150 Award Genres
Children
- Children - Action
- Children - Adventure
- Children - Animals
- Children - Audiobook
- Children - Christian
- Children - Coming of Age
- Children - Concept
- Children - Educational
- Children - Fable
- Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Children - General
- Children - Grade 4th-6th
- Children - Grade K-3rd
- Children - Mystery
- Children - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Children - Non-Fiction
- Children - Picture Book
- Children - Preschool
- Children - Preteen
- Children - Religious Theme
- Children - Social Issues
Christian
- Christian - Amish
- Christian - Biblical Counseling
- Christian - Devotion/Study
- Christian - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
- Christian - Fiction
- Christian - General
- Christian - Historical Fiction
- Christian - Living
- Christian - Non-Fiction
- Christian - Romance - Contemporary
- Christian - Romance - General
- Christian - Romance - Historical
- Christian - Thriller
Fiction
- Fiction - Action
- Fiction - Adventure
- Fiction - Animals
- Fiction - Anthology
- Fiction - Audiobook
- Fiction - Chick Lit
- Fiction - Crime
- Fiction - Cultural
- Fiction - Drama
- Fiction - Dystopia
- Fiction - Fantasy - Epic
- Fiction - Fantasy - General
- Fiction - Fantasy - Urban
- Fiction - General
- Fiction - Graphic Novel/Comic
- Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
- Fiction - Historical - Personage
- Fiction - Holiday
- Fiction - Horror
- Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Fiction - Inspirational
- Fiction - Intrigue
- Fiction - LGBTQ
- Fiction - Literary
- Fiction - Magic/Wizardry
- Fiction - Military
- Fiction - Mystery - General
- Fiction - Mystery - Historical
- Fiction - Mystery - Legal
- Fiction - Mystery - Murder
- Fiction - Mystery - Sleuth
- Fiction - Mythology
- Fiction - New Adult
- Fiction - Paranormal
- Fiction - Realistic
- Fiction - Religious Theme
- Fiction - Science Fiction
- Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Fiction - Social Issues
- Fiction - Southern
- Fiction - Sports
- Fiction - Supernatural
- Fiction - Suspense
- Fiction - Tall Tale
- Fiction - Thriller - Conspiracy
- Fiction - Thriller - Environmental
- Fiction - Thriller - Espionage
- Fiction - Thriller - General
- Fiction - Thriller - Legal
- Fiction - Thriller - Medical
- Fiction - Thriller - Political
- Fiction - Thriller - Psychological
- Fiction - Thriller - Terrorist
- Fiction - Time Travel
- Fiction - Urban
- Fiction - Visionary
- Fiction - Western
- Fiction - Womens
Non-Fiction
- Non-Fiction - Adventure
- Non-Fiction - Animals
- Non-Fiction - Anthology
- Non-Fiction - Art/Photography
- Non-Fiction - Audiobook
- Non-Fiction - Autobiography
- Non-Fiction - Biography
- Non-Fiction - Business/Finance
- Non-Fiction - Cooking/Food
- Non-Fiction - Cultural
- Non-Fiction - Drama
- Non-Fiction - Education
- Non-Fiction - Environment
- Non-Fiction - Genealogy
- Non-Fiction - General
- Non-Fiction - Gov/Politics
- Non-Fiction - Grief/Hardship
- Non-Fiction - Health - Fitness
- Non-Fiction - Health - Medical
- Non-Fiction - Historical
- Non-Fiction - Hobby
- Non-Fiction - Home/Crafts
- Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
- Non-Fiction - Inspirational
- Non-Fiction - LGBTQ
- Non-Fiction - Marketing
- Non-Fiction - Memoir
- Non-Fiction - Military
- Non-Fiction - Motivational
- Non-Fiction - Music/Entertainment
- Non-Fiction - New Age
- Non-Fiction - Occupational
- Non-Fiction - Parenting
- Non-Fiction - Relationships
- Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
- Non-Fiction - Retirement
- Non-Fiction - Self Help
- Non-Fiction - Short Story/Novela
- Non-Fiction - Social Issues
- Non-Fiction - Spiritual/Supernatural
- Non-Fiction - Sports
- Non-Fiction - Travel
- Non-Fiction - True Crime
- Non-Fiction - Womens
- Non-Fiction - Writing/Publishing
Poetry
Romance
Young Adult
- Young Adult - Action
- Young Adult - Adventure
- Young Adult - Coming of Age
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Epic
- Young Adult - Fantasy - General
- Young Adult - Fantasy - Urban
- Young Adult - General
- Young Adult - Horror
- Young Adult - Mystery
- Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
- Young Adult - Non-Fiction
- Young Adult - Paranormal
- Young Adult - Religious Theme
- Young Adult - Romance
- Young Adult - Sci-Fi
- Young Adult - Social Issues
- Young Adult - Thriller
Illustration Award
Recommend this book:
One-Two
Igor Eliseev
2017 Gold Medal
244 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
