“To Touch the Hand of God” by Eugene J. Phelan was nominated for the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award

Every year, everyone has been waiting for the great news. And now, the results for the Eric Hoffer Book Award have been released.

Eugene J. Phelan’s “To Touch the Hand of God,” published by Author Reputation Press, participated in the 2023 Eric Hoffer Book Award.

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.

The Eric Hoffer Book Award committee has completed its judging process for another year. Each person who participated and submitted their entry is appreciated. Thank you for your support. The award is facilitated by The Eric Hoffer Project, dedicated to maintaining Hoffer’s work and legacy.

This heartwarming patronage has helped make the Eric Hoffer Book Award one of the world’s premium independent book awards. Every book was carefully read and evaluated. Being part of this is such an honor and privilege for many.

Sherry Galetka of the US Review of Books acclaimed “To Touch the Hand of God” by Eugene J. Phelan, acknowledging that “in the use of daily chores that keep Walter moving through his sadness, the author has created a believable story about life, grief, and depression. Phelan shows the positive influence people can have at any age by using a child to provide the encouragement Walter needs to bring out the infinity mirror and begin to move forward with his life. This inspiring book will ring true with those who practice the Christian faith. It also provides a thought-provoking outlook on the changes that the loss of a parent brings to any family unit.” 

Eugene J. Phelan, the inspiring author of this masterpiece, was interviewed by CBS Radio’s Benji Cole in the program People of Distinction. The program is one of the most wide-ranging radio shows in the United States, hosted by Benji Cole and Al Cole from CBS Radio. People of Distinction is the right fit for authors and readers to discover newly published books, mostly written by passionate and independent authors. Benji Cole, the host of the program, is a world-class interviewer, video formulator, Los Angeles actor, and filmmaker. He’s shared the acting stage with superstar Tom Hanks.

Author Eugene J. Phelan was born in New York City. He is an education specialist and a former special education teacher and counselor. Phelan lives and works in Kentucky. “To Touch the Hand of God”, which is based on an experience Phelan shared with his own daughter when she was seven years old, is his first book.

Illustrator Penny Weber is a full-time artist and illustrator from Long Island, New York, where she has lived all of her life. She works mostly in acrylics as well as collage and mixed media. Weber has worked for the educational market, various magazines, and independent publishers.

“To Touch the Hand of God” presents Walter, who has recently experienced the loss of his wife and is having trouble adjusting to his new role as a single father. Feeling particularly down one Saturday morning, Walter is caught off guard by a question from his young daughter, Karen: “What happens if you hold a mirror up to another mirror?” Her curiosity leads the two on a mission to answer the question. What results are a thrilling discovery for Karen and confirmation for Walter that he will continue to create happy memories with his daughter despite the loss felt by them both?

With beautiful illustrations depicting the love between a father and his daughter, “To Touch the Hand of God” is a powerful lesson for parents and kids alike: We are stronger than we think.

This link will take you to a page where you can learn more about the 2023 ERIC HOFFER BOOK AWARD RESULTS: https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-winners.html#.ZFA7unbMKUk.