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. Critical Thinkers by G. Janice Miller 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, Critical Thinkers by G. Janice Miller 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.
The book received acclaim from Michael Radon of the US Review of Books, who wrote:
“There is no shortage of faith-based perspectives that state that accepting God and trusting in Him is all that is necessary to lead to a happier, more prosperous life. However, what sets this book’s teaching apart is that it takes things a step further and has readers look at the places in their own lives where there may be guidance that they are ignoring for the sake of an easier or more comfortable way through things. The author’s thought-provoking work combines critical thinking, self-reflection, and scientific approaches to studying with new ideas like taking a ‘spiritual selfie’ or comparing motivations to key figures in Scripture to create an actionable road map for readers.”
The book also received a commendation from Ephantus M. of the Hollywood Book Reviews, who wrote:
“This book is an eye-opener—easy to read and understand. It inspires the exercising of a skill that is deemed a threat to many cultures’ views of political correctness because it encourages people to see things from a different perspective by thinking through an idea. Explore fascinating insights into the biases and propensities that make many individuals predictably irrational in this compelling read. I highly recommend this for Christian readers of all age brackets.”
Critical Thinkers was among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 in Frankfurt, Germany, held from October 18–22, 2023. The Frankfurter Buchmesse, reportedly the world’s largest trade fair for books, opened its doors to participants from around the globe, celebrating books and their authors. The massive book fair also celebrated its 75th anniversary this year. Slovenia, the guest of honor, presented itself as a nation with a rich literary history in addition to being a desirable tourism destination.
Author G. Janice Miller blends over forty-five years as a student of the Word and human nature with forty years as a business professional to offer a unique perspective on biblically inspired lessons. Her goal is to be a catalyst in developing a critical mindset and a fertile heart that enable a believer to love God’s Word, submit to God’s Spirit, and answer the call to serve. Janice has published two books to date: While Men Sleep (2016) and Critical Thinkers (2018). She and her husband, Roy, have been married since 1975. They live in Gallatin, TN, where they are both actively engaged in ministry.
She was interviewed by Benji Cole of CBS Radio. People of Distinction is one of the most extensive and wide-ranging radio shows in the United States. Hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio, People of Distinction is an ideal platform for authors seeking to increase their exposure to readers. The radio program airs on Apple’s iTunes Radio Network (Professional News/Talk), featuring CBS Radio, Fox News, NPR, and C-SPAN. Listen to the full interview here:
Judging for this year’s award has officially concluded, and we’re pleased to share the results. You can view the winners by visiting the Eric Hoffer Award page at: