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:
Ms. Cheevious in Hollywood
My Zany Years Spent Working in Tinsel Town
Lisa Jey Davis
2015 Honorable Mention
228 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Ms. Cheevious in Hollywood by Lisa Jey Davis is the memoir of a newly divorced mom and her attempts at making it in Hollywood. It chronicles her shock in finding out that she is an MILF, surprise when her first son wants to move out to his friend’s family, joy at getting hired as a marketing assistant, her putting weight control efforts on a war footing to present a beautiful appearance, and her escapades in nightclubs. How she happened to realize her erotic talents and their value, and the way these led to a changed outlook on life is presented in these pages. In addition, the book also contains her advice, like safety practices for those attempting online dating, and tips to single moms, making it a fascinating manual of contemporary interest.
In Ms. Cheevious in Hollywood by Lisa Jey Davis, there in no holding back. While rubbing shoulders with some of the best names of Hollywood, hobnobbing with the stars of music and entertainment, or when implants are mixed up while she undergoes a boob job, there is no dearth of events and experiences - laughable, titillating and also memorable. A page turner, this book has all the elements to keep us as engrossed as if reading a thriller; it provides ample advice, especially to those who need it the most. Her motto, she says in the book is: “Nothing is gained without our own determination, diligence, focus, personal responsibility and perseverance!”
Recommend this book:
Midmen
The Modern Man's Guide to Midlife Crisis
Steve Ochs GED
2015 Bronze Medal
271 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
As a woman, I've certainly wondered at the psychology behind the mind of a man going through a mid-life crisis. Midmen: The Modern Man's Guide to Midlife Crisis is exactly what it says it is...the hard and dirty truth on what happens to a dude once the swagger and vitality of youth say "Buh-bye!".
Author Steve Ochs GED is hilarity incarnate. His stories and recollections were laugh out loud hilarious and I had trouble with my boss because they forced many a giggle out of me while illicitly reading Midmen at work. The writing was a mix of cynical, sarcastic, humorous, and vulgar...and I have to say I enjoyed every minute of it. While there were a few things that had my ears burning, for the most part I found myself laughing at what the author wrote about and the writing style definitely made the book read super quickly. The writing is so personal, it's like you're talking to a buddy while going out for a beer. Aside from being wildly entertaining, Midmen is packed with facts, data, and observations that really make sense and actually could...god-forbid...help someone as they move through the midlife crisis kind of stage in life.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, despite being younger and the other sex than its target audience. I'd say that Steve Ochs knows what he's talking about and just the right way to phrase it...none too delicately might I add! Definitely give this one a read if you want to laugh, and maybe learn something too.
Recommend this book:
Mary, Mary Quite
On Raising Children (and other mind-altering substances)
Mary Huckstep
2015 Silver Medal
124 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
You will find yourself giggling through some of life's most precarious moments in Mary Huckstep’s, Mary, Mary Quite: On Raising Children (and other mind altering substances). This inspirational book is beyond cute. It is packed full of silly descriptions, which accurately, yet comically describe real life situations and identities, and laugh out loud anecdotes. Laughter is truly good medicine for the soul, so do yourself a favor and take a big dose of joy and hilarity with Mary, Mary Quite: On Raising Children (and other mind altering substances). It is a light-hearted, fun-loving look at life’s ups and downs, not to mention it is amusingly insightful.
Mary Huckstep tackles many of life’s touchy subjects, such as parenting, family living, finding yourself, and the difference between girls and boys. She portrays these subjects with truth, and a bit of twisted humor. Simply written, Huckstep delivers her stories with style and finesse. The underlying theme woven through her text is to laugh at life’s mishaps and enjoy being joyful. Every chapter is filled with an element of comedy and wit, causing the reader to laugh out loud. Furthermore, each chapter has a comic illustration that captures the essence of the author’s words. As a mom, wife and grandmother, I found myself relating to every chapter. Mary, Mary Quite: On Raising Children is full of humor, ageless wisdom, but wisdom that only comes from life experience. Can’t wait to read what she writes next.
Recommend this book:
This Time It's NOT Personal
Why Science Says Get Over Yourself
Sam Hicken Ph.D.
2015 Gold Medal
194 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Exceptionally well written, organized and presented, This Time It's NOT Personal: Why Science Says Get over Yourself by Sam Hicken Ph.D. is an inherently captivating read that is as informed and informative as it is thoughtful and thought-provoking. However, the author begins with an insurance, I suppose, by saying, 'There are flights of absurdist fancy interleaved with the science,' giving himself an escape route if things don’t go well. No, this well written work does not seem to be in need of any such thing, stating in the beginning, 'for a scientist the bitterest truth is better than the sweetest lie,' and thus it takes all issues head on.
Sam Hicken Ph.D. dwells on the origins of the universe and life, describing experiments of passing an electric spark to a mixture of carbon, hydrogen, etc. to find out how organic molecules came to life. Interwoven with a respectable amount of humor, he reminds us of a common research pitfall. While looking for connections when some things show up on the day of a full moon, people think, “Ah, full moon,” but on the other 28 days nobody thinks, “Ah, not full moon.” He has demonstrated the perspective view of the book’s theme; the descriptions are full of uncommon aspects of events and occurrences with, for example, people investing their IQ in buttressing their own case rather than in exploring the matter more thoroughly and evenhandedly.
With plenty of references to popular literature in related fields, and invoking all the known experts in its genre like Richard Dawkins, this book has the potential to hold the attention of many a reader. Easy to understand and with a flowing narrative, this is a good addition to one's library. The book ends with a comment that is so true: Life is the dancer, lighten up and enjoy the show.
Recommend this book:
Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity
My true stories, unusual circumstances unpredictable outcomes
Mariana Williams
2014 Finalist
150 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity: My True Stories, Unusual Circumstances, Unpredictable Outcomes by Mariana Williams is an extremely funny book that had me laughing out loud and always smiling. I don’t usually read non-fiction but the description caught my attention and I am delighted that it did. I haven’t enjoyed reading a book just for fun, well, in forever. Mariana shares the stories of her life with us, the readers. Each chapter is a new and wonderful story. We begin with Mariana taking acting lessons and go on from there. We share in her teenage weekend in Beverly Hills; go along with her on New Year’s Eve; go to a funeral with a very unusual coffin; feel her joy and pain as she falls in and out of love; her 'sort of' meeting the Obamas; her low cost eye lifting plastic surgery experience; vacations, massages and more.
Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity is one hundred and fifty pages of perfection. Mariana Williams is a superior storyteller who leaves you wanting more. I will be adding all of her books onto to my Kindle reading list. I felt as though Mariana was a good friend telling me her latest escapade. Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity is the perfect book to read while sunbathing at the pool, relaxing in the tub, whenever and wherever you need an escape from the pressures of your everyday life. I cannot imagine Love, Regret and Accidental Nudity not becoming the next most talked about new book and spending a very long time on the top of the bestseller list.
Recommend this book:
A Job For Joe
Joe Paris Lee
2014 Finalist
88 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
A Job for Joe by Joe Paris Lee takes a humorous look at Joe's working life. Joe has had no less than 56 jobs in 60 years, something of a record perhaps. A Job for Joe takes us into the roller-coaster ride of his attempts at a “career” or several. Hold on tight as Joe’s coaster crawls its way to the top and then flings its readers into the most hair-raising journey of their lives. Far from being a slacker who cannot hold down a job, Joe juggles his way through a number of different jobs, each one with its own story and each one with the same eventual outcome. Readers, be prepared to be entertained in a seriously big way.
A Job for Joe by Joe Paris Lee is one of the funniest and best books I have read in a long time. He is a seriously good writer, very funny and has an amazing way with words. I cannot remember ever having laughed so much at a book. This was one of those 'can’t put down' books. I just wanted to see what scrapes he got into next and I wanted to see what the eventual outcome was. As well as being a humorous look at Joe's working life, it’s also a lesson of sorts – well, several lessons actually. You will find yourself thinking hard in between picking yourself up off the floor from laughing. I would love to read more books from Joe, especially if they are as funny and thought-provoking as A Job for Joe.
Recommend this book:
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities
Quirky Essays for Quirky People
Barbara Venkataraman
2014 Honorable Mention
50 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
A Trip to the Hardware Store & Other Calamities by Barbara Venkataraman is a book of short stories that reflect on her family and some of her quirks, and ideas.
I love love loved this book! I felt like I was listening to a dear friend talk while I was reading it. I felt that Lazy Bones was about me. I am a short-cut taker and I always joke that it is because I am efficient. Where Did the Time Go was very heartwarming. When Venkataraman talks about how her dad is losing it a bit, but that it's a good thing because it means he is more carefree, it instantly made me feel better about ageing. I always watch my kids and envy how carefree they are. I had never thought about the elderly that way before. It made me happy. Beyond Belief was very cute and had a really charming dynamic between husband and wife. I really feel Venkataraman saved the best for last though. High Finance was my favorite. It showed such a wonderful family bond.
