The hottest fiction picks on BookTok everyone is talking about

BookTok, the buzzing community of book lovers on TikTok, has quickly become a major player in the world of books. Through fun, quick videos, readers share their favourite stories, honest reviews, and unexpected finds, causing certain books to go viral and land on bestseller lists. Whether it’s romance, fantasy, or thriller, BookTok brings books to life and connects readers with stories that speak to them. It’s not just about books; it’s about creating a space where people can chat, share opinions, and dive deep into stories together.

What makes BookTok so exciting is how it’s changed the way we find books. Whether you’re a lifelong reader or just starting out, BookTok has something for everyone. The platform has turned ordinary readers into influencers, making it easier than ever to discover stories you’ll love. From popular picks to hidden gems, BookTok has become the place to find your next great read. Keep reading to explore the top books that took over BookTok and became the stories everyone’s talking about!

Verity by Colleen Hoover
Genre: Psychological thriller

Colleen Hoover has become one of the most popular authors on TikTok, with roughly 3.6 billion views. Verity, which has received 506 million views overall, even though It Ends with Us is her most talked-about book on the site with 2.2 billion views. An offer to complete the remaining books in a best-selling series by injured novelist Verity Crawford is accepted by struggling writer Lowen. Lowen moves into the Crawford residence at Verity's husband Jeremy's request in order to study the well-known author's studies, notes, and outlines in greater detail. There, she discovers a terrifying and unsettling autobiography by Verity. Shortly after, strange things start happening to Lowen, endangering her safety.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Genre: Historical fiction

Have you really been on BookTok if you haven’t encountered a book by Taylor Jenkins Reid? While she has many popular titles, videos about this cult-classic historical fiction novel have more than 322 million views on the platform. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo centres on Monique Grant, a journalist chosen to write an exclusive account of the life of the glitzy but secretive Hollywood actress and film superstar Evelyn Hugo. Monique has no prior connection to Evelyn, which makes her wonder why Evelyn is intrigued by her. As the book unfolds, Monique soon discovers how her life intersects with Evelyn’s in tragic and irreversible ways.

I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy
Genre: Memoir

Considered one of the best memoirs, and for good reason, I’m Glad My Mom Died is a heart-wrenching, personal story told with wit and self-reflection by former child actor Jennette McCurdy. She teased the book on TikTok leading up to the release, but once it was available, readers were quick to recommend it. Known for her character Sam on the Nickelodeon sitcom iCarly, McCurdy writes about her early life acting. It was her mother who wanted her to become a star, and because she craved peace and harmony within her family, McCurdy did it to appease her mum, especially after her mother’s cancer diagnosis. In an unflinchingly honest memoir, told with both humour and grace, McCurdy recalls the dark secrets she kept on her rise to fame, including her struggles with eating disorders, addiction, and unhealthy relationships.

My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
Genre: Literary fiction

Ottessa Moshfegh’s novel has always been popular among literary fiction fans. My Year of Rest and Relaxation is a dark, witty satire told from the viewpoint of an unreliable and self-proclaimed beautiful narrator who has graduated from Columbia University and lives in New York City. This unnamed narrator is trendy and pretty, but she’s also unhappy. That’s when she comes up with a plan: She’ll spend the year sleeping under the influence of prescribed medication. After all, her wacky and not-so-ethical therapist is prescribing the pills, so it really can’t be any easier. But the more she ascends into sleep, the more she begins to alienate herself from the world, including her best friend.

It Happened One Summer by Tessa Bailey
Genre: Contemporary romance

This 2021 romance launched to viral fame by word of mouth, and videos about the BookTok book now have more than 200 million views on TikTok. It Happened One Summer tells the story of a fallen "it" girl who is compelled to leave Los Angeles and move to a lonely little town in Washington. There, she and her sister must work at her late father's dive bar to gain some responsibility. This enemies-to-lovers story is tense and spicy, especially when a cranky sea captain is added.

Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
Genre: YA dystopian

This dystopian book is the first instalment in the author’s bestselling young adult book series that found a new wave of enthusiastic readers on TikTok with more than 1.3 billion views under Shatter Me. Given Tahereh Mafi’s unique and distinct narrative voice, it’s easy to see why. Juliette is a teenager who has been locked up by the Reestablishment because she possesses a fatal touch. Then she’s introduced to Warner and Adam, two very different guys who influence Juliette to make a choice: Is she a weapon or a warrior?

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
Genre: Literary fiction

If you haven’t heard the overwhelmingly emotional reaction to Hanya Yanagihara’s book A Little Life, then let us warn you: Grab tissues before diving in. The National Book Award finalist has critical acclaim and is widely mentioned on TikTok by readers whose hearts have been eviscerated by the tearjerker of a book. A Little Life follows four classmates from a small college in Massachusetts who move to New York to follow their dreams and ambitions. Over the next decade, trauma and unforeseen challenges leave their mark on each character, changing their lives with bleak realities.

Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
Genre: Romance

Originally self-published on Wattpad, Icebreaker went viral on the platform and TikTok before it was picked up by Atria and published. Now, after spending months on the New York Times bestseller list and racking up over 100 million posts on TikTok, Icebreaker continues to spread like wildfire. Incidentally, the title of the follow-up book in Hannah Grace’s romance book series, thanks to its witty banter and steamy love scenes. When an Olympic-bound figure skater is matched with the captain of the hockey team – yes, major Cutting-Edge vibes for you ‘80s babies – hilarity and hotness ensue. It’s fast-paced, unputdownable fun.

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Genre: Gothic horror

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic has gained a significant following in bookstores, across social media platforms, and even in Hollywood, where it is being developed into a Hulu original series by Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos. Recognised as one of the standout recent works by Latinx authors, this gothic historical fiction novel, infused with horror, tells the story of Noemí Taboada, a glamorous debutante who hurries to her cousin's aid in the remote Mexican countryside. There, the pair uncover sinister mysteries and dark secrets lurking within her cousin’s new husband’s family estate.

Funny Story by Emily Henry
Genre: Rom-com

Emily Henry has a talent for crafting swoon-worthy, humorous romance stories, and her latest book, Funny Story, is yet another example of her mastery. The novel centres on Daphne and Miles, who find themselves in a less-than-ideal predicament. To summarise: Daphne’s fiancé, Peter, dumped her just weeks before their wedding for his “I swear she’s just a friend” bestie. Adding to the drama, that best friend, Petra, also happens to be Miles’s ex-girlfriend. To top it all off, Peter and Petra are now engaged. By a strange twist of fate, Daphne ends up sharing a living space with her ex-fiancé’s fiancée’s ex-boyfriend. Complicated, right? Naturally, Miles is the complete opposite of Daphne, leading to plenty of hilarity and sparks.

Lead image credit: Pexels 

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