Australian Christian Book of the Year Awards

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2006 - YOUNG AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Winner for 2006 (inaugural award)

Esther Hebbard of Western Australia for her 7,00 word story "Where the Piece Fits"

 

2006 - AUSTRALIAN CHRISTIAN THEOLOGICAL WRITERS AWARD

No award was made in this category for 2006.

 

2006 - CHRISTIAN BOOK OF THE YEAR

Winner

UNSEEN FOOTPRINTS: encountering the divine along the journey of life
ISBN 1876794526
by Sheridan Voysey
Published by Scripture Union Australia

Extract from the judges comments~

By using excellent examples from contemporary culture, Unseen Footprints provides an excitingly fresh and creative look at the intersections of the divine in daily life, and presents the faith in a way which connects with today's generation. It explores our responses to situations of pain, fame, yearning and delight without descending to sentimentality or religiosity.

Its well crafted, artistically pleasing presentation, makes it ideal for non-Christians and good to give to people who are searching, while being equally relevant to those who have already found God.

The engaging text of this innovative book is enhanced by the astute use of beautiful illustrations. A thoughtful and intelligent book which is creative, original and readable, but has depth and is not superficial. Editing and presentation are exemplary.


Second Prize

A SPECTATOR'S GUIDE TO JESUS: an introduction to the man from Nazareth
ISBN 1921137509
by John Dickson
Published by Blue Bottle Books

In a worthy addition to the "Spectator's Guide" series, this scholarly but accessible book deals with various aspects of the person of Jesus some of which people don't always recognise. It presents a clear picture of Jesus as seen by the people of his times, as well as convincing evidence from the secular sources, but also confronts the reader with the significant claims of Jesus in a sensitive and subtle way.

People - Christians and non-Christians - are interested in the person of Jesus, so the objective approach is good for those who know nothing, but has depth for people already acquainted with Jesus.

Its easy conversational style is neither shallow nor glib, and it explains theories clearly whilst avoiding theological language. 

Third Prize

I'M NOT CRAZY I'M JUST A LITTLE UNWELL: my journey through Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
ISBN 1876825359
by Leigh Hatcher
Published by Strand Publishing

A high-profile television journalist tells an honest personal story about his experience with CFS. He defines his 'wilderness experience' in detail, but never loses engagement, and completely avoids self-pity.

A valuable aspect of his story is his facing of the pain of misunderstanding and inappropriate responses from others, including Christian friends. The depths of his Christian struggle are explicit, but his abiding trust in God is inspiring.

The lively and engaging style of a professional journalist, coupled with his high media profile, will make this book appeal to many secular Australians. The cover cleverly provides instant recognition to many television viewers.

For full listing and judges' comments on short listed title (PDF 240 KB), click here.

 

JUDGES - 2006

John Calvert -- Baptist pastor and College lecturer in church history
John Pfitzner -- Lutheran pastor, veteran publisher (formerly at Open Book) and editor
Hilary Woodley -- Anglican layperson and teacher of English, french and History at Wilderness School

Co-ordinator: Len Woodley - National Secretary of SPCK-Australia

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