Bolu Babalola, a British-Nigerian author and journalist, was named one of the inaugural winners of the TikTok Book Awards after her book “Honey & Spice” won the Book of the Year category.
Ms Babalola’s debut novel centred around a young black woman who decided not to fall in love but was challenged when she met a handsome new student – the story eventually clinched one of the top prizes.
The winner of each category was decided by thousands of TikTok followers who voted through the short video-sharing app. Book lovers also use the app through a community nicknamed #BookTok to discuss books and make recommendations on the platform.
“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,” said Ms Babalola.
“I feel so supported by the BookTok community, creators… they galvanise me,” the author added.
Holly Jackson was named the Author of the Year in the other categories. She is well known for her “Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” series; Eden Victoria clinched the Creator of the Year category.
The Indie Bookshop of the Year went to Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh, and “Pride & Prejudice” by Jane Austen won the Best BookTok revival. “Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton was named the Best book to end a reading slump.
Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper: Volume One was voted the Best book I wish I could read again for the first time.
