BookTok has revolutionized the way we discover and share books, creating a vibrant community of readers eager to discuss and recommend their favorite reads. If you’re looking to dive into the world of BookTok or simply find your next great read, you’re in the right place. Here are the top 30 BookTok books you absolutely must read, spanning romance, fantasy, young adult, mystery/thriller, science fiction, and historical fiction.
Romance
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Summary: This captivating novel follows the life of aging Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo as she recounts her glamorous yet tumultuous career and her seven marriages to an unknown journalist.
Why It’s Popular: The complex characters and compelling narrative have made this book a favorite. Readers are drawn to Evelyn’s multifaceted personality and the intrigue of her Hollywood secrets. The story’s twists and turns keep you hooked, making it a perfect BookTok sensation.
“It Ends with Us” by Colleen Hoover
Summary: This emotional romance centers on Lily Bloom, who falls for a charming neurosurgeon named Ryle Kincaid, only to grapple with his darker side and her own past.
Why It’s Popular: The raw, emotional depth of this story resonates with many readers. Colleen Hoover masterfully tackles difficult themes like domestic abuse and love, making it a powerful and unforgettable read. I remember tearing up several times while reading this one, and it’s easy to see why it’s a BookTok darling.
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
Summary: Two authors with writer’s block, January and Gus, end up spending the summer as neighbors and challenge each other to swap genres and finish their books.
Why It’s Popular: The charming and relatable characters, along with the witty banter, make this book a delightful escape. The enemies-to-lovers trope is executed perfectly, making it a favorite among romance enthusiasts on BookTok.
“Red, White & Royal Blue” by Casey McQuiston
Summary: This romance imagines a world where the First Son of the United States falls in love with the Prince of Wales, leading to a heartwarming and politically charged love story.
Why It’s Popular: The LGBTQ+ representation and the blend of romance with political intrigue make this book stand out. The humor and heartfelt moments have endeared it to many readers, including myself. It’s one of those books that leaves you smiling long after you’ve turned the last page.
“The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood
Summary: Olive Smith, a Ph.D. student, pretends to date her intimidating professor to convince her friends she’s moving on, only for the fake relationship to develop real feelings.
Why It’s Popular: Set against an academic backdrop, this romance features a unique premise and relatable characters. The fake-dating trope is handled with charm and humor, making it a hit on BookTok.
Fantasy
“A Court of Thorns and Roses” by Sarah J. Maas
Summary: Feyre Archeron, a mortal huntress, is thrust into the world of faeries and must navigate its dangers, politics, and an unexpected romance.
Why It’s Popular: The rich world-building and strong heroine have captivated readers. The blend of action, romance, and fantasy elements makes it a must-read. I devoured this series in a week, unable to put it down.
“The Cruel Prince” by Holly Black
Summary: Jude Duarte, a mortal girl, seeks power in the treacherous world of faeries, facing political intrigue and personal vendettas.
Why It’s Popular: The intricate plot and complex characters, particularly the morally ambiguous Jude, keep readers hooked. The book’s dark and enchanting setting is perfect for fantasy lovers.
“Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo
Summary: A ragtag group of criminals is tasked with pulling off an impossible heist in the bustling, gritty city of Ketterdam.
Why It’s Popular: The diverse cast of characters and the high-stakes plot make this book an exhilarating read. The camaraderie and tension between the characters add depth to the story. Kaz Brekker and his crew quickly became some of my favorite characters in fiction.
“The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue” by V.E. Schwab
Summary: Addie LaRue makes a deal with the devil to live forever, only to be cursed to be forgotten by everyone she meets—until someone finally remembers her.
Why It’s Popular: The unique premise and lyrical prose have made this book a standout. The poignant exploration of memory and identity resonates deeply with readers. This book stayed with me long after I finished it, and I often find myself reflecting on its themes.
“From Blood and Ash” by Jennifer L. Armentrout
Summary: Poppy, a maiden destined to usher in a new era, finds herself questioning her fate and falling for her guard, Hawke.
Why It’s Popular: The steamy romance and epic fantasy elements make this book a thrilling read. The strong character dynamics and plot twists keep readers on their toes. The chemistry between Poppy and Hawke is electric, making this a favorite on BookTok.
Young Adult (YA)
“They Both Die at the End” by Adam Silvera
Summary: In a world where people receive a phone call on the day they will die, two boys meet through an app and decide to live their last day to the fullest.
Why It’s Popular: The emotional story and thought-provoking themes have touched many readers. The book’s exploration of life, love, and mortality is both heart-wrenching and beautiful. I remember feeling profoundly moved after finishing this book.
“We Were Liars” by E. Lockhart
Summary: A group of wealthy friends spends summers on a private island, but secrets and lies unravel their seemingly perfect lives.
Why It’s Popular: The shocking twists and compelling narrative make this book impossible to put down. The story’s haunting quality lingers long after you’ve finished reading. The twist completely floored me, and I had to reread certain parts to fully grasp its impact.
“A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” by Holly Jackson
Summary: Pippa Fitz-Amobi investigates a closed murder case for her school project, uncovering secrets that others want to remain hidden.
Why It’s Popular: The intriguing mystery and relatable protagonist make this book a hit. The interactive elements, such as interviews and diary entries, add depth to the story. This book kept me guessing until the very end, making it a thrilling read.
“The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller
Summary: This retelling of the Iliad focuses on the relationship between Achilles and Patroclus, exploring themes of love, destiny, and heroism.
Why It’s Popular: The beautiful prose and emotional depth have made this book a favorite. The tender portrayal of Achilles and Patroclus’ relationship resonates with many readers. I was deeply moved by this story and found myself reflecting on its themes long after finishing it.
“One of Us Is Lying” by Karen M. McManus
Summary: Five high school students walk into detention, but only four walk out alive. Everyone is a suspect in this thrilling mystery.
Why It’s Popular: The high-stakes mystery and multiple perspectives keep readers engaged. The book’s exploration of secrets and lies in a high school setting is both relatable and suspenseful. This book was a rollercoaster ride from start to finish, and I couldn’t put it down.
Mystery/Thriller
“The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides
Summary: Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, stops speaking after being accused of murdering her husband. Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist, is determined to get her to talk.
Why It’s Popular: The psychological twists and gripping story make this book a page-turner. The unexpected revelations keep readers guessing. The ending left me speechless, and I had to process the twist for days afterward.
“Verity” by Colleen Hoover
Summary: Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer, is hired to complete a series for the injured bestselling author Verity Crawford. As she delves into Verity’s notes, she uncovers disturbing secrets.
Why It’s Popular: The dark and thrilling plot, combined with Hoover’s signature emotional depth, makes this book a standout. The suspense and moral ambiguity keep readers on edge. This book had me questioning everything, and the tension was palpable throughout.
“The Maidens” by Alex Michaelides
Summary: Mariana Andros, a therapist, becomes obsessed with proving that Edward Fosca, a charismatic professor, is a murderer after one of his students is found dead.
Why It’s Popular: The academic setting and chilling mystery make this book an engaging read. The psychological elements and Greek mythology references add depth to the story. I was captivated by the eerie atmosphere and the intricate plot.
“The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins
Summary: Rachel, an alcoholic who rides the train daily, becomes obsessed with the seemingly perfect couple she sees from the train window—until she witnesses something shocking.
Why It’s Popular: The unreliable narrator and intense suspense have made this book a bestseller. The twists and turns keep readers on the edge of their seats. The narrative style drew me in, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages to uncover the truth.
“The Guest List” by Lucy Foley
Summary: A wedding on a remote island turns deadly as old secrets and resentments come to light, and someone ends up dead.
Why It’s Popular: The isolated setting and multiple suspects create a claustrophobic and thrilling atmosphere. The alternating perspectives add to the tension. This book felt like a modern Agatha Christie novel, and I loved trying to piece together the mystery.
Science Fiction/Dystopian
“Dune” by Frank Herbert
Summary: In a distant future, Paul Atreides navigates political intrigue and battles on the desert planet of Arrakis, where the valuable spice melange is mined.
Why It’s Popular: The epic scope and intricate plot make this a cornerstone of science fiction. The complex characters and world-building are unmatched. Reading “Dune” was a transformative experience, and its themes still resonate with me.
“The Hunger Games” by Suzanne Collins
Summary: Katniss Everdeen volunteers to take her sister’s place in a televised death match, sparking a rebellion in a dystopian world.
Why It’s Popular: The high-stakes plot and social commentary have made this series a phenomenon. Katniss’s bravery and resilience resonate with readers. I remember the sleepless nights spent reading this trilogy, completely engrossed in the story.
“Legend” by Marie Lu
Summary: In a future where the United States has split into warring nations, two teens from opposite sides of society, June and Day, must navigate their complex world and uncover government secrets.
Why It’s Popular: The dynamic characters and thrilling plot make this series a standout. The political intrigue and action-packed narrative keep readers engaged. The chemistry between June and Day and their journey through a dystopian world kept me hooked.
“Scythe” by Neal Shusterman
Summary: In a future where humanity has conquered death, scythes are tasked with population control. Two teens, Citra and Rowan, are chosen to be scythe apprentices, but only one can survive.
Why It’s Popular: The philosophical questions and gripping story make this book thought-provoking and thrilling. The unique premise and moral dilemmas faced by the characters are captivating. This book had me questioning the nature of life and death, and I couldn’t put it down.
“The Maze Runner” by James Dashner
Summary: Thomas wakes up in a maze with no memory of his past, alongside other boys who must navigate the deadly labyrinth and uncover the truth behind their situation.
Why It’s Popular: The fast-paced plot and mystery elements make this book a page-turner. The camaraderie and tension among the characters add depth to the story. The sense of urgency and the constant danger kept me on the edge of my seat.
Historical Fiction
“The Nightingale” by Kristin Hannah
Summary: This novel follows two sisters in Nazi-occupied France during World War II, highlighting their bravery and sacrifice.
Why It’s Popular: The emotional impact and strong female characters make this book a powerful read. The historical setting adds depth and authenticity. This book moved me to tears and left me in awe of the resilience of its characters.
“The Book Thief” by Markus Zusak
Summary: Narrated by Death, this novel tells the story of Liesel Meminger, a young girl in Nazi Germany who finds solace in stealing books and sharing them with others.
Why It’s Popular: The unique narrative style and poignant story have made this book a modern classic. The exploration of humanity in the face of horror is both heartbreaking and inspiring. The lyrical prose and unforgettable characters made this a standout read for me.
“The Alice Network” by Kate Quinn
Summary: Two women—a female spy recruited to the Alice Network in World War I and an American socialite searching for her cousin in 1947—intertwine their stories in a tale of courage and redemption.
Why It’s Popular: The dual timelines and strong female protagonists make this book engaging and inspiring. The historical intrigue and emotional depth resonate with readers. I was captivated by the bravery of the characters and the richly woven narrative.
“Circe” by Madeline Miller
Summary: This retelling of the myth of Circe, the enchantress from Homer’s Odyssey, focuses on her journey from a powerless nymph to a formidable witch.
Why It’s Popular: The feminist perspective and beautiful prose make this book a standout. The exploration of Circe’s character and her transformation is compelling and empowering. This book offered a fresh take on mythology, and I was enthralled by Circe’s story.
“The Tattooist of Auschwitz” by Heather Morris
Summary: Based on a true story, this novel follows Lale Sokolov, a Jewish man who becomes the tattooist at Auschwitz and risks his life to help fellow prisoners.
Why It’s Popular: The true story and historical significance make this book powerful and moving. The resilience and love displayed by the characters are inspiring. This book provided a deeply personal perspective on a tragic period in history, and I was profoundly affected by it.
Conclusion
BookTok has brought these incredible books to the forefront, creating a community where readers can share and celebrate their favorite stories. From romance and fantasy to mystery and historical fiction, these 30 books offer something for everyone. Whether you’re new to BookTok or a seasoned reader, these books are sure to captivate and inspire you. Happy reading! And don’t forget to share your favorites and join the BookTok conversation for more amazing recommendations.