I’ve been seeing a lot of discussion lately on anti-intellectualism in literature, especially on my For You page. It's an interesting topic that brings up some strong opinions, so I wanted to weigh in.
What's Happening in the Book World?
Right now, BookTok is heavily focused on romance and popular tropes like enemies-to-lovers or friends-to-lovers. This trend is driving a huge influx of books that cater specifically to those interests. Most of the marketing for these books is built around the tropes themselves rather than the depth of the story, and some people feel this is watering down literature as a whole.
These critics argue that too many “quick reads” or books without depth are being published, and they wish publishers would stop prioritizing these types of stories. While I would argue that romance novels don’t fall into the “anti intellectual” bucket at all (a topic for a different day), I see where people are coming from—it’s not wrong to want to engage in critical thinking and deeper discussion with your reading. If you're tired of seeing the same types of stories or having the same few books recommended repeatedly on BookTok, there are tons of readers out there who feel the same way and are looking to critically engage with media on a different level.
But here's the thing: BookTok, while influential, still represents just a small portion of the reading world. Plenty of authors, publishers, and agents are still putting out books that don’t fit the popular topics and romance-centered mold. So, if you're craving classic literature or a genre that feels more intellectually or emotionally complex, there are still those types of books being written and published each year. They just aren't advertised as heavily (especially online).
Escapism vs. Deep Reads: Is One Better?
Some people read to encounter a story that’s critically engaging - to take apart stories and explore their meanings. Others read for pure escapism, entertainment, or to wind down after a long day. And both are completely valid types of readers.
Historically, books have always served dual purposes—both to share knowledge and to entertain. Once a book is released, it belongs to the reader. People interpret stories through the lens of their own experiences, and it's really not up to anyone else to police how others enjoy their books.
Of course, I truly believe it doesn’t matter what you're reading, as long as you’re reading. Even if you're devouring romance novels or light reads, you're still exercising your brain. For instance, back in the day when I was obsessed with The Hunger Games and Divergent, I wasn’t exactly diving into “highbrow” literature. But during that time, my reading comprehension scores on tests improved dramatically. So, yeah—reading is still better than zoning out in front of the TV!
Why Romance Is Everywhere on BookTok
There’s a reason it might feel like the entire publishing world is focused on romance novels right now. BookTok is driven by algorithms, and if a huge portion of the platform loves romance, then publishers are going to capitalize on that demand. (We saw that at work with the Colleen Hoover book craze, for example.) The bright, cartoon-character covers you see everywhere? That’s targeted marketing at work.
But remember, you have the ability to control your For You page. If you're tired of seeing romance novel after romance novel, you can recalibrate your feed by scrolling past those videos and engaging more with content you enjoy, like sci-fi or historical fiction. Over time, your feed will shift to reflect your personal preferences.
No Matter What You’re Looking For… Here Are Some Great Reads
Whether you're looking for something more mentally challenging or just a fun escape, here are some books that cover both ends of the spectrum:
- Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth – This new adult urban fantasy asks, "What happens to teenage chosen ones after they grow up?" With a unique magic system and intriguing characters, it's a great mix of entertainment and deeper themes.
- Feed by M.T. Anderson – This young adult dystopian novel imagines a future where the next generation has a social media feed installed in their brains. It explores the societal consequences of this technology, making it a thought-provoking read.
- The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd – This historical fiction follows a young woman in the time of Jesus, focusing on her struggle to pursue a career as a scribe in a society where that isn’t accepted.
- An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green – A modern-day sci-fi story where a viral video and alien-like statues collide, raising questions about fame and human connection.
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig – This book, while sad in parts, ultimately delivers an uplifting message. It explores what might have been through the concept of alternate lives, showing the importance of choices.
- Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal – Don’t be fooled by the title. This is a heartwarming story about an Indian woman teaching a creative writing class, where her students—elderly Punjabi widows—end up writing romantic stories.
- The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix – A Southern housewife in the 1950s befriends a mysterious stranger who may or may not be a vampire. It’s a creepy, entertaining read with some social commentary on the roles of women at the time.
- Red Rising by Pierce Brown – A true sci-fi series that dives deep into themes like war, power, and the balance between different societal factions. It’s intricate, emotional, and well worth the read if you’re looking for a long series to sink into.
- The Scythe Trilogy by Neal Shusterman – Set in a future where AI rules everything but cannot kill, this dystopian series tackles big themes like mortality, power, and what it means to be human.
Final Thoughts
Whatever your reading style or preference, there’s a book out there for you. Don’t feel like you need to conform to trends, and definitely don’t let anyone make you feel bad for what you enjoy. Whether you’re dissecting symbolism or just escaping into a good romance, reading is always worth it.