With research suggesting an increase in Gen Z readers, fuelled by BookTok, social media's power as a valuable tool in modern society is undeniable. By promoting both new and established authors, the platform has significantly benefited the publishing industry, reigniting a love for reading. If you missed the viral titles from this year's BookTok community, here's a round-up of some of MOJEH's must-reads.
A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara
This raw and unflinching novel delves into the complexities of trauma and friendship, following four college graduates in New York City. Jude, haunted by a horrific childhood, grapples with the scars of abuse while forging deep bonds with his friends. Thanks to booktokers sharing their emotional reaction to the heartbreaking portrayal of trauma in this novel, it gained a new life since its release in 2015 this year.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
The concept of a cafe where you can travel back in time is an irresistible hook. Toshikazu Kawaguchi's Before the Coffee Gets Cold explores this fascinating idea. In this whimsical yet thought-provoking tale, a small cafe allows customers to journey back in time, but only for a short period. As the story unfolds, readers are invited to reflect on their own regrets and ponder the 'what ifs' of their past.
All Fours by Miranda July
Following a 45-year-old peri-menopausal woman on a journey of rediscovery, Miranda July's All Fours takes readers on an unexpected and emotionally powerful ride. July's signature blend of the surreal and the mundane, coupled with a narrative that challenges conventional perceptions of womanhood, has impressed BookTokers and solidified the novel as a true page-turner in 2024.
Piglet by Lottie Hazell
Debut novel by Lottie Hazell, Piglet, follows the story of a young woman who learns of her fiancé’s betrayal two weeks before their wedding. With several emotions and societal expectations at the back of her mind, the protagonist begins her quest to make the perfect wedding cake for her big day. The novel explores a woman’s relationship with food as well as her unique position in life-altering situations.
Blue Sisters by Coco Mellors
As three sisters reunite after years of grieving a lost sibling, unsettling emotions resurface causing internal turmoil within the three. This dark, comedic exploration of sibling rivalry and enduring familial bonds also features multiple subplots allowing for a diversified reading experience. Having taken over the BookTok Community since its release in May, it contends to be one of the most-talked about books of 2024.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This page-turner chronicles the life of a legendary actress who reveals her scandalous secrets to a young journalist, offering a glimpse into the glitz and glamour of Old Hollywood. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid took the internet by storm with readers feeling like a Hollywood insider through Reid’s story. If you’ve always been interested in what happens behind the scenes, this fictional tale is sure to impress.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
Sally Rooney is a clear favourite among the BookTok community, having delivered sensations like Normal People and Beautiful World, Where Are You. Intermezzo, her most recent release, explores modern love and the anxieties of the millennial generation. Rooney's wit and incisive social commentary along with the portrayal of complex relationships and loneliness caters to a curious and emotionally intelligent audience, making it a great read to end the year.
