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:
Shodo Master
Life and Art of Tomoro Ouchida
John Glascock

2023 Finalist
266 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

If you enjoy calligraphy as an art form, Japanese culture and historical literature, and memoirs about fascinating, if not famous, people, Shodo Master: Life and Art of Tomoro Ouchida by John Glascock is for you. Presented in a bilingual format with English on one side and Japanese on the other, this lavishly illustrated tribute by a student to his teacher hits the mark. Having lived for a time in Japan, I understood Glascock’s attraction to the beauty of Japanese calligraphy and was impressed by his determination to study it. I was also touched by his affection for the humble but highly skilled master calligrapher who became his teacher here in the United States. A glossary of terms and a list of historical names, places, writings, and photographs are included, along with extensive illustrations.
In Shodo Master, John Glascock gives us not only the biography of master calligrapher Tomoro “Ryuseki” Ouchida (1903 – 1990) and a collection of his teaching materials and signature works but also an informative discussion about art. Called Shodo, Japanese calligraphy is insightfully described in an essay that Sensei Ouchida wrote on the topic in which the art is connected to the spirit and character of the artist. He ends the essay with an expression of appreciation for the efforts and discipline of past masters and a wish that his talent and contributions will serve future generations. No one looking at this presentation of his magnificent life’s work can doubt that his desire came true.
Recommend this book:
I'm Just Saying
A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World
Milan Kordestani

2023 Honorable Mention
272 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

Everyone has an opinion on a topic they are passionate about. Unfortunately, it is difficult to air our views without offending others or being misunderstood. I'm Just Saying: A Guide to Maintaining Civil Discourse in an Increasingly Divided World by Milan Kordestani aims to encourage the civil sharing of views, with respect and understanding for each other’s opinions. This book will help readers utilize an appropriate speaking and writing tone, avoid ego, biases, bad intentions, and intellectual deceit, and foster faith, trust, and a united consciousness. The author has given readers tools to be better listeners, pay attention, and focus on a discussion. Finally, he talks about how we can find common ground, handle different perspectives, and seek civil discourse by being empathetic and compassionate.
If you have ever been in an argument, this book will resonate with you. It will help you see the mistakes you made, and how you could have handled yourself. Being self-aware and open to new opinions is not easy to achieve because we are blinded by the belief that we are correct and the other person is wrong. I'm Just Saying by Milan Kordestani perfectly highlights the elements of civil discourse, which are an analysis of yourself and your opinions and the other party and their views. The author gives examples from his experience with his family, his start-up businesses, and his college years. He also provides meditation guides and Japanese approaches such as Kaizen for continuous improvement and Ichigyo Zammai to help you focus. The book is well-written with a consistent format, chapter summaries, and questions-and-answers sections. I enjoyed reading this book because it provided me with valuable knowledge on how to conduct myself in a discussion or debate. I highly recommend it to everyone because it will help us build a better world where we understand and respect each other and our differences.
Recommend this book:
From Scratch
Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet
David Moscow, Jon Moscow

2023 Honorable Mention
336 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

From Scratch: Adventures in Harvesting, Hunting, Fishing, and Foraging on a Fragile Planet by father and son David and Jon Moscow is based on a TV show of the same name shot between 2018 and 2021 in numerous countries. These include Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Kenya, Croatia, Malta, Peru, Costa Rica, Italy, Finland, Iceland, and numerous states, ranging from New York to Texas and from Utah to Wyoming and Washington. David Moscow, the creator, executive producer, and host of the TV program From Scratch, describes the book as a layperson’s exploration of how food gets to our plates. Exciting and thought-provoking, the work not only regales the food lover and adventurer with tales of how food is obtained from the environment, but it is also extremely thought-provoking, with its discussion about how the dynamic forces of the world, both past and present, have impacted on the sourcing and preparation of food.
The combined efforts of David and Jon Moscow have resulted in a fascinating, moderately well-illustrated (with black-and-white photos) work depicting David Moscow’s ventures into the field, gathering food ranging from marine (including oysters, octopuses, and anchovies, among others) to land-based specialties (including chanterelle mushrooms, sheep’s heads, and deer). What comes across clearly are the different personalities with whom David strikes up a friendship along the way, ranging from a restauranteur in a South African township to a Michelin award-winning chef in Iceland. David’s encounters with wildlife are told with such enthusiasm and glee that readers cannot help but revel in his adventures, or misadventures. The scientific, ecological, historical, and political contextualization of the wildlife sprees rounds out the forays into the sometimes exotic and the often unusual. The recipes for all the dishes made in From Scratch are provided at the end of the book, so for whatever reason you choose to read this work, you are likely to savor the contents of each chapter in turn; I know I did.
Recommend this book:
Once Our Lives
Life, Death, and Love in the Middle Kingdom
Qin Sun Stubis

