Before I went to University, books were my everything – they were basically my whole world! Seriously… before running, discovering the gym, food, and all of my current passions – reading was it.
If I wasn’t reading… I was thinking about reading or even posting on my own anonymous ‘Booktok’ account (which did pretty well) – purely because I just loved it.
From fantasy, to contemporary romance, to historical fiction, to (a firm favourite) dystopian, I couldn’t get enough. I mean, I literally chose to study an English Literature and Language degree because, quite simply, “I loved reading”.
(p.s. although a good starting point… please make sure you love other bits of the subject as well, before committing to this like I did😂)
Unfortunately though, when I went to university, I lost both the time and the love for reading ‘purely for pleasure’. With classical narratives, set readings, and archaic texts constantly dominating my reading list… the last thing I wanted to do in my spare time was pick up another book!
However. Now that I have completed that chapter of my life, one of my aims this year is to start reading more again… To rediscover the joy of relaxing with a great book in hand – and a cup of tea in the other – and simply getting lost in great stories.
And luckily for me, it seems that BookTok is still thriving and a huge platform packed with great recommendations to easily make my way back into the community.
Before diving straight in though, I wanted to share some of the (arguably slightly older) ‘BookTok’ favourites that were genuinely worth the read (in my opinion) – what I thought of them, and also what you can expect…
So, without further ado…
What BookTok books are actually worth the hype?📚
- The Housemaid, Freida McFadden🔑
Genre: Psychological Thriller
This was actually a more recent read of mine – and one that I can confidently say is absolutely worth the hype!
The storyline is gripping, fast paced and super engaging – just when you think you have figured it out, McFadden cleverly throws the reader off with another twist – and is the kind of read that you will be unable to put down!
Not only is the book excellent, but the recent movie adaptation is also well worth it too! I’ve written up a full review on it already – and would recommend it to anyone who loves a tense, addictive thriller.
I am currently reading Onyx Storm (the final book in the Fourth Wing trilogy), and must say that I have thoroughly enjoyed the series as a whole. Fantasy is very much a guilty pleasure of mine, and I love the immersive world that Yarros has created. With dragons, magic, fighting and of course… romance – what more could you want?
Hamnet is a completely different kind of read, but no less impressive. It’s a beautifully lyrical piece of craft that I am a huge fan of. The narrative, the plot, the characterisation – all phenomenal and handled with such care and depth. You absolutely don’t need to be a fan of Shakespeare to give this one a go; it stands powerfully on its own as a moving atmospheric story.
4. Song of Achilles, Madeline Miller🏹
Genre: Historical Fiction
It’s been a little while since I read this one, but if there’s one thing I remember clearly – it’s that I really enjoyed it. This novel revisits the well-known myth of Achilles from a beautifully human perspective you hadn’t maybe considered before – stripping back the legend to reveal the vulnerability, emotion and depth that lurks beneath immortality.
Poignant and deeply moving, this book stays with you long after the final page, and is definitely worth a read for any Greek Myth fans who enjoy a character-driven tale with real emotional weight.
If you’ve seen the ground-breaking series Normal People – I can promise that the book is just as good. I actually watched the show before reading it – mainly because literally everyone I knew was talking about it when it first came out. But Rooney’s language and talent shone through on the page, bringing a depth and intimacy that truly makes reading this one worth it.
Need I say more about ‘Wuthering Heights’? I mean – in my opinion – it’s not quite the great love story that it is often made out to be (?). I mean, Heathcliffe and Catherine are both fairly… unbearable😂 – but it’s one of those books that everyone ‘should’ read at least once in their lives.
(+ For full transparency, I’ve already got my ticket to see the new adaptation in cinemas next month🥳 So clearly, annoying characters aside – I’m fully invested.)
7. The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V. E. Schwab🕰️
Genre: Historical Fantasy
Again, another slightly older recommendation… but for sure not one for book-lovers to miss.
Selling your soul always comes with a price… and can you imagine people forgetting who you are, the second they look away from you? Your friends, family, colleagues looking at you as though you’re a stranger every time they meet your eyes? No memories. No permanence. No proof you ever existed.
And then, one day.. someone remembers.
This is haunting and quietly powerful – exploring identity, loneliness, love and what it truly means to leave your mark in the world.
Finally, I had to end on A Court of Thorns and Roses. Arguably the biggest BookTok book of them all – and if you’ve spent even five minutes on the platform, you’ve definitely heard of this one!
And honestly? I would argue for very good reason…
This book literally single-handedly sparked my love for fantasy. Before picking it up, I’ll admit I was guilty for thinking “A book about Fairies? This is going to be pants…” but boy was I wrong.
I absolutely loved the storyline, the world creation, the dark romance… Everything! It completely pulled me in and opened the door to a genre I now adore.
I also managed to convince a few of my friends at uni to read it as well… and all I can say to them is: you’re welcome! As they loved it just as much.
If you’re even considering getting into fantasy reads – or just ‘BookTok’ in general – I would absolutely recommend starting here.
And those are my top picks. Granted – some of these are from way back in my reading era – I’m talking peak COVID times – so they may be a little outdated, or let’s say nostalgic now, but revisiting them has made me really excited to get back into reading more and falling in love with it all again!
Speaking of… if you have any good recommendations at all – let me know. I would love to sink my teeth into some great books across all different genres – so consider this my official re-entry into the reading world!
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