TikTok Book Awards: Here are the first-ever winners

Check out the full list of winners here!

New Delhi | August 22, 2023 01:00 PM IST

4 min read

In recognition of books, independent book shops, authors and creators that are adored by the #BookTok community, the TikTok Book Awards were decided by thousands of people who voted on the TikTok hub from a carefully curated shortlist. (Source: Freepik)

TikTok, the social media platform, recently released the list of winners of their first-ever Book Awards.

The TikTok Book Awards were decided by thousands of people who voted on the TikTok hub from a carefully curated shortlist decided by some of the UK’s biggest names in the world of literature, publishing #BookTok, including acclaimed authors Candice Braithwaite and Elizabeth Day, and representatives from publishers Bloomsbury and Bonnier.

For the unversed, #BookTok is a TikTok subculture where users share short-form videos discussing their favourite reads and recommend books to their followers.

The graphic novel adapted into Netflix’s Heartstopper and the classic Jane Austen novel Pride & Prejudice were among the winners of the Book Awards, launched by TikTok in the UK and Ireland.

Written by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper which was first published in 2020, won the award for “Best Book I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time”. A British coming-of-age romantic comedy-drama, the book delves into the story of Charlie Spring, a gay schoolboy who falls in love with his classmate Nick Nelson as they navigate the complex dynamics of LGBTQ+ relationships. The fifth volume of the book will be out this December.

Written by Alice Oseman, Heartstopper that was first published in 2020. (Source: Amazon.in)

Aside from Heartstopper, Pride & Prejudice, the classic novel by Jane Austen, won the award for “Best BookTok Revival”, highlighting the resurgence of older classics in pop culture thanks to conversations on TikTok.

Pride & Prejudice, the classic novel by Jane Austen, was released in 1813. (Source: Amazon.in)

Newer books like Honey & Spice, the debut novel by Bolu Babalola were also honoured with the award “BookTok Book of the Year”. The British novelist’s book follows the life of a young black woman whose determination to not fall in love is challenged when she meets a handsome new student.

Story continues below this ad

Honey & Spice became an instant bestseller after being released last year, with Hollywood star Reese Witherspoon making it a part of her book club read.

Honey & Spice is the debut novel of Bolu Babalola. (Source: Amazon.in)

The “BookTok Author of the Year” award went to Holly Jackson, known for her Good Girl’s Guide to Murder series. The first book in the series focuses on a schoolgirl who investigates a local murder which is more complex than it seems as part of her final year project.

And the award for “Best Book to End a Reading Slump” went to Everything I Know About Love, a memoir that sees Sunday Times columnist, Dolly Alderton, recount her chaotic early twenties and share lessons she learned about romance, friendship, and loss.

In a statement, TikTok said that with over 167 billion views and counting, reviews and recommendations in the #BookTok community are driving record book sales, helping to support independent book shops and launch careers of up-and-coming or previously underrepresented authors and genres.

Story continues below this ad

“From Jane Austen to Bolu Babalola, the winners truly reflect the diversity and vibrancy of the #BookTok community,” said James Stafford, general manager, operations and marketing, TikTok UK & Nordics.

“We have been humbled to watch this community of book lovers thrive and find a genuine connection on TikTok. Your unapologetic love of reading has truly made this community what it is and we cannot wait to see what the future has in store,” he added.

ALSO READ | Big Little Book awards for S Sivadas, Deepa Balsavar