I’d Rather Be Reading: I Saw It on TikTok

The library is a place of constant change. I sometimes look back over my career so far and marvel at how many things have shifted or pivoted in the twenty some years I’ve been at work in public libraries. We went from not being able to keep DVDs on the shelves, to the shelves being constantly on the brink of overflowing (at least at my branches). The periodicals scene has moved dramatically. And of course, we went from a few digital materials to eBooks and eAudiobooks being some of our most in-demand items. Regardless of all these changes, I remain certain that reading will always be a core part of library service. The format has evolved, but dispensing the magic of reading is constant. What I didn’t account for was how much the method of dispensing would change. Once upon a time, we created booklists, chatted up titles, or held programs focused on suggesting books. The rise of social media saw us moving to new platforms and methods to recommend books. Then in the last few years came TikTok. I don’t think anyone could have predicted how TikTok would balloon in popularity, nor how it would transform the book sphere. A lucky few authors skyrocketed to popularity, and we learned new genre words (Romantasy! Cozy Fantasy! Dark Romance!). Buying special editions of physical books became popular (anyone peep those sprayed edges in your library?). And most importantly, we witnessed the rise of Bookfluencers/BookTokers. These folks drove demand and offered title selections in a short, engaging format to their captivated audiences. In many cases, they have become the book dispensers, and library staff have grown used to hearing “I saw this one book on TikTok...”. 

While anything that encourages reading is a huge plus, the need to hitch a ride on the algorithm does tend to narrow the pool of options by quite a bit. The authors that really went viral on TikTok are a select few who are largely white and cishet. To me, this offers a prime opportunity for library staff to work their book dispensing magic once again. While we may not have the power or budget to immediately gratify everyone’s wish for the latest BookTok sensation, we have both knowledge and enthusiasm for older, midlist and lesser-known authors. We have a real chance to promote the fantastic universe of vibrant diverse books that will hit the same notes as those blockbusters while inviting readers to explore beyond the algorithm. As I write this in the days after the election, I believe that it’s more important than ever that we take up this task. Libraries espouse goals to broaden, to inform, to excite, to learn, and to connect. No matter what changes come to our formats and collections, I still believe in those goals—and in reading. To that end, here are some books that spring from TikTok favorites. May they inspire you to offer fresh items the next time you hear a patron say, “I saw it on TikTok...”.

If they ask you for Colleen Hoover…

Colleen Hoover, or CoHo as her fans like to call her, writes emotionally intense stories of relationships and romance that folks binge like their favorite treat. There are many obstacles and drama, and the victories are hard-won and satisfying. 

Try:

Akwaeke Emezi. Just like Hoover, this author writes for both teens and adults. They write a little bit of everything, from speculative fiction to romance. All of their books share the same thoughtful, haunting intensity. For the work that most closely aligns with Hoover (forbidden romantic entanglements ahoy!), try You Made a Fool of Death With Your Beauty.

Celeste Ng. While this author doesn’t write as much romance as Hoover, she does write emotionally resonant family stories that leap off the page. The writing is literary, and each character is complex and filled with traits that make them likable, loathe-able, and very human. Try Everything I Never Told You.

Kennedy Ryan. If readers really want to lean into the romance of it all, look no further than this author. Both Ryan and Hoover write contemporary romances filled with tragedy, drama and high emotion. The feelings portrayed might be painful (bring your tissues), but Ryan successfully brings her characters out to the other side. Try This Could Be Us.

If they ask you for Sarah J. Maas…

Maas’ fans are legion and very eager for the author’s latest publications. This author writes urban and high fantasy featuring tough female leads and lightning-fast action. Maas was also one of the first ‘Romantasy’ (romance + fantasy) that was being regularly suggested on BookTok. These books have been a young adult mainstay for a while but may have been changed to adult in some libraries.

Try:

Nalini Singh. This author has written many books, mostly strongly romantic urban fantasy featuring powerful supernatural leads that contribute to world-spanning battles. Much like Maas’ books, each member of the group/family gets a romance book of their own. Start with Slave to Sensation (although if you’d prefer winged alpha men, then Angel’s Blood may be more to your liking).

Scarlett St. Clair. If you prefer Maas’ use of retold myths and fairy tales, readers should absolutely try this Indigenous author. St. Clair’s books are steamy, descriptive, and magical. There’s also a dash of the popular trope enemies-to-lovers as well as court intrigue. Try King of Battle and Blood. 

Sabaa Tahir. For high fantasy with scrappy heroes fighting back against oppression, look no further than this author. Tahir incorporates elements of romance, suspense, and intrigue with settings drawn from ancient Rome and Arabic traditions. Begin with An Ember in the Ashes.

If they ask you for Travis Baldree…

More specifically, your patrons will probably ask you for the smash hit Legends and Lattes. This cozy fantasy benchmark provides readers with a feel-good story of a group of loveable characters who work together to open a coffee shop. The stakes are not high, and readers don’t want them that way. Ever since this author burst onto the scene, folks have been hungry for more.

Try:

Becky Chambers. Wildly popular in her own right, this author has been another leader in the art of writing heartwarming, gentle speculative fiction. If fans prefer to get to know a group of characters, try The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet.

Julie Leong. This is a debut author whose book is too charming not to be included. Thus far she’s shown herself to be a master of a whimsical, sweet tale where a cast of motley characters build themselves into a family. Try The Teller of Small Fortunes.

C.M. Waggoner. Readers looking to smile over their book should pick up this author and hidden gem. Waggoner writes fantastical stories that are funny and richly detailed. Like Baldree, this author often includes queer characters falling in love. Try The Ruthless Lady’s Guide to Wizardry.

I am an adult services librarian at King County Library System who lives and works in South King County. I adore talking about books to anyone who will listen and regularly contribute to KCLS’ BookMatch and booklist services. My favorite reads tend towards fantasy, romance, and narrative nonfiction, although any book has the possibility to become a new favorite.