There is no denying that #BookTok is one of the largest and most powerful communities on TikTok. Videos with the BookTok hashtag have garnered nearly 200 billion views to date, and regularly help books make the bestseller lists. Its influence has become so tremendous that in recent years, you’ve probably seen sections like 'TikTok Made Me Buy It' in your favorite bookstores. So if you're looking to explore the biggest hits on BookTok in 2023 as a reading prompt for yourself or a gift for a book lover, here are some of the most discussed titles on BookTok in 2023 that you can order from online bookstores using a forward2me address.
15 BookTok Books Everyone Was Reading in 2023
BookTok has a diverse user base, but certain genres such as young adult fiction, romance, fantasy, fantasy, and dark academia tend to gain more traction. These genres often gain popularity based on the engagement and enthusiasm of BookTok users, who share recommendations, reviews, fan theories, and discussions, contributing to the viral nature of certain books within these categories. So whether you're interested in what the platform has to offer or you're just looking for a recommendation to cross off an item on your
reading challenge, here are 15 books in different genres that dominated #BookTok in 2023.
"A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas
Feyre, a young huntress, is thrust into a magical world after killing a wolf in the woods, which turns out to be a faerie. To atone for this act, she's taken to the faerie realm by Tamlin, a powerful High Fae, where she discovers a looming threat and finds herself entangled in court intrigue, romance, and a battle for survival.
"The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo" by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel follows the captivating life story of legendary Hollywood actress Evelyn Hugo. Through a series of interviews with an unknown journalist, Evelyn recounts her tumultuous journey through love, fame, and ambition, unraveling the truth behind her seven marriages and the secrets she's kept hidden for decades.
"Shadow and Bone" by Leigh Bardugo
In a world divided by darkness and malevolent forces, Alina Starkov discovers a dormant power that could be the key to saving her war-torn country. As she trains to harness her ability, she navigates a complex web of politics, magic, and dangerous alliances in a quest to bring light to her world.
"A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara
This emotionally intense novel follows the lives of four friends in New York City over decades. At its center is Jude St. Francis, a complex and deeply scarred individual, whose traumatic past continues to haunt him as he grapples with the complexities of friendship, love, and the pursuit of healing.
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig
Nora Seed, disillusioned with her life, finds herself in the Midnight Library, a place between life and death. Here, she has the chance to explore parallel lives based on different decisions she's made. Through these alternate realities, Nora seeks to discover the life that truly brings her happiness and fulfillment.
"Tomorrow, Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin
In a future where people can upload their consciousness into digital replicas after death, Nora Glass navigates the complexities of love, loss, and identity as she grapples with the decision to upload her own consciousness or let go of life in its physical form.
"It Ends With Us" by Colleen Hoover
Lily Bloom unexpectedly encounters her past when she meets Ryle Kincaid, a neurosurgeon. As their relationship evolves, Lily grapples with complex emotions tied to her past and family history of abuse. This emotionally charged story explores love, resilience, and the difficult choices one faces in relationships.
"She Who Became the Sun" by Shelley Parker-Chan
Set in a fantastical reimagining of the Ming dynasty, the story follows a girl who, after her brother's death, adopts his identity and sets out to claim a destiny that was never meant for her. Amidst gender and power struggles, she rises from her humble origins to challenge fate and shape her own path.
"The Atlas Six" by Olivie Blake
In a world where magic and power are intertwined, six ambitious individuals compete for a coveted position among the select few granted access to ancient knowledge. As they navigate dangerous trials and personal challenges, dark secrets emerge, testing their loyalties and the very fabric of magic itself.
"The Song of Achilles" by Madeline Miller
This retelling of the Trojan War from the perspective of Patroclus, companion to the mighty warrior Achilles, explores their deep bond that transcends friendship. Through their journey together, the novel delves into themes of love, honor, and the cost of destiny in a beautifully rendered ancient Greek setting.
"Before the Coffee Gets Cold" by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
In a Tokyo café where time travel to the past is possible but with strict limitations, patrons attempt to rectify regrets or seek closure. Each character's story intertwines as they grapple with the consequences of revisiting the past and the limitations of altering fate.
"The Inheritance Games" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
Avery Grambs unexpectedly inherits a massive fortune from a reclusive billionaire, but there's a catch – she must live in the deceased billionaire's mansion alongside his grandsons and solve a complex puzzle to claim her inheritance. As Avery delves deeper into the mystery, she uncovers family secrets and hidden motives that challenge her understanding of wealth and loyalty.
"Mexican Gothic" by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
Set in 1950s Mexico, the story follows Noemí Taboada, who travels to a remote mansion to check on her cousin after receiving a troubling letter. She encounters an eerie atmosphere and a family hiding dark secrets, discovering chilling truths about the house and its haunting past.
"Where the Crawdads Sing" by Delia Owens
Kya Clark, known as the "Marsh Girl," grows up isolated in the marshes of North Carolina. When a murder investigation entangles her in the local community, the story unravels a haunting mystery while exploring themes of loneliness, resilience, and the power of nature.
"The House in the Cerulean Sea" by TJ Klune
Linus Baker, a government caseworker, is tasked with evaluating an orphanage for magical children. As he spends time at the peculiar orphanage, he forms bonds with the enchanting and extraordinary children, discovering the true meaning of family and acceptance.
"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
A group of eccentric and intellectually gifted students studying Greek at an elite New England college becomes entangled in a dark and consequential series of events. The novel delves into the complexities of friendship, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition.