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. “Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith, and Innovation” by Andrew A. Pansini 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, “Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith, and Innovation” by Andrew A. Pansini 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.
“Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith, and Innovation” by Andrew A. Pansini was acclaimed by Kat Kennedy of the US Review of Books, who highlighted that “This brief memoir is a testament to the innovative spirit that has always been an important aspect of American culture.”
The US Review of Books (USRB) recommends “Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith, and Innovation” by Andrew A. Pansini. Here’s the review from the USRB that highlights:
“The story of the Pansini family’s success in America is fascinating. The pride of the author is evident as he discusses his grandfather and father’s imaginative thinking which helps to establish their companies. It is an inspiring story of how the family works together to see each generation find success in the family’s businesses. Pansini writes in a clear manner even when discussing the more intricate ideas behind his father’s innovations in the pool industry. His family’s story is simple but interesting as he tells of the hard work and family dynamics that are the hallmarks of generational success. Perhaps the lesson to learn from Pansini is that success is built not only on innovation but the faith it takes to put one’s ideas to the test. This is a mesmerizing read which offers insight into one family’s influence on America.”
Author Andrew L. Pansini was an inventor, businessman, and devoted family man. He invented the automatic pool cleaner and was the founder of Jandy, an innovative manufacturer of pool and spa equipment that is widely credited for creating a range of products that forever changed and improved the industry.
He was also instrumental in the success of the Savoy Corporation, the world’s first paid parking company created by his father, Andrew Pansini, Sr., in the early 20th century. “Fathers of Invention,” authored by his son, Andrew A. Pansini, former Jandy CEO and current CEO and president of Savoy, is the engaging success story of a family that embodies the American values of hard work, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit.
“Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith, and Innovation” is a book that will capture the entrepreneurial spirit and vision of an all-American family dynasty. It is a narrative that will show the application of the fundamentals needed to create products and grow a business while maintaining a strong family life. This book is a great guide to keeping one’s professional and private lives balanced for success and happiness.
This Week in America also features the interview of Andrew A. Pansini, author of “Fathers of Invention: An American Story of Family, Faith, and Innovation”
Ric Bratton, Host/Producer of This Week in America, a nationally syndicated radio show currently heard on 182 radio stations and featured on 15 podcasting/audio on-demand networks, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, TuneIn, iHeart Podcasts, Audible, Audacy, Amazon Podcasts, and Deezer FM. His television career has involved news reporting and anchoring, weather, and sports. The Ric Bratton Show was the longest-running and highest-rated local TV talk show in the country.
Click here to listen to the full interview:
He also was 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.
People of Distinction is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors.
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: