Mark Mustian’s book, Boy With Wings, and designer Suzanne Bradshaw named winners in the 2025 Eric Hoffer Book Awards.
Each year, the Eric Hoffer Award presents the da Vinci Eye to books with superior cover artwork. Cover art is judged on both content and style. The da Vinci Eye is given in honor of the historic artist, scientist, and inventor Leonardo da Vinci. This is an additional distinction beneath the Eric Hoffer Award umbrella. Boy With Wings has been selected as a winner for design, among six titles, narrowed down from a group of over 70 finalists.
What does it mean to be different? When Johnny Cruel is born with strange appendages on his back in the 1930s South, the locals think he’s a devil. Determined to protect him, his mother fakes his death, and they flee. Thus begins Johnny’s yearslong struggle to find a place he belongs. From a turpentine camp of former slaves to a freak show run by a dwarf who calls herself Tiny Tot and on to the Florida capitol building, Johnny finds himself working alongside other outcasts, struggling to answer the question of his existence. Is he a horror, a wonder, or an angel? Should he hide himself to live his life? Following Johnny’s journey through love, betrayal, heartbreak, and several murders, Boy With Wings is a story of the sacrifices and freedom inherent in making one’s own special way-and of love and the miracles that give our lives meaning.
Mark Mustian is the author of the novel The Gendarme, an international bestseller shortlisted for the Saroyan International Award for Writing and published in ten languages. He’s the founder of the Word of South Festival of Literature and Music in Tallahassee, Florida, and lives in Florida and Michigan.
Suzanne Bradshaw is an illustrator and designer from the mountains of North Carolina. She received her BFA in New Media & Design from UNC Greensboro. She currently lives and works in Savannah, GA.
