Let's face it, booktok can make a book's success, launching an author to new sales heights. I spent several months reading through a substantial list of recent booktok sensations and found the list below to be my favorite. Now, book taste is subjective. So what I think is great, you may want to toss in the toilet. And guess what? that's okay.
When I evaluate a book, I'm looking for three things. First, did I feel connected to the characters in a way that made me want to either root for their success or pray the author would bring them some type of awful end that would have me pumping my fists in the air and screaming 'justice at last?' Secondly, I want to be so interested in the book that I neglect my husband, forget to feed my dogs, and don't notice when the sun goes down in the evening. There's nothing worse than reading five pages and feeling like you've invested a lifetime. Pace is everything to me. Finally, I want to FEEL something from the book. If it's a thriller, I expect some gut-twisting nerves. If it's a romance, I want my stomach to bottom out when the main characters finally do the thing we've been waiting for them to do (you know the thing). I expect to be brought along on the emotional journey of the characters. It's for these reasons that I've chosen the four books below as my favorite booktok reads.
Now, I'd be a big fraud if I didn't admit the first one is my own novel, so let's just start there.
#1 Pick - The First Sun by Mindi Hope
This book is a standout because it hooks you in from chapter one until the very last page. Plus, it has a little something for everyone. There's romance, suspense, plot twists, and plenty of emotion. If you like a friend to lovers, brother's best friend trope, this one is a great choice for you.
It's the story of Abby and David, a young teenage couple who start an accidental fire that kills a loved one. Terrified of what will happen to them if their families find out the truth, they make a promise to never tell anyone. That secret pulls them apart for eighteen years, until they are finally forced to reunite for a family wedding. Just as they start to see hope that their relationship might come back together, their secret darkens their relationship once more, leaving them with the awful decision to either tell the truth or walk away from one another for good.
#2 - Verity by Colleen Hoover
Listen, I know this book is super popular and this is a 'no duh' choice. But I have to give the goddess Co-Ho her due. A lot of people like to hate on Co-Ho, but there's no mistaking her success in the romance genre. She is the reigning queen and Verity is, in my opinion, one of her best works.
This is the story of a struggling writer (Lowan) who is hired by a man to complete his author-wife's novel series after she's in an accident that leaves her in a comatose state. Lowan begins reading some of the wife's notes and begins to suspect there is more to the author than meets the eye.
When it comes to not being able to put a book down, Verity was a home run. I was so invested in this book from the very beginning. The character development was great and just as I began to love one character, something would happen, and I'd question my allegiance. There is a twist at the end that I'm still thinking about months later, the mark of a truly successful book, in my opinion.
#3 - The House in the Cerulean Sea
So, this book doesn't have that 'can't put down, turn the page as fast as I can' kind of feel, but it is such a heartwarming story, that I had to add it to the list. Don't get me wrong, it kept my attention throughout, but not in a suspenseful kind of way. It's more of an 'I'm rooting for you' kind of way.
This is about an orphanage full of magical children whose powers could potentially harm the world. The orphanage is overseen by the government, with Linus assigned to decide if the facility is safe to remain open. If he makes the wrong choice, the powers of the children could be deadly. But, if he shuts down the facility, he'll be splitting up the children from the only family they've ever known. Along the way, Linus begins to feel like part of their odd family.
When it comes to a story that made me feel warm and happy inside, this is it. I was so in love with this ending. A great read, with a very unique perspective.
#4 - The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
If you like a suspenseful book with great plot twists, this one is for you. It's about Theo, a psychologist who takes a job at a mental health facility. He gets to know Alicia, an artist who famously killed her husband and never spoke again. Theo works diligently to try to solve the mystery of the murder, becoming consumed with Alicia and the secrets she's holding onto.
This book has an excellent pace, a great twist, and a very creative way of telling a story. I recommend this book to anyone who loves a fast-paced psychological thriller.
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