-- Commendation from the Eric Hoffer Book Award is regarded as one of the notable achievements in independent publishing, bringing to the forefront books that contribute to literature, scholarship, and public discourse. The 2026 awards honored a diverse group of authors whose works explore faith, history, culture, and the human experience.
Among this year’s honorees is a book that examines one of Christianity’s most enduring questions: which Church most faithfully reflects the one founded by Jesus Christ? Earning the WINNER distinction in the E-Book Non-Fiction category is “Why I Believe in the Beauty & Truth of the Catholic Faith” by John L. Fontana, a work that explores Catholic doctrine, Church history, and biblical foundations while tracing the continuity of the Catholic Church from the Apostolic era to the present day.
Drawing from Scripture, historical records, and Church tradition, Fontana contrasts Catholicism with denominations that emerged throughout history. The book discusses the formation of the biblical canon, differences between Catholic and Protestant Bibles, the Eucharist, confession, and the priesthood.
A resident of Covington, Louisiana, Fontana is the father of five adult children and a grandfather. He spent more than four decades as a Registered Nurse. He also served as a First Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserve and National Guard and currently works as a clinical instructor.
Also recognized by the Eric Hoffer Book Award was finalist Ivan Prashker for “Hazardous Pay, Shirt Talk and Twenty-Four Other Stories.” The collection portrays Jewish American life throughout the twentieth century through interconnected stories that weave together family relationships, wartime experiences, humor, loss, and resilience. The book explores identity, community, and the lasting impact of historical events.
Fellow finalist Eric Steven Griesel was honored for “Celtic Betrayal,” a historical fiction novel that follows the Kerrigan family across five generations after their migration from Ireland to the United States in 1847. Overcoming hardship, sacrifice, and countless obstacles, the family builds a powerful business empire and accumulates extraordinary wealth. More than a century later, however, an unimaginable betrayal threatens to tear apart both the family and the legacy they worked so hard to establish.
Another finalist, Alan V. Goldman, received recognition for “Reflections on Mountaineering: A Journey Through Life as Experienced in the Mountains (FIFTH EDITION, Revised and Expanded) with Addendum.” Grounded in more than thirty years of climbing experience, Goldman uses narrative-style poems to reflect on perseverance and the search for meaning. His collection highlights how challenges encountered in the mountains often mirror those faced throughout everyday life.
Finalist Diane S. Vann was also recognized for “Undermining the U.S. Constitution,” a book that examines the influence of communist ideology in America and contrasts its principles with those of the U.S. Constitution. Through political commentary and personal observations, Vann encourages readers to consider issues she believes are shaping the nation’s future.
Together, these honored books reflect the breadth and vitality of independent publishing, engaging readers through faith, history, politics, poetry, and fiction. Their books are available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major online booksellers worldwide.
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