, I'm not putting you through it by linking it here).

But one of the most popular communities is called BookTok, a TikTok community where avid readers review, recommend, and post about books they love.

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It's so well known, that Barnes and Noble literally has a section on their site where you can browse books that BookTok is discussing.

I used to be an avid reader when I was younger, but as I've gotten older, I've found myself reading less and less.

Not to mention with the rise of the internet, it's become harder and harder for anything with more words than the character allowance on Twitter to hold my attention. But I've always found myself missing being the thrill of being glued to a book, especially since those BookTok videos keep showing up on my FYP.

So I've scoured through the #BookTok tag on TikTok to find some of the most frequently talked-about books, read them, and report back to let you know if it's made a bibliophile out of me!

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The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Ecco Press (HarperCollins)

Review: Holy. Shit. I cannot tell you how great this book is. If you're familiar with the Greek myth of Achilles, this novel is a retelling from the perspective of Patroclus, Achilles's closest confidant. This novel elaborates and focuses on the romantic relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, starting until childhood until , spoiler (Is it a spoiler if it's a myth that's over a thousand years old?), both are killed in battle. When I tell you that I could not put this book down, believe me. This book is enthralling, exciting, with insanely poetic lines that will have you wanting to reread chapters as soon as you're done.

The story follows a lot of characters through many locations, so it was a little hard for me to keep track of everything and remember who everyone was. It's also a little under 400 pages, so I did feel a little lost in the plot towards the middle, but not so much that it made me want to stop reading, and it definitely picks up in the last hundred pages.

Most commonly on BookTok, I've heard that this novel makes you cry, a rumor that I thought I had evaded until the last fifty pages.

You should read this book if: You had a mythology phase when you were a kid where you were obsessed with Greek Gods and Goddesses, you enjoy romance or LGBTQIA+ content, or if you also enjoy poetry written by Richard Siken.

The quote that killed me: “We were like gods at the dawning of the world, & our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other.”

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Atria Books

Review: I really enjoyed this book! I was a bit nervous following The Song of Achilles with another novel where romance is at the forefront, but this novel distinguishes itself early on, and had me hooked from the start. The book focuses on the life of famed actress Evelyn Hugo, known for her compelling film roles and public romantic trysts. Monique, a junior writer and relative unknown, has inexplicably been chosen by a previously elusive Evelyn to interview her as she recounts her experiences.

This is one of those novels that makes you wish you could jump into the book to give the characters a hug. It's investing and dramatic, with some humor sprinkled throughout, and a mysterious undercurrent that finishes with a twist that'll make you shout "WHAT!" so loud that your dog freaks out beside you.

At 400 pages, there were a few moments that I felt dragged on a bit too much, with some dialogue feeling a bit contrite, but overall I enjoyed the time I spent on this novel. I wouldn't necessarily read it again, but I would absolutely recommend it to a friend.

You should read this book if: You love the glamour and spectacle of Old Hollywood, you like historical fiction, or if you think there's nothing more timeless than a red lip.

The quote that killed me: “And just as she was about to leave the microphone, she said 'And to anyone tempted to kiss the TV tonight, please don't chip your tooth'."

Be warned, this book contains discussions of racism and homophobia, abortion, and suicide.

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

Berkley

Review: I bought this book specifically so that I could read it while I was on vacation this week. This book focuses on the friendship (and potentially more?) of Poppy and Alex, two estranged best friends with opposing personalities who come together for a trip in the hopes of repairing their relationship.

After reading The Song of Achilles and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, this book was a much needed lighthearted reprieve. It's upbeat, funny, and full to the brim with romantic tension. You'll probably recognize a number of tropes throughout the book, and at times it feels a bit cliché, but that doesn't mean that you won't still be hanging onto every word. I don't believe in the idea of "guilty pleasures" - if something makes you happy, be brave with it! This book is the trashy pop song that you blast when you're alone in your car, and you've got to let yourself enjoy it.

You should read this book if: You love movies like "When Harry Met Sally", Your favorite Taylor Swift album is Lover, or if you own a pair of Crocs (ironically or unironically)

The quote that killed me: “Maybe things can always get better between people who want to do a good job loving each other. Maybe that’s all it takes.”

Normal People by Sally Rooney

Faber & Faber

Review: This book BROKE me. The narration shifts between the perspective of two students with vastly different backgrounds and social standings as they begin a clandestine relationship that ends before they meet again at University. Their connection leads them to confront past and present wounds as they weave in and out of each other's lives.

I'm going to be honest, and please do not let this deter you from reading this novel: A majority of this book is just varying degrees of sad, but in a good way? Finishing this book feels a bit like when you're done having a big cry; Yes it's emotional but there's a bit of satisfaction and bittersweet enjoyment at getting through those feelings. The writing style is a bit tricky to follow at first, but the dialogue is realistic, and the prose will hit you in your CHEST. There were multiple moments in this book where I read a line and had to put the book down, and take a lap before I could continue reading. Of these books, Normal People is the shortest, sitting at 266 pages. If you've got a longer car ride, you might be interested in bringing this along. That is, if you don't mind that the person driving is going to absolutely watch you bawl.

You should read this book if: You enjoy the Hulu adaptation (duh), your favorite fall clothing piece is an oversized sweater,

The quote that killed me: "He brought her goodness like a gift and now it belongs to her."

Be warned, this book contains discussions of suicide, sexual assault, and domestic violence.

The verdict? BookTok absolutely knows what it's talking about.

Throughout this week, I found myself reaching for a book more often than my phone or computer, and finished the experience excited to go on the hunt for more books like these. If you're looking to reinvigorate a love of reading, or maybe want to start up a new love affair, I think all of these books are worth a try!

Happy reading!

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