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. The Unfortunate Destiny of Our Planet by Lennart Wingardh 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, The Unfortunate Destiny of Our Planet by Lennart Wingardh 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 Barbara Bamberger Scott of the US Review of Books, who wrote:
“His assertions regarding the end of time are arrayed in an organized and erudite manner, offering numerous scriptural references alongside scientific discoveries and the diverse writings of others, along with a few salient photographs. He has constructed this wide-ranging work as both an alert and an encouragement to readers, exhorting them in a closing statement to secure for themselves ‘a place in the Kingdom of the only Living God.’ Wingardh’s book will doubtless be studied and discussed intensively by open-minded readers striving to better understand planetary changes and their ultimate, dreadful purpose.”
Last year, The Unfortunate Destiny of Our Planet was among the books displayed by Author Reputation Press during the 2024 Los Angeles Times Festival of Books (LATFOB) at the University of Southern California on April 20–21, 2024. LATFOB is considered one of the world’s most significant literary gatherings. It has been held annually since 1996 with the goal of bringing together the people who create books and those who love to read them. It is attended by more than 550 authors, celebrities, storytellers, and hundreds of exhibitors.
This year, the same book was displayed at the 2024 Frankfurt Book Fair (Frankfurter Buchmesse). 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.
The author, Lennart Wingardh, is a Swedish and American citizen who was born in Cuba in July 1934, where he was educated until age eleven, when his family moved to Sweden. After graduating, he joined the Swedish telecommunications giant Ericsson and worked in Latin America, eventually rising to the position of general manager in Mexico and Venezuela.
In 1980, he transitioned to Motorola in Chicago, where he pioneered the introduction of cellular technology into Latin America. In Argentina, he became known as the “father of cellular.” Upon retiring in 1998, he began studying prophecies in an effort to uncover the reasons for their existence—something that had long intrigued him—culminating in the creation of this remarkable book. Get to know more about the author and his work by listening to the full interview below:
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: