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. Fine Dining at Home by Chef Bernard by Bernard A. Mayer 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, Fine Dining at Home by Chef Bernard by Bernard A. Mayer 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:
“The focus of this cookbook is on fine dining, but that doesn’t mean that every dish is going to be rich and full of exotic, hard-to-find ingredients. There are plenty of options to choose from, ranging from beginner-friendly fare to dishes that require a bit more technical skill, understanding, and preparation in advance. Instructions are direct and to the point, with the occasional photograph offering readers a little visual inspiration when selecting the right recipe for the occasion. In the beginning, each chapter focuses on regional cuisines from across the globe, but as the book goes on, the type of food becomes the focus, making it easy to find recipes for soups, sauces, cakes, or omelets. With a wide variety of available meals to try, this cookbook offers its owners a chance to try something new and exciting for months and months.”
Last year, Fine Dining at Home by Chef Bernard was among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the 76th Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, from October 16-20, 2024. The Frankfurter Buchmesse is one of the world’s most important stages for current debates on international and socio-political events. In Frankfurt, we bring together the people whose business is ideas, open a constructive dialogue on pressing issues, and meet on equal footing with those who have different views.
This year, the same book was displayed at the 2025 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) – Book Gallery. LATFOB celebrates three decades of literary celebration, and the 2025 festival underscored the importance of storytelling in shaping culture and community. With its diverse programming and commitment to accessibility, the festival continues to be a premier event for book lovers and cultural aficionados. The success of this year’s event sets a promising precedent for future festivals, ensuring that the tradition of literary celebration will continue to thrive in Los Angeles.
Author Bernard A. Mayer was born on April 8, 1944, in Syracuse, New York. He first started working in restaurants as a dishwasher, eventually waiting tables along the way. Later, he cooked for friends and family. After retiring, he decided to put together a recipe book that housewives could use to entertain their guests, families, or anyone who enjoys cooking.
He started working in restaurants, first as a busboy and dishwasher, then later as a cook or food preparer. He also waited tables along the way. Later, he cooked for friends, clubs, high-end restaurants, and special events while working as a chef. After retiring, he decided to create a recipe book that housewives could use to host guests, family, and everyone else who appreciates cooking.
He was also interviewed by Benji Cole of CBS Radio on the People of Distinction program. The program is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States and is the perfect platform for authors and readers to discover newly published books, often written by passionate and independent authors. Click here to listen to the full interview:
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: