TikTok Made Me Read It: a Brutally Honest BookTok Roundup

As an avid reader, I have found myself deep in BookTok, the bibliophile side of TikTok where thousands of book lovers share their recommendations and reviews. Some of these books have received critical acclaim and attention, while others have received mixed reactions from the community. I’ve picked up many of these popular recommendations to see whether the hype is truly deserved.

Some have been incredible, while others have not appealed to me as much. Here’s a roundup of some of the most popular BookTok books I’ve read, along with my honest thoughts and ratings.

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1. A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Rating: 9/10

This series is a true BookTok classic. It follows the protagonist, Pip, as she attempts to reopen a five-year-old murder case from her town as a school project. She believes that five years ago, Sal Singh did not kill his girlfriend Andie Bell, and is determined to clear his name.

Along with her friends and Ravi, the brother of Sal, Pip goes on a long three-book adventure. The first book ends on a crazy note, but the end of the third book? It changes everything you think you know. Overall, the series is fantastic, and I always recommend it. For the people who enjoy it, there’s even a TV show with more seasons in development.

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2. The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han

Rating: 7/10

This series, following Belly Conklin, has gained massive popularity, especially after the release of its Amazon Prime adaptation in 2022. Belly and her family have spent their summers in Cousin Beach with her mom and her mom’s best friend’s family for as long as she can remember. Its most famous plot point is Belly’s love triangle between the two brothers, the sons of her mom’s best friend.

This has led to the well-known “team Jeremiah” and “team Conrad” debate. I was satisfied with Belly’s final choice between the brothers, and I always appreciate a light, breezy summer story! However, while the books were relatively good, they also felt unserious due to their short length and lightness. I know many would disagree with my opinion, so I would still recommend the series since it appeals to a wide range of readers.

3. Better Than the Movies by Lynn Painter

Rating: 9/10

This is the cutest rom-com book ever. It follows the story of next-door neighbours Wes Bennet and Liz Buxbaum as they grow closer and figure out what they mean to each other. Wes and Liz’s story was adorable and truly a "girl next door" story.

Wes Bennett, you have my whole heart. A sequel called Nothing Like the Movies also came out recently, which I rated a solid 7/10. It was good, but didn’t capture the same magic and vibe as the first book. However, it’s worth reading if you want to spend more time with Wes and Liz. I highly recommend this duology to anyone who loves short and sweet rom-coms.

4. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Rating: 10/10

This one is another original BookTok favorite. It gained popularity in 2021 and was praised for its plot, twists, and emotional depth. The novel follows the glamorous life of actress Evelyn Hugo as she navigates fame, love, and the cutthroat and brutal world of Hollywood, all while going through seven different marriages.

The story is heartbreaking yet also amazing, as Evelyn's story is one that you won't forget. I always recommend it to readers!

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5. It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover

Rating: 6/10

This novel is probably the most popular and well-known of the BookTok books. Colleen Hoover's story follows the life of young flower shop owner Lilly Bloom as she navigates an abusive relationship with an older surgeon. Through reconnecting with her past through a character named Atlas, she makes decisions that help ensure her survival and future.

The book was recently adapted into a movie starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, which has had its own set of controversies. While I am not the biggest fan of Colleen Hoover’s writing in her books, I think this one has a good message and spreads good awareness.

6. The Boys of Tommen by Chloe Walsh

Rating: 10000/10

This series deserves all the stars possible. I picked it up in 2022 when the books had barely over 1,000 reviews on Goodreads. Three years later, the series has become so popular that it was picked up by a traditional publishing house and gained hundreds of thousands of reviews on Goodreads.

This attention is well-deserved, as the writing, character development, and plot are among the best YA series I have ever read. Simply unmatched, this series will always hold a special place in my heart. Readers must be aware of trigger warnings for each book before reading, so I recommend it to more mature audiences. However, if you pick this up, have a lot of fun. Johnny, Shannon, Joey, Aofie, Gibsie, Claire, and everyone else in Cork, Ireland, await you!

7. If He Had Been With Me by Laura Nowlin

Rating: 7/10

This one might make you cry! Laura Nowlin’s If He Had Been With Me blew up on TikTok a few years ago. The story’s beloved trope is childhood friends to lovers, and follows the next-door neighbours Autumn and Finny as they grow up.

While it is a sad read, the writing style was not my favorite, so it’s not rated super high. However, there is a sequel that adds more perspective, and overall, it’s a quick read. I recommend both books if you want a quick emotional read.

8. A Thousand Boy Kisses by Tillie Cole

Rating: 8/10

This one will make you cry! This heartbreaking story follows Poppy and Rune, who were once close but became distant once Rune moved out of the country. Now, Rune is back in the United States and is trying to determine why they grew apart, only to learn a devastating truth about Poppy.

Now, he and Poppy must learn to grow and learn how to make the best of their situation. I loved the storyline and characters, and overall, it was a sad but good read.

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That was a quick review of 8 of BookTok's most popular books. The community has shared some truly amazing reads and a few that haven’t hit quite as hard. Overall, though, it is an amazing community, with some great recommendations!