One-Two is a psychological drama written by Igor Eliseev. They were born as conjoined twins; there had been talk of letting them die at birth, words whispered in the delivery room and its environs. The two infant females survived; however, the difficulty of the delivery and the shock of the news about her babies led to the mother's mental instability. Yielding to pressure from the hospital administration, she signed a certificate of death, and the father was notified of the fact while he was traveling on business. Rootless and without family, the twins were experimental subjects for the institutes of pediatrics and, later, traumatology, then they were sent to a boarding school. Faith would fondly remember those years spent there -- she and Hope felt like normal kids there. Being out of the institutional settings of their early life was refreshing. Their windows had no bars, the school was set amidst forests redolent with the scents of pine and moss, and they had Lizzie as a friend. For Hope, "Lizzie was an embodiment of fireworks bursting with thousands of emotional colors and shades never seen in one person before."
Igor Eliseev's psychological coming of age novel, One-Two, is set during the 1980s and 1990s as the time of the Soviet Union passed and present-day Russia was in its infant throes. Eliseev's tale is heady, compelling and magical. His twins are conjoined, but two separate and sharply distinctive personalities share that one liver which the doctors claim makes separation an impossibility. I couldn't help but feel for the more intellectual Faith whose love of reading enables her to rise above the challenges and restrictions of her existence, even as the more worldly Hope scowls and acts bored while Faith is lost in those worlds of words.
As I read One-Two, I was reminded once again why I’ve gravitated towards the great Russian authors throughout my adult life. And reading One-Two, I felt again in the presence of greatness, a word that's often trivialized yet so apt here. I delighted in the glimpses of Gogol's humor present in the nicknames and descriptive imagery that flourish throughout this work: the strange little man who seems like a flat pumpkin, and the supervisor, Compass Legs, who enslaves the twins. Within these pages lurk all manner of beings, some awful and stinking, others dispensing kindness, wisdom and even love. Witnessing the life Faith and Hope live is a humbling experience. Seeing the romance implicit in the world is a bright star in this profound and brilliant novel. One-Two is a modern Russian master work with just a hint of Robertson Davies' influence shining through here and there. It's an astonishingly good read, a rich and heady draft of life seen through the perspective of a perceptive and lonely young woman who never quite loses the ability to dream or love. One-Two is most highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Be Still the Water
Karen Emilson
2017 Silver Medal
554 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Be Still the Water by Karen Emilson is a historical novel set against the backdrop of the tranquil shores of Lake Manitoba in the early 1900s, a story centered around the immigrant Gudmundsson family and their struggles to settle among the Siglunes in the early years of the twentieth century. But it’s not just about immigrants embracing a new life in a new country. Things would have been different if Pjetur's daughter, Asta, didn’t fall head-over-heels in love with the miller’s son. As if that wasn’t enough to cause trouble for the family, Asta’s younger sister disappears. Will Asta be able to accomplish her mission of locating and bringing her sister home?
Be Still the Water is a family saga involving love and secrets, a tale that is as heartwarming as it is heartbreaking, but one worth reading. The story is told by the old woman who is nearing her death bed, and in a voice that is warm and intelligent, full of the wisdom of age. The first person narrative is a style the author uses as a master and it draws readers in immediately. At the very opening of the story, the author introduces one of the powerful conflicts and issues that move the gripping plot, the disappearance of Freyja, which immediately makes readers start asking questions. “Oh Freyja, where are you? Not knowing your fate has tormented me for nearly seventy years. Before I go, I will make good on my promise to find you.” After losing her sister for nearly seventy years and at her ripe old age, readers could well wonder if she has the strength to find out the truth. They won’t be disappointed because the narrator will navigate her family’s history with them and lead them through unusual paths.
