BookTalk: A Guide to TikTok's Most Popular Books

BY SUNAINA TIPIRNENI '23

Tearing through a good book in a matter of hours is, in my opinion, one of the best feelings. Recently, I’ve found that when I search for a book (from TikTok recommendations) at the library, it’s out, and multiple people already have it on hold. So what makes these books so special? Let me, your trusty BookTok guide, take you through the ins and outs of the trendiest books. You can decide if they're worth waiting months to read. 

We Were Liars by E. Lockhart:
We’ve all dreamt of owning a private island off the coast of Massachusetts, and that’s exactly what Cadence Sinclair has. Along with her cousins, she spends her summers on her grandfather’s island. The book explores her previous experiences on the island, as narrated by her present self. It follows Cadence’s struggle in decoding a mysterious event that evades her memory. Sprinkle in some intense family drama that drives everyone apart, and BOOM! An ending that leaves you with your mouth hanging open. After reading We Were Liars, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. This book does have some vague language and confusing time leaps which requires close reading to understand some events, but it’s the perfect option if you want to immerse yourself in a book that will leave you questioning everything.

The One by John Marrs:
It's the future. Scientists can use your DNA to find your soulmate. Do you want to know who your biological other half is, or will you go your whole life wondering? When this scientific breakthrough comes out, many people’s lives fall apart. This book keeps you guessing. Everything you think you know is wrong. Almost every single chapter left my mind racing with questions, begging to know more. I kept thinking, one more chapter, just one more chapter, and before I realized it, I had finished. I think this book presents an interesting take on the idea of soulmates and that they may not be the true love everyone seems to be looking for. The end of the book actually left me rooting for a serial killer. I know, crazy. If thrillers are your cup of tea, this book is perfect. 

Nobody will have the exact same experience with a book, so some of the things I liked about a book you might not like, and vice versa. If you want to give reading outside of school a shot, these books will have you reading in all your free time.