Overrated Booktok Books Novels & Stories

Booktok has undeniably become a cultural phenomenon, but its influence on literature is a double-edged sword. While it has brought attention to books that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, the platform often prioritizes aesthetics and trends over literary depth. Many 'Booktok books' are chosen for their ability to create viral moments—think dramatic plot twists or emotional gut punches—rather than their narrative complexity or character development. This focus on instant gratification can lead to a homogenization of recommendations, where books with similar tropes or themes dominate the discourse.

Moreover, the algorithm-driven nature of Booktok means that books with mass appeal often rise to the top, leaving little room for niche or experimental works. This can result in a cycle where only certain types of stories gain traction, while others are overlooked. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with enjoying popular books, the lack of diversity in recommendations can make it seem like Booktok books are 'bad' when, in reality, they’re just catering to a specific audience. It’s less about the quality of the books and more about the ecosystem that promotes them.

One book that really caught me off guard with its popularity on BookTok is 'It Ends with Us' by Colleen Hoover. I mean, I’ve read it, and it’s good, but the way it exploded on the platform was unexpected. The story dives into heavy themes like domestic abuse and toxic relationships, which isn’t the usual light-hearted romance content that tends to trend. Yet, it resonated deeply with so many readers, sparking countless emotional discussions and heartfelt reviews. I think part of its success lies in how raw and real it feels, even though it’s fiction. Hoover’s writing style is accessible, and the characters are flawed in ways that make them relatable. The book’s emotional rollercoaster seems to have struck a chord, especially with younger audiences who appreciate stories that tackle real-life issues. It’s fascinating how a book with such a heavy subject matter can become a viral sensation, but I guess that’s the power of BookTok—it amplifies stories that make people feel something deeply.

Another surprising hit is 'The Song of Achilles' by Madeline Miller. I never expected a retelling of Greek mythology to blow up the way it did. The book is beautifully written, but it’s not exactly what I’d call a quick, easy read. Yet, the emotional depth of Patroclus and Achilles’ relationship captivated so many readers, leading to an outpouring of fan art, edits, and tearful TikToks. It’s a testament to how BookTok can elevate books that might have otherwise flown under the radar.

BookTok has this weird magic where it can make a book feel like the next big thing overnight. I picked up 'It Ends with Us' because my feed was flooded with tearful reactions, and honestly? It hit hard. The emotional rollercoaster was real, but I’ve also stumbled into books that felt like they were written purely for the aesthetic—pretty covers, quotable lines, but hollow inside. The hype isn’t always wrong, though. 'The Song of Achilles' wrecked me in the best way, and I’d’ve never found it without those viral fan edits.

What’s fascinating is how BookTok creates communities around specific tropes—enemies-to-lovers, dark academia—and suddenly everyone’s raving. But taste is subjective. A book might resonate deeply with one person and leave another cold. I’ve learned to scroll past the ‘OMG THIS CHANGED MY LIFE’ comments and look for reviewers who explain why they connected to the story. Sometimes the hype is just noise, but other times, it leads you to gems you’d’ve otherwise missed.