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:
As Rugged as the Rest
A Young Marine's Journey to Iwo Jima
Janet Simmelink
2021 Finalist
292 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
As Rugged as the Rest: A Young Marine’s Journey to Iwo Jima by Janet Simmelink takes you on a journey through the life of a young man, Joseph Montgomery House Jr. The main characters are Joe Boy and his sisters, Louise, Leveryle, and Gale. His parents are Joseph Snr and Leonora. Assorted aunts and uncles, cousins and nieces, the odd school friend, and army buddies make an appearance throughout the book. It starts when Pearl Harbor is attacked in 1941 and Joe decides that he will serve in the Marines rather than take a deferment as he is a farmer and shares the farm with his father. When the USA enters World War Two, his parents are not keen to let him go and refuse to sign the draft documents. But then the Army lowers the age of consent - one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor - and Joe Boy signs up just before Thanksgiving of 1942. Joe finally gets his call-up papers on the 15th March 1943.
As Rugged as the Rest by Janet Simmelink has been written with humor, tenderness, and respect for all the boys and men who served in World War Two, especially those who lost their lives on the island of Iwo Jima which took a great number of lives on both sides just for an airbase. I found that I got involved with Joe Boy and his life and dreams and each person that enters and leaves his life and the influence they have on him. Through it all, Joe Boy always remains positive and upbeat. The fact that he paid the ultimate sacrifice brings a tear to your eye as you realize exactly what each of the soldiers, whether they were Marines, navy or just foot soldiers paid. Janet Simmelink has woven a beautiful tribute to these brave men and what they had to endure from Basic Training to the end. The use of the letters Joe Boy wrote to family and friends must have been a great source of inspiration as well as inspiration for the investigation into those times that had to be undertaken to bring authenticity to such a personal story. This is a book well worth reading in every sense. In all the time I have read non-fiction, this is the first time I could not put a book down and it was a page-turner from the start to the finish. I really enjoyed it. This is a book well worth reading in every sense.
Recommend this book:
Playing Soldier
F. Scott Service
2021 Honorable Mention
450 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
Playing Soldier is a work of non-fiction in the memoir and autobiographical sub-genres, and was written by author F. Scott Service. Please note that the work does contain explicit language, sexual references, and references to drugs and alcohol which makes it much more suitable to adult reading audiences. The book tells the story of the author’s life as he went from trying to emulate his father – a soldier in the Korean War – to the devastating life that awaits war veterans upon discharge. As he tries to stop the descent into PTSD and substance abuse, can he return to being the contented person he once was?
Author F. Scott Service offers a candid, raw, and highly emotional slice of the soul in this unforgettable and well-crafted work. Knowing very little about the Korean War and this specific viewpoint, I found the book to be quite challenging emotionally, but ultimately empathetic, inspiring, vivid, and very important to understand the powerful journey that the author went on. The adult content was well handled and though it might be potentially triggering to some, the issues are authentically penned and eye-opening for those who have ever known, experienced, or been with someone with mental health and/or substance abuse issues. Another feature that I thought was really striking was the solid connection to place and time, grounding us in snippets of reality whilst also taking us away on a deep psychological journey. Overall, I would highly recommend Playing Soldier for readers who are fans of truly moving memoirs and well-penned, authentic words.
Recommend this book:
Spies of the Deep
The Untold Truth About the Most Terrifying Incident in Submarine Naval History and How Putin Used The Tragedy To Ignite a New Cold War
W. Craig Reed
2021 Bronze Medal
240 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
Underwater espionage is not a topic that receives much public attention due to its highly classified nature, so Spies of the Deep will come as a revelation to many readers. W. Craig Reed, himself an experienced submariner and diver, describes a world of intrigue, danger, advanced technology, and events that have the potential to bring about a global nuclear conflict. It was the apparent testing of a secret rocket-powered torpedo that is believed to have led to an incident aboard the Russian nuclear submarine Kursk in August 2000, in which all 118 men on board perished. The book describes in fascinating detail the events that led up to the loss of the Kursk, the attempts to rescue the doomed crew, and the international recriminations that followed. The Kursk had been involved in a large-scale naval exercise, monitored by NATO member submarines, which led to allegations that one of these had inadvertently collided with the Kursk. Either this or a malfunction with the torpedo itself had triggered two massive explosions which destroyed the forward part of the vessel. The reluctance of the Russians to accept Western assistance with rescue attempts is debated, while new, more powerful, and sinister weapons are described. The Kursk incident illustrates the unhealthy rivalry between the superpowers, while the resulting arms race has the potential to destroy the world and its economy.
W. Craig Reed writes from a position of expert knowledge and describes clandestine submarine missions in a style that is informative and entertaining. The complexities and hazards of deepwater diving are explored, as well as operations in the ice-cold seas of the Arctic region. The Kursk incident raised serious questions about American involvement and the evidence is reviewed, together with the alleged cover-up that followed. The role of the Russian President Vladimir Putin is prominent, along with his stated ambitions of restoring Russian military might to attain global dominance. Spies of the Deep is a masterful dissection of power politics and global trade routes. The comments on the economy are unusual in a military publication and are particularly welcome. Apart from the traditional rivals, China, North Korea, and Iran have joined the mix. Each of these players has nuclear capability and all are flexing their military muscles. For Russia, the economic prize will be control over the mineral, oil, and gas-rich Barents Sea. The meticulous research is documented at the end of the book, which is superbly illustrated with numerous photographs. The insights provide a chilling reminder of the delicate balance of world power and the serious consequences of national ambitions. It is a compelling read and highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Roger Ball!
Odyssey of a Navy Fighter Pilot
Donald E. Auten
2021 Silver Medal
484 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
How do you turn a biography into a page-turning action novel? Donald E. Auten teaches us how with Roger Ball! The Odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith. From the opening sequence of an edge-of-the-seat ride along with “Hawk” and “Crash’s” forced landing, blind on a pitching deck, I was drawn into two things: First, the excellent, crisp, writing of Donald E. Auten, full of technical detail sans academic lecture, sprinkled with a colorful sense of place. And second, the immediate desire to get to know John Monroe “Hawk” Smith better, the kind of person you want to call a friend. Auten delivers on both counts. Quoting “Hawk” Smith: “A good take-off does not guarantee a good landing.” His philosophy sets the template for this biography of a southern boy growing up, becoming an aviator, a leader, and a model of determination to surmount obstacles both personal and professional through thoughtful action. I was drawn into the action early, but never lost sight of the man.
You would pick this book up if you are a fan of military aviation, and once you do, you will not be disappointed. From the young man coming of age, through all of the drudging work of earning Navy Gold Wings, on through vignette after vignette of his Naval and personal experiences, I was fully invested in this book. You are in the cockpit with Hawk, pulling “G’s” and sweating bullets, and you are in the mind of Hawk, pondering life and love choices, and life and death mission choices. Auten has a skill of turning the technical into the exciting, and the personal into compelling empathy for an unsung American hero. I can think of no higher praise for a biography than the writer’s ability to turn his subject into a real person, in real situations, and instilling a real desire to learn more in the reader. Real is the operative word. Roger Ball! The Odyssey of John Monroe “Hawk” Smith is real on many levels. The person, the life, the events, the interactions with comrades and with Navy bureaucracy, the technology, and the flying experiences all come together under Donald E. Auten’s skilled hand to provide an excellent piece of writing.
Recommend this book:
Vector to Destiny
Journey of a Vietnam F-4 Fighter Pilot
George W. Kohn
2021 Gold Medal
276 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
George W. Kohn’s Vector to Destiny: Journey of a Vietnam F-4 Fighter Pilot is an incendiary true-to-life tale about patriotism, duty, and loyalty. It chronicles Kohn’s war experience as a jet fighter pilot in Vietnam. This is the story of one determined kid with humble beginnings in Wisconsin. From a young age to adolescence, he faces barriers in reaching his goal but proves that they have only made him stronger and more determined in realizing his childhood dream. The cockpit of an F-4 Phantom becomes a different ballgame as these fighter jets are all involved in a coordinated bombing campaign against North Vietnam. Not all his missions will make you shudder, and for those that do, you can expect this book to take you back to an interesting time in history that divided the feelings of a nation.
