TikTok has dominated our screen time with its addictive algorithm designed to keep you scrolling through your day. While TikTok is known for choreographed dances, viral hacks and various challenges, it’s also a huge space for book lovers. From influencers to well read teenagers, BookTok has become a primary spot to get book recommendations for your next read.
But there are three female authors you can’t get through one scroll without seeing their books on your feed. But are they worth it? Here’s a guide to BookTok’s biggest authors, from someone who’s been there, read that.
Colleen Hoover
Colleen Hoover is a BookTok darling. She’s been a long time bestseller of romance books you’ve likely seen on the shelves at your local bookstore. Hoover’s biggest hits are “November 9”, “Ugly Love” and most recently, “Reminders of Him.” But BookTok has a clear favorite, “It Ends with Us” that dominates every recommendation list for romance readers.
“It Ends with Us”
Hoover is known for her romance books that pack an emotional punch. From tragic backstories to gut wrenching plot twists, it’s become a Hoover staple in all of her books that there’s something between those pages that might make you cry.
But that being said, it’s highly recommended to research trigger warnings before picking up any of her books. And this one is no exception. While there’s some moments of cheesy lines and flowery descriptions, the book tackles a subject too many of us don’t want to talk about, or quick to disregard. It’s insightful and powerful with a hopeful ending. If you do plan to pick it up, read it quickly to get your hands on the prequel set to release in October 2022.
“Verity”
For a romance author, Hoover knows how to write a thriller. Breaking the conventions of her genre, Hoover wrote a dark, unsettling and domestic thriller, with a hint of romance, that had BookTok spinning with theories and discussions about the ending. For all you crime junkies and thriller readers out there, this book is for you. It’s got all the best from the genre with mysterious characters, an unreliable narrator and an isolated house that might give you the spooks.
Taylor Jenkins Reid
Author Taylor Jenkins Reid has taken BookTok by storm, and the hype surrounding her books only grows with every new publication. Reid is best known for her BookTok favorites, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo”, “Daisy Jones and the Six” and “Malibu Rising.”
“Malibu Rising”
Reid’s books fall into the literary fiction category that explore character and the complexities of human relationships. Currently, BookTok is recommending “Malibu Rising.” It’s her most recently published book that has the perfect summer time cover with icy blue ocean waters and surfers.
But if you’re going to pick up any of Reid’s work, I don’t recommend this one. While the setting of glamorous Malibu is the perfect place to escape to in literature, the book has a large cast of characters, it’s hard to keep up. Because of this, the readers only get a surface level connection with the characters, something that’s usually Reid’s strong suit. So, vote to skip “Malibu Rising.”
“Daisy Jones and the Six”
However, invest your time with “Daisy Jones and the Six.” There are three things Reid writes wonderfully; the 70s, fame and complicated relationships. This book has all three. One of my personal favorite books of all time, this book feels like watching a documentary from your old favorite rock and roll band from the 70s. And the audiobook is even better, narrated by a full cast that makes these characters come to life with gritty rock star voices and incredible banter. And once you’ve read that, follow up with “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.” It’s a close second to Reid’s best work because it also has those riveting elements of glamour, fame and the complicated relationships because of their fame. It also has one of the best last lines in a book I’ve read, but you’ll just have to read the whole thing to find out why.
Sarah J. Mass
Sarah J. Mass has been dotting the bookstore shelves for years, but her fame skyrocketed with BookTok, converting people who weren’t readers to binge read her 500-page book series in a matter of days. Talk about the power of a good book.
“Throne of Glass”
Mass is well known for her “Throne of Glass” fantasy series with eight books in total. While the series is a slow burn with characters you get to follow through so many pages, it’s a big commitment for the average reader. And admittedly, the hype isn’t worth the time it takes to invest in over 5,000 pages.
Because of the scale of the series, it has a slower plot that gradually builds. It’s an investment of time and patience. But if you love a slower paced book with the classic large scale fantasy cast, you might enjoy this. The series still has some of Mass’s best storytelling elements; strong female characters, exciting world building and fantastic character arcs you didn’t see coming.
“A Court of Thorns and Roses”
But my advice, read “A Court of Thorns and Roses.” It’s a three book trilogy that has all the goodness of “Throne of Glass” just in a more concise version. There’s magic, found family, steamy romance and wonderfully terrible villains you can’t wait to see defeated. There is a novella and spin-off to this series, but the best reading is found within the original three books. But be warned, once you start reading you’ll fall into Mass’s addictive writing that has you thinking “just one more chapter … ” and before you know it, you finished the whole trilogy.
So next time you’re on TikTok and stumble upon some book recommendations, consider picking one of them up. These BookTok authors are bestsellers and well loved for a reason. And once you pick one up, I recommend setting some time aside because odds are, you’re going to be lost in another world of fantasy, romance or 70s rock star fame.
