Most Popular BookTok Books For Moms In 2025
As a busy mom with a wild toddler, finding time to explore the most popular BookTok books can feel like an impossible luxury. Yet, there’s nothing quite like losing yourself in a good book during those rare quiet moments as a mom, whether it’s during naptime, after bedtime, or those precious few minutes before your own eyes close at night.
If you’re scrolling through BookTok (TikTok’s wildly popular book community) searching for your next great read, you’re not alone. With over 200 billion views on the #BookTok hashtag, this thriving community has transformed how we discover books. However, finding recommendations specifically suited for moms among the endless stream of content can be overwhelming.
That’s why I’ve created this comprehensive guide to the most popular BookTok books for moms in 2025. Whether you’re looking for an emotional romance, a gripping thriller, or an inspiring memoir, these recommendations will help you make the most of your limited reading time.
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Why BookTok Has Become a Reading Revolution for Moms
BookTok has radically changed how books reach readers, particularly busy moms who don’t have time to browse bookstore shelves for hours. According to recent statistics, BookTok has been credited with helping authors sell millions of books, with romance, fantasy, and young adult titles leading the charge.
For moms, the appeal is multifaceted:
- Authentic recommendations: Real readers sharing genuine reactions create trust that traditional marketing can’t match
- Emotional previews: BookTok creators often share their emotional responses to books, helping you decide if a book matches your current mood
- Niche communities: Sub-communities on BookTok cater to specific interests, including dedicated spaces for mom readers
- Accessibility: Short video recommendations fit perfectly into busy mom schedules
I remember rocking my fussy baby at 3 AM when I came across a BookTok video about a thriller so compelling that the creator “didn’t put it down even when the pasta water boiled over.” That recommendation (which you’ll find in the thriller section below) turned my sleep-deprived nights into an unexpected adventure.
Romance: The Most Popular BookTok Book Genre for Moms
Romance consistently dominates BookTok, with romance-centered books amassing a staggering 8 billion hashtag views. These emotional escapes have become particularly popular among moms looking to reconnect with feelings beyond the everyday demands of motherhood.
Contemporary Romance Favorites
1. “It Ends With Us” by Colleen Hoover
This emotional powerhouse explores cycles of abuse and difficult choices. While not explicitly about motherhood, it resonates deeply with moms because it examines how family patterns affect our decisions. The protagonist’s journey will have you reflecting on your own boundaries and relationships.
2. “The Idea of You” by Robinne Lee
Recently adapted for film, this age-gap romance between a 39-year-old mom and a younger boy band member has taken BookTok by storm. Many mom reviewers comment that they started it for the spice but stayed for the poignant exploration of identity beyond motherhood. One BookTok mom described it as “the book that made me remember who I was before I became someone’s mom.”
3. “Ready or Not” by Cara Bastone
This friends-to-lovers story featuring an unexpected pregnancy has racked up nearly 500,000 posts on TikTok following its release. BookTok moms praise its authentic portrayal of pregnancy emotions and the warm, supportive relationship that develops. If you’re looking for a comfort read with genuine characters, this one delivers.
Fantasy Romance (Romantasy)
Fantasy romance (affectionately dubbed “romantasy” on BookTok) offers the perfect escape from everyday mom life into worlds of magic and adventure.
1. “A Court of Thorns and Roses” series by Sarah J. Maas
This series has launched thousands of BookTok videos and has especially resonated with moms looking for complete escapism. While its fictional world couldn’t be further from diaper changes and school pickups, the themes of personal transformation and resilience feel surprisingly relevant to the motherhood journey.
Check price on Amazon – I own this box set and I LOVE it! It’s so beautiful!
2. “Fourth Wing” by Rebecca Yarros
This runaway hit about a physically vulnerable woman who enters dragon rider military training offers a compelling escape for moms who sometimes feel physically and emotionally depleted. The protagonist’s journey from perceived weakness to discovering her unique strengths has made this a BookTok phenomenon in 2025.
Check price on Amazon – I literally waited in line for Target to open on the release day of the second book because I was so OBSESSED!
Thrillers: Adrenaline Rushes Between Diaper Changes
When you’re already living on interrupted sleep, why not make it worthwhile with a page-turning thriller? These BookTok-approved suspense novels have been particularly popular among mom readers who enjoy the rush of solving a mystery.
1. “Verity” by Colleen Hoover
This psychological thriller about a writer who discovers a famous author’s disturbing autobiography has generated over 506 million views on BookTok. The disturbing family elements and questions about maternal instinct make this particularly chilling for mom readers. Be warned: many BookTok moms report checking on their sleeping children multiple times while reading this one!
Check price on Amazon – I introduced this one to my best friend Megan, and she read it in ONE DAY.