In its first-person point of view, Vector to Destiny is patriotic in its purpose. It wants to record as accurately as possible what it was like to be a jet fighter pilot who had flown over one hundred missions halfway through his tour of Vietnam. Chronologically, it reconstructs the chain of events that begin in George W. Kohn’s childhood and how he defied his father’s dream of him taking over the family farm. Kohn’s step-by-step narrative makes it easy for readers to empathize with his sentiments. It can be heartbreaking when you come home after your tour of duty to discover that the people of your own country couldn’t care less about your experiences as a Vietnam veteran. Kohn doesn’t paint himself as heroic but merely attempts to capture the drama of war through his own eyes. Nonfiction books like this help you understand the actual experiences of men and women deployed to fight in the interests of national security. This is a highly recommended book, a raw account of a historical event penned by someone who has actually taken an active part in the action.
Recommend this book:
Mayhem 337
Memoir of a Combat Advisor in Afghanistan
Chad Rickard
2020 Gold Medal
179 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
Mayhem 337: Memoir of a Combat Advisor in Afghanistan by Chad Rickard is a nonfiction narrative that will immensely appeal to fans of military books. It is a record of the author’s experience in combat, fighting the orchestrators of the 9/11 tragedy. Growing up in Central Pennsylvania, Chad never thought of a military career, never imagined jumping out of airplanes with weapons strapped on his body, but after the tragedy of 9/11 he felt compelled to join the army and support his nation in the war against terrorism. In this narrative, a seasoned infantryman and a senior Army NCO shares his experiences fighting the Taliban and the Al Qaeda forces in Eastern Afghanistan.
The author gives readers a first-hand account of combat in very dangerous encounters and in unfamiliar and rough terrain. I loved the way he captures the “incertitude, the addiction that combat became” and the sense of mortality and humanity that permeates the narrative. Deafening gunshots, unsettling silences, the sound of the stampede of feet that scurry in uncertain directions in moments of danger. The narrative is beautiful and the imagery very strong. Mayhem 337: Memoir of a Combat Advisor in Afghanistan offers powerful images of military missions and enables readers to run alongside soldiers engaged in combat. The action is intense and the tension permeates every page of the narrative. The prose is beautiful and the narrative is enriched by streams of consciousness that transport readers into the psyche of the protagonist. It is a page-turner, balanced and deftly written.
Recommend this book:
Combat To College
APPLYING THE MILITARY MENTALITY TO THE CLASSROOM: HOW TO SUCCEED AS A STUDENT VETERAN
John H Davis
2020 Silver Medal
160 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
Combat to College by John H. Davis is an elegant, astoundingly clear guide to the successful completion of college-level studies, specifically directed at military veterans, who face perhaps the most difficult journey of any to achieve that coveted degree. What makes this an incredible challenge for veterans is the whole change in structures in which they are expected to thrive; moving from a military environment rigid in controls, checkpoints, and accountability, to a college regime that places all of these burdens squarely on the individual. Mr. Davis not only shows how to make a successful transition to self-control in a college world but goes even further by demonstrating precisely how to tap into all the strengths gained through military service and apply them to achieve the best effect in the most important mission of your future. Whilst this book speaks to military veterans, make no mistake; the lessons, mindsets, and planning strategies laid out apply just as pertinently to anyone hoping to successfully navigate higher studies.
After reading John H. Davis’ Combat to College, I had a feeling of sadness within, which I know stemmed from the realization that if I had this book available to me when I entered college, it may have opened my eyes to the important things; all of the background noise that derailed my studies has been spotlighted, and strategies to cope with these have been detailed in ways you simply can’t fail to comprehend. There is no guarantee for success because the final responsibility lies with the individual, but the tools, methodologies and just plain common sense approaches documented in Combat to College will clearly lay blame for failure squarely on your shoulders; this book removes the possibility of you saying 'I just didn’t know how to manage it.'
