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If you’ve spent any time on TikTok, you’ve probably stumbled across BookTok—that magical (and slightly chaotic) corner of the internet where readers cry over fictional characters, scream about plot twists, and aggressively recommend books that you just HAVE to read.
At first, it feels like a dream. A whole community of book lovers sharing their favorites? YES, PLEASE. But after a while, you start to notice the downsides—like the fact that you now own 20 unread books because some random person swore they were “life-changing” (spoiler: they weren’t).
So, is BookTok actually good for readers? Or is it just creating a never-ending cycle of bookish FOMO? Let’s talk about it.
It’s Basically a 24/7 Book Club
Reading is often seen as a solo activity. You finish a book, you feel all the emotions—and then what? Without a book club or fellow reader to talk to, you’re stuck screaming into the void.
Enter BookTok. Now, the moment you turn the last page of a book, you can dive straight into discussions, theories, and hilariously unhinged reactions from people who felt just as emotionally wrecked as you. It makes reading feel interactive, like you’re never alone in your love for books. Whether you’re looking for a deep analysis of symbolism or just someone to yell “THAT ENDING, THOUGH!!!” with, BookTok has your back.
It Helps You Find Hidden Gems
Let’s be honest—before BookTok, a lot of us relied on bestseller lists or random bookstore browsing to find our next read. And while those are great, they don’t always lead to underrated gems that deserve more attention.
BookTok has a way of bringing back older books (The Song of Achilles, They Both Die at the End, The Night Circus—all revived thanks to BookTok buzz), boosting indie authors, and giving fresh attention to books that might not have gotten much marketing love. It’s like having a superpowered bookish algorithm that knows exactly what kind of emotional damage you’re looking for.
More Diverse Stories Are Getting Love
For a long time, mainstream publishing focused heavily on a specific type of book (typically straight, white, and written by well-known authors). But thanks to BookTok, there’s been a massive push for books that celebrate diversity.
Now, stories by BIPOC authors, LGBTQ+ writers, and books featuring diverse cultures, disabilities, and perspectives are finally getting the attention they deserve. Readers are actively seeking out books that reflect different experiences, and publishers are actually listening—which means more opportunities for marginalized voices in the industry. And honestly? It’s about time.
It’s Making Books Cool Again
Remember when reading was considered nerdy? Yeah, neither do we—because BookTok has made books a whole aesthetic.
Now, people are proudly posting their bookshelves, book hauls, cozy reading nooks, and color-coded collections. Going to a bookstore is now an event. Reading in public isn’t just acceptable—it’s practically a personality trait.
And the best part? It’s bringing in new readers who might not have picked up a book otherwise. Whether it’s teens rediscovering a love for books or adults who haven’t read for fun in years, BookTok is making literature feel fresh, exciting, and fun again.
📖 The Bad: Where BookTok Falls Short
The Overhyped Book Problem
You know the feeling. You see a book everywhere on BookTok. Every reviewer is calling it “the best book I’ve ever read” or saying it “wrecked them emotionally.” You finally give in, buy the book, read it… and it’s just meh.
BookTok is amazing for recommendations, but it also has a tendency to overhype certain books—sometimes to the point where they can’t possibly live up to expectations. It’s not that the books are bad, but when you go into a story expecting your entire worldview to change, it’s easy to end up disappointed.
(Also, can we talk about how some people call every single fantasy book “spicy” when it barely has a single kiss? The betrayal is real.)
The Same Five Books Keep Popping Up
If you’ve spent any time on BookTok, you’ve probably noticed that certain books dominate the conversation.
Right now, it’s Fourth Wing, A Court of Thorns and Roses, Iron Flame, and The House in the Cerulean Sea. A few months ago, it was It Ends With Us, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, and Babel. And while some of these books are absolutely worth the hype, the problem is that lesser-known books often get drowned out by the algorithm’s obsession with what’s trending.
If you’re tired of seeing the same recommendations over and over, the best trick is to dive deeper into smaller BookTok accounts or actively search for niche book lists (like “underrated fantasy books” or “books with zero romance” if that’s your thing).
The Pressure to Read More, More, More
Once upon a time, reading was a leisurely activity. Now, thanks to BookTok, it can feel like a competition.
People are posting videos of their 100-book reading goals, massive TBR piles, and daily reading sprints. And while that’s awesome for them, it can also make casual readers feel like they’re not reading fast enough or reading the “right” books.
But here’s the thing: reading is not a race. You don’t have to finish 10 books a month to be a “real” reader. Your TBR list will always be out of control, and that’s okay. The only reading pace that matters is the one that makes you happy.
Beware the Spoilers
BookTok is amazing for finding new books—but it’s also dangerous if you like to go into a book spoiler-free.
One moment you’re innocently scrolling, the next, you see a video that starts with “OMG I CAN’T BELIEVE [CHARACTER] DIED” and BAM—the damage is done. Some creators are great about adding spoiler warnings, but others? Not so much.
If spoilers are your worst nightmare, your best bet is to mute book titles on TikTok or avoid BookTok for certain books you’re dying to read. (Or just accept that you’ll never be safe. It’s a cruel world.)
So… Is BookTok Good or Bad?
Honestly? It’s both.
It’s an incredible space for book lovers to connect, find new reads, and make books feel exciting again. But it also comes with hype overload, bookish peer pressure, and an endless stream of spoilers.
The trick? Take recommendations with a grain of salt. Don’t feel pressured to read every trending book. Find creators who match your taste, explore outside the algorithm, and—most importantly—read for you.
What’s your take on BookTok? Love it? Hate it? A little bit of both? Let’s chat in the comments! ⬇️📖✨