2. “The Last Thing He Told Me” by Laura Dave
This thriller features Hannah, a stepmom left to protect her husband’s daughter when he mysteriously disappears. Its exploration of maternal instinct and the lengths we go to protect our children has made it a BookTok favorite among mom readers. I personally stayed up until 2 AM finishing this one, despite knowing I had an early wake-up call from my toddler!
3. “I Have Some Questions For You” by Rebecca Makkai
This literary thriller follows a mother experiencing marriage troubles who becomes entangled in solving a murder from her past. Many mom readers on BookTok appreciate the complex female protagonist balancing personal crises with larger moral questions. It’s perfect for when you want a thriller that’s also intellectually engaging.
Literary Fiction: Most Popular BookTok Books
Sometimes, amid the chaos of motherhood, you need a book that reminds you of your pre-mom identity. These literary fiction titles have gained significant traction on BookTok, specifically among mothers:
1. “Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow” by Gabrielle Zevin
This novel about friendship, creativity, and video game design has become a surprising BookTok sensation. Mom readers appreciate its depth and the ways it examines how our creative passions both sustain and challenge us—a theme that resonates with the creative problem-solving required in motherhood.
2. “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
This novel about a reclusive Hollywood legend has been consistently trending on BookTok. Mom readers connect with its explorations of ambition, sacrifice, and identity—themes that echo throughout the motherhood experience. It’s perfect for when you need a glamorous escape with emotional substance.
Check price on Amazon – Read this during the trenches of the Newborn stage, and it did NOT disappoint!
3. “Time Is a Mother” by Ocean Vuong
This poetry collection exploring grief and memory after the death of the author’s mother has become a surprising BookTok hit. Many mom readers share tearful TikToks after reading these poems, noting how powerfully they capture the mother-child relationship from both sides.
Memoirs and Non-Fiction: Real Stories for Real Moms(Popular BookTok Books)
Sometimes the most comforting books are those that remind us that our messy, imperfect motherhood experiences are universal. These most popular BookTok non-fiction books have particularly resonated with BookTok moms:
1. “Becoming” by Michelle Obama
The former First Lady’s reflections on balancing motherhood with career ambitions continues to connect with working moms on BookTok who are trying to do it all. The sections about raising her daughters while in the public eye offer particular comfort to moms feeling the weight of judgment.
2. “Born a Crime” by Trevor Noah
Though told from a son’s perspective, this memoir about Noah’s relationship with his extraordinarily resilient mother has touched many BookTok moms. The portrayal of maternal sacrifice and unwavering love across extremely challenging circumstances puts everyday parenting struggles into perspective.
Self-Help and Parenting: Books That Make Mom Life Better
While fiction dominates the most popular BookTok books, these non-fiction titles have built strong followings among mothers looking for practical guidance:
1. “Memory Making Mom” by Jessica Smartt
This practical guide offers ideas for creating significant family traditions while shifting your approach to motherhood. BookTok moms appreciate its realistic approach to creating memories without Pinterest-perfect expectations. One mom on BookTok shared, “This book gave me permission to create our own traditions without the pressure to do what everyone else is doing.”
2. “We Can Do Hard Things” by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach, and Amanda Doyle
Based on their popular podcast, this book has found a dedicated audience on BookTok among mothers navigating difficult seasons. Its honest exploration of parenting challenges, relationships, and personal growth has sparked countless BookTok videos from grateful mom readers.
3. “How to Keep House While Drowning” by KC Davis
This compassionate approach to home management has become a BookTok sensation among moms. Its functional, shame-free approach to housekeeping resonates with overwhelmed parents. The phrase “care tasks, not moral failings” has become a BookTok mantra for moms giving themselves grace about household management.
Fantasy and Sci-Fi: Escape to Another World Entirely
When you need to mentally leave behind the mountains of laundry and endless snack requests, these fantastical BookTok favorites offer the perfect escape:
1. “Babel” by R.F. Kuang
This fantasy with historical elements explores themes of identity and belonging. It has garnered over 7.1 million views on BookTok videos associated with its title and offers mom readers a completely immersive reading experience.
2. “The House on the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
This heartwarming fantasy about a caseworker assigned to a group of magical orphans has resonated with moms for its themes of chosen family and unconditional acceptance. Many BookTok moms recommend this as “the book equivalent of a warm hug” when motherhood feels overwhelming.
