The winners of the 2023 British Book Awards were announced this evening at a super-glam and star-studded ceremony hosted by the gorgeous Lauren Laverne and CBBC presenter Rhys Stephenson at Grosvenor House in London.

Bonnie Garmus swept the boards whose debut novel Lessons in Chemistry received five nominations.

Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter’s Menopausing was announced as the Overall Book of the Year after winning its category Non-Fiction Lifestyle & Illustrated Book of the Year. 

Chair of the British Book Awards judges and The Bookseller’s Editor Philip Jones said: “Readers were the real winners this year, with titles ranging from Menopausing to Tyger to I’m a Fan demonstrating the remarkable virtuosity of the book business, especially for its role in amplifying and creating conversations around mental health, misogyny, sexuality and gender, the menopause and more. These awards give the lie to the idea that publishing is a one-track business: our judges this year opted to reward exceptional and compelling narratives expertly brought to market, with the book trade lauded for its commitment to promoting all types of reading for all types of reader.”

Creator and illustrator of the Heartstopper series Alice Oseman was praised for building a community of devoted fans and celebrating diverse voices for a younger audience and was named Illustrator of the Year for 2023 following shortlistings for Heartstopper in 2020, 2022, and 2023.

Chair of the Book of the Year Judges and Books Editor Alice O’Keeffe said: “Our panel of judges rose to the challenge of choosing the 2023 British Book Award winners from the strong shortlists this year. From mind-expanding fantasy to cerebral crime, and from heart-felt memoir to life-changing advice on the menopause, we celebrate these fabulous books and the dedication of publishers who bring them to readers everywhere.”

Here is the full list of winning books for The British Book Awards 2023, aka The Nibbies.

Fiction Book of the Year

The Sunday Times bestseller Babel by R.F. Kuang was recognised for reaching out to every different permutation of reader, chosen from a list that also included the much-anticipated Young Mungo and Stephen King’s Fairy Tale.

Debut of the Year

This year’s début award was given to a standout from an older debut novelist, Louise Kennedy’s Trespasses which was heralded for its beautiful writing, beating stiff competition from Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus and Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola.

Non-Fiction: Lifestyle & Illustrated Book of the Year

From an extremely varied shortlist, Davina McCall and Dr. Naomi Potter’s trailblazing and honest book on the menopause, Menopausing triumphed over publishing stalwart Jamie Oliver for One and The Climate Book by Greta Thunberg.

Non-Fiction: Narrative Book of the Year

This award celebrated Super-Infinite, a riveting and engaging biography of John Donne by Katherine Rundell, recognising its accessibility, interest, and publishing journey, beating memoirs from Matthew Perry (Friends, Lovers and the Big Terrible Thing), Edward Enninful (A Visible Man) and Alan Rickman (Madly, Deeply).

Crime & Thriller Book of the Year

The Twyford Code by Janice Hallett was praised for standing out in the cosy crime genre and its high concept, triumphing over Murder Before Evensong by Reverend Richard Coles and The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman.

Discover Book of the Year 

The Discover award returned for a second year and was awarded to I’m a Fan by Sheena Patel which was recognised for the innovation and collaboration of publisher and author.

Pageturner of the Year supported by TikTok

This year’s Pageturner award celebrated a title that was a TikTok sensation and had an unputdownable quality making it a true pageturner. LoveReading called Verity by Colleen Hoover, "a page turner, a twisty turny thriller that will have you hooked with added bucketfuls of emotion, romance, lust, family drama and intrigue to sate every reader."

Children’s Fiction and Non-Fiction Books of the Year 

The judges chose the innovative and visually impactful Tyger by SF Said, illustrated by Dave McKean as Children’s Fiction Book of the Year, from a strong shortlist, a book LoveReading4Kids called "a modern masterpiece".

TV personality and activist Dr Alex George triumphed with A Better Day  illustrated by The Boy Fitz Hammond, in the Non-Fiction Kids category for its superb publishing and genuine warmth behind the campaign.

Children’s Illustrated Book of the Year supported by LoveReading4Kids

This year’s Children’s Illustrated Award went to author and illustrator Harry Woodgate for Grandad’s Camper recognising that the book’s important message didn’t feel forced and celebrated diverse voices. LoveReading4Kids called it "a beautifully told story of love, and the importance of adventures and memories".

Audiobook: Fiction Book of the Year 

LoveReading Star Book Douglas Stuart’s Young Mungo, narrated by Chris Reilly, was praised for elevating the physical book, particularly with the authentic use of dialect.

Audiobook: Non-Fiction Book of the Year

Beloved actor Richard E. Grant won for his memoir A Pocketful of Happiness which was hailed for its polite vulnerablity, emotional narrative, and smart production choices.

Congratulations to all of the winners and the shortlisted authors. Bravo indeed.

@thebookseller

#Nibbies