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:
The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living
Nathaniel Whitten
2024 Finalist
202 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living by Nathaniel Whitten and Walter Morton contains 105 experiments and activities that urge you to reframe the way you were taught to think. These ideas persuade readers to tap into their creativity and experience life from other angles. Whitten and Morton cover topics like sleep, fully experiencing nature and your surroundings, and pickles, and address common misconceptions, such as a "sour" lemon, in a different way, giving you a well-rounded view of the subjects they touch on. Whitten and Morton use a sense of humor to communicate their suggestions and positively encourage others who may feel depressed or who might need a nudge in the right direction to have a much better day.
Nathaniel Whitten and Walter Morton offer their readers a fresh perspective. To some, these ideas may seem comical, but they have a reason for their suggestions, and they make sense. Since the authors understand the randomness in certain aspects of life, they encourage you to start anywhere in the book. I appreciated Whitten and Morton's wisdom and wit. Instead of relying on the usual advice of others, the authors focus on an even better way. For example, some people may tell you it takes more facial muscles to frown than to smile. Whitten and Morton encourage you to "exercise all facial muscles" so you may experience the emotions of a full life and reap certain biological benefits from the act of smiling. Readers who aren't afraid to march to the beat of a different drum will enjoy The SuperOptimist Guide to Unconventional Living.
Recommend this book:
Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings
Stories of Coming Out, Flying High, and Not Learning to Play the Piano
James Pauley Jr.
2024 Bronze Medal
298 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
In Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings: Stories of Coming Out, Flying High, and Not Learning to Play the Piano, James Pauley Jr. shares captivating stories and pivotal moments that shaped his personality from childhood to recent years. He writes about his struggles with hiding his sexuality, being pestered by aggressive female admirers, and finally coming out. Growing up in a broken home was tough on James as a child since he wished to see his mother and father living together harmoniously. However, his bond with his mother got stronger through the years as he became more comfortable with his identity and traveled the world as a flight attendant. School for James came with both challenges and wins. While he was being harassed for being gay, he performed excellently and even won the American Legion Good Citizenship Award. James has had a life filled with laughter, memorable experiences, and peculiar relationships.
It's amazing how it seems like I'm living another life when I read captivating books like Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings. The author's use of animated words and repeated statements creates a deeply engrossing experience. I felt like I was seeing the events unfold in real time. Also, the colorful characters are especially memorable. When you get letters from a friend who always asks for $50 at the end of the letters, you have to question the true nature of your relationship. Every story in Bumpy Rides and Soft Landings is told with humor, whether it's about his health challenges, a trip to India, or frustrating encounters with loud, pushy customers. Fans of LGBTQ memoirs will find it relatable and deeply enthralling. James' generous, heartwarming, and humorous story kept me smiling randomly throughout the day, long after completing it. Everyone should read this book.
Recommend this book:
Leadershit
Tales & Tools to Survive a Bad Boss & Have Fun at Work
Jake Brown
2024 Silver Medal
208 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Leadershit: Tales & Tools to Survive a Bad Boss & Have Fun at Work by Jake Brown is an interesting and informative read emphasizing problematic bosses at the office. The book involves stories from Brown’s career illustrating the demoralizing situations encountered under bad leadership. It is structured into three main parts: The Pain, which highlights the feeling that bad bosses induce; The Crap, where one can read about long-lasting effects and survival stories; and The Wipe, a strategy that can help one to regain control and start moving forward regardless of the adversities encountered. All the stories will interest anyone who has been forced to work for an abusive employer. From the comically sneaky ’Hallway Assassin’ to simple yet profound realizations of self-improvement and the desire for a better career path, the reader is provided with deep and valuable insights into overcoming adversities, personal development, and seeking a better job.
The writing style is unique, genuine, and at times hilariously funny. Jake Brown uses humor and informal language to explain concepts that can be quite technical and serious. The author shares his experiences through engaging stories and readers will feel empathetic toward those individuals who have gone through similar situations. He is skilled at translating lessons learned into practical advice where readers can utilize the Wipe model for their own lives. This makes it easy for readers to seek advice and find the information that they need in this book. Leadershit is a useful guide for anyone who struggles to deal with the adversities caused by incompetent leaders and wants to build a better working world.
Recommend this book:
Two Tickets to Paradise
From Cult to Comedy
Katie Love
2024 Gold Medal
274 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Two Tickets to Paradise: From Cult to Comedy is a heart-rending memoir that depicts a child's resilience in the face of childhood trauma and disillusionment. As a child, Katie Love lived with her mother who struggled with severe depression. One day, Katie returns home to discover that her mother has committed suicide. This life-altering event sets the wheels in motion for her memoir. Katie goes to live with her adult sister and her family. They introduce her to the Jehovah’s Witnesses religion which leaves a memorable imprint in her young mind. This innocent, impressionable 9-year-old girl then becomes determined to live a perfect life by following the tenets of the religion. But in reality, her life is about to take a grim turn again. After enduring a childhood of abuse at the hands of her church, Katie develops her voice through comedy and uses it to speak out against religious abuse and child abuse. Thus, she reclaims control of her life once more.
