British-Nigerian author Bolu Babalola wins big at inaugural TikTok Book Awards
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.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Navy holds route march to boost combat readiness
The exercise, conducted through Egweama communities in Brass, aimed to enhance physical endurance, promote healthy living, and maintain a physically fit force.
Sport
Nigeria’s Stallions beat Ghana, fall to Morocco in Africa rugby men’s sevens
The Stallions opened their campaign with a 26-5 victory over Ghana’s Black Eagles but suffered a 36-5 defeat to Morocco in their second match of the competition.
Heading 4
APC reviews structures, declares readiness for 2027
APC National Chairman, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, said the review covered the party’s structures from the national, state, local government and ward levels to polling units.
Heading 1
Sultan, ex-Archbishop of Canterbury urge peaceful coexistence in Nigeria, beyond
“There is a need for a strong call on religious and faith communities to work towards checking all forms of hatred,” the Sultan said.
Abuja
Police arrest suspected ‘one chance’ robbers in Abuja
The FCT police command arrested three suspected members of a ‘one chance’ robbery gang in Abuja.
Economy
TCN, Imcomtel inspect Katsina substation ahead of major installation
TCN, Katsina sub-region, and Imcomtel Engineering Limited inspected the Katsina 330/132/33 kilovolt (kV) transmission substation project ahead of a major installation.
