Just because a book is hyped on TikTok does not mean it’s good is an adage that deserves as much appreciation as Socrates’s declaration that the unexamined life is not worth living, and Einstein’s claim that insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly and expecting different results.
...Okay, maybe it deserves a little less appreciation, but you get my gist. We’ve all experienced the disappointment of reading a book that everyone on social media is raving about but which falls short of the mark. To save you similar future disappointment, here are two popular BookTok reads which I think are worth the hype and two I’d avoid.
Image Credit: Charlotte Henard from Wikimedia Commons
.jpg){kind=link}
Let us slide into your dms 🥰
Get notified of top trending articles like this one every week! (we won't spam you)Books That are Worth the Hype
1. The Jasad Heir by Sara Hashem
What is it About?
Sylvia, heir to the fallen Jasad kingdom, has spent years hiding both her magic and her identity from her enemies. However, her carefully constructed life comes under threat when the deadly Nizahl heir discovers the small village where she’s hiding. Sylvia finds herself forced to accept his offer to compete in the brutal Alcahah tournament as Nizah’s champion in exchange for immunity from persecution.
And yet, as Sylvia becomes increasingly embroiled in political schemes and grows to know the Nizahl heir, she begins to question how long she can outrun her true nature.
Thoughts:
The Jasad Heir has only recently blown up as a BookTok favorite. Although it’s easy to think of the sub-genre of enemies-to-lovers fantasy novels as overdone, Hashem does a good job of putting a fresh spin on it, crafting a book with enough originality and character depth to stand apart from other fantasy books on the market.
2. Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
What is it About?
When June Hayward’s friend, best-selling author Athena Liu, dies in a freak accident in front of her, June is faced with the opportunity of a lifetime: steal Athena’s unpublished novel and pass it off as her own.
The gamble pays off: after publishing the novel as her own, June's career skyrockets. However, suspicions soon arise about June's newfound status as a successful (and ethnically ambiguous) author. Leading to the question – how far is she willing to go to protect her newfound success?
Thoughts:
R.F. Kuang's books can often be found topping the ranks of BookTok's favorite reads – and understandably so. Yellowface is a literary thriller that plays with satire and internet culture in a way that’s witty and engaging. It's the perfect read for when you're looking for something that will ensnare you, but which isn't too long or heavy.
Take the Quiz: Which Harry Potter Character Are You?
Find out which character matches your personality!
Books That Aren't Worth the Hype
1. Powerless by Lauren Roberts
What is it About?
Paedyn Gray’s life is difficult enough posing as an Elite in a world where Ordinaries like herself have been sentenced to exile from the kingdom. However, the danger in her life goes up a notch when she unknowingly saves Prince Kai’s life and is made to participate in the deadly Purging Trials.
As her situation grows increasingly dangerous, Paedyn finds herself wondering how far she'll go to leave the trials with both her life – and her heart – intact.
Thoughts:
While Powerless is not necessarily badly written, I’d argue there are other books that tackle the same tropes with more flair. The novel has faced some controversy for its similarity to the popular Red Queen series (both novels follow a girl torn between two brothers in a world divided between those with powers and those without), and its reliance on so many popular BookTok tropes means the novel at times feels a little clichéd.
2. It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
What is it About?
Lily Bloom’s life hasn’t been easy, but she’s determined to turn it around. She feels good about the way things are going: she's moved away from home, started her own flower business, and has met Ryle, a handsome neurosurgeon.
However, cracks soon begin to show in their budding relationship. To make matters worse, Atlas, Lily's first love, reappears in her life, leading to Lily questioning everything she thinks she knows.
Thoughts:
Colleen Hoover is easily one of BookTok's most divisive authors. It's important to note that although many of those reading It Ends With Us are teenagers, the novel is actually aimed at adults and contains serious themes such as domestic violence.
It's debatable as to how well Hoover actually with these themes, especially given her subsequent, doomed attempt to release an It Ends With Us coloring book. At times her writing also feels a little cheesy and fails to quite pull you into the story. Ultimately, it's a BookTok favorite I'd steer clear of.
Image Credit: Aiman Farhan from Unsplash
Conclusion
It goes without saying that not everyone will agree with these takes, but hopefully, they offer some helpful context about a few of BookTok's favorite reads. With luck, you'll be able to pick up books a little more wisely and ensure you're choosing those you're more likely to enjoy, than those you're not.