Listen, TikTok doesn’t always get it right. But, sometimes, I definitely understand why a book is so beloved online. So I have to call out when the internet does spin out some good recs:

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
I was nervous to find out if this was worth the hype but I can’t tell you how much the hype is warranted!!!! It was beautiful, complicated, queer, heart-wrenching, and one of my favorite reads this year. Might go on my list of favorites of all time. The story is so wonderful and they NEED to make a movie or a series or something. I knew a plot twist would be coming but it was definitely not the one I was expecting. I wish I hadn’t put off reading this one, it was fantastic!

The Song Of Achilles by Madeline Miller
I was very much looking forward to this one, knowing that this isn’t my typical type. Since I don’t read a lot of fantasy, I’m not as used to the world-building that happens with books like these, but I was still able to enjoy the ride and the stories – especially with the Greek mythology woven in. Booktok really hypes this one up and I get why, and I definitely don’t have anything bad to say about it, but I also think it’s better to go in with lower expectations than Tiktok sets. Even still, this made me sob like a baby, as queer love stories often do.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
I went into this knowing nothing except that everyone on Tiktok loved it, and I had so much fun reading this book. It was weird and went in several directions that I was not expecting, and definitely worth the hype if you like thrillers. I had never read Frieda McFadden before but I would certainly go back for more of hers – including the next two in this series. I don’t want to say too much else to not give anything away, but this was a wild ride that I do recommend going on.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
So much about this unique story stole my heart and/or stole my mind, but also a lot of this book made me really emotional. I think a lot of books are a small glimpse of time, where as this book took place over a lifetime. I also love the way intimacy is explored in ways that may not be romantic but are still meaningful connections. It’s such a beautiful story of existence, with the really good video game aspect. I love the focus on non-shooter games, including a childhood favorite, The Oregon Trail. Like I said, this was really unique and I totally understand all the commentary around this book.

Yellowface by R. F. Kuang
This book really hit, especially now when there is so much conversation about AI in writing. The premise surrounds a girl named Junie, who is a writer that steals her friend’s manuscript upon watching her die. She reworks the story and publishes it as her own, which is problematic since she is a white woman who stole a Chinese story. There’s so much important commentary about the publishing industry, diversity, the importance of authenticity and stories, plagiarism, and so much more. This was such a think-piece, and I just think it’s such an important piece of work that’s totally worth the hype.

The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Okay, I kinda went into this with low expectations and then was pleasantly surprised with how this came together in the end! The beginning was just a tad bit slow, I was sorta like we get it, she doesn’t talk lol but once the story started to pick up, I was really into it! I don’t want to say too much else cause I think it’s better to go in without much information, but I will say that the Greek mythology story tie in was *chef’s kiss*. Definitely liked this book a lot more than I expected to and I see why the internet recommends it so much.

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose
I was super into this within the first 10 pages and was captivated the whole time. I will definitely admit that the longer the book went on, the more layered and complicated the story became – but I didn’t mind considering that it kept you on your toes so that you were distracted enough not to guess the real murderer. My girlfriend guessed the ending right as I started reading it, but I was definitely more naiive and was along for the story. People online critique the fact that the court/legal aspects are a little unrealistic, but I don’t care cause the story was good enough for me to overlook those kinda things. (This is fiction, after all!)
Bonus: The Perfect Divorce by Jeneva Rose
Truly, just as good as the first one. It ties in so much to the first book, that it reads as more of a sequel than most thrillers do these days. I recommend reading them back to back for the best experience, because the little details in these stories definitely matter!

Penpal by Dathan Auerbach
This came wildly recommended from Tiktok and I was excited to be super scared since people really hyped up the horror-level. The story was way more creepy than it was scary, but it was still a good read none the less. It follows a young boy who we learn slowly is being stalked, and his childhood memories quickly turn heavy. Spoiler ahead – but my only critique is the randomness of the stalker guy? I wish he had tied in somehow to know the mom or the teacher or something. Regardless, really cool read and I heard that this started as Reddit stories which in a way makes it even cooler. 

I’ll add more as I keep going!

Thanks for reading. (Last Updated: Nov 2024)