Our Top “BookTok” Picks
TikTok is an app that allows users to like, share and create videos on any topic. Common crazes have included dances, ASMR, “Get Ready With Me” and beauty product reviews. Over the summer, “BookTok” rapidly spread throughout a subcommunity of TikTok users. BookTok focuses on the idea of discussing, reviewing and rating books. Because of this trend, books such as “It Ends with Us,” written by Colleen Hoover, and “Normal People” by Sally Rooney have grown in popularity. Now, the BookTok hashtag has over 112 billion views, and the term is used in Barnes & Noble for a specific section of books. BookTok covers numerous plot lines and genres, but how can you determine which ones are overhyped versus genuinely worth reading? Fortunately for you, we at The Edge have curated a list of the best of BookTok.
1. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” (Taylor Jenkins Reid)
Taylor Jenkins Reid’s novel, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo,” tells the story of 79-year-old retired actress Evelyn Hugo. After decades of starring in blockbuster films, Evelyn Hugo finally agrees to give an interview — as long as reporter Monique Grant conducts it. However, Monique quickly learns that Evelyn wants Monique to not only release an interview, but also write Evelyn’s biography that would answer everyone’s long-awaited questions. This novel is a page-turning Hollywood exposé that lays out every gritty detail of Evelyn’s life. Taylor Jenkins Reid captivates the audience with her writing, making the reader feel immersed in the time period of the story. If you’re looking to get lost within a book, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” will exceed your expectations of an enthralling plot line while also exhibiting the power behind expressing your true self.
2. “The Song of Achilles” (Madeline Miller)
If you have an interest in Greek mythology, this one's for you. Most people have encountered “The Odyssey” at least once throughout their educational career. “The Song of Achilles” is an emotional, gut-wrenching retelling of the 10-year-long Trojan War. Madeline Miller’s novel is told from the point of view of Patroclus, son of Menoetius. This page-turner tells the story of passionate love, acknowledging that LGBTQ+ community has always existed throughout history. Even when the pages are filled with tragedy, the reader feels close and falls in love with each character. Although a few have stated that they felt ambivalent about the ending, Madeline Miller's retelling gives it a fresh meaning and makes the reader ruminate on the book for days.
3. “Mexican Gothic” (Silvia Moreno-Garcia)
This ghastly novel is surely one to get lost in. Set in Mexico during the 1950s, the main character, Noemí Taboada, faces the obstacles of inequality, the lack of the right to vote, sexism and more. Noemí is presented with an opportunity to create her own path and attend a university; however, her father expresses negative feelings towards her dreams. Determined to prove her worth, Noemí sets on a mission to visit and speak with her cousin — someone her father correlates with “female hysteria.” “Mexican Gothic” quickly takes a turn with its sinister writing, leaving the reader wanting more. Will Noemí learn what is going on with her cousin? Will she make it back home? These questions leave the reader itching for answers, never wanting to drop the book.
From enemies to lovers to unrequited love tropes, BookTok has a collection of everything a reader can think of. No matter the niche, there is always a book to dive and get lost in.
Additional Must-Reads
“Ugly Love” By Colleen Hoover
“Beach Read” by Emily Henry
“The Midnight Library” By Matt Haig
“The Paris Apartment” By Lucy Foley