Adult Fiction 

Lilianne Milgrom won this prize for L’Origine (Little French Girl Press, ISBN 978-1-7348670-0-8), a work of fiction woven through the provenance of one of the world’s most infamous and controversial works of art, L’Origine du Monde, painted in 1866 by Gustave Courbet.  “L’Origine is the result of 10 years of research and writing”, Milgrom said, “but what kept me going was my absolute and unwavering obsession with wanting to get the story out into the world!”  Robin Cutler, president of LMBPN Worldwide Publishing and one of the judges, said: “Milgrom’s thorough research, knowledge and emotional attachment to the paining is enhanced by a sweeping fiction narrative that puts us in touh with major historical events and figures spanning 1866 to the present day.  On my next trip to Paris I will be visiting the Musee d’Orsay to see the painting with newfound appreciation because of this book.”

Children’s book  

Author Naibe Reynoso and illustrator Ana Varela won this new category with their joyful picture book How to Fold a Taco (Con Todo Press, ISBN 978-1-7337103-6-7).  Reynoso said “How to Fold a Taco was written to honor and celebrate my Latino heritage but also to make kids and parents smile, as it is a colorful and imaginary rhyming adventure with dragons, magicians, dinosaurs and more.  But to honor my culture, it was important to include my mom’s family taco recipe, and a brief history of the taco, which is now one of the most beloved dishes of America.”  Judge Paige Allen, director of IngramSpark, added: “Along with elements of science, language, culture, history and cuisine, the book ensures that readers will head straight to the kitchen or la cocina to indulge in a night of tacos and fun.”

Adult Fiction

Tim Westover, The Winter Sisters

The U.S. Selfies Awards judges called Westover’s book “an absorbing, well-researched and beautifully written novel” set in antebellum Georgia.

Jo Henry, managing director of BookBrunch and a juror for the awards, said, “This is a brilliantly realized depiction of the conflict between new scientific theories and traditional herbal remedies, set in a small 19th-century community under threat of rabies. Will the superstitious townsfolk trust to the new doctor or the three sisters—witches to some, healers to others—to cure them? With excellent sales and a sound marketing plan, Westover is a worthy winner.”