TikTok is hosting its first ever BookTok Awards this year. The BookTok community refers to the the TikTok members and influencers who majorly work with literary lifestyle and book interests as their niche. There are over 158 billion views on #booktok for all actively interested members who love these tiny videos on books which include but are not limited to book cover introduction, mini book reviews, funny observations on reading-relevant daily instances, book lists (current TBRs, monthly TBRs, favourites in a categorical list) and much more.
There’s been a definite edge that readers have witnessed through all three mediums – BookTok (TikTok), Bookstagram (Instagram) as well as BookTube (YouTube). It’s evidently pushed a lot of content creators to get better at reading, covering more titles and making the world a more inclusive, trendier place for other readers in the community. I especially love it when I realise that we’re giving impetus to so many bookstores by bringing back the culture of visiting these physical premises for book hunting. Creating these bookstore lists have perhaps contributed a lot to the declining era of physical stores with Amazon and Flipkart captivating a major chunk of the readers today.
With TikTok hosting this first (in what one can only hope is a series) of BookTok Awards, here is the complete list of categories and nominations that they have shortlisted this year.
BookTok Book Of The Year ✨
- Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
- Lies We Sing to the Sea by Sarah Underwood
- Young Mungo by Douglas Stuart
- Maame by Jessica George
BookTok Author Of The Year ✨
All the author links are directed to their websites where you can find more information on them and titles authored by them
- Dr Suzie Edge, author of Mortal Monarchs and her upcoming title is Vital Organs (releasing in September 2023)
- Lex Croucher, author of Gwen And Art Are Not In Love, Reputation, Infamous and Trouble
- Holly Jackson, author of A Good Girl’s Guide To Murder, Good Girl-Bad Blood, As Good As Dead and Kill Joy
- Bolu Babalola, author of Honey & Spice and Love in Colour
BookTok Creator Of The Year ✨
Indie Bookshop Of The Year ✨
- Portobello Bookshop, Edinburgh
- Chapters Bookstore, Dublin
- The Feminist Bookshop, Brighton
- Mr B’s Emporium Bookshop, Bath
All the bookstores listed above are either in the UK or Ireland – plan your next bookish trip accordingly!
Best BookTok Revival ✨
- One Day by David Nicholls
- Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro
- Pride & Prejudice by Jane Austen
- 1984 by George Orwell
Best Book to End A Reading Slump ✨
- The Family Remains by Lisa Jewell
- My Sister The Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
- Everything I know About Love by Dolly Alderton
- The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
Best Book I Wish I Could Read Again For The First Time ✨
- Noughts and Crosses by Malorie Blackman
- Heartstopper: Volume One by Alice Oseman
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- Open Water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
So that’s the whole list and I’m really excited about picking a few of these titles this weekend… I’m really interested in doing a binge-reading session this weekend. Of course, that only works if I manage to get some studying done before the week gets over. Nevertheless, this is your cue to pick your favourite title and drop your votes in the comments below. I’m so excited to know your views on this!
Which book are you picking under each category?
Love and virtual hugs,
Ri
