Popular Booktok books I haven’t read and why

Hey fellow bookworms! You know how BookTok constantly throws new must-reads our way? Well, today I wanted to dive a bit deeper into some of those popular titles, especially the ones that keep popping up in searches like 'Hate List book,' but I just haven't gotten around to. There's often a bit of confusion around which 'Hate List' people are talking about, and that's totally fair – there are a few books with 'Hate' in the title that get a lot of buzz! The most widely recognized 'Hate List' on BookTok is Jennifer Brown's powerful novel. It's an incredibly raw and emotional story about the aftermath of a school shooting, exploring themes of grief, healing, and forgiveness through the eyes of a survivor. It's earned its spot on many 'must-read' lists for its profound impact, but honestly, knowing the heavy subject matter, it's one of those books I've been 'too scared to read,' even though I know it comes highly recommended for its depth. It's a tough but important read, and I can see why it would be a book many pause before picking up. Then there's 'Hate' by Tate James – the one I specifically mentioned in my initial post! This one usually falls into the dark romance or thriller category, which is a totally different vibe from Jennifer Brown's 'Hate List.' Sometimes these similar titles can get mixed up, but they offer very different reading experiences. I've heard such varied opinions on Tate James's work; some readers absolutely love the intensity, while others might say 'it's not her best' or comment on the darker themes. It's definitely on my 'next on my tbr' list, but I'm still gathering courage and opinions before I jump in. Beyond the 'Hate' books, BookTok is a goldmine of other popular reads that sometimes just sit on our digital shelves. For instance, I've seen 'Empire of Storms' from the Throne of Glass series mentioned a ton – a massive fantasy commitment that can feel daunting! And who hasn't heard of 'Part of Your World' by bestselling author Abby Jimenez? Her romances are so beloved, but sometimes with so many amazing books, it's hard to decide which to prioritize. Even books like 'Binding' (perhaps referring to 'The Binding' by Bridget Collins with its unique magical realism) get so much hype, but life just gets in the way! It's fascinating how BookTok creates this collective reading experience and also these shared dilemmas. We want to read all the popular things, but time, mood, or even the sheer emotional weight of a book can make us hesitate. What about you? Are there any books like 'Hate List' or 'Empire of Storms' that you keep seeing but just haven't read yet? Let's chat about our unread piles!