As an avid reader, I find myself constantly debating which novel to pick up next. Because reading takes up so much time and commitment, it’s important for me to choose a book that I can really get lost in.

Although I tend to find more meaning inside the works of classic literature, (what can I say, I was a Lit-major), I’m never opposed to a trendy beach read; Especially if that “trendy beach read” is a total page turner. (Bonus points if there’s an “enemies to lovers” subplot added into the mix.)

Plus, as a self-admitted book-snob, I can personally attest to these BookTok hits being way more profound than meets the eye. (In this case, the expression “never judge a book by its cover” applies in the literal sense.)

And let’s face it. Sometimes, things are popular, not because they’re bad, but because they’re really ( really) good! With that being said, let’s take a look at some of the greatest Booktok reads of the moment.

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

What happens when the biggest Hollywood star of the 1950s falls in love with her celebrity rival? This sapphic/LGBTQ novel is perfect for pride month, and it’s utterly impossible to put down.

I’ll admit, I’m a slow reader. Even so, I managed to finish this 400+ page novel in only a matter of two days, because it was literally impossible to put down.

I’ve made three of my friends read this book, and every single one of them called me up after, crying over how much they loved it. (Literally, crying.) My bestie even went as Evelyn Hugo for Halloween!

Clearly, this book has an effect on people.

If you’re a sucker for the old Hollywood aesthetic, combined with forbidden love and modern twists, “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” is 100% for you. Believe me, you won’t regret this one.

It Happened One Summer – Tessa Bailey

If you’re looking for a good old “enemies to lovers” beach read with a nautical twist, “It Happened One Summer” is just the book for you. According to author Tessa Bailey, she was inspired to write this rom-com after binge-watching Schitt’s Creek. (We love that journey for her!)

Bailey’s book tells the tale of Piper, a canceled influencer, (aka Alexis Rose),

who is exiled from her wealthy lifestyle, and sent off to a nautical beach town in order to get a healthy dose of the real world. While Piper grapples with a more rustic way of living that she’s hilariously not accustomed to, she meets Brendan, aka her polar opposite.

Initially, Brendan and Piper can’t stand each other. While Piper’s flashy, loud, and a bit materialistic, Brendan is salt of the earth, quiet, and one-with-nature. Yet, as is the case with all great rom-coms, their differences end up complimenting each other in more ways than one.

If you’re in the mood for a breezy yet sizzling rom com filled with a solid mix of laughter and heat, look no further than “It Happened One Summer.” It’s rare when a romantic comedy is equal parts romantic as it is funny, yet Bailey’s book pulls it off with finesse.

IT – Stephen King

You guys, horror-tok is a thing, and with that comes the obligatory crowning of Stephen King. Despite the fact that “IT” came out in the 1980s, people across the globe are still utterly obsessed with the cursed town of Derry, to this day. (Myself included.)

It’s funny because I’m one of the worlds biggest scaredy cats when it comes to the horror genre, but I would have no problem at all reading this book at 3am in the dark. Although it’s obviously a horror novel, it’s also (shockingly) one of the warmest, sweetest, most wholesome books I’ve ever read.

Yep, you’ve read that right. The story about the killer clown is actually straight up heartwarming.

While on the surface, “IT” seems like a creepy novel about a blood-thirsty clown, the biggest takeaway from King’s book is the power of friendship. Stan, Richie, Beverly, Eddie, and Ben may not have much, but what they do have is each other. It may sound cheesy, but the way King executes their ever-lasting friendship, from their formative years into their late 30s, is just too beautiful to pass up.

I’ve read hundreds of books in my day, but “IT” will always be one of my personal favorites. This King classic is ideal for fans of the found-family trope, unrequited love, band of misfits, and of course… horror.

I’m Glad My Mom Died – Jennette McCurdy

In “I’m Glad My Mom Died,” iCarly star Jennette McCurdy reveals her heartbreaking experiences in the entertainment industry, along with the hurdles of growing up with an abusive “stage mom.”

While celebrity memoirs often have a bad reputation for being ghost-written cash grabs, “I’m Glad My Mom Died” is anything but.

In fact, McCurdy’s book is so profound, that it has stayed on the New York Times best sellers list for a record breaking 80 weeks! This memoir will break your heart, yet at the same time leave you with a deep sense of hope.

If you’ve followed the Max documentary, “Quiet on Set,” which uncovers the tragedies behind the scenes of Nickelodeon, “I’m Glad My Mom Died” offers additional insight into the toxic nature of that world.

Through bravery, outside recourses, and inner-strength, McCurdy inspires her readers to find light at the end of the tunnel.

One Day – David Nicholls

Calling all Romance fans! If you want a book that is the truest definition of “slow burn romance” (as in, it literally takes them like, 20 years to finally confess feelings,) then why haven’t you read “One Day” yet??

Although the book came out way back in 2009, it has gained significant popularity again due to the recent release of the Netflix mini series adaptation. For those unfamiliar, “One Day” tells the story of best friends/polar opposites, Emma Morley and Dexter Mayhew.

While Emma is bookish, closed off, and suffering from poor self esteem, Dexter is a flirtatious womanizer who suffers from too high of a self esteem. They may have absolutely nothing in common, yet for better or worse, they just can’t help gravitating towards each other.

While the tropes and the premise of “One Day” may sound a bit banal and predictable, I can say with my whole heart that this book is anything but.

“One Day” is the perfect literary depiction of modern romance. Yet unlike most rom coms, Nicholls’ book isn’t remotely afraid to explore the ugly sides of love. If you identify as 50% hopeless romantic, 50% realist, this is the perfect book for you.

It Ends With Us – Colleen Hoover

People in the literary realm seem to have very conflicting views about best-selling author, Colleen Hoover. While on the one hand, her books are extremely accessible and entertaining, on the other, they aren’t exactly Nobel prize winners.

Although I tend to agree with the criticism that most of her books come across as too commercial and unimaginative,“It Ends With Us” is definitely an exception. This novel, released back in 2016, deserves all the hype it gets.

In the book, protagonist Lily Bloom must grapple with the very real tragedy of falling in love with someone who is dangerous. When she meets Ryle Kincaid, he instantly sweeps her off her feet, says all the right things, and fills her life with endless excitement. Their electric connection makes it all the more difficult for Lily to leave, when he starts hurting her.

Lily unfortunately must learn the hard way that leaving is so much easier said than done. While this book deals with triggering themes of domestic abuse, the ending is both uplifting and empowering for survivors hoping to break the cycle.

If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic abuse, you can call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1−800−799−7233. You can also find more information, resources, and support at their website.

Six of Crows – Leigh Bardugo

Oh.My.Gosh. I LOVE “Six of Crows.” I read the duology when I was in my mid 20s, but reading them made me feel that same fandom level obsessiveness associated with tweens. (Yes, it’s really that good.)

This fantasy-heist novel follows the adventures of the world’s most lovable criminals, Kaz, Inej, Matthias, Nina, Jesper, and Wylan. It is an extension to Leigh Bardugo’s “Shadow of Bone” series, which became a hit Netflix show in 2022.

I could geek out on the “Six of Crows” books for hours. In fact, I have personally geeked out over these books with total strangers, be it on the New York subway or in the fantasy aisle at Barnes and Noble. (Seriously. These books just have a way of bringing people from all walks of life together.)

I haven’t seen this much dedication within a book fandom since attending the midnight premieres of the “Harry Potter” books. Although “Six of Crows” technically classifies as YA, it truly doesn’t read like one. All ages can get lost in the world of Ketterdam.

If you’re looking for something featuring a ragtag bunch of misfits, hilarious banter, far-off places, and passion-fueled romance, look no further than the “Six of Crows” duology. By the end of the book, you’ll want to die for these characters.