“Jimmy” by Donald Provance Jr. is a category finalist in the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category

According to the Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalists, “After our rigorous first round of judging, less than 10% of the nominees become category finalists. We consider this a distinction of its own merit and, in 2008, began officially announcing these titles. Finalists are selected by category scoring and considered for honors. There are typically 1-6 books per category remaining as finalists that nearly rose to category honors. Below are the current and previous category finalists in alphabetical order by book. We do not list their specific categories. This is a general list of books that reached the top judges, yet were not given specific category honors. They are the Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalists.”

Donald Provance’s “Jimmy,” published by Author Reputation Press, is a category finalist in the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category.

The Eric Hoffer Book Award commemorates the memory of the famous American philosopher Eric Hoffer by honoring outstanding writing and the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its foundation, Hoffer has grown to become one of the most prestigious worldwide book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.

Carolyn Davis of the US Review of Books acclaimed “Jimmy” by Donald Provance Jr. and highlighted, “The baseball theme emphasizes teamwork and fair play, correct and incorrect ways to play sports, as well as how to live life. For example, when Lew reappears, the confusion that everyone feels is mitigated by Jimmy’s coach (Sally’s love interest), who encourages the divorced couple to examine how they feel about each other. The teaching continues as the coach explains to Jimmy that he doesn’t want to “win” Sally by default. Whatever is to happen, it should be real and earned fairly. Friends, mostly teammates plus some significant others, fill out this truly enjoyable tale of a boy’s life. The author also contrasts Lew with other characters. For instance, Lew, who cannot forgive himself for supposedly “ruining his son’s life,” cannot see “the game” through. However, Jimmy, Sally, and their friends can deal with life, as they’re grounded in situations and their feelings for one another.”

Donald Provance Jr., the author, has lived in the Missouri Ozarks his entire life, and he and his wife, Susan, currently remain there. Laura, Jana, and Michael are their three children, while Jackson and Camryn are their two grandkids. Don spends most of his leisure time in the region outdoors, whether it’s at the lake, rafting down the James, or trekking through one of the region’s forests. The majority of his stories are inspired by his visits to these natural locales.

“Jimmy” is a wonderful story for everyone looking for the love and grace to accept and forgive themselves. Jimmy and his father are separated by the river after a horrific event. While Jimmy refuses to let his new physical restrictions define him, his father battles mental wounds that threaten to destroy him.

This link will take you to a page where you can learn more about the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award Category Finalists: https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-category-finalists.html#.ZFMAmHbMKUl.