Gaining popularity in 2020, BookTok has promoted books to both new and seasoned readers alike. Despite the apparent revival in reading as a beneficial and popular pastime and hobby that BookTok has encouraged, there has been an incredible amount of discourse online regarding the nature of its influence on reading patterns.
The vast majority of books promoted on TikTok are adult romance novels written by women. While there is absolutely nothing wrong with this genre of books (as it is one I enjoy myself), one main point of contention users seem to have is a glaring lack of diversity. This is in reference to an absence of varying genres, authors, books from other countries, and anything else that might provide readers with a new, fresh perspective. Many users claim that BookTok books are not good and are doing more harm than good (see this Reddit thread for some opinions on the matter). Another main point users make in support of the claim that BookTok is ruining reading is that BookTok books lack ‘literary merit’ and quality writing.
Despite assertions like these, and what others may think on the topic, I believe that BookTok—and maybe to an extent the 2020 lockdown—revived reading. Thousands of users, in videos and in comments sections on TikTok, claim that BookTok either revived their love for reading or introduced them to books they were actually interested in for the first time. It’s clear to me that BookTok is not ruining reading. There are plenty of creators that make videos highlighting different themes and authors. Some of my favourite BookTokers divide videos by original publication language/country, while others make recommendations based on similarities in plot or writing style. BookTok, like other areas of the internet, requires a bit of effort to cultivate a community that reflects your reading interests. When I first started seeing BookTok videos it was all the same three romance novels. As I began to interact with more reading content, however, I was able to view more creators who reflected my reading goals and preferences. Not everyone is going to like every book or author deemed a BookTok favorite.
The last aspect that is important to address in relation to BookTok’s literary merit relates to the act of reading itself. Some of the users in the reddit thread featured above note that there is a lack of critical thinking and critiquing when it comes to BookTok’s favorite books. It’s always important to remember that reading in and of itself is an inherently radical, critical, and political process. Every book from children’s picture books to adult romance can teach someone something. One of my favorite BookTokers, Jack Edwards, explains this idea in a perfectly clear and concise way here and here.
BookTok is an integral part of popular culture today and is, contrary to popular belief, not ruining reading at all, but rather promoting it. In an increasingly social and digital world, if popular books that lack “literary merit” can promote reading to people who seldom read, BookTok is a powerful tool.
Vanshikha Vij, Pine Reads Review Writer