A TikTok-approved Spring Reading List
Reading communities are nothing new. Oprah’s book club, comic conventions, and Facebook groups are all ways in which readers connect with one another. The newest reading community can be found on TikTok. This group of readers refers to their corner of the internet as “BookTok,” the side of TikTok where creators share their favorite books, reading recommendations, and even original works. Want to know what BookTok is recommending you read this spring? Check out the reading list below.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This historical fiction novel tells the tale of a reclusive Old Hollywood star, Evelyn Hugo. At 79 years old, Hugo agrees to do a final interview about her elegant yet scandalous life with unknown journalist Monique Grant. Hugo’s tale covers her journey to fame, her seven husbands, and even a forbidden love.
Normal People by Sally Rooney
This novel follows the friendship between Connell and Marianne, two teenagers attending high school in Ireland. Connell enjoys great popularity at school, while Marianne keeps to herself. The two embark on a secret relationship, and the book follows their friendship/relationship from
high school through college. If you’re not much of a reader, you can enjoy the drama tv adaptation of Normal People on Hulu.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
Set during the Greek Heroic age, this novel explores Homer’s Iliad from Patroclus’ perspective. Author Madeline Miller’s website contains a good summary of this book, stating, “Profoundly moving and breathtakingly original, this rendering of the epic Trojan War is a dazzling feat of the imagination, a devastating love story, and an almighty battle between gods and kings, peace and glory, immortal fame and the human heart.”
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
When driven Lily meets stubborn Ryle, she feels a spark between them. The story centers around Lily and Ryle and their relationship. This story features lots of twists and turns, including the reemergence of a first love. If you are into powerful romance novels, this book is for you.
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry
Another romance novel recommended by BookTok, this plot focuses on best friends Alex and Poppy and their annual summer vacation. After an incident two years prior that all but destroyed
the friendship, Poppy is determined to use this summer vacation to mend their relationship. Can she mend two years apart in only one week?
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins
In this young adult novel, Anna is sent to boarding school in Paris for a year. She quickly becomes friends with the handsome Étienne St. Clair, but unfortunately he has a girlfriend. Author Stephanie Perkins’ summary of the book reads, “Will a year of romantic near misses end with the French kiss she's been waiting for?”
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This historical fiction novel documents fictitious rock group Daisy Jones & The Six’s rise to popularity in the 1970s. The story follows Daisy Jones’ life of sex, drugs, and rock and roll, as well as band The Six and how their path intersects with Daisy’s.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
A Court of Thorns and Roses is a good read for fantasy fiction enthusiasts. Desperate for food, Feyre chases after a deer, killing a wolf that was also pursuing the deer. Feyre soon learns that killing this wolf will cost her, as she becomes trapped in a magical kingdom. This book is filled with ancient curses and fantastical plotlines.
Atomic Habits by James Clear
With over 3 million copies sold, this self-help book will alter the way you view progress and success. Atomic Habits provides readers with the tools and techniques needed to get rid of bad habits and keep/gain good habits. If you suffer from a lack of motivation and have trouble getting back on track when you veer off course, this book is for you.
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Another self-help book BookTok recommends adding to your shelf is 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think. This book includes a compilation of essays written by Wiest, focusing on everything from negative thinking to the meaning of life. Readers refer to this book as profound, eye-opening, and a must-read for everyone.
