“In His Footsteps” by Ben Steinlage was nominated for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award

The US Review of Books recently announced the much-awaited results for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award.

“In His Footsteps” by Ben Steinlage, published by Author Reputation Press, was one of the nominees for the 2024 Eric Hoffer Book Award. It was commended by Barbara Bamberger of the US Review of Books, highlighting that “Steinlage’s work centers around the themes of searching for one’s father, the experiences of being a single mother, and the challenges faced by returning veterans. The author delves deeply into Jeff’s emotions as he reflects on his fatherless life, feeling a gaping hole that causes immense frustration. In the book, the author creates a clear distinction between Jeff’s mother and grandmother. Jeff’s mother did not know Jeff’s father very well and, therefore, cannot provide any information about him. In contrast, his grandmother knew him very well but refuses to speak about him because of the choices he made. Additionally, the book highlights the negative reception that Vietnam War veterans received upon their return to the United States. This book is sure to captivate readers with its numerous unexpected twists and turns, making it an enjoyable read.”

Eric Hoffer Book Award honors the memory of the great American philosopher Eric Hoffer by highlighting salient writing, as well as the independent spirit of small publishers. Since its establishment, the Hoffer has become one of the largest international book awards for small, academic, and independent presses.

The US Review of Books supports the Eric Hoffer Project by publishing the results of the annual Eric Hoffer Award for Books. The Eric Hoffer Award is judged by a separate panel, under the direction of the Eric Hoffer Project.

Ben Steinlage is a retired printing consultant who lives in New Mexico with his wife. At the age of 8, he developed a passion for writing, and he hasn’t stopped. He also gained an interest in the Civil War, accumulating many artifacts and books on the subject. With two interests and his family’s history, he wrote his first novel, “Want to Go West, Lady.”

He started writing around more than five decades ago as a hobby. This past time has led him to become a published writer. As a writer, he likes challenges, which means he writes in a variety of genres.

He was interviewed by Benji Cole from CBS Radio. The interview in the program of People of Distinction is about the discussion of the message of the book as well as the author’s purpose for writing this masterpiece. Click here to listen to the full interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=44BSs3EeBno&t=48s.

“In His Footsteps” is a story that was written with our country’s veterans in mind. It is also for the survivors left behind—the ones who died in battle.

Click on this link to find out more about the 2024 Eric Hoffer Award results: https://www.hofferaward.com/Eric-Hoffer-Award-winners.html.