I really like Barbara Venkataraman’s writing style. She conveys so much heartwarming emotion without spelling out what she wants you to feel. This is a great read. I would recommend it as a purse book. Stuff it in your purse and pull it out and read it in line at the bank, or in the waiting room at the pediatrician. It will definitely bring a smile to your day.
Recommend this book:
Intelligent Life on Earth?
The Search Continues
Barbara Cohea
2014 Bronze Medal
206 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Intelligent Life on Earth? The Search Continues by Barbara Cohea is FUNNY! This entire book is a collection of short essays about… well, about almost everything. All the way through this book, I kept thinking, “This woman should be a newspaper columnist.” After the conclusion of the book, I was delighted to see that she is, indeed, a humor columnist for a magazine called Outreach NC. However, that’s not good enough. She should be a nationally syndicated columnist, appearing in newspapers all across the country. Her astute powers of observation, particularly where the absurd is concerned, should be designated a national treasure. She has a sense of humor that would make a lemon laugh. Even my wife thought she was funny, and that’s saying something.
Intelligent Life on Earth shines a light on such globally significant concerns as putting a life vest on a cat, or tasing a rampaging camel. She covers in detail an incident where a swan was used as a weapon of assault, and another case where a fox shoots a hunter. And that was just in the first few pages! There are many important topics discussed in this book: milking a mouse; giving giant chocolate Madagascar hissing cockroaches to your Valentine; how to keep your baggy pants from falling off, even when the crotch is down below your knees; and the sheer stupidity of the multi-layered “security” questions you have to answer just to tell the phone company they overcharged you. Good luck with that one, by the way.
I have an assignment for you, America. Buy this book; remember, it’s called Intelligent Life on Earth? The Search Continues. Read it. Then contact your local newspaper and convince the editor he/she needs to start carrying Barbara Cohea’s humor column. Let him read your copy of the book, if necessary, but I think we all need a daily dose of this kind of humor. With all due respect to her state, Barbara Cohea’s talent should not be kept solely in North Carolina.
Recommend this book:
Mindy's Musings
Mindy Levy
2014 Silver Medal
64 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
Mindy Levy offers readers a candid look at her family. She readily admits that there are two important F words in her life, Food and Family. Mindy’s family is Jewish. Even though I had read about some of the Jewish holidays and traditions, reading this book quickly showed me how much I did not know. Every event seems to surround food. Mommom is Mindy’s grandmother; when she was extremely hungry she would say, “I’m not very hungry” and then she would eat everything in sight. Mindy’s mother collects a keepsake from the table when they eat out: it could be a butter knife, salt and pepper shakers or the small coffee creamer. Laughter seems to be the bond that cemented her family together. It is amazing how laughter can make a difference in a family. When Sarah accidentally threw her two diamond rings down the garbage chute she hysterically called Mindy for help. After Mindy found the rings Sarah laughed hysterically, admitting that she would not have done the same for Mindy. Life as a step-mother is even funnier.
This book will have readers laughing out loud. I have only shared a few of the antics Mindy writes about. Life often takes us by surprise; we can become upset or we can laugh. I prefer Mindy’s method for handling life in general. Mindy and her whole family laugh and they have plenty to laugh about. "Mindy’s Musings" is an enchanting read. There are only 63 pages in this book but each page is filled with real life happenings that will keep the reader smiling if not laughing. Author Mindy Levy has a lovely manner of storytelling.
Recommend this book:
Aging with Humor and Grace
Andrea Partee
2013 Bronze Medal
164 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Humor/Comedy
If you are looking for an inspirational book about gracefully coping with the less than appealing aspects of aging, Andrea Partee's "Aging with Humor and Grace" isn't that tale. Instead Partee provides hilarious insight into the pitfalls of aging in a self-deprecating way to which we can all relate...or will eventually be able to relate. You don't have to be a woman of a certain age to enjoy her witty, and often embarrassing, take on wayward hair growth, bodily functions, pregnancy and child-rearing among dozens of other frighteningly funny topics.
Partee's book is aptly named because she deals with embarrassment, insecurity and tragedy with both humor and grace. Subtly touting the grace that comes from the ability to laugh at oneself, "Aging with Humor and Grace" is a refreshing take on a genre typically focused on how to reverse the clock and make your fifty year old bum look twenty again. Written in a fast-paced, acerbic manner, this book allows women to laugh about the inevitability of aging in an effort to accept what comes. Instead of pretending as though she has found the secret to aging gracefully, Partee simply provides her funny take on the things we are often afraid to talk about in public. When the time comes for you to cope with the hazards of aging, skip the self-help section and pass by the plastic surgeon's guide to aging gracefully and go straight to the humor section where Partee will happily guide you down the road to aging gracefully and hilariously.