The first-ever TikTok Book Awards, launched by TikTok in the UK and Ireland, were held over the weekend to recognize the achievements of prominent figures in the literature, publishing, and #BookTok community. Several winners were announced, including the graphic novel “Heartstopper” by Alice Oseman, which won the award for “Best Book I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time.” This LGBTQ series has gained immense popularity not only on BookTok but also on Amazon, where it currently tops the young adult book charts.
“Heartstopper” revolves around the story of Charlie Spring and his boyfriend Nick Nelson as they navigate the complexities of high school relationships and coming out. With four books already released, the series has captured the hearts of readers. The fifth volume is set to be released in December. Moreover, Netflix has picked up the series and premiered the first season in 2022, with the second season recently making its way onto the streaming platform.
Alongside “Heartstopper,” Jane Austen’s classic novel, “Pride & Prejudice,” received the award for “Best BookTok Revival.” This enduring novel has become a popular subject of discussion on TikTok, with users often incorporating lines and sounds from the 2005 movie adaptation into their content. “Pride & Prejudice” holds a special place in English literature and has experienced a resurgence in popularity due to conversations on TikTok.
There were also new releases recognized at the TikTok Book Awards. Bolu Babalola’s debut novel, “Honey & Spice,” was named the “BookTok Book of the Year.” This book follows the story of Kiki Banjo as she navigates school, hosts her radio show “Brown Sugar,” and explores her feelings towards a potential crush. Since its release last year, “Honey & Spice” quickly became a bestseller and even caught the attention of Reese Witherspoon, who selected it for her book club.
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The award for “BookTok Author of the Year” went to Holly Jackson, renowned for her “Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series. This suspenseful series has captivated readers with its thrilling plotlines. In addition, “Everything I Know About Love,” a heartbreaking memoir by former Sunday Times columnist Dolly Alderton, received the award for “Best Book to End a Reading Slump.” This memoir resonates with readers as it delves into themes of love, loss, and personal growth. The book has since been adapted into a series airing in the U.S. on Peacock.
The winners of the TikTok Book Awards were determined through voting by thousands of TikTok users within the app. The #BookTok hashtag, which has amassed over 167 billion views, serves as a hub for lively discussions, book reviews, and recommendations. TikTok acknowledges that the #BookTok community not only stimulates engaging conversations and debates but also drives record book sales, supports independent bookshops, and helps launch the careers of up-and-coming and underrepresented authors.
Overall, the first-ever TikTok Book Awards celebrated the incredible impact that TikTok has had on the literary community. By providing a platform for readers, authors, and publishers to connect, TikTok has revitalized interest in both new and classic books, creating a space for meaningful discussions and diverse perspectives. The future of the #BookTok community looks promising as it continues to shape the literary landscape for years to come.
