A new trend has started on Tik-Tok where people give book recommendations, earning it the nickname Book-Tok. There is no clear indication of how it started, but the book industry is booming, and many authors’ careers are soaring because of it. Book-Tok has influenced the public to read, forming a new generation of readers.
I have read some of the trending Tik-Tok books to see the big deal and was not disappointed. Here are some Tik-Tok books and other books I have read during Covid that deserve recognition.
Song of Archilles by Madeline Miller
In this Achilles retelling, we get a detailed and intimate look into the romantic relationship between Achilles and his best friend, Patroclus. Seeing Achilles through the eyes of Patroclus added a freshness to this classic Iliad legend. The great thing about this book is that you do not have to know l all about Greek mythology to follow. The author does an amazing job informing the reader so they are not lost and still manages to tug at your heartstrings.
The Silent Patient by Alex Mirchaelides
I was not sure about how this story was going to go after the first few slow-moving chapters. The plot revolves around a forensic psychotherapist trying to figure out why Alicia Berenson, a famous painter, shot her husband in the face five times. She stopped speaking the day of the murder, and after being convicted, was sentenced to a forensic unit, where Dr. Theo Faber is assigned. As it progressed, it gripped me and took into the suspenseful and shocking series of events that led to the murder of Alicia’s husband. It has one of the most unpredictable endings I have ever read.
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
The year is 1983 in Malibu, and Nina Riva and her siblings are throwing their annual summer party, and everyone in the Bay wants to go. The night turns out to be the night from hell for the Riva siblings. This novel is about the trials a close family has to go through and how each person has a choice to make about who they want to be. If you are looking for a fast, fun, and attention-grabbing story, this book is for you.
The Great Alone by Kristin Hannah
In this historical fiction, we follow a young girl, Leni, through the years of her childhood into adulthood as she navigates moving to a small town in Alaska and her volatile father. Little does the family know the challenges the Alaskan winters bring and the toll it takes on the father’s mental health. This story is heartwarming and heartbreaking, but it also is full of suspense. To anyone looking for a solid read that holds your attention, this is the one.
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
If you are looking for something fun, and dare I say…sexy to read, then you need to pick up this book. This story follows Olive, a woman who does not have the best luck with her career, love life, or anything, for that matter. When her twin sister gets married, all the guests get food poisoning, except for her and the best man, who she happens to hate. Suddenly, her luck has changed, and there are two honeymoon tickets for grabs. The catch is Ethan gets the other ticket. What could go wrong?
Honorable Mentions:
Circe – Madeline Miller (For those who love Greek Mythology)
Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo (Anything from Taylor Jenkins Reid)
Off-Campus Series- Elle Kennedy (If you’re looking for a bit of spice)
The Shadow of the Wind- Carlos Ruiz Zafon (If you’re looking to venture into Spanish Literature)
Cat’s Cradle- Kurt Vonnegut (A classic that is not boring)