Popular BookTok Books Teens Are Reading and What Parents Should Know

BookTok has become a significant influence on the reading choices of today's youth. Books that gain popularity see increased sales but aren't always ideal for teens. Parents need to recognize that their kids are capable of engaging with complex literature. Moreover, the "spicy" elements in these books can serve as a gateway for teens to explore and understand complex topics related to relationships in a safe and controlled manner. To guide parents, here are some popular BookTok books from recent years and advice on how to approach them with teenagers.

Choosing Colleen Hoover

Colleen Hoover's widely recognized novels, including It Ends With Us and It Starts With Us, have gained immense popularity, but parents should exercise caution before allowing teens to delve into them. While some of Hoover's works fall under the young adult category, most are intended for adult audiences and often feature mature content.

Instagram // @atriabooks and @colleenhoover

Both books revolve around a love triangle involving Lily, Ryle, and Atlas, featuring steamy moments alongside themes of domestic abuse. Parents may find Hoover's YA works, such as Regretting You and the Slammed series, more suitable for their teens.

Feyre's Fantastical Odyssey

Sarah J. Maas's A Court of Thorns and Roses series weaves a captivating fantasy narrative following the journey of Feyre, a huntress navigating the enchanting faerie land of Prythian. With five volumes encompassing romance, epic battles, magic, and a touch of spice, the series appeals to teen readers with a love for fairy tales and adventurous stories.

Instagram // @therealsjmaas

While the fantasy themes are enticing, parents need to note that ACOTAR leans more toward an adult audience than traditional fairy tales. Considered a suitable starting point for older teens, the recommendation is to read reviews or engage in tandem reading with your teen to provide context and address any potential questions that may arise.

Moreno-Garcia's Chilling World

Silvia Moreno-Garcia's Mexican Gothic is a gothic-inspired horror novel infused with supernatural and fantastical elements. Centered around Noemí, a young woman on a mission to rescue her cousin from a potentially perilous marriage, the story unfolds within the eerie confines of a dark and ominous house.

Instagram // @stephdaydreams

Drawing inspiration from classic gothic novels like Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, Mexican Gothic offers thrills and chills, making it an appealing choice for teens who are captivated by the darker aspects of literature.

Rebecca Yarros' Fantasy Realm

Rebecca Yarros' Fourth Wing stands out as a popular fantasy novel featuring Violet's journey to become a formidable warrior, complete with dragons, intense battle scenes, and elements of romance, including spicy content.

Instagram // @missmoodyreader

Notably, the book places a greater emphasis on action than romance, with only a few chapters containing explicit material. Parents should be aware of the vivid war scenes in the book and consider whether it aligns with their teen's comfort level and maturity.