“BookTok” is the term used when referring to the side of TikTok for readers to recommend their favorite books to each other. These are some of the books which have become especially popular on BookTok and can be found in the McNeil library.

To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before 

By Jenny Han 

4.07 stars on Goodreads.

This is the first book in the trilogy to All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. The book is about teenager Lara Jean, who wrote five love letters to different boys, but never mailed them. When they are released without her knowing, she must deal with the crazy outcome. This book is a great introduction to the romance genre and is a light read. It’s also suitable for younger readers, or those just starting to get into reading.

P.S. I Still Love You 

By Jenny Han 

4.05 stars on Goodreads. 

This is the second book in the series. In this continuation of To all the Boys I’ve Loved Before, Lara Jean navigates her first real relationship when another boy from her past returns. Now, she must figure out her feelings for her two love interests. This book brings in more characters that the reader can’t help but be torn between, and the drama will keep any reader interested from start to finish.    

Always and forever Lara Jean By: Jenny Han 

4.04 stars on Goodreads.

This is the final book in All the Boys I’ve Loved Before trilogy. It follows Lara Jean through her senior year of high school. When it’s time for her to decide where to go for college, she faces a conflict with her boyfriend, which makes her rethink the life plans she has held on to forever. This book focuses more individually on Lara Jean as a character and shows her realistic struggle between head and heart.

The Summer I Turned Pretty 

By Jenny Han

3.85 stars on Goodreads

This book is the first book of the Summer I Turned Pretty series. It’s about two families that spend summers together. This was a super fast read and it’s perfect for the summer. This book is great for fans of love triangles, young adult books and rom coms. Furthermore, the book now has a wildly popular TV adaptation to go along with it.

It’s Not Summer Without You 

By Jenny Han 

3.91 stars on Goodreads

This is the second book in The Summer I Turned Pretty series. After a tragedy, Belly and Jeremiah set out to find a hurting Conrad, who is facing much more than the others are aware of. This is where the love triangle really begins. However, the book focuses on much more than that. It explores grief, family dynamics and friendships.

We’ll Always Have Summer 

By Jenny Han 

3.94 stars on Goodreads

This book is the last one in The Summer I Turned Pretty series. This book starts off with a time jump, with the kids in college. Jeremiah and Belly are in a serious relationship, but it doesn’t come without its troubles. The worries of college, relationships and even marriage are thrown at the kids. 

Without Merit 

By Colleen Hoover

3.85 stars on Goodreads

Without Merit is a book about a teenager named “Merit”, who experiences mental health challenges while learning the importance of family. Merit explores the layer of lies that bind families together and the power of love and truth. The book covers the genres of contemporary romance and psychological fiction. This book would be a great read for those interested in twisted romance with a lot of drama. 

It Ends With Us 

By Colleen Hoover

4.38 stars on Goodreads

Trigger warning: Topics surrounding domestic abuse are discussed in the book

It Ends With Us is a romance novel that tells the story of Lily Bloom and her romance with Ryle Kincaid. Their relationship reflects the history of growing up in an abusive home and how they escape from her past relationships. This book is not only inspiring but leaves the readers feeling empowered. 

Confess 

By Colleen Hoover

4.20 stars on Goodreads

Confess is a stand-alone and unique Colleen Hoover read. This book is about a girl named “Auburn Reed”, who unexpectedly meets an artist named “Owen Gentry”. They both take risks, discover each other’s secrets and build their relationship through each other’s confessions. Overall, it’s a passionate and emotional book that hooks the audience into the character’s life.

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owen 

By Delia Owens

4.44 stars on Goodreads

This stand-alone novel is a murder mystery featuring Kya Clark, who has become her small town’s urban legend the “Marsh Girl”. This book keeps the reader guessing until the very end and maintains the suspenseful atmosphere throughout. Though at times it can become dull and difficult to commit to, the details all come together to form the full picture in the end. The novel is now a major motion picture featuring ‘Carolina’ by Taylor Swift.

Forever, Interrupted 

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

3.72 stars on Goodreads

This novel follows Elsie Porter on her journey of healing after her husband Ben, passes away unexpectedly. It flashes back and forth between the past of Ben and Elsie’s love story and the present time, where Elsie tries to move on from Ben’s death. Even though there isn’t much of a plot in this book, it keeps readers hooked with its characters and their stories.

The Song of Achilles 

By Madeline Miller 

4.38 stars on Goodreads

The Song of Achilles is a re-telling of Achilles’ myths, his journey through war and his romantic relationship with Patroclus, an exiled prince. This book is worth reading because it has a lot of emotions and has a deep meaning that will break readers’ hearts. The book is very well written and easy to comprehend. It also shows how life will have a lot of obstacles, but that people have to work hard in order to overcome them. 

All The Bright Places By: Jennifer Niven

4.14 stars on Goodreads

Trigger warning: Topics surrounding mental illness and suicide are discussed in the book. 

This book follows Violet Markey and Theodore Finch’s story in their senior year of high school. They are paired together for a project that forces them to see undiscovered sites in their home state. Finch helps Violet expand her horizons and see the world differently, even though he is dealing with mental illness throughout their journey. This book is a heart wrenching, short-lived love story that keeps readers engaged until the end. 

Circe 

By Madeline Miller 

4.26 stars on Goodreads

This Greek mythology re-telling follows Circe the witch’s story through her hundreds of years of living. In the past, she has been portrayed as a villain in the stories of other heroes, but this re-telling portrays her in a different light, where she gets her own story told as a main character. She learns how to survive on her own and must discover her power of witchcraft when Zeus sentences her to exile. Even though Circe is immortal, she shows human qualities and faces realistic struggles that anyone can relate to. However, this book is very character driven and may not be for everyone, since the plot is not the main focus.   

Perks Of Being A Wallflower By: Stephen Chbosky

4.22 stars on Goodreads 

This novel follows Charlie as he navigates through high school, while looking in from the outside. It shows his perspective on every situation through the letters he writes. He is caught between trying to live his life and participating or watching from the sidelines. Through Charlie, a classic, powerful coming of age novel takes shape. There is not much in the plot, but the reader will be attached to the characters before they know it. 

The Inheritance Games 

By Jennifer Lynn Barnes

4.23 stars on Goodreads

This book is the first book of The Inheritance Games series. This book is an age appropriate mystery read for middle and high schoolers. Avery Grambs, a high schooler, finds out that she inherited billions of dollars from a stranger. After she moves into his home, she solves mysteries trying to find out why she was chosen. This book is a great read and covers all genres.