2023 Bronze Medal
366 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

Once Our Lives: Life, Death, and Love in the Middle Kingdom by Qin Sun Stubis is a non-fiction memoir that traces the author's family legacy back generations and forms a full picture from the evolution of the Chinese Communist Revolution to the Cultural Revolution. Stubis begins with a written family tree and timeline, and a story that originates with her grandmother's continued telling of a curse on Stubis' father, An Chu. His life is heavy with adversity and while Stubis' mother, Yan, starts on a different path, the joining of both is part of the catalyst that rocks their lives and those around them, for better or worse. Yan comes from an affluent adopted home, an upbringing that is in direct opposition to the Revolution, which she supports, and An Chu who she marries. As we know from hindsight, the CCR doesn't go well, and the reality of An Chu and Yan's life becomes harder, following them even when they move to Shanghai.
As a South Asian man who is married to a woman of East Asian ethnicity, I was drawn to Once Our Lives: Life, Death, and Love in the Middle Kingdom by Qin Sun Stubis because the Revolution is a topic that her family lived through outright but refused to talk about it. There's plenty of fiction out there, but Stubis is of my generation, which makes her immediately relatable, and her family legacy goes much further than an accounting of what was experienced from A to B to C. The narrative is woven into stories, parcelled out like the pieces of a quilt; when all are sewn together they form as complete a picture as we can possibly get from the generations dwindling before us. This is described in detail with scenes such as one in a new neighborhood, where despite living conditions that included converted garages, the working class had formed a tight-knit community. Illness is rampant and while there is a recovery, a poster in a park shows this tight community that sweeping change is on the way. Overall, this is a well-written, beautifully immersive book that while non-fiction reads even better than fiction. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind
Objective Analysis and Vindication of the Unofficial Evidence
Ryanne Maxine Meyersohn

2023 Silver Medal
695 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind: Objective Analysis and Vindication of Unofficial Evidence by Ryanne Maxine Meyersohn is an alternative explanation based on anthropological and ancient texts findings, includes a comprehensive investigation of all the events that led to the formation of human civilization. The author delves into ancient texts and scholarly translations to reveal a detailed history of everything that happened on Earth but includes information that has been swept under the rug, from the formation of the solar system to the arrival of the Anunnaki, which Meyersohn explains, and to the time of Alexander the Great. According to Meyersohn and the previously undisclosed evidence, our learned history does not include alien life or the rest of the universe. This extensive analysis and in-depth search for clues provided the knowledge necessary to determine the dates of all the major events in human history.
Ryanne Maxine Meyersohn deserves high praise, even from people who do not agree with it, for the amount of work poured into Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind, and for the courage it took to put all these ideas out for public consumption. The research is meticulously conducted and the writing is scholarly without pretentiousness and thought-provoking. Meyerson connects the dots between seemingly disparate events that, if ever proven true, the findings have the potential to revolutionize human and religious history. The book is a treasure trove of information that is sure to challenge readers' understanding of connectivity in the universe and inspire further research. I finished this book and went to find out more about alien technology in ancient history but Meyersohn covers most of it in this volume. Overall, Comprehensive Study of the Origin of Humankind is an outstanding work of scholarship that is sure to be of interest to anyone interested in the civilization in which humans and aliens coexisted on Earth in the remote past, a story that maybe echoed in the writings of the Book of Genesis and ancient texts.
Recommend this book:
From Tea to Coffee
The Journey of an Educated Youth
Cheng Wang

2022 Finalist
205 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

From Tea to Coffee: The Journey of an Educated Youth is a work of non-fiction in the memoir subgenre. It is suitable for the general reading audience and was penned by author Cheng Wang. The book tells the author's life story as he experiences life in China under the regime of Chairman Mao, through to his doctorate earned in the USA, leading up to his work to become a published author. Across two continents with vastly different cultures and many years of experiencing both, the author explores some of the compatibilities between the two vast powers and works to answer the question: what’s stopping the two rivals from becoming staunch allies?
This is a highly compelling story of a real person who has been a citizen of two very different cultures in their life. What was most interesting about the writing was that there was a lack of confrontation when discussing the two cultures, which is unusual considering how they are usually depicted in the media as opposing forces in the world. Perhaps it takes the perspective of someone who has actually lived a life in both cultures to notice the similarities and areas of compatibility between the two forces, a perspective that Cheng Wang brings to the table in this thoughtful discussion on his own life and accomplishments. Throughout this book, real credence is given to the idea that these two different nations could have enough common ground to form a powerful friendship. As such, I recommend From Tea to Coffee to any reader with an interest in exploring cultural ideas.
Recommend this book:
Paris Blue
a memoir of first love
Julie Scolnik

