Genre: Contemporary Fiction

A one-time toll collector on the Golden Gate Bridge Takes on an emotional journey from alienation to rediscovery, finding hope in Iceland’s wild landscapes.

“Rediscovering Humanity”

Valerie Tobruk’s fight against obsolescence in a world increasingly dictated by AI reflects universal struggles with displacement and self-worth. As a displaced toll collector yearning for a sense of purpose, her journey underscores the enduring conflict between technology and humanity. Her experiences—ranging from conversations with an Icelandic psychologist to heart-stopping encounters with nature’s raw power—make this book a thought-provoking tale of resilience.

With vivid depictions of Iceland’s untamed beauty juxtaposed against AI-driven urban isolation, the story draws on poignant moments that challenge readers to examine their own connection with Earth’s untouched expanses. Who doesn’t wonder how humanity can sustain meaning in an era of machines? The book suggests that in embracing the wildness outside, we reclaim the vitality within.

Though suitable for all audiences, Valerie’s encounters also serve as gentle cautionary tales, rooted in her discomfort with artificial living. Free of graphic content or offensive language, it aligns well with family-friendly requirements. The story leaves readers with a rich, unforgettable image: humanity’s spirit, like a resilient Icelandic puffin, endures against all odds.

Does it deserve the Words of the Earth Book of the Earth Award? Absolutely. By intertwining the fight for authenticity with a deep appreciation of Earth’s majesty, The Last Toll Collector reminds us of our shared belonging—to the planet and the universe it calls home. This intricate dance between human struggles and the natural world cements its place as a quintessential candidate, worthy of the spotlight for its timeless, transformative message.

About the Book of the Earth Award

Book of the Earth Award winners are works of fiction and nonfiction that exemplify the intricate connection between literature, the natural world, and the boundless realms of human thought. These pieces explore our planet’s ecosystems, environmental challenges, and the imaginative possibilities that shape our understanding of ourselves and our planet as well as its past, present, and future. Here, we also feature books that honor, reflect, or draw inspiration not only from Earth’s ecosystems, landscapes, and elemental forces but also from the vastness beyond—outer space, alternative dimensions, and imagined worlds. Yet, even when venturing far beyond our planet, every Book of the Earth Award winner remains grounded, conceived by minds shaped by the Earth and its diverse experiences.

This collection brings together narratives that inspire thoughtful reflection on our relationship with Earth and our place in the cosmos. Whether exploring our natural world or imagining distant galaxies, these stories highlight how deeply the roots of human imagination are planted in the Earth. From classic environmental writing to modern fiction, poetry, and speculative tales, the series offers a rich concoction of ideas that celebrate the beauty, complexity, and challenges of our planet and beyond.

By blending reality with imagination, our featured pieces illuminate how literature can help us explore both the wonders of our world and the mysteries of the universe. Through these stories, we discover hope, innovation, and the potential for harmonious coexistence, while envisioning futures that inspire change and reflecting the choices we must make today on our home planet.

To nominate a book, submit it through our Review Requests page.