I loved the language, the vivid descriptions, the occasional bursts of wisdom, and the compelling characters. Karen Emilson has won my interest in her work and she skillfully establishes herself as an expert in the historical fiction genre. One striking aspect of this work is to see how the author allows the narrator to portray her age and state of mind, allowing her personality to come across powerfully without distracting the reader. The idea of an old woman looking back at her family history lends the narrative style a flavor that will delight many readers.
Recommend this book:
Razor's Edge
American Yakuza III
Isabella
2017 Honorable Mention
258 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Isabella, the author of Razor's Edge, is one very prolific and clever writer. This lady knows how to plot a riveting story, full of action, nasty characters, crime and violence. But at the same time, she knows how to make her key players, in this case, Luce and her lover, Brooke, touch our hearts with their love and sensitivity so that good prevails in the midst of all the mayhem. Razor's Edge will intrigue readers who aren't used to seeing women wear the pants in both personal relationships and in corporate affairs. These are the women with roles and personalities society associates with men. These women are competent, intelligent and tough. They don't buckle or fall apart when the going gets rough. Instead the rougher it gets, the tougher they get.
As the head of the Yakuza organization, Luce is a no BS woman who can match any man. If a man messes with her organization or those she loves, as the evil Petrov and Frank do, the price they might pay is death at the end of a bullet. So too, her lover, Brooke, who initially appears as the softer side of the couple, surprises even Luce as she executes a solution that will bring down both Petrov and Frank and put an end, for the time being, to the turf wars between the two sides. What will be most pleasing to female readers is seeing that the men's usual tools of violence against women are no match for the intelligence of Luce and Brooke!
Isabella has written two previous books about the Yakuza organization that might be worth reading for background on Luce and Brooke before starting Razor's Edge. That isn't necessary to understanding and enjoying this gripping, high tension, cleverly plotted book, but readers might like to know where and how it all began. There is a list of Isabella's books provided at the end of the Razor's Edge. Occasionally, perhaps in the effort to keep the reader guessing, some scene changes and what might have happened between them cause a bit of confusion. And there are unanswered questions at the end of the book too. But perhaps that's exactly what Isabella wanted i.e. is there another book in the series already being planned? Who knows?
Recommend this book:
Part Star Part Dust
A Novel
L.M. Valiram
2017 Finalist
266 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Part Star Part Dust by L.M. Valiram is a well-crafted, unique, and multidimensional story that scores great success at different levels for a debut novel. First off, the characters are rock-solid and the author explores them well. Left in a dumpster on the streets of Mumbai, Radha refuses to die. She grows up, but what awaits her is more than she could have imagined. At sixteen, Mira is prepared — against her will — to marry a man she’s never met before. Gaurav is a wealthy man, but he suffers from a deep emptiness that even his wealth can’t fill. Can love complete him? Part Star Part Dust is an incredible story that brings together the destinies of three people with different and distinct backgrounds.
The narrative is incomparable and it is interesting that Time is the narrator, an idea that makes this story unique. The narrative voice is mellow, yet arresting in an irresistible way. The reader is pulled into a world where conflicting values exist, a powerful Indian setting. I enjoyed the social commentary that unveils the soul of India, its dynamic streets, the slums, and the occasional references to the local language, which add color and depth to the story. L.M. Valiram takes readers to an India they will love to know better, with incredible smells, sights, and customs.
The plot is beautifully imagined and punctuated with numerous dramatic and intense moments. The author writes with confidence and the dialogues are well-crafted, embellished with a rare touch of humor. Part Star Part Dust by L.M. Valiram is a brilliant story with great themes like love, destiny, and time, an entertaining story that captures the very soul of India. I couldn’t put it down.
Recommend this book:
Veil of Walls
Patricia Panahi
2017 Finalist
270 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Veil of Walls by Patricia Panahi is a compelling story that plunges the reader into the heart of Persian culture and norms, exploring social issues and powerful themes like family, the rights of women, and marriage. A ten-year-old girl goes on a one-month vacation to Iran against her will. She would have loved to hang around with her friends or do stuff she loves in the US. Now, while in Iran and holed up in a compound with frequent bonfires, the vivacious girl couldn’t wait for the month to finish so she could return home to the US, but everything changes when her parents die in a tragic accident. There is no going back to the US for her. And this is just the beginning of her struggles because she will have to resist her grandmother’s determination to transform her into a proper Persian woman and resist being forced to marry someone against her will. Can she find her path back to the US and to freedom?
Patricia Panahi has crafted a story that reminds me so much of Khaled Hosseini, the author of The Kite Runner, because of the great setting. The author mesmerizes readers with the colorful setting, the wonderful evocation of senses, the keen attention to details about Persian culture and customs. The conflict is so strong that readers will find themselves rooting strongly for the protagonist, eager to see her grow and embrace her inner freedom. Veil of Walls will open the reader’s eyes to the beauty of Iran and some of the social issues the country faces. Told in a powerful, first person narrative, this novel will keep readers completely absorbed. Such a delight to read!
Recommend this book:
Dancing to an Irish Reel
Claire Fullerton
2016 Finalist
236 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Dancing to an Irish Reel by Claire Fullerton tells the story of Hailey, an American who lands a job at a music centre in Ireland. Hailey helps local musicians organize their careers at the music centre, but she also has friends at the centre as well. Throughout the story, Hailey helps her friends, she thrives in the culture and landscape of Ireland, and she relays the beautiful land and the residents of Ireland through introspection, providing insight about the many people she meets. The heart of the story, however, is Liam, a shy and withdrawn musician who steals Hailey’s heart. Hailey is confused by Liam’s behavior, and the two find they are similar in the ways they avoid talking to each other and telling each other how they truly feel.
Sometimes an author connects with their subject so well that it is evident in the story. Author Claire Fullerton gives many details of Irish life and culture, and the reader does feel very much inside the Irish landscape, hearing the voices of Irish residents, and breathing in the fresh Irish air. There is much to like in Dancing to an Irish Reel, from the inner thoughts of Hailey to the budding romance between Hailey and Liam. I would have loved a little more spark between the two, but my take is that the book was more about Hailey’s journey in Ireland than her Irish romance. I enjoyed the little scenes that captured the magic of Ireland, such as the Tarot card reader and the unique music. The dialogue was spot on for the area, and I did enjoy the many characters and their interactions with Hailey. Dancing to an Irish Reel is a relaxed, sit back and read book, and is recommended to those who like stories with light romance and cultural commentary.
Recommend this book:
A Gift From Grandpa
Passing the Torch to his Crystal Grandson
Kirby J. Gallagher
2016 Finalist
318 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
A Gift From Grandpa: Passing the Torch to his Crystal Grandson by Kirby J Gallagher is an intriguing story of love, enlightenment and hope. The main character, David Duncan, reaches middle age before he begins to question his beliefs and way of living, and realizes that his life, and everyone’s, has a purpose. Through meeting spiritually minded people he discovers he has an amazing gift to make contact, through meditation, with other souls, spirit guides and angels. He has a telepathic ability and can also heal people. Susan, his daughter, grows up embarrassed about her father’s abilities and turns her back on all things spiritual – but then David begins to lose his battle with cancer and Ryan, his grandson and Crystal child, must be told the secrets and truths about his own purpose and spiritual connection too.
A Gift from Grandpa is a beautifully written and thought-provoking story. It begins by introducing the reader to David and Ryan and their very special grandfather-grandson bond. Kirby J Gallagher has created good, strong characters that the reader can relate to in many ways – Susan with her initial doubts about her father’s beliefs and gifts, and Ryan with his humor and curiosity. The plot unfolds at a good pace switching scenes between David and Ryan to Susan. I love the message within this story through which the author describes and explains very well a theory or view of the meaning of life – as discovered by the characters. In doing this, he draws our attention to the materialistic priorities, fears and mistaken beliefs people are so often prone to hold. The story suggests a more meaningful and purposeful life lies within reach for each of us. Though a fictitious story, the theme of New Age spirituality and meaning will appeal to readers intrigued by the notion of crystal or indigo children, and those looking for the freedom, answers and truth outside of religious thought or rules. A thought-provoking book written from the heart.
Recommend this book:
Coinman
An Untold Conspiracy
Pawan Mishra
2016 Honorable Mention
238 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Coinman: An Untold Conspiracy by Pawan Mishra is an incredible and unforgettable journey. A debut literary novel by a new talented writer. I was easily entertained by the well-written tale. This enchanting story took me deep into its plot and set me upon an unknown and remarkable journey. I loved how Pawan Mishra brought in a little bit of an Indian lifestyle and culture to the piece at hand. Highly suspenseful, this story made sure that I never knew what to expect until it occurred. The pages are vivid in description and the narrator's point of view made me more curious to read further.
The novel itself moves fast and is set in an office environment. Co-workers are not always the nicest people nor the easiest to deal with, yet here I faced an entire set of office workers going against one man. This particular man was nicknamed Coinman. He always has a hand holding coins in one of his pockets; never does he use both hands and when he has to use both, he makes an excuse to leave. Everything about him annoys his co-workers and they set out to plot against him. A business firm that turns violent, a conspiracy in the works, and a spy among the co-workers. The unfolding of events in this exciting adventure will keep readers turning the pages and wondering what will be inside Pawan Mishra's next work. Overall, I greatly enjoyed reading Coinman: An Untold Conspiracy and I highly recommend it to all.
Recommend this book:
Love's Affliction
Fidelis O. Mkparu
2016 Honorable Mention
278 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Love's Affliction by Fidelis O. Mkparu is essentially a story of love set amidst the backdrop of interracial tension. The setting is North Carolina in the '70s and Joseph Fafa is an international student from Nigeria who wants to pursue a medical degree. The book explores Joseph’s immigrant background - born and raised in Nigeria - as well as his struggles and hopes as he attempts to assimilate into American culture. In college, he meets blond, light-eyed Wendy and the two immediately hit it off. Of course, this entails challenges for the young interracial couple, especially in the post-Civil War South where tensions between blacks and whites can still tend to run high, and where an interracial relationship like the one Joseph and Wendy share is still sometimes frowned upon and worse. The novel follows the lives of these young people as they break and make up several times, form friendships with other people, and at the same time try to fight for their love. Will they overcome all odds? Or will society prove too much for them? This is what forms the plot of the novel.
I enjoyed reading Love’s Affliction a lot and some of the themes of racism and immigrant bias are especially relevant in today’s culture and society. Both the central protagonists are drawn superbly and I especially found myself rooting for the central character of Joseph as he displays honesty, integrity, and kindness throughout, even during the rough times. The supporting cast is also well drawn and complements the story well. I found the writing to be very engaging and the flow of the book kept me wanting to read more and more all in one go. Overall, this is an excellent book that is much more than just a romance book.
Recommend this book:
The Ambassador's Wife
A Novel
Jennifer Steil
2016 Bronze Medal
400 Pages
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Fiction - Cultural
Wow...just, wow! That's what I thought when I finished reading The Ambassador's Wife: A Novel by debut novelist Jennifer Steil. Follow the story of artist Miranda, an independent and unique woman, who falls in love with Finn, a British ambassador. The couple and their small daughter are assigned to Mazrooq, a fictional country, but one that embodies much that is familiar about many of those in the Middle East. Miranda is overwhelmed by her loss of freedom, even though the family lives in a beautiful mansion and is surrounded by servants prepared to satisfy their every whim and desire. And when a terrorist act leaves her as a hostage, the entire family's very existence is suddenly at risk. Even though she lives in terror, Miranda develops a close relationship with a child also living in captivity, and through memory and introspection about her life, realizes that her relationship with Finn and the secrets they have kept may have led those they love into danger.
I so loved The Ambassador's Wife. Author Jennifer Steil has done an amazing job in developing characters that her readers will truly connect with, root for, and will continue to think about long after the book is finished. If that isn't the hallmark of a great author, I'm not sure what is. Her ability to set a scene is absolutely second to none. Her readers will feel as if they are in the Middle East with Miranda, living through captivity with her. Any reader who loves fiction, stories with a strong female protagonist, or simply a great read would love The Ambassador's Wife. I highly recommend this book, and I will certainly keep my eye out for more books by Jennifer Steil. This up and coming author is one to watch!