Booktok has been a thriving platform on TikTok that gives book recommendations and helps to inspire young adults to start getting into reading. 

My goal is to find the best book on Booktok of each genre. I asked 25 people to fill out a google form asking them what their favorite book of each genre is, I then made a bracket with their results. I will be putting my own personal opinions vs. my peers.

The first category is dystopian. My all-time favorite dystopian book on Booktok would have to be “The Hunger Games.” This story is full of twists and turns and will leave you on your toes every chapter. It sets us up with a group of characters fighting for their lives in a world that makes them go through unimaginable experiences. The book is mainly focused on action, survival, and social commentary, but includes bits of romance that captivate the readers. I definitely recommend this book!

The consensus from the google form stated that the best dystopian Booktok book is The Hunger Games.

Back of The Book:

“In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining capitol surrounded by twelve outlaying districts. The Capitol is trash and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV. Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen regards It as a death sentence when she steps forwards to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.”

T.W. about The Hunger Games: Classim. Ableism & ableist language. Hallucinations.

Online Ratings:

Quotes from Voters:

“I think Hunger Games was incredibly influential especially for younger teens because of the topics introduced!” -Taelim Yoon 26′

“I like that it ties in fighting for your family, but also fighting for yourself. It’s good representation on strong women.” -Tessa Gibson 24′

Next fantasy. My all time favorite fantasy Booktok book would have to be Red Queen. When I started this book I could not put it down. It’s a magical tale about a girl who’s different from society and has to fight to survive. It’s a tale full of romance and friendships. I would definitely recommend this book.

The consensus from the google form stated that the best fantasy Booktok book is Six of Crows.

I personally also love this book, it was one of my top choices. It sets you up with a group of diverse and interesting characters. There are mysteries at every corner. I’d also definitely recommend this book.

Back of The Book:

“Ketterdam: A bustling hub of international trade where anything can be had for the right price- and no one knows that any better than criminal prodigy Kaz Brekker. Kay is offered a chance at a deadly heist that could make him rich beyond his Wildes dreams. But he can’t pull it of alone…

A convict with a thirst for revenge.

A sharpshooter who can’t walk away from a wager. 

A runaway with a privileged past.

A spy known as the Wraith.

A Heartrender using her magic to survive the slums.

A thief with a gift for unlikely escapes. 

Kaz’s crew are the only ones who might stand between the world and destruction- if they don’t kill each other first.”

T.W. about Six of Crows: Ableism & ableist language. Persecution for witchcraft (central theme) Indentured servitude and slavery.

And last but not least is romance. My all time favorite romance book is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Plot twists that leave you on your toes, and a wonderfully written romance.

Online Ratings:

Quotes from Voters:

“It was very captivating, I couldn’t put it down, I loved the writing style!” -Deeksha Raghavan ’25

The consensus from the google form stated that the best romance Booktok book is The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo.

Short Description of The Book (No spoilers involved.):

“The novel follows Monique, a journalist struggling to make a name for herself, after receiving an offer to interview the mysterious and reclusive 1960s Hollywood starlet Evelyn Hugo about fame, scandal, and love.”

T.W. about The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo: sexual assault, rape, domestic abuse, cheating, homophobia, biphobia, alcoholism, mentions of suicide.

Online Ratings:

Quotes from Voters:

“A riveting novel about focusing on love and fame and the downsides of it!” -Shanza Sami 26′