Every year, authors, publishers, and readers eagerly anticipate the announcement of the Eric Hoffer Book Award honorees. The wait is finally over, as the results for the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award have officially been released, and Trashed or Treasured?: A Short, Practical Theology of Aging by Dr. Glenn Bryant Havumaki has been recognized as one of this year’s honorees.
The announcement of the 2026 Eric Hoffer Book Award honorees marks another significant milestone in the literary world, highlighting the outstanding accomplishments of authors and publishers who embody the spirit of independent thought, creativity, and excellence in publishing. The prestigious award continues to honor the legacy of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by recognizing books of exceptional merit from small, academic, and independent presses, including self-published works.
The Eric Hoffer Award encompasses a wide range of honors, including the Grand Prize, category awards, and distinguished recognitions across numerous literary genres. In addition, 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 continue to celebrate the diversity and innovation within the independent publishing community.
While the Grand Prize remains the pinnacle of the Eric Hoffer Book Award, earning recognition itself is already a remarkable accomplishment. The award’s rigorous judging process ensures that only books demonstrating exceptional literary quality, originality, and artistic integrity receive acknowledgment. According to the Eric Hoffer Award organization, fewer than 10% of nominees advance to become category finalists, making every recognition a meaningful achievement in independent publishing.
For independent authors and publishers, this recognition provides increased visibility and credibility in an increasingly competitive literary marketplace. Recognition from the Eric Hoffer Award can also open opportunities for broader media exposure, speaking engagements, professional networking, and expanded readership.
This year, Trashed or Treasured?: A Short, Practical Theology of Aging joins the roster of distinguished books recognized by the Eric Hoffer Book Award. The recognition honors the book’s inspirational message and meaningful contribution to Christian and spiritual literature. Celebrated for its compassionate insights, biblical foundation, and thoughtful reflections on aging, the work reflects the spirit of the award by presenting meaningful ideas that encourage readers to value, honor, and support older adults with dignity, faith, and purpose.
The book has also earned international recognition through major literary events and prestigious publishing platforms. Trashed or Treasured?: A Short, Practical Theology of Aging was displayed during the Frankfurt Book Fair 2023 (Frankfurter Buchmesse) and later featured again at the 2025 Frankfurt Book Fair in Frankfurt, Germany, one of the world’s largest and most influential publishing trade fairs. These international showcases allowed the book to reach broader global audiences while highlighting its relevance in Christian ministry, aging, and pastoral care.
The book was also showcased at the 2025 Beijing International Book Fair (BIBF), the 35th Hong Kong Book Fair 2025, and the China Shanghai International Children’s Book Fair (CCBF) 2025, further expanding its visibility across global literary communities. Participation in these internationally recognized book fairs emphasized the book’s timely message about honoring older adults, encouraging purposeful aging, and strengthening spiritual care within families, churches, and communities.
Trashed or Treasured?: A Short, Practical Theology of Aging challenges readers to develop a biblical understanding of aging while encouraging older adults to live purposefully and faithfully during their later years. The book emphasizes that aging should not be viewed as decline or rejection but rather as a meaningful stage of life filled with purpose, service, wisdom, and spiritual significance. Through biblical reflections, personal experiences, and practical ministry insights, the work encourages readers to honor and care for older adults with compassion and respect.
The US Review of Books also recommended and highly praised Trashed or Treasured? Reviewer Barbara Bamberger Scott commended the book for its thoughtful exploration of aging, spirituality, and the value of older adults in society and faith communities. The review highlighted how Dr. Havumaki combines biblical truth with years of ministry experience to encourage readers to approach aging with purpose, dignity, and hope.
The US Review of Books states:
“He reminds readers that humans were created out of dust, and will return to dust, yet their restoration in spirit exists through the life and sacrifice of God’s son, Jesus.”
Pacific Book Review also recognized Trashed or Treasured? for its inspiring message and compassionate perspective on aging. The review praised Dr. Havumaki’s ability to weave biblical teachings with practical ministry experience while emphasizing the importance of honoring and reconnecting with older adults. The publication highlighted the book’s strong spiritual foundation and its encouragement for communities to help seniors continue living meaningful and purposeful lives rooted in faith and service.
The Pacific Book Review states:
“What sets Trashed or Treasured? apart is its grounding in Christian faith and the belief that every life, especially in old age, is precious and purposeful.”
Beyond its spiritual insights, the book carries meaningful themes of faith, compassion, dignity, legacy, perseverance, and purpose. The narrative encourages readers to reflect on how society, families, and churches treat older adults while emphasizing the importance of preserving human dignity throughout every stage of life. Through its accessible and heartfelt writing style, the book demonstrates that aging can remain a purposeful journey filled with spiritual growth, wisdom, and service to others.
Dr. Glenn Bryant Havumaki has been ministering to older adults since 1976. For 35 years, he served as Director of Christian Ministries and Lead Chaplain at The Elim Park Baptist Home in Cheshire, Connecticut. Since his retirement in 2014, he has continued serving as a Certified Ministry Partner with the Christian Grandparenting Network. His decades of hands-on ministry experience deeply shaped his understanding of aging, spiritual care, and the importance of helping older adults live with purpose and faith.
The inspiration behind Trashed or Treasured? came from Dr. Havumaki’s lifelong ministry work with seniors and his desire to provide churches, families, pastors, counselors, and ministry leaders with a practical biblical perspective on aging. Through the book, he hopes to challenge readers to value older adults not as forgotten members of society but as individuals created in God’s image who continue to possess dignity, wisdom, purpose, and spiritual significance throughout their lives.
Dr. Glenn Bryant Havumaki was also featured through literary platforms and publishing campaigns that helped introduce Trashed or Treasured? to wider audiences within the Christian and inspirational literary community. These features highlighted the book’s socially relevant themes, ministry-centered message, and practical guidance for caring for older adults with compassion and faith. The growing recognition surrounding the book continues to strengthen its impact among readers interested in Christian living, pastoral ministry, aging, and spiritual encouragement.
Through its inspiring message, spiritual depth, international recognition, and literary accomplishments, Trashed or Treasured?: A Short, Practical Theology of Aging continues to encourage readers to honor the elderly, embrace purposeful aging, and recognize the enduring value and dignity of every individual throughout all stages of life.
Judging for this year’s Eric Hoffer Book Award has officially concluded, and the complete list of honorees, finalists, and award distinctions is now available on the official Eric Hoffer Award website:
https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-winners.html#grand