Let’s face it—TikTok (aka BookTok) is the new-age Goodreads, except with more mascara tears, dramatized slow-mo montages, and questionable literary praise. At first, I loved the idea: bookworms gathering online to share favorite reads? Count me in. But after scrolling through yet another overhyped sobfest recommendation, I’ve had it. Here’s my not-so-soft take on TikTok book recommendations, why they’re usually a red flag, and which books deserve a roasting session.
The Problem with Viral Reading Hype
TikTok runs on emotion and aesthetic—two things that don’t necessarily make a book good. Crying on camera after finishing a novel might generate likes, but it doesn’t tell me if the plot made sense or if the writing was even remotely decent.
The truth? Many TikTok book recommendations are built on shock value, love triangles, or a tragic death three pages before the ending. People love drama, and TikTok delivers. But the literary quality? Often sacrificed on the altar of vibes.
BookTok’s Holy Grail—or Holy Cringe?
Let’s start with It Ends With Us by Colleen Hoover. This book is treated like the gospel of trauma-lit. Yes, it tackles heavy themes like domestic violence, and I respect that. But if we’re talking prose, structure, or character depth? Flat. Overly simplistic. TikTok, however, turned it into the modern-day Jane Eyre, complete with emotional soundtracks and flower filters.
Then there’s A Court of Thorns and Roses (ACOTAR). I’ll admit the fantasy romance is addictive in a junk food sort of way. But the writing? Describing eyes and wings for five paragraphs doesn’t make it high fantasy. Yet, it’s the holy grail of TikTok book recommendations. Why? Because Rhysand. That’s it.
The Rise of the “Hot Mess Heroine”
Another pattern I’ve noticed? TikTok LOVES the messy woman trope—bonus points if she drinks too much, has commitment issues, and journals with glitter pens. I’m all for flawed characters, but some of these protagonists feel like a checklist of internet trauma trends rather than real people.
Books like Twisted Love package cliché dynamics with Pinterest-worthy aesthetics. These aren’t nuanced explorations of relationships—they’re Wattpad fanfiction in designer clothing.
Let’s Talk Writing Quality
Writing craft is rarely discussed on BookTok. If the book made them cry or gasp, that’s the review. Pacing issues? Weak dialogue? Flat secondary characters? Irrelevant. Yet these are the bones of a well-written novel.
I’ve read TikTok-viral books with one-dimensional narration, inconsistent tone, and cringe-level metaphors. But when I dared question their literary merit? I got labeled a snob. Apparently, you can’t criticize TikTok book recommendations without getting canceled.
The Algorithms Aren’t Reading
TikTok’s algorithm rewards attention-grabbing content—not depth, originality, or honesty. This means books that are controversial, spicy, or sob-worthy rise to the top. This also means that quieter, more reflective fiction gets buried.
For example, books like Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors deserve more praise. It’s a rich, emotionally complex debut that examines relationships with raw elegance. But it’s not a five-minute cry-fest, so TikTok barely blinks. Read my full breakdown of it here.
So, Who Should You Read?
If you’re tired of disappointing TikTok book recommendations, start looking beyond the viral loop. Try:
Maggie O’Farrell – Hamnet is a masterclass in lyrical prose and historical emotion.
Ocean Vuong – His poetic storytelling in On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous is pure art.
Coco Mellors – Again, Cleopatra and Frankenstein proves not all debuts need trauma dumping to be profound.
Final Thoughts: Read Deeper, Not Louder
This isn’t a blanket diss to all of BookTok—some creators genuinely offer thoughtful insights. But the culture of aesthetic-driven hype over substance is exhausting. Books are more than plot twists and pretty covers. They’re portals, challenges, mirrors.
So, the next time you see someone crying over a 3-star spicy romance with a glitter filter, pause. Ask yourself: does this book really deserve my time? Or am I just hypnotized by the algorithm?
Let’s raise the bar for what gets called a “must-read.”
