The literary world is also a landscape of profound stories, insightful narratives, and impactful voices. This is where the BREW Nonfiction Book Excellence Award 2024 celebrates authors who have offered unique perspectives and compelling insights through their nonfiction works. Amongst a myriad of exceptional submissions, the following winners have stood out, captured the essence of human experience, shared knowledge, and inspired readers worldwide.

The Winners

Book of the Year: My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis by Jennifer Gasner (Published by Acorn Publishing LLC)

In a heartfelt journey of resilience and self-discovery, Jennifer Gasner’s My Unexpected Life emerges as the shining star of the BREW Nonfiction Book Excellence Award 2024. Gasner’s candid exploration of navigating life beyond a diagnosis is not only deeply personal but universally relatable. With grace and vulnerability, she invites readers into her world and offers profound insights on finding balance amidst life’s unexpected challenges. This book is a testament to the human spirit’s capacity for growth, healing, and transformation.

Autobiography of the Year: My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis by Jennifer Gasner (Published by Acorn Publishing LLC)

Gasner’s autobiography is a masterpiece of introspection and honesty and illuminates the complexities of her journey with remarkable clarity. Through evocative storytelling and raw emotion, she paints a vivid portrait of resilience and showcases the power of embracing one’s truth and finding strength in vulnerability.

Women’s Memoir of the Year: My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis by Jennifer Gasner (Published by Acorn Publishing LLC)

Gasner’s memoir resonates deeply with women everywhere with its poignant exploration of identity, empowerment, and self-acceptance. Her narrative serves as a guiding light for those facing their own struggles and reminds readers of the beauty found in embracing one’s authenticity and reclaiming one’s life story.

Personal Transformation Book of the Year: My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis by Jennifer Gasner (Published by Acorn Publishing LLC)

Gasner’s exploration of personal transformation is both inspiring and illuminating with its invaluable lessons on resilience, acceptance, and the power of the human spirit. Through her journey, readers are reminded of the profound potential for growth and healing that lies within each of us.

True Crime Book of the Year: Saint Bloodbath by Frederick Douglass Reynolds (Published by DeltonRamsey)

Reynolds goes into the dark recesses of the human psyche with Saint Bloodbath, a gripping true crime narrative that unravels the complexities of the criminal mind. With meticulous fact-finding and vivid storytelling, Reynolds sheds light on the chilling realities of crime and its far-reaching implications.

Diversity and Inclusion Book of the Year: Black On Madison Avenue by Mark S. Robinson (Published by Alliance Books)

Robinson’s exploration of diversity and inclusion is a timely and essential contribution to the literary landscape. Black On Madison Avenue is a powerful examination of race, identity, and representation and challenges readers to confront systemic inequities and strive for a more inclusive society.

Nonformal Education Book of the Year: Me Power by LaNysha T. Adams (Published by New Degree Press)

Adams’ Me Power inspires and empowers through its practical wisdom and transformative insights for lifelong learning and personal growth. Through her engaging prose and actionable advice, Adams encourages readers to harness their inner potential and cultivate a life of purpose and fulfillment.

New Book of the Year: Killing Shore: The True Story of Hitler’s U-boats Off the New Jersey Coast by K.A. Nelson (Published by Brookline Books – Casemate Publishers)

Nelson’s Killing Shore transports readers to a pivotal moment in history and offers a riveting account of courage, sacrifice, and resilience in the face of adversity. With meticulous attention to detail and gripping storytelling, Nelson brings to life a little-known chapter of World War II and sheds light on the bravery of those who fought against tyranny.

History Book of the Year: Killing Shore: The True Story of Hitler’s U-boats Off the New Jersey Coast by K.A. Nelson (Published by Brookline Books – Casemate Publishers)

Nelson’s exploration of history is both enlightening and enthralling as it offers readers a fresh perspective on a pivotal period in world affairs. Nelson invites readers to look into the past and uncover untold stories and forgotten heroes along the way.

Submarine Book of the Year: Killing Shore: The True Story of Hitler’s U-boats Off the New Jersey Coast by K.A. Nelson (Published by Brookline Books – Casemate Publishers)

Nelson’s expertise on submarines shines through in Killing Shore with its comprehensive understanding of naval warfare and the pivotal role submarines played in shaping the course of history. His meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring to life the harrowing experiences of those who served beneath the waves.

Local History Book of the Year: Delaware Before the Railroads: A Diamond Among the States by Dave Tabler (Published by Dave Tabler)

Dave Tabler’s Delaware Before the Railroads triumphs for its meticulous exploration of Delaware’s rich past. Tabler reveals hidden narratives and pivotal moments in this foundational American colony. With stunning visuals and straightforward storytelling, he brings Delaware’s history to life and brings readers into the local intricacies that shaped the broader American narrative.

Psychology Book of the Year: Lasting Transformation: A Guide to Navigating Life’s Journey by Abby Rosen PhD (Published by Balboa Press)

Rosen’s Lasting Transformation presents a roadmap to personal growth and enlightenment. She guides readers with wisdom and compassion on a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal as well as inspires them to embrace their potential and live a life of purpose and meaning.

Inspirational Book of the Year: Run for My Life by Joseph P Odonnell (Published by Outskirts Press)

Odonnell’s Run for My Life is a testament to the indomitable human spirit in its gripping tale of courage, resilience, and hope in the face of adversity. Through his inspirational story, he reminds readers of the power of determination and perseverance in overcoming life’s greatest challenges.

Memoir of the Year: Fever of Unknown Origin: A True Tale of Medicine, Mystery, and Magic by Judith Ford (Published by Wipf & Stock Publishers)

Ford’s memoir chronicles her journey from a successful psychotherapist with a thriving personal life to a patient fighting for survival in the grip of a mysterious illness that nearly claimed her life. Ford intertwines her own story with that of her parents – one of hope, despair, suffering, and resilience through the depths of her struggle and the complexities of her recovery,

Health and Wellness Book of the Year: The Stress Book: Forty-Plus Ways to Manage Stress & Enjoy Your Life by D Terrence Foster, MD (Published by Global Health & Consortium)

Foster’s book gains recognition for its invaluable contribution to promoting mental and emotional well-being. Dr. Foster’s comprehensive guide offers practical strategies and insights that readers to effectively navigate stress and cultivate a fulfilling life with resilience and vitality.

Publisher of the Year: Acorn Publishing LLC

Acorn Publishing LLC has been acknowledged for its role in producing and bringing to readers My Unexpected Life: Finding Balance Beyond My Diagnosis by Jennifer Gasner – an outstanding literary work that earned the highest BREW Nonfiction Book Excellence Award acclaim, which is the Book of the Year title.

Moving Forward

The BREW Nonfiction Book Excellence Award 2024 winners represent the very best of contemporary nonfiction literature and offers readers a diverse array of voices, perspectives, and insights. Their works embody the power of storytelling to inform, inspire, and transform lives.

Useful Links

To view all BREW Award winners, click here.

For more details about the BREW Book, Blog, and Poetry Awards, click here.

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