How to Find Your Popular BookTok Book Mom Read
With thousands of recommendations floating around BookTok, finding your perfect read can feel overwhelming. Here’s how to navigate the platform efficiently as a busy mom and find the most popular booktok books:
1. Follow Mom-Specific BookTok Creators
Several BookTok creators specifically review books through a motherhood lens. Some popular accounts to follow on Tiktok and Instagram include:
- @momswhoread – a momma of 3 boys who recently left the stay-at-home mom life for working mom life and gives amazing book recommendations
- @what.tay.reads – a girl I went to bootcamp with! She is a NICU nurse and mama of two who provides fantastic reads
- @bookcasebeauty – a new mom with great book recs and perfect finds
2. Use Targeted Hashtags
Beyond #BookTok, try these more specific searches:
- #MomTok
- #MomsofBookTok
- #BookTokMom
- #ReadingMama
- #GenreMomBookTok (replacing “Genre” with romance, thriller, etc.)
3. Create a TBR (To-Be-Read) System That Works for Mom Life
As a mom, your reading time comes in unpredictable spurts. Try these systems:
- The genre match system: Categorize books by mood/genre and keep a digital list you can access anytime
- The location-based system: Keep different books in different locations (bedside, purse, kitchen) for various reading moments
- The audiobook backup: Have an audiobook version of your current read for hands-free reading during chores
Last month, I implemented the location-based system and finally finished three books I’d been starting and stopping for months. Having my thriller in the living room, my romance by the bed, and my audiobook memoir playing during chores and driving maximized every possible reading minute.
Finding Time to Read in Your Busy Mom Schedule
Finding time to read might seem impossible between the endless demands of motherhood, but with some strategic planning, you can reclaim your reading life:
Practical Reading Opportunities for Busy Moms
- Audiobook during morning routines: Listen while preparing breakfast or getting yourself ready
- E-reader during feeding sessions: One-handed reading makes nursing or bottle feeding more enjoyable. I LOVE my Kindle Paperwhite! It was perfect while breastfeeding!
- Bathroom breaks: Keep a book in the bathroom for those rare moments alone (we all do it!)
- School pickup line: Arrive 10 minutes early and enjoy uninterrupted reading in the car
- Kitchen counter reading: Prop a book open while stirring dinner or waiting for water to boil
Creating a Reading Environment That Works for Mom Life
- Reading basket: Keep a basket with your current read, reading light, bookmark, and snack in your most common reading spot
- Digital library access: Set up easy access to your library’s digital collection for instant book gratification. You can also use free apps like Hoopla and Libby!
- Family reading time: Implement 20 minutes where everyone reads their own books simultaneously
When Your Reading Journey Gets Challenging
Even with the perfect most popular BookTok book recommendations, sometimes reading as a mom comes with unique challenges:
Overcoming Common Mom Reading Obstacles
- Falling asleep after two pages: Try reading something more fast-paced before bed, or switch to morning reading
- Interrupted reading: Use a distinctive bookmark or digital bookmarking to easily find your place
- Reading guilt: Remember that reading models important behavior for your children and refills your emotional cup
I used to feel guilty about reading when there were toys to pick up or laundry to fold. Then I realized my daughter was watching me closely. Now she “reads” her own books beside me, and those quiet moments together have become precious bonding time.
Creating Your Own Mom Reading Community
Reading becomes even more enjoyable when shared. Here’s how to connect with other reading moms:
- Start a neighborhood mom book club: Meet monthly with flexible attendance expectations
- Create a virtual reading accountability group: Text reading updates to each other
- Join BookTok: Create your own reviews to connect with the wider community
Last year, I joined a mom book club where we meet just once every two months, with zero pressure to finish the book. Sometimes we mostly talk about our kids, but that connection around books has become a lifeline for many of us.
Conclusion: Your BookTok Reading Journey Awaits
BookTok has revolutionized how moms discover great books, creating a vibrant community of recommendations perfectly suited to the reading needs of busy parents. Whether you have five minutes or (miraculously) a whole hour to yourself, there’s a BookTok recommendation waiting to transport you beyond sippy cups and soccer practice.
The most important thing to remember is that there’s no “right way” to be a reading mom. Whether you devour three books a week or take six months to finish one novel, you’re still nurturing your mind and spirit through reading.
Which of these most popular BookTok book recommendations sounds most appealing to you? Are you drawn to escapist fantasy, emotional romance, or perhaps a practical parenting guide? I’d love to hear which books you’ll be adding to your TBR list in the comments below!
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Good tips for squeezing in reading time, along with a list of books to try. I have heard of most of these books, but admittedly have only read 2 of them. I honestly don’t have TikTok, so I only know what’s trending on BookTok when someone talks about it on YouTube or Twitter.
Thank you for reading! It sounds like you’re already doing great with your reading – two books from the list is awesome! I love that you’re staying connected to book trends through YouTube and Twitter instead of TikTok. There are so many great book reviewers and bookish content creators on those platforms too. Sometimes the recommendations that come through those channels feel more thoughtful than the quick TikTok videos anyway. I hope you find some new favorites from the list when you get a chance to try them!
Love this list! Always fun to see what’s trending on BookTok, and now I’ve got a few more titles to check out!