“Of Metal and Earth,” by East Norriton resident Jennifer M. Lane, has been named by the Independent Book Publishing Professionals Group as one of the best indie books of 2019.
Lane’s book is winner of the First Novel (70,000 to 90,000 words) category in the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards, the world’s largest not-for-profit book awards program for independent publishers and self-published authors.
The book follows seven owners of a 1964 Jeep CJ-5 as their lives are changed by their encounter with the car.
“A little green jeep means so much in so many ways. It is symbolic of war, adventure, reliability, break down and visual wear and tear. Author Lane uses restoration and maintenance to set its chronological journey through seven title holders,” said Jill E Bemix, Next Generation Indie Book Awards Judge. “As with the jeep, its owners are flawed and at risk of total failure at any time. Lane draws the reader deeply into human frailty, imperfect relationships, and everyday obstacles as the title passes from one person to another. How the jeep is treated is tied closely to its owners' flawed relationships, status in society, and decision-making ability. She flawlessly blends love, loss, emotional healing, self-sacrifice, and generosity in this well-paced imaginative look at human nature. It will leave readers wondering what their vehicles would say about them and be grateful vehicles cannot talk.”
The awards are judged by leaders of the indie book publishing industry, including many with long careers at major publishing houses. Their love of a great read and experience in the publishing arena helps to identify books deserving a wider audience.
2019 is the 12th year of the not-for-profit book awards program.
"Our program has become known as the Sundance of the book publishing world,” said Catherine Goulet, co-chair of the Next Generation Indie Book Awards, referring to the famed independent film festival.
To help indie authors and publishers reach a wider audience, the top 70 books in the 2019 Next Generation Indie Book Awards will be reviewed by New York literary agent Marilyn Allen, of Allen O’Shea Literary Agency, or one of Allen’s co-agents, for possible representation in areas such as: distribution, foreign rights, film rights, and other rights. Allen has worked with best-selling authors and served in senior positions with major publishers including Harper Collins, Simon & Schuster, and Penguin Books.
The awards will be presented on June 21 in a ceremony at the Mayflower Hotel in Washington, DC, coinciding with the American Library Association Annual Conference.
A complete list of 2019 winners and finalists is available at the Next Generation Indie Book Awards website at www.indiebookawards.com.
“Of Metal and Earth” is available for purchase at Amazon.
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