#BookTok Made Me Buy It: Are These Reads Actually Worth It?
If you’ve spent more than 30 seconds on #BookTok, you’ve seen the same titles pop up again and again—usually paired with a dramatic soundtrack, a warning about emotional damage, and someone whispering “just trust me.” TikTok has made reading cool again, but the real question is: are these books actually worth the hype? Here’s the lowdown on three of BookTok’s longest-reigning viral queens—no spoilers, just honest vibes.
1. "The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller
Vibe: Greek mythology, slow-burn romance, emotional devastation
If you’ve heard people sobbing into their annotated copies, this is the one. A retelling of the Achilles and Patroclus myth with a modern, tender twist, this novel blends lyrical prose with raw emotion. It's beautifully written, deeply romantic, and emotionally wrecking in the best way. Worth the hype? Absolutely—just maybe not as your vacation beach read unless you’re okay with crying in public.
2. "It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover
Vibe: Contemporary romance with emotional weight and tough themes
Colleen Hoover has basically become BookTok royalty, and It Ends With Us is her crown jewel. It’s romantic, yes, but also messy, painful, and deeply personal—tackling generational trauma and the complexities of love. TikTok’s obsession with this book is well-earned, though opinions vary depending on what you expect going in. If you’re looking for a fluffy rom-com, this ain’t it. But if you’re into emotionally charged, fast-paced reads? It hits.
3. "Fourth Wing" by Rebecca Yarros
Vibe: Dragons, spice, military academy drama, fantasy binge-read
Dubbed by some as “Hogwarts for dragon riders but hot,” Fourth Wing exploded onto #BookTok and hasn’t left since. It’s fast, dramatic, filled with action and angst, and ticks every fantasy-romance box: strong female lead, forbidden love, high stakes. While it’s not breaking literary ground, it is wildly entertaining—and honestly, sometimes that’s exactly what you want. Plus, the sequel hype is real.
