The Product Category kicking off the new and improved Jolt Awards is Books -- and the judging is already underway. Well, almost underway.

A bushel of books have been nominated by publishers, readers, and judges, and are on their way to the judges at this moment. What's unique about the Book judging this year is that, with the advent of devices like the Kindle and iPad, some of the judges have requested and will be reading ebook versions.

Do you have a favorite or valuable book that you'd like to nominate? If so, it's not too late. Drop a note to joltawards@drdobbs.com right away.

Short of that, what books are you aware of that deserve a Jolt Award? Log on below and add your thoughts and recommendations in a Comment.

-- Jonathan Erickson
jerickson@ddj.com