Two Tickets to Paradise is a bold, empowering, emotional, and candid memoir. Katie's story is eloquent, passionate, and well-written. Her story is extremely authentic as it guides readers through the various hardships and trials she experienced in her childhood. Katie is a true survivor! Her writing style is witty and strong, and she effectively uses humor and comedy as an outlet, a second voice, and a cathartic agent that touches the lives of her readers. It must be difficult to write about abandonment, loss, grief, child abuse, and childhood trauma, but Katie was able to discover her creative voice which eventually helped her to confront her trauma. In so doing, she helps others work through similar traumatic life experiences as well. Her book is impossible to put down. If you enjoy reading deep, inspirational memoirs, I recommend this one to you.
Recommend this book:
Behind the Green Apron
It’s just coffee, right?
R. L. Farrar
2023 Finalist
188 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Behind the Green Apron by R. L. Farrar is a non-fiction professional memoir in which the author details some of their most interesting stories working for twelve years as a Starbucks barista. Baristas are the coffee chain's front-of-house staff, the employees who facilitate the running of the shop, and all that encompasses making our favorite drinks. Over the course of nearly two dozen chapters, Farrar shares experiences that range from the good, such as the woman who quite brilliantly figures out how to save a dollar on her drink by ordering off-menu; the bad, like the order with 24 packets of white sugar; and the ugly, which comes in the form of people like the overbearing customer who casually openly carries a gun at his hip.
An Uber driver, a mobile app user, and a guy named Bimbo walk into a Starbucks... Oh, have you already heard this one? Probably not, as the cornucopia of stories R. L. Farrar recalls in Behind the Green Apron is unique not only to those who work in the service industry but specifically to the foot soldiers who churn out coffee and grab-and-go treats. The writing style is conversational and relaxed, which suits the tone of its narrative really well. There are some bits where I actually did think the barista was in the wrong and the tenor can occasionally push beyond witty sarcasm into condescension. Still, the book overall is heaps of fun and has a wonderfully fair share of jaw-dropping experiences. The drink recipes at the end are an unexpected delight and make me want to go right out and get a Paradise drink. I promise not to make eight customization requests.
Recommend this book:
Higher Connections
Humor and Inspiration from a Certified Public Pothead
Eric and Alexandrea Right
2023 Honorable Mention
297 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Higher Connections: Humor and Inspiration from a Certified Public Pothead is a work of non-fiction discussing lifestyle and recreational drugs. It is best suited to the adult reading audience owing to the drug references and some use of strong language, and it was penned by the team of Eric and Alexandrea Right. In a world where many people worry about serious life issues in a collapsing economy and a hateful political climate, Eric and Alexandrea take time out from the hubbub of this wild modern landscape to discuss the benefits of marijuana, and the changes it has made to their outlook, social life, and general happiness.
There are many advocates out there for the use of marijuana as a social lubricant, stress reliever, and health-improving drug, and it will certainly be refreshing for many readers to take this slice-of-life work by Eric and Alexandrea Right in their stride, rather than reading a medical or prohibitive text. The narrative feels like a friend telling you the tale of their journey with the drug, which is not without its ups and downs but certainly promotes a lifestyle where we simply don’t worry as much. This is a message a lot of people could certainly get behind. Higher Connections offers a light-hearted and enjoyable read for those who want to experience the positive side of life and those who are either already marijuana enthusiasts or have wondered what its benefits might be to their own lives.
Recommend this book:
Life Lessons From a UFO Catcher
An Autobiographical Manga
Kenny Loui, Ph.D.
2023 Bronze Medal
150 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Are you a fan of manga or comic books? If the answer is yes, grab a copy of Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher: An Autobiographical Manga by Kenny Loui, which concerns a young arcade game enthusiast whose mission in life is to free as many plush dolls as possible from captivity. Based on the author’s own escapades, the book follows young Kenny as he sets out to accomplish his mission to rescue all the plushies of the world by playing "UFO Catcher." But there are unexpected hurdles along the way, including a fierce nemesis named Killian, who has a knack for getting into Kenny's path. However, Kenny also has his allies, including Somi, his guardian spirit, and others who share their wise insights at just the right moments when Kenny needs them most.
Gamers and manga lovers will have a blast with Life Lessons from a UFO Catcher. Kenny Loui draws from his own life experiences and brings a sense of intrigue and adventure to arcade games that feels not only authentic and entertaining but also immersive in a way so that you can't help but lose yourself in the pages. The narrative moves at a blistering pace, with each chapter flowing into the next. I loved the dialogue and the artwork by Yamawe. It is reminiscent of the young adult Japanese mangas that I used to read as a kid. The story will entertain you as well as teach you some valuable lessons that you're bound to find helpful in life.
Recommend this book:
Life Lessons From a Late Bloomer
Vignettes of a Small Town Girl
Jackie Ewing
2023 Silver Medal
174 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Life Lessons From a Late Bloomer: Vignettes of a Small Town Girl by Jackie Ewing is a personal memoir about self-discovery told through different vignettes of her life. The book consists of ten life lessons divided into ten chapters. Most of the life lessons Jackie shares are from personal experiences. She taps into the various aspects of her life — from parenting to career, and cultivating self-confidence. Ewing mixes her life-changing and unpleasant experiences with humor, allowing for an easy and entertaining read that will keep you turning the pages. It is said that experience is the best teacher because you experience the consequences of your actions, but sometimes it's easier said than done. So if you'd rather learn from someone else's experience and avoid some consequences, then Jackie Ewing's book is tailor-made for you.
Life Lessons From a Late Bloomer by Jackie Ewing seems to me like a self-help book rather than a memoir. With each chapter representing a specific life lesson, it is a self-help textbook on self-discovery and personal maturity. However, Ewing's journey and growth, combined with witty anecdotes and a humorous tone, more than make up for the memoir/self-help genre debate. Her emphasis on humor adds a deeper layer to the devastating experiences she's been through. As a reader, I can easily access the world Ewing shows us, and some parts are thought-provoking. With her way of translating complex life truths into simple wisdom, I am once again reminded that no matter how bad the world gets or how heavy you feel inside, we must not take ourselves too seriously and that we should always be grateful for what we have. Truly a humbling and inspiring read from start to finish.
Recommend this book:
When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding
Adventures from the Other Half of Single
Sara E. Braca
2023 Gold Medal
222 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Treat yourself to a humor-filled account of Sara E. Braca's journey of self-discovery as a solo traveler with When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding. Sara's preferred church burnt down a week before her wedding, which should have rung alarm bells. However, she went through with the wedding, and six years later, the marriage broke apart when her husband cheated on her. But instead of wallowing in self-pity, Sara took a trip to Amsterdam. Over the next few years, she traveled all over the world, discovering new experiences, including winning an essay writing competition to meet Michael Bublé, getting adopted by a Greek family, falling in love with Santorini, showering naked with colleagues by the Dead Sea, meeting a handsome stranger in Porto, and many more.
Follow one woman's journey to freedom, independence, and happiness in When the Church Burns Down, Cancel the Wedding. Sara E. Braca's inspiring story will empower you to pack your bags and hop on the next flight to the place you've always wanted to go but just couldn't find the motivation. Infused with humor and wit, Braca tells a memorable tale you aren't going to forget soon. What I loved about this book is that each chapter takes you through a different phase of Sara's life with a different holiday destination, where she meets new people and shares unique adventures. Sara's story has an important lesson about having the self-belief to discover one's own path to happiness and fulfillment. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and highly recommend it.
Recommend this book:
Hold the Apocalypse - Pass Me a Scientist Please
and other humorous essays from an optimist in dreamland
Bob Lorentson
2022 Finalist
200 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Hold the Apocalypse - Pass Me a Scientist Please by Bob Lorentson looks at us as “Modern Humans” and shows us what our world has become. But don’t take it too seriously. Even though the subject may be serious, Bob, the environmental scientist, helps us see the funny side of our development and the animals with whom we share our doomed planet. Through 50 essays and poems, Bob gives us food for thought by showing us the differences between men and women and animals. In some cases, there is little or no difference. Included in the book are subjects that no person would ever think could be written about – but where there’s a will, there’s a way – and now we finally know the answers to all the questions that nobody ever thought of asking.
Hold the Apocalypse - Pass Me a Scientist Please is best read when you have nothing else planned for the day. If you have anything else to attend to, you can be guaranteed that it won’t get done once you start reading Bob’s hilarious tales, essays, poems, and theories. Also, make sure you are alone because otherwise you will annoy everyone around you with bouts of laughter and “listen to this” while you read passages from the book to them. If you are looking for a gift for anybody, look no further; you just found the perfect book. There is even a section on reducing stress, but you won’t need any additional stress release methods after reading this. Hold the Apocalypse - Pass Me a Scientist Please will certainly take your mind for a walk.