BookTok has a problem, and her name is Colleen Hoover.
In recent years, many young people have looked to social media apps such as Instagram and, more specifically, TikTok, for book recommendations. This niche side of TikTok is often referred to as “BookTok.”
While an online space of people with similar interests can be amazing, is mass recognition of certain authors and novels really a good thing? Is it possible that through online spaces like BookTok, the wrong authors may be promoted and given a platform? As an avid reader myself, I was curious about some of the literature that was recommended by users on BookTok. As I began to read some of these novels, I quickly realized that BookTok was responsible for giving a platform to whom I consider to be a lackluster, if not offensive author: Hoover.
At the beginning of my search for good books, Hoover’s name popped up an incredible number of times. Since there was an obvious favoritism towards her novels, I decided to check her out and experience the books for myself. I was disappointed to find that her books were not only written in an eye-rolling, mind-numbing manner, but they were also damaging for female audiences.
Many readers have criticized Hoover for her portrayal of female characters. They are often written as the typical “damsel in distress” character type who depends on their male romantic interests. Her novels often focus on their romantic lives without building any real substance to the character.
Although this is a distasteful depiction of women, I can’t say I was surprised to find that Hoover followed this formula for writing main characters. What shocked me, and a lot of her fans, was her depiction of abusive relationships.
In her novel “November 9,” the main character (Fallon), and her on again off again boyfriend (Ben), are in what I consider to be an abusive relationship. There are parts of the novel where Ben fantasizes about using physical force against Fallon and blocks her attempts to leave him. One specific scene in the novel that has gained a lot of negative attention is a scene in which Fallon attempts to reject Ben’s advancements towards her, audibly saying no, and is denied the basic respect to not continue physical contact. Although this is sexual assault, its not presented in the novel as such and many readers, including myself, found this to be a major issue in the novel.
Because BookTok is dominated by female readers, I believe it is important to promote authors who write women and their stories with more consideration of their audiences. I believe it is harmful to romanticize relationships with abusive characters, especially in novels that are targeted for young women.
Hopefully in the near future BookTok will begin to promote more of the outstanding writers that are out there and not receiving recognition for their amazing work!
