Signed by Scarlett

This week I attended my first BookTok event after being invited by Usborne Publishing to the release party for ‘Where Sleeping Girls Lie’ by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé.

‘Where Sleeping Girls Lie’ is described as Mean Girls with murder, following Sade Hussein beginning her time at a new boarding school only for her new roommate to go missing on her first night.

The book whilst disguised as a young adult mystery book, is so much more as it shows women fighting against rape culture and the institution.

But with light hearted moments, funny and thoughtful characters, a sapphic romance and a guinea pig named Muffin.

“I appreciate stories where darkness happens but that’s not all that happens, like the film ‘Get Out’” says Faridah.

Taking place at Waterstones in London, the event hosted a Q&A, book signing, a photo booth, cocktails and many other goodies.

The event invited guests to dress to thrill in red as we drank themed mocktails and took content as we got to talk to other passionate readers.

Guests ranged from her friends and family, content creators, publishing staff, librarians and reviewers.

Faridah had wrote ‘Where Sleeping Girls Lie’ during her final year of university and in the middle of her dissertation.

Following the success of her debut novel, Ace of Spades, which won multiple awards including the ‘Books Are My Bag Readers Award 2021’, I knew we were in for a treat with her next book.

Shakespeare has been a big inspiration for her works, especially Hamlet and how the institution made him lose his mind. Along with her kettle ‘Steve’ that she manages to mention in all her work in someway.

Fardiah says: “I had always wanted to go to a boarding school but my mum would miss me too much, so I thought whatever, so I’ve always fantasied about this and that ended up in the book.”

“An American review said I was copying Harry Potter with the houses.” she laughs, “and yet it’s very British to have a house schooling system.”

Visiting an event like this, let alone being invited, is something I never expected when I started BookTok almost four years ago.

Sometimes I have to remind myself that despite doing this for fun and to share my passion with others, gaining these experiences are helping to increase my confidence in myself and what I hope to do in the future.

Thank you very much to Usborne Publishing for the invitation and to Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé for writing another incredible book.