KUCHING: Miri-based author Nuruljannah Usop has clinched the MPH Best Book 2024 award in the Young Adult Fiction category for her novel, Lyrics and You.
Describing her victory as unexpected, she said it felt surreal to hear her name and book title announced during MPH’s Anugerah Juara Buku 2024 and Pelancaran Mutiara Minda 2025, held on Thursday (Feb 20).
“Honestly, I did not expect to win, nor did I prepare a speech. I had to pinch my cheeks on stage to make sure I was not dreaming,” she told Sarawak Tribune.
Nuruljannah said she is eager to focus more on writing this year despite having a full-time job.
“I want to dedicate more time to writing, even though balancing it with a full-time job can be challenging. But storytelling is my passion and I have always had a strong calling for writing since I was a kid,” she said.
Lyrics and You is a heartfelt young adult romantic comedy that stands out for its refreshing representation of a plus-sized protagonist.
The novel has also been nominated for Popular Readers Choice Awards 2025.
The annual awards celebrate outstanding books across various genres, recognising authors whose works have captivated readers.
Those who wish to vote for Nuruljannah’s Lyrics and You can do so via Popular’s official website, with the voting period running until March 2.