2022 Bronze Medal
252 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

Paris Blue is a romance memoir by Julie Scolnik recounting the experiences of her first love. In September 1976, Julie arrived in Paris for her junior year abroad; full of hope, eager to pursue her dream of studying the flute under master musician Olivier Lefevre. However, an unexpected sordid sexual encounter with him leaves her feeling sour. After joining the chorus of the Orchestra De Paris, Julie meets the handsome bass player Luc Berthelot. Feeling an intense mutual attraction, the two soon begin a passionate romantic relationship. The only problem is Luc is married and has a three-year-old son. Although he assures Julie that he and his wife were estranged, bit by bit, their relationship deteriorates, so much so that it takes her decades to find closure.
Full of romance, heartbreak, and desire, Julie Scolnik's captivating memoir showcases the joys of first love while depicting the struggles a person undergoes in a dysfunctional relationship. Paris Blue is filled with nostalgia, bound to remind readers of their first love when they were young. Julie Scolnik's prose flows like melted butter, and you find yourself immersed in her life story from the get-go. The narrative focuses on a turbulent period of her life where she fell in love with a married man, had her heart broken, and afterward struggled to move on for a very long time. What makes the story all the more compelling is the way Scolnik writes it, making it feel personable and easy to relate to. I had a wonderful time reading Paris Blue. Recommend to romance lovers.
Recommend this book:
Bigfoot, UFO's and the Paranormal
True Encounters
Paul G Buckner

2022 Silver Medal
83 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

Bigfoot, UFO's and the Paranormal: True Encounters by Paul G. Buckner is a compilation of interviews, personal experiences, and Native American lore centered on sharing strange encounters. Have you ever felt a presence lurking behind you or witnessed something you can't explain? This question serves as the basis for this collection of true accounts. Buckner includes interviews with witnesses who share their experiences of seeing strange creatures and floating lights, feeling a presence in the mountains, and time warps. Among the incidents, you'll read about several encounters with a creature of massive size that stalks, hunts, and charges after them, only for them to escape with no recollection of the last few moments.
The catalyst for the collection and Paul G. Buckner's fascination with the concept of Bigfoot was his aunt's encounter when he was a boy that involved a creature standing upright like a man and covered in black hair. While his personal experiences are incorporated, the collection focuses on sightings on a wider basis with various witness accounts featured. From his own observations, he shares the presence he felt beside him and a looming figure standing over him. These are similar to the encounters that other witnesses share and which feature overlapping themes that support the basis of the collection. The collection of interviews also incorporates Native American lore. This section features more background on the origins of Bigfoot which is a fascinating look at how this creature has evolved through various sightings while maintaining a basis of similarity. Bigfoot, UFO's and the Paranormal combine lore, personal experience, and true encounters to showcase the way Bigfoot and the related accounts have helped to shape our culture through these stories.
Recommend this book:
Everyone Is an Entrepreneur
Selling Economic Self-Determination in a Post-Soviet World
Gregory V. Diehl

2022 Gold Medal
326 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

Everyone Is an Entrepreneur explains how the world works, in terms of exchanging value, and how people can benefit and improve their lives from having this knowledge. Gregory V. Diehl's decision to migrate to Armenia exposed him to the limitations of a post-Soviet economy that still experiences the consequences of the restrictive government in the USSR. Gregory expresses that dictatorship discourages people from thinking as an entrepreneur would and optimally employing available resources. In this distinctly educative and intellectual book by Gregory V. Diehl, readers are taught some fundamentals of entrepreneurship and economics, including what wealth is, how entrepreneurship attracts wealth, anti-entrepreneurial biases, and a real-life depiction of entrepreneurship. Could the solution to poverty lie in the understanding of basic concepts of wealth and entrepreneurship?
Forget what you know about money and entrepreneurship as the life-changing lessons in Everyone Is an Entrepreneur are the perfect tools for advancing significantly in wealth and in life. Though I studied economics at university and was strongly against the exploitative nature of capitalism, I was won over by the book's intelligent arguments for the freedom and choices that come with capitalism—which is best used with the right information and discipline. Get ready for a highly engaging experience with several interesting stories about the author's stay in Armenia and a simplified sociopolitical and historical analysis of the major world economic systems. Whether you're a CEO, an artist, a health worker, some other type of professional, or not even a professional at all, you will appreciate the brilliant insights in these chapters. Gregory V. Diehl's book is up there with the best in the genres of finance and business!
Recommend this book:
The Moon, the Watching Witching Moon
Our Light and Companion
David Campbell Callender

2021 Finalist
192 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Cultural

The Moon, the Watching Witching Moon: Our Light and Companion is the first book in the Hearing Others Voices series by David Campbell Callender. This is a beautiful book that almost serenades the Moon, Earth’s satellite, and how it has been the only constant for billions of years for Earth and us. In this simple yet poignant journey, the author shares details from his childhood to his adult life and shows how the Moon was an incredible companion for him. This gave the author the urge to learn more about the Moon and figure it out. From looking into the origins of the Moon to understanding its connection with Earth, the author examines everything with the eyes of a lover.
The illustrations, the writing style, and the actual narrative of The Moon, the Watching Witching Moon was an incredible treat. The narrative had a nostalgic feel to it and made me aware of what I never knew. Each chapter revealed a lot more about the Moon, the author, and the influence it had on the life of David Campbell Callender. To be honest, this book can double up as a memoir, thanks to how up close and personal the reader gets with the author. He didn’t keep anything hidden. David Campbell Callender shared his hardships and his incredible journey of life that he spent with his family and with his friend, the Moon. I found the portions on Moon and its origins to be very entertaining. I loved the way David Callender showed how we affect the Moon. I could feel the love and adoration the author had for his friend the Moon. I loved this book.
