The New York City chapter of the National MS Society sponsors an annual "Books for a Better Life" awards ceremony—which also serves as a fundraising gala that over the last 12 years has generated more than $1.5 million— and the latest nominees have just been announced, recognizing fifty books in ten categories, ranging from inspirational memoirs to childcare/parenting guides (and we wouldn't swear to it, but we think this might be the first year for the "green" category.)

The February awards ceremony will also include "Hall of Fame" tributes to Drs. Michael Roizen, co-authors of the You: An Owner's Manual health guide series, and to HarperStudio publisher Robert Miller—whose books at Hyperion have popped up on the shortlists quite a few times over the years, including this year's mega-hit The Last Lecture.