Have you been trying to get into reading and have not found the right book? Does Booktok always lead you astray?
By: Gianna Liantonio
When you are just starting out, it may be hard to find the right book due to the large variety of genres to choose from such as; Fantasy, mystery, romance, science fiction and more.
Booktok has helped people get into reading, but there is not always variety when it comes to recommendations.
When I was younger, I did not enjoy reading because it felt like a chore more than an enjoyable hobby. It was not until I was assigned The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton for a class reading that led me to see that reading is fun. This helped me realize that I actually do love to read, but needed to discover the right books for me.
Later that week, I went to Barnes and Noble with my mom where I bought the first Harry Potter book and my doorway to the fantasy world opened and never closed.
Fantasy
Fantasy has been my favorite genre since I picked up the first Harry Potter book and the love has only grown since then. If you get entranced by other worlds with fantastical elements, then fantasy is the right genre for you. Fantasy is typically for readers who get immersed in magical worlds with castles, magic, and unique individuals. My favorite fantasy book/series is Caraval, which takes place on a mysterious island that appears once a year and is invitation only. Two sisters become captivated in the game with secrets and illusions that help immerse the reader into the world. The series has everything that I look for in a fantasy series: magic, suspense and a world I could get lost in. Whether fantasy is already your preferred genre to start with or are about to dive into the world of fantasy books, I would suggest this book as your first read.
Mystery
Do you like to be on the edge of your seat, as every page reveals a new plot twist? If yes then mystery books may be the one for you. Mystery has been one of my favorite genres and I have a lot of favorite books within that genre. I love a riveting, page turning thriller where my only enemy is my fear that I would rip the pages with the force I turn them. These kinds of books are great gateway books if you are still not sure which genre is right for you. They will keep you engaged and prevent you from wanting to stop reading. My favorite mystery book is The Inheritance Games. In this book, Avery Grambs became the heir to a fortune at billionaire Tobias Hawthorne’s wishes. Throughout the book, the puzzle pieces slowly come together and we get the answers to how this seemingly random girl ended up with the biggest fortune in the world. The book is fast paced with short chapters. I definitely suggest that to be a starting book if you choose mystery as your first genre. Whenever I am in a reading slump where I am not motivated to read, I will pick up a mystery book and it helps reel me back in.
Science Fiction/Dystopian
Science fiction and dystopian books are great if you like contemporary novels with fantastical elements. Dystopian novels such as The Hunger Games series and Divergent are great starters. I discovered Divergent in middle school which introduced me to this genre and I was hooked ever since. Tris is a fearless heroine who defies her leaders and fights to save her loved ones and create a better future for everyone. One where everyone is free. My favorite dystopian novel is Shatter Me, which is within a six book series. The story takes place in North America where each continent has one leader who controls the civilians. The main character along with others have special abilities which put targets on their backs. Throughout the series, they fight the system they were forced into to create a better future for everyone. I love dystopian novels and I feel they are a great start to reading if you enjoy stories like these.
Romance
Are you a fan of romantic comedies or just a good love story? You may enjoy romance books as your starter. Sometimes all you need is a semi-realistic love story between two people that make you smile from ear to ear as you turn the page. These are feel good books–most of the time. Definitely read the summary extra close to avoid surprises that may not make you feel so good. I do like a good romance book from time to time. If you have a favorite trope, there are collections within each trope. Friends to lovers is a popular trope where the book has two friends in denial the whole book that they like each other or they both have hidden feelings and fear that they will ruin their friendship. The triumph one feels when they finally kiss at page 552 is worth getting to. My favorite romance book is The Love Hypothesis, which has the fake dating trope. Olive and Adam decide to start a fake relationship, but then later realize they are gaining feelings for each other and wonder what that will mean. I personally love this trope because you get them together in the beginning, but you slowly see them realize the feelings are real and not the faux ones they thought they pretended to have.
Whichever trope you prefer, there is a book for it!
Don’t give up on the world of books until you find the right one for you! There are so many genres out there, and no matter what you are into, there is always one that will spark your interests!