Recommend this book:
Always Coming Back Home
An Emotional Tale of Love, Adventure, Tragedy and Hope
Ashley Bugge
2020 Bronze Medal
274 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
Always Coming Back Home: An Emotional Tale of Love, Adventure, Tragedy and Hope by Ashley Bugge is the story of Ashley and Brian as they navigate life and overcome hardships one day at a time. Brian loved his job in the Navy, he took pride in it and Ashley loved him with all her heart. They loved each other, but being apart was difficult. From starting a family to miscarriages, giving birth, pregnancies and living through it all, Brian and Ashley became a support for each other, regardless of the miles between them. They laughed together, they cried together, they shared their sorrows and drew strength from each other. Through it all, they knew that no matter what happens, they will always come back home and live the dreams they dreamed together.
Always Coming Back Home is such a beautiful and incredible tale of love and family. Ashley and Brian are such an amazing couple. They took their hard times as a challenge that they were going to overcome together. The memories Ashley shares with readers are so personal that you will feel like you are living in the moment with them. My heart went out to Ashley as she shared her successful and unsuccessful experiences with pregnancies and how Brian gave herculean support to her. A power couple, they take every challenge as a blessing, accept it, forge through it and come out of the trials as winners. I loved reading their story. I laughed with them, I cried with them and lived their life with them!
Recommend this book:
Next Mission: U.S. Defense Attache to France
A Memoir from the Days of Punish France, Ignore Germany, Forgive Russia
Ralph Steinke
2020 Honorable Mention
264 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
Next Mission: U.S. Defense Attaché to France: A Memoir from the Days of Punish France, Ignore Germany, Forgive Russia by Ralph Steinke is a fascinating military memoir with strong political and diplomatic themes. Ralph Steinke was assigned as a military attaché to France in one of the most turbulent periods in history and at a time when France was held in contempt by many superpowers. In this memoir, the author shares a story that embodies a strong sense of duty, the nuances of US foreign diplomacy, and the subtle art of wading in dangerous and murky political waters. The author shares personal stories, takes readers through family life, encounters with political characters and events and, above all, provides a compelling narrative that showcases the challenges of high-level diplomacy and the problems that accompany it.
While this is one person’s unique experience as a diplomat, the memoir provides insights into what US foreign policy is like and the art of diplomacy. There are moments of adventure, infused with strong emotions, and dilemmas in which important decisions are to be made. It is interesting how the protagonist balances his love of country and a keen sense of duty with his mission to create a positive relationship between the two countries, without playing down the respect that France deserves. Apart from being a great political figure, Ralph Steinke comes across as a great storyteller, creating strong images in the minds of readers and using a narrative voice that pulls them in and makes them feel as though they are next to the characters. Next Mission: U.S. Defense Attaché to France: A Memoir from the Days of Punish France, Ignore Germany, Forgive Russia is rich with historical references, engaging in its content, and compelling in the era it evokes.
Recommend this book:
War Is Personal
Hell, Luck, and Resilience
Roy Wilkes, Elaine Wilkes
2020 Finalist
186 Pages
Check current price
Non-Fiction - Military
War is Personal by Roy Wilkes and Elaine Wilkes shines a spotlight on Okinawa, a small island 66 miles long, 7 miles wide on average and only 400 miles south of the Japanese Island of Kyushu; the closest stepping stone to Japan during the Second World War. In 1945, it became a lot closer to Hell. This is the personal account of Mr. Wilkes’ experiences in the battle against the Japanese on this most deadly piece of real estate, and his subsequent duty guarding a bridge in China, in total isolation from anything remotely civilized. Told from both a first-person perspective as well as through interviews, this chilling glimpse into the human cost of warfare is a tale everyone should be obligated to read, in the hope that the insanity of war never visits our lives again.
Roy Wilkes and Elaine Wilkes have created in War is Personal a book that simply had to be compiled. The stark reality of the situations Mr. Wilkes had to endure burns into the soul of the reader, leaving you to ponder just how lucky your life has been in comparison to those caught up in war. Told with incredible humility, you quickly realize anyone facing death on a daily basis in the most extreme conditions is, without doubt, a hero, even when they don’t see that in themselves. For me, the clear and resonant message coming from the pages of War is Personal was simply this; war is not about glory, it is about survival, and coping with loss. This book is definitely well worthwhile and of interest to many people.