Booktok has become influential to readers and even starting to influence people to read. The books Booktok encourages people to read are captivating and easy to get involved with. Some people argue that the books are too easy and not even that good. What do you think? Here’s what books we think are worth reading!
“The Silent Patient”
“The Silent Patient” is a psychological thriller that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its gripping premise, complex characters, and an ending that leaves you reeling, it’s no wonder this debut novel has gained widespread acclaim.
The novel revolves around Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who has been silent ever since she was found standing over her husband Gabriel’s dead body, his face brutally shot. Despite the overwhelming evidence against her, Alicia offers no explanation—no defense, no confession. She retreats into complete silence, leaving the world to speculate about her motives.
Enter Theo Faber, a forensic psychotherapist who becomes fascinated with Alicia’s case. Convinced that he can unlock her silence and uncover the truth about the murder, Theo takes a job at the psychiatric facility where Alicia is being held. The novel follows Theo’s obsessive attempts to reach Alicia and understand what drove her to kill her husband—or if she did at all.
This book is worth reading and will definitely leave you thinking about it afterwards. The author moves between different timelines and perspectives to keep the reader invested. The short chapters and tight pacing make the novel hard to put down, as each chapter ends with a cliffhanger or a new piece of the puzzle. I think the writing style is unique and the ending is not so predictable.
“Verity”
Here’s another psychological thriller that is also hard to put down. The plot makes you believe you know what will happen but there’s even bigger plot twists at the end. The book definitely keeps you wondering what is really true.
The story follows Lowen Ashleigh, a struggling writer who is hired to complete a series of books by the successful but incapacitated author Verity Crawford. Verity was in a tragic accident that left her unable to finish her best-selling series, so her husband, Jeremy, enlists Lowen to take over the project. Lowen moves into the Crawfords’ mansion to sift through Verity’s notes and manuscripts, but what she discovers is far from what she expected.
While going through Verity’s office, Lowen finds an unfinished autobiography that reveals shocking and terrifying secrets about Verity’s past. The manuscript paints a picture of a woman who is not only manipulative and dangerous but who may also have been involved in the tragic deaths of her twin daughters. As Lowen delves deeper into Verity’s twisted psyche, her feelings for Jeremy intensify, and she faces a dilemma: should she reveal the horrifying truths she has uncovered, or protect Jeremy from further heartbreak?
While I think the writing is not that advanced, it is a good starter book for getting into reading. Hoover doesn’t rely on elaborate language or descriptions; instead, she lets the twists in the story do the heavy lifting. One thing that I don’t like is how you know a plot twist is coming so it’s a little more predictable. I would say this is a great read but if you’re looking for a more complex book, this may not be it!
“A Court of Thorns and Roses”
Sarah J. Maas’ A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR) is a thrilling blend of fantasy, romance, and adventure, setting the stage for an epic series that draws readers into a world of magic, faeries, and dark secrets. As the first installment in the series, ACOTAR introduces us to a richly detailed universe where human and fae worlds collide, delivering a story that is both seductive and dangerous.
The novel centers on Feyre Archeron, a nineteen-year-old huntress struggling to keep her impoverished family alive. When she kills a wolf in the woods, she unknowingly sets off a chain of events that plunges her into the dangerous world of the fae. Soon after the kill, a powerful fae lord named Tamlin arrives at her home, demanding retribution for the life she took. As punishment, Feyre must leave her human life behind and live in his enchanted, fae realm.
As Feyre adjusts to her new life in the Spring Court, she begins to see Tamlin not just as her captor, but as a complex and captivating figure. Romance blooms between them, but beneath the beauty of the fae world lies a dark curse that threatens not only Tamlin’s court but the entire faerie realm. Feyre must unravel the secrets of the curse and make impossible choices that could save or doom those she has grown to care about.
If you love fantasy, or even if you don’t, you will love this book!! I love this book and the entire series! I would recommend this book to anyone and so would Booktok. This book is a little slow at first but it is so worth it to wait it out. Maas has a gift for world-building, and her descriptive writing brings the fae realm to life with vivid detail. The imagery of the Spring Court—the blooming gardens, shimmering forests, and opulent estates—draws readers into a world that is both magical and perilous. Maas’ writing is lush and immersive, which helps build the atmosphere of fantasy and danger that permeates the novel. One thing I also love about this book is how a lot of things make sense in later books. Maas is so clever and I will always be a fan of this series.
“The Song of Achilles”
Madeline Miller’s The Song of Achilles is a lyrical, heart-wrenching retelling of Homer’s Iliad, focused on the life, love, and tragic fate of Achilles and his companion, Patroclus. This novel breathes new life into the well-known myth by centering on the tender, human relationship between these two figures, taking readers on a journey that is as much about love and identity as it is about the inevitable destruction of war.
Narrated by Patroclus, The Song of Achilles begins with his early life as an exiled prince. After a traumatic childhood marked by shame and rejection, Patroclus is sent to live in the court of King Peleus, where he meets Achilles, the golden son of the gods, destined for greatness as the greatest warrior of his time. What begins as a tenuous friendship between the boys grows into a deep and intense bond as they come of age together.
As Achilles’ fame rises and the winds of war begin to stir, the two find themselves drawn into the conflict of the Trojan War. Achilles is driven by his destiny, prophesied to either live a long but obscure life or die young in glory. Patroclus, devoted and loyal, follows him despite knowing that this path may lead them both to ruin. Through the battles, betrayals, and losses of war, their relationship becomes the emotional core of the novel.
I think this was a beautifully written book and I didn’t appreciate it until the end. It definitely was harder for me to get into but it was worth it once I finished it. I went into it not knowing much but knowing that it was widely praised by Booktok. It was not what I expected which made it difficult to get into. Those expecting a fast-paced, battle-heavy retelling of the Iliad may find the novel’s focus on emotions and relationships somewhat unexpected. In conclusion, I would recommend this book to someone who is not just getting into reading and loves a beautifully written romance.
Books Not Worth the Hype
Although Booktok has introduced dozens of fun and thrilling reads, some have left me disappointed. One book I didn’t love was “They Both Die in the End”. I thought the idea was really clever and was disappointed that I never really got into it. I also thought it was repetitive and a bit cringey.
Another book I didn’t think deserved all the “hype” was “The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue”. Don’t get me wrong it was a good book, just not worth all the hype it was getting. I loved the concept of the book and thought there could’ve been more with it. It was just a bit underwhelming and a lot slower. Obviously, it’s still a good read, just not up there for me.
Conclusion
In conclusion, BookTok has undoubtedly had a significant impact on the reading community, encouraging both avid readers and newcomers to explore different genres and stories. While some books gain tremendous popularity due to the platform’s influence, not all live up to everyone’s expectations. However, BookTok has fostered a space for people to connect through literature, share their favorite reads, and debate what books are truly worth the hype. Whether you love fast-paced thrillers like The Silent Patient and Verity, or more complex narratives like A Court of Thorns and Roses and The Song of Achilles, there’s something for everyone. Despite differing opinions on certain books, BookTok’s overall influence in getting more people to read is undeniable.
