I think we’re all familiar with TikTok. Even if you don’t have the app, you’ve definitely heard about it. One of its many impacts has been in the world of books. Certain books have gotten attention through TikTok and become popular all over the world. 

Seeing glowing “BookTok” reviews has made TikTok users storm the aisles of Barnes & Noble, buying copies of basically any book by Colleen Hoover.

These BookTok books have garnered much attention, but are they really worth the hype? In this book review series, that question will be answered. 

One of these famous BookTok books, and the first one up for review, is Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz.

Dante and Ari are two teenagers who couldn’t be more different. Dante is outgoing and confident. Ari is prone to self-doubt. Dante escapes to worlds of poetry and art. Ari can’t escape from thoughts of his imprisoned brother. When the two boys meet, they forge a friendship that shows them the “secrets of the universe” and helps them overcome obstacles in their path.

This book is beautifully written. It powerfully conveys themes of friendship, love, and growing up. This story is incredibly character driven and therefore lacks plot at various points, which is one downside. Overall, it was a quick read with poetic insights into life, friendship, love, and coming of age. 

So…BookTok or BookFlop? BookTok!