The first ever TikTok Book Awards were held on Thursday, August 17, 2023, to celebrate the books, authors and creators that are most popular among the #BookTok community. The winners were chosen by thousands of TikTok users who voted through the video-sharing app. Here are some of the highlights from the ceremony.
Heartstopper wins best graphic novel
The award for best graphic novel went to Heartstopper by Alice Oseman, a heartwarming and inclusive story about two teenage boys who fall in love. The graphic novel has been a huge hit on TikTok, where fans share their reactions and fan art. It has also been adapted into a Netflix series, which is currently in production.
Oseman thanked her fans for their support and said: “I’m so grateful to everyone who has read Heartstopper, who has shared it with their friends, who has made videos about it, who has drawn fan art. You are all amazing and I love you so much.”
Babalola’s Honey & Spice named book of the year
The most prestigious award of the night was book of the year, which was given to Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola. The debut novel follows a young black woman who is determined not to fall in love, until she meets a handsome new student who challenges her resolve. The novel is a witty and romantic comedy that explores themes of identity, culture and feminism.
Babalola said she was honored to receive the award and said: “This is actually the first award I’ve received for anything I’ve written. It means the world to me, especially because it’s from people who read, who have a passion for books, and actually for love as well. I feel so supported by the BookTok community, creators… they galvanise me.”
Alderton’s memoir wins best book to end a reading slump
The award for best book to end a reading slump went to Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton, a memoir that chronicles the author’s experiences of love, friendship and loss in her twenties. The memoir is honest, hilarious and relatable, and has resonated with many readers who have gone through similar struggles. It has also been adapted into a BBC TV series, starring Bel Powley and Emma Appleton.
Alderton said she was thrilled to win the award and said: “I’m so touched that you chose my book as the one that got you out of a reading slump. Reading is such a wonderful thing to do for yourself, and I’m so glad that my book could be part of that journey for you.”
Jackson crowned author of the year
The author of the year award went to Holly Jackson, the writer of the bestselling Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series. The series follows a schoolgirl who investigates a local murder that is more complex than it seems as part of her final year project. The series is a thrilling and suspenseful mystery that has captivated millions of readers around the world.
Jackson said she was overwhelmed by the award and said: “I can’t say how much BookTok has changed my life. The support you’ve shown for The Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series has been overwhelming, sometimes a little scary! Thank you so much for voting for me, wow I’ve got a trophy!”
TikTok celebrates the power of books
The TikTok Book Awards were launched to recognize the books, independent book shops, authors and creators that are most revered by the #BookTok community. TikTok says posts from the #BookTok community have racked up 167 billion views. The Publisher’s Association has previously said the platform has helped drive up book sales around the world. The company has said the community has helped support independent bookshops and launch careers of up-and-coming or previously underrepresented authors and genres.
James Stafford, general manager of operations and marketing for TikTok UK & Nordics said: “From Jane Austen to Bolu Babalola, the winners truly reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the #BookTok community.”
