BookTok began as a small community on TikTok where readers shared short videos recommending their favorite books to their followers. They would post their reactions and discuss different tropes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many students quarantined in their houses and spent a lot of time online. Because of this, the BookTok community grew rapidly as more people turned to reading for comfort and connection.
“It helps me find the right book that kind of sparked my interest in reading again, and I feel like it’s done that for probably a lot of teens, because I know a few of my friends actually have had the same experience,” Jamie Lewis (9, HSU) said.
Since then, BookTok has become a major influence on what books go viral, what libraries display and what people choose to read.
The way books are promoted and displayed often influences how someone interprets mature themes. Without clear context, serious topics seem less significant and more acceptable.
While this community certainly brings readers together, it can occasionally promote and romanticize adult content to underage readers as teenagers increasingly become interested in its books. Though this doesn’t negate the positive effects of the community, it means that BookTok creators and book publishers have a responsibility to be honest and ethical regarding their handling of adult content.
“When I create a book display, if there is sexual assault, I won’t necessarily include it,” Christy Causey (Librarian) said. “Because here I am encouraging students to read this, and it might be a great book, but I would not put it out on a book display when a student’s coming to the library to visit.”
Many books have followed a trend of cartoonish or visually innocent covers that make them appear appropriate for younger readers, even though their content is for mature audiences. “Icebreaker” by Hannah Grace is a book that is frequently mentioned as following that trend. This can lead readers to accidentally read something beyond what they are comfortable with or beyond what is appropriate for their age.
Some BookTok books have also contributed to promoting unrealistic expectations about romance through popular tropes, such as “enemies to lovers” or “dark romance,” that often glorify toxic relationships. For many readers, these portrayals can affect readers’ understanding of normal behaviors in relationships, especially younger audiences who may not realize their dangers.
“I think it’s cool that people that are reading share their ideas and stuff, but because BookTok is so solely based around romance, I would say that sometimes it could be a little toxic, constantly reading about great romances or different tropes, when in reality, that’s not how life truly is,” Sophie Habeeb (11, HSU) said.
Though it is sometimes stereotyped as only being a forum for romance books and “spice,” as adult content is called on BookTok, these books are often deep stories that contain messages about society. Many feature expanded plots and intricate world building that serve as deep commentaries on politics, social justice and human connection.
“The stereotype on readers is that we just like reading spice or romance books, but I feel like books have a lot deeper meanings behind just the romance part of it. And authors, maybe they don’t get as much credit for the bigger piece of their book,” Habeeb said.
While BookTok is not without its issues, it also serves as a generally positive space for readers to connect with each other and rediscover their love for reading. Because BookTok has brought so many back into reading, it is important to maintain it as a safe community for readers of all ages. Not every book has to be free of adult content, but books featuring “spice” need to have clear content warnings. It is important for BookTok creators to be honest about a book’s adult content when promoting it so that potential readers know what to expect.
