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Every year, many await the arrival of great news. The long wait is over—the results for the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award have been released. A HERO’S LIFE” by Arthur Edwards has been nominated for this prestigious honor.

The announcement of the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Award winners marks a significant milestone in the literary world, spotlighting the exceptional achievements of authors and publishers who embody the spirit of independent thought and creativity. This esteemed award continues to honor the legacy of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by recognizing books of outstanding merit from small, academic, and independent presses—including self-published works.

The award encompasses a range of honors, including the Grand Prize, category winners, runners-up, and honorable mentions across various genres. Additionally, special distinctions—such as the Montaigne Medal for the most thought-provoking books, the da Vinci Eye for superior book cover art, the First Horizon Award for debut authors, and the Medal Provocateur for experimental poetry—further highlight the diversity and excellence within the independent publishing community.

While the Grand Prize is the pinnacle of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, the significance of a nomination cannot be overstated. The rigorous judging process ensures that only the most exceptional works rise to the top, with fewer than 10% of nominees becoming category finalists. This distinction not only validates the quality and impact of a book but also provides authors and publishers with increased visibility and credibility in the competitive literary market.

Moreover, the recognition associated with a nomination can lead to broader media exposure, opportunities for speaking engagements, and increased sales. For independent authors and publishers, such acknowledgment can be transformative—opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.

This year, “A HERO’S LIFE” by Arthur Edwards has been nominated for an award. This recognition honors the book’s exceptional literary merit and its contribution to independent publishing. Selected for its originality, depth, and thought-provoking content, the book exemplifies the spirit of the award by offering a unique and compelling voice that resonates beyond mainstream publishing. Whether through powerful storytelling, insightful analysis, or innovative ideas, the work reflects a dedication to intellectual exploration and artistic integrity. Its nomination highlights not only the quality of the writing but also its meaningful impact on readers—staying true to the legacy of Eric Hoffer by encouraging critical thinking and celebrating the independent spirit.

“A Hero’s Life” by Arthur A. Edwards was acclaimed by Joslyn Vann of the US Review of Books. This book is dedicated to the author’s cousin and all of the other Air Force and Navy pilots killed in training accidents.

Here’s an excerpt from the US Review of Books that highlights:

“A compelling prologue details the mysterious circumstances surrounding the crash and subsequent death of the author’s cousin, Air Force fighter pilot First Lieutenant James Lyle Teeslink, and his wingman. Inspired by actual events, this book is an entertaining fictional depiction of a serious design flaw in one of the nation’s most famous fighter planes. The author creatively weaves intrigue, suspense, and a touch of romance into the intricate worlds of war history and aerospace engineering. Edwards’ commitment to helping the homeless is reflected in the book’s recurring theme of charity towards the less fortunate. Thought-provoking and profound, this book ultimately encourages readers to ponder their own morality when faced with the threat of losing everything they hold dear.”

Arthur (Art) Edwards is a retired aerospace engineer and manager who designed, built, and operated large space simulation facilities at Lockheed Missiles, Sunnyvale, now Lockheed Martin, and Ford Aerospace, now Space Systems Loral, in Palo Alto.

He was also an adjunct professor who taught courses in engineering, business management, organizational behavior, leadership, and project management at San Jose State University, the University of California, Santa Cruz, and the University of San Francisco. He has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and a master’s degree in cybernetic systems from San Jose State University.

“A Hero’s Life” by Arthur A. Edwards presents a story that will never leave the readers feeling the same after flipping through the pages. Having served as an Air Force fighter pilot during World War II, Steve Pritchard now works as a test engineer for Western Aviation Company, a leading aerospace manufacturer. After successfully identifying a critical aircraft design flaw in an Air Force transport, Steve is tasked with investigating multiple mysterious crashes of the new F-87 Air Force jet fighter, a.k.a. the Leopard.

Crash site investigations have revealed no aircraft malfunction, but the Air Force’s subsequent rulings of pilot error are extremely controversial in light of the deaths of several highly skilled pilots. Pritchard is thrust into a volatile situation in which the media’s accusations of a cover-up could have far-reaching political implications.

Teaming up with NASA aeronautical engineer Dr. Charlie Collins, Pritchard makes discoveries that could be detrimental to his company’s Air Force defense contract and national security. As the investigation unfolds, Pritchard’s relentless pursuit of the truth leaves him in an ethical dilemma with potential career-ending and life-threatening consequences.

He was also interviewed by CBS Radio’s host, Benji Cole. The interview in the People of Distinction program is about discussing the message of the book as well as the author’s purpose for writing this masterpiece.

Get to know more about the author and the work as you listen to the full interview below:

Judging for this year’s award has officially concluded, and we’re pleased to share the final results. You can view the winners by visiting the Eric Hoffer Award page at:

https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-winners.html

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