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. Untamed: A Rich Collection of Freeform Poetry James Pavlakis 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, Untamed: A Rich Collection of Freeform Poetry by James Pavlakis 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 Jonah Meyer of The US Review of Books, who highlighted:
“Many of the author’s poems effectively express—in a rather dry, matter-of-fact manner—the notion that our daily human bickering over minute matters pales in significance to the larger, ultimate reality: the universe was here long before us, will continue long after we’re gone, and Mother Nature marches onward, as surely as night follows day and spring follows winter. Pavlakis has an accomplished knack for taking a seemingly banal aspect of human life and, through creative wordplay and poetic craft, repositioning it to reveal humanity’s folly. The poet is unafraid to admit collective ignorance, a refreshing and honest approach that adds an extra layer of insight and charm to these poems.”
Recently, The New York Times Book Review (NYTBR) featured this masterpiece. NYTBR is a highly regarded weekly magazine dedicated to literary criticism, featuring reviews, essays, and interviews about newly published books across various genres. As part of The New York Times, it plays a significant role in shaping literary trends and influencing readers’ choices. The magazine covers fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and children’s literature, offering in-depth analyses by esteemed critics and authors.
Author James Pavlakis, the youngest in a large, art-loving household with limited financial resources, grew up on the bank of a river that filled his childhood with fun and exploration. Scholarships enabled him to earn the first of three college degrees, followed by service in the U.S. Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He took his discharge there and began his first career—writing the never-finished Great American Novel.
His second and successful career, upon returning to the United States, was as the creator of innovative Human Resource Development programs, including college tuition assistance for employees in a large corporation. He has lived for extended periods in Germany, Greece, Australia, Portugal, Iran, and Mexico.
James’ inspiration for individual poems often stems from moments of reflection during walks, exercise, or daily life. These moments act as seeds, sprouting ideas that grow into rich poetic landscapes. His approach combines personal enjoyment with a commitment to creating meaningful connections with readers. For James, poetry is a gift he receives and shares, aiming to evoke emotion and inspire thought. He was interviewed by Benjie Cole of CBS Radio on the program People of Distinction, one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States.
For a more detailed understanding of James Pavlakis’ inspirations and the contents of his book, you can watch 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: