BookTok, the vibrant online community of book lovers on TikTok, continues to dominate the literary scene. With every swipe, users are sharing their latest book discoveries, personal favorites, and recommendations. In 2024, BookTok exploded with an impressive selection of novels, from heart-wrenching emotional journeys to fantastical adventures, while bringing a particular focus to romantasy—the blend of romance and fantasy that had readers hooked. But as Us Weekly explored the endless array of BookTok suggestions, it was clear that not every recommendation fell into the romantasy genre.
Let’s take a closer look at Us Weekly’s curated list of the top 11 BookTok recommendations from 2024—novels that aren’t all about magical creatures and slow-burn romances. These are the books that kept readers engaged, reflecting the diversity of genres that are shaping modern fiction.
1. Funny Story by Emily Henry: A Traditional Rom-Com with a Twist
Emily Henry has quickly cemented her place as a leading name in contemporary romantic fiction, and Funny Story released in April 2024 is no exception. Known for her ability to craft relatable, witty, and heartwarming narratives, Henry’s latest book continues in the same vein, mixing romance with humor. As she explained in an exclusive interview, Funny Story leans into the more traditional romantic comedy aspects seen in her previous works like Beach Read and Book Lovers. The story follows Miles and Daphne, whose relationship evolves in delightful and unpredictable ways.
Fans of Emily Henry’s style will find much to love in Funny Story, making it a standout recommendation on BookTok in 2024. As one of the year’s most buzzed-about reads, it’s safe to say that this rom-com will keep readers hooked from cover to cover.
2. Intermezzo by Sally Rooney: A Heart-Wrenching Exploration of Grief
Sally Rooney’s writing always resonates deeply with readers, and Intermezzo is no different. Known for her talent at depicting complex emotional landscapes, Rooney’s latest novel delves into the grief experienced by two brothers after the loss of their father. While some BookTok users debated whether Intermezzo lived up to the heights of her earlier works like Normal People, the general consensus was clear: this novel is a masterpiece. With its nuanced portrayal of family dynamics and personal loss, it’s a standout recommendation for readers who enjoy stories that explore the intricacies of human emotions.
3. The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo: A Rich Fantasy Set in the Spanish Golden Age
Leigh Bardugo, a master of fantasy storytelling, takes readers on a historical journey in The Familiar. Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Golden Age, this novel combines romance, history, and magic in an unforgettable tale. The story follows Luzia, a young woman thrust into a world of magic and political intrigue she never imagined. BookTok users have praised the novel’s rich world-building and the “rewarding” ending, making it a top pick for fans of historical fantasy.
4. Just for the Summer by Abby Jimenez: A Heartfelt Love Story
Abby Jimenez has found her niche in crafting touching love stories, and Just for the Summer is no exception. The story revolves around Justin, whose dating history involves women who find their true love after their breakup, and Emma, who believes she’s suffering from the same fate. Their chance meeting, sparked by a Reddit thread, begins an enchanting romance that blossoms over the summer. BookTok couldn’t get enough of this sweet story, with readers sharing how it made them reflect on their own relationships. It’s one of the year’s feel-good books and a perfect pick for romance lovers.
5. The Women by Kristin Hannah: An Emotional War-Time Novel
Kristin Hannah’s The Women takes readers into the heart of the Vietnam War, following Frankie McGrath, who chooses to become a nurse during one of the most tumultuous periods in history. The novel explores themes of loss, love, and resilience, as Frankie navigates the challenges of war, personal trauma, and finding herself. BookTok users were left in tears after reading this gut-wrenching story, making The Women a must-read for anyone seeking a deeply emotional, character-driven narrative.
6. Bride by Ali Hazelwood: A Supernatural Romance That Captivates
For those craving a supernatural romance, Bride by Ali Hazelwood delivers just that. This book combines vampires, werewolves, and forbidden romance in a gripping story. The plot centers on Misery Lark, a bride forced to live with the werewolves, and her complicated relationship with Lowe Moreland, who initially distrusts her. As TikTok users continued to rave about the book, many were drawn to the magnetic pull between the two characters, making Bride one of the year’s most talked-about supernatural love stories.
7. Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros: Romance, Rebellion, and Dragons
Fourth Wing has been making waves on BookTok, and it’s easy to see why. The novel follows Violet Sorrengail as she navigates her first year at Basgiath War College, where dragons, romance, and rebellion collide. The story is a slow-burn romance set in a high-stakes fantasy world, and readers can’t get enough of the mysterious character Xaden. BookTok videos fan-casting Xaden have flooded the platform, making this book a key part of the 2024 literary conversation.
8. The Wedding People by Alison Espach: A Story of Friendships and Unexpected Encounters
The Wedding People by Alison Espach explores themes of female friendships and chance encounters in a quirky, engaging setting. Phoebe Stone heads to the Cornwall Inn, where she becomes the only guest not attending a wedding. What she doesn’t expect is to make life-changing connections that alter her perspective. The novel’s charm and heart made it a hit on BookTok, with readers praising the relatable characters and unexpected twists.
9. Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver: A Murderous Love Story
For fans of thrilling romantic suspense, Butcher and Blackbird by Brynne Weaver is a must-read. The first book in The Ruinous Love Trilogy, this story introduces two rival murderers, Sloane and Rowan, who must rely on each other under extreme circumstances. BookTok users have been obsessed with the tension between the characters, particularly Rowan, whose dark charm has made him the subject of intense fan fixation.
10. The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston: A Time-Travel Romance
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston is a delightful romantic time-travel novel that captivated readers in 2024. The story centers around Clementine, a book publicist who falls in love with her temporary roommate—only to discover that he is living seven years in the past. This whimsical and heartwarming tale has BookTok users swooning, with one user describing it as “like putting a warm blanket on your body.”
11. Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg: A Story of Friendship and Growth
Housemates by Emma Copley Eisenberg is a powerful tale about Bernie and Leah, two women whose housemate relationship evolves into a deep, transformative friendship. The novel delves into themes of art, self-discovery, and the bonds that form unexpectedly. BookTok users were quick to label this as a “hot girl book” of 2024, with many sharing how the story resonated with them on a personal level.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- What is BookTok and why is it so influential in 2024?
- BookTok is a popular community on TikTok where users share book recommendations, reviews, and discussions. In 2024, it’s become an essential platform for discovering trending books and influencing literary conversations.
- Are all the books recommended on BookTok romancy in 2024?
- No, while romantasy (romance and fantasy) is a popular genre, BookTok in 2024 features a wide variety of books, including romance, historical fiction, thriller, and emotional dramas.
- What makes Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros so popular on BookTok?
- Fourth Wing combines dragons, rebellion, and romance in a compelling fantasy world. The mysterious character Xaden and the slow-burn romance have made it a BookTok sensation.
- How do I find the best BookTok recommendations?
- You can follow popular BookTok creators, explore the #BookTok hashtag on TikTok, and keep an eye out for books frequently shared and discussed by the community.
- What are some of the emotional books recommended in 2024?
- Books like Intermezzo by Sally Rooney, The Women by Kristin Hannah, and Funny Story by Emily Henry are deeply emotional, exploring themes like grief, love, and self-discovery.
