If you have read the title, you may think I am here to defend all of BookTok and thus the books that are popular on the social media platform. And in a way, I kind of am and kind of not. I would rather see this article as an opinionated piece that likes to highlight and recognize a part of BookTok, rather than the entire section of BookTok. Is there straight, derivative trash on BookTok? Yes. But is that the entire makeup of BookTok? No. Not even close. Actually, some of my favorite books I have found through the suggestions and promotions of creators on BookTok that I would like to highlight and showcase in this article!
First up, “One of Us Is Lying,” by Karen M. McManus. Telling the story of four high school seniors who meet in detention one day, who are suddenly thrusted into a life or death mystery, this book takes the reader on a memorable thriller. If you take a section of the film, “Breakfast Club,” mixed with the elements and themes of “Sherlock Holmes” with maybe a smidge of “Pretty Little Liars,” then that makes up “One of Us Is Lying”! One of my favorite books that delivers a compelling mystery that also provides the reader with gripping characters, “One of Us Is Lying,” is a great book that I recommend you read if you enjoy mysteries!
The second one up on my list is “All the Bright Places,” by Jennifer Niven. Also, a motion picture produced by Netflix, the book, “All the Bright Places,” tells the story of two teens who try to help one another heal from their separate trauma as they navigate growing up and change in all forms. Grappling with heavy themes such as abuse, death, and suicide, I recommend the book not because it is an easy read, but because it is a work of fiction worth reading. Conveying a beautiful story that handles the topic of teenage trauma in a mature manner, the book “All the Bright Places” is a heavy yet beautiful story that accurately portrays the difficulties of life as a teenager.
Lastly on my list is “Red, White, and Royal Blue,” by Casey McQuiston. Now, if you read one of my previous articles in which I criticized “Red, White, and Royal Blue,” please note my criticisms were towards the film. The book is wonderful. Really wonderful, actually. Filled with romance, drama, and maybe a little bit of coming-of-age, this book is a perfect blend of everything that makes up the young adult genre. The story is really new and original, and the main characters of Alex and Henry are really engaging and you want to see them succeed on their journey.
And there are many, many, many books I can even add to this short list, but unfortunately, I have a word limit. So, before you are quick to totally write off BookTok as trashy and unoriginal, I would encourage you to look deeper into that section of TikTok and maybe even give these three books a read if you can. It will be worth it!
