This Year’s Best Picks For Your Bookshelf
If you haven’t had the time to read a good book lately, how about choosing a title by an award-winning author from Florida? The Florida Authors & Publishers Association (FAPA), an organization for authors, publishers and other professionals involved in the Florida publishing industry, announces their annual picks in August, and we’re sharing them with you.
FAPA recognizes book publishing excellence and creativity in design, content, and production for authors and publishers. Finalists are chosen by publishing professionals and librarians from Florida and beyond.
No matter what type of book you enjoy, they have a category for it, and a winner. You may be surprised at how many fantastic authors there are all around you, and how much you can relate to their works.
We present below 10 of the many winners of the 2021 Florida Book Awards. If you like, you can check out the entire list of winners in every category.
Adult Fiction: General Fiction (also winner of the Mystery/Suspense Category)
“Incognito”
By Terry Lewis
Moonshine Cove Publishing
In this adventure story set in the early days of the American Revolution, main character Will Harrell lives in a world of danger and intrigue in a time when not being on the right side of politics could cost a man his life.
Adult Fiction: Thriller/Horror
“The Crucible of Steele”
This fast-paced techno-thriller tackles it all: unexpected twists, ethical challenges and provocative science. It is also the winner of the American Fiction Award for Best Techno Thriller.
Adult Fiction: Historical
“The Weight of Salt”
Edwards Publishing
Set in 1906 Tampa, Florida, Angelina, a determined young woman determined to live out her own destiny, faces challenges as she struggles with obstacles that would hold her back. Her father’s rigid loyalty to old traditions clashes with her allegiance to the women’s suffrage movement and a woman’s right to an education, even as the Mafia is terrorizing her neighborhood.
Biography/Autobiography/Memoir
“The Unopened Letter: How a Dose of Reality Changed a Young Man’s Life Forever”
Giro Di Mondo Publishing
A coming of age story of a young man facing his draft notice during the Vietnam Era, and how his decision shaped his life, and that of his family.
Young Adult: Fiction
“Raven”
By Susan Loh
Self-published
This technology-centered novel follows a teenage investigative group who set out to stop a team of hackers—but there’s something very different about this case, and the mystery ensues.
Children: Education
“Winston Loves Turtles”
By Deirdre Mountcastle
Winston is a new student in his class who loves to read, but he is bullied by some classmates. He becomes a Marine Turtle Patrol Volunteer, and when his teacher ends a unit on sea turtles with a field trip to the beach, the class sees the baby turtles make their way to the sea, and Winston becomes a hero.
Children: Picture Book
“Mia and Nattie: One Great Team!”
By Marlene Bell
Self-published
Nattie the Lamb had a mouth that was a little crooked. Her legs were too short. And one horn was too straight, like a unicorn’s. But Mia thought she was perfect. Find out why they are a great team.
Poetry
“Charting the Lost Continent: Poetry and Other Discoveries”
By Linda Albert
Albert’s poetry is influenced by her interests, academic training, the changing roles of contemporary women and her personal joys, struggles and insights over a lifetime now in its ninth decade.
Health
“The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook”
By Jill Grimes
Skyhorse Publishing
This guide for college students provides evidence-based medical information (served with a dose of humor) to reduce anxiety and stress and help set appropriate expectations for more than 50 common health issues.
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