TikTok’s “For You Page” (FYP) has an uncanny, clever, and sometimes alarming knack for showing you exactly what you want to see. So if you like reading books even the smallest amount and have spent some time scrolling your own FYP, you probably have stumbled upon the enchanting world of BookTok. Populated by people of all ages and life experiences, the Booktok community is filled with avid readers who offer up litanies of book recommendations, reviews, rants, and raves.

Falling down the rabbit hole of Booktok for the first time can be a lot of fun, but the excitement might quickly be dulled by overwhelm. If you’re wondering which books you should crack open first, here’s a list of five Booktok selections that come highly recommended and are worth a try.

1. A Court of Thorns and Roses – Sarah J. Maas

A Court of Thorns and Roses (commonly shortened to ACOTAR) is the debut of a series that contains five books (so far!). A fun mix of fantasy and romance, ACOTAR has an avid fanbase and a treasure trove of world-building, likable characters, and an apt amount of comedic relief. ACOTAR will please new and veteran fantasy readers alike. If you’re ready to get talking about fan theories and plot twists with the Booktok community, look no further.

2. Funny Story – Emily Henry

Emily Henry is a name that inspires songs of praise and adoration throughout the Booktok community. Her dreamy prose and cherished characters make her comedic romance books unforgettable. Funny Story is Henry’s newest release, having just become available in April. Perfect for anyone who’s ever spent a day or three binging movies in the realm of The Proposal and 27 Dresses, Henry’s newest novel follows two roommates who have both been recently dumped. The twist? Their exes are now together. With plenty of amusing banter, Funny Story is indeed a funny story and will land well with anyone seeking a whimsical reading experience with a lot of heart.

3. Bunny – Mona Awad

First, a disclaimer that this book is not for the faint of heart. No other way around it: this book is eccentric, strange, and at times grotesque. If this isn’t sounding like the most shining review so far, hold tight. Bunny is, admittedly, not for everyone, but fans of horror and the macabre will eat this book up. Following a graduate student who holds a certain level of disdain for her clique-y classmates, this book is an addition to the “descent into madness” genre and is a good place to start for anyone who loves all things weird.

4. The Midnight Library – Matt Haig

If you’re in the mood for a good cry, The Midnight Library is an appropriate starting place. While not as light-hearted of a selection as some of the others on this list, this book is heartfelt and covers heavier topics in a tactful way. When Nora decides that she has nothing left to live for, she is taken on an adventure through alternate timelines that show her what life might have been like if she’d made different decisions. Popular among the Booktok crowd for a reason, this book is a great choice for anyone who is in the mood for a sentimental (but not too syrupy) read.

5. The Unhoneymooners – Christina Lauren

Another win for the romantic comedy lovers, The Unhoneymooners is about a pair of enemies who find themselves sharing a romantic Hawaiian vacation. Leaning more heavily towards the “com” of rom-coms, this book also offers a fun, tropical ambiance that would be perfect for some beach reading. It’s a light read that would be an ideal choice for someone trying to get back into reading, or maybe just needing a break from the labyrinthine world-building of fantasy or the tense aura of thrillers and horror.

Wherever you decide to start, what really exemplifies the BookTok community is the people. Regardless of your genre of choice, as long as you love reading, you’ll find a place among like-minded bookworms.