You had your eyes wide open. Still, it happened: the holidays snuck up on you, just like they do every year. One day, it was September and you were drinking something iced. The next minute, you had a long gift list in your hand and you were standing, baffled, in the middle of a crowded store, wondering how you ever got to this point and wishing for that iced drink.

Allow us to make your life easier. Here’s a gift guide to make fulfilling that list a snap and your holidays smoother by giving books…

Okay, now the important stuff: release dates are approximate. You might have to order what you want to give, so allow plenty of time. If all else fails, buy yourself the book and give a gift certificate. Heck, buy yourself the book anyhow because you’ve worked hard this year. And if you’ve got questions, nicely ask your favorite bookseller because she’s made it her job to put books in your hands.

Season’s Readings !

FEATURED READ

"RAISED EYEBROWS: My Years Inside Groucho's House," is the remarkable story of a young Marx Brothers fan by the name of Steve Stoliar who only wanted to shake Groucho's hand and wound up working inside the home of "the one, the only" as his secretary and archivist for the last three years of the legendary comedian's life. Rubbing shoulders, not only with Groucho, but with his brothers, Zeppo and Gummo, Stoliar also mingled with such legends as George Burns, Bob Hope, Mae West, SJ Perelman, and scores of others.

"RAISED EYEBROWS" is the ultimate story of a fan's dream come true, and now, 15 years since the book was originally published in hardcover, Stoliar has written a new afterword chapter for this new edition that details events and experiences that have taken place over the past decade.

This is a true page-tuner that would make a great holiday gift for the Groucho fan in your life. Just look at what has been said about this compelling read:

"A real page-turner that is by turns startling, shocking and as engrossing as a good novel. What a splendid book it is." -- Dick Cavett

"It's one of the best books about a show-business icon I've ever read...It makes Groucho live so much more than the conventional bios." -- Woody Allen

"Raised Eyebrows is an intimate account of one of our national treasures - Groucho Marx. It's written by a young man who was fortunate enough to live with and work for Groucho, and if he doesn't know what he's talking about, who would? It has a unique insider's point of view and is a fascinating study of a man who was one of the kings of comedy." -- Jack Lemmon

"In this delightful report, Mr. Stoliar brings the real Groucho alive with wit, tears and all." -- Steve Allen

"RAISED EYEBROWS," priced at $19.95, can be ordered from www.bearmanormedia.com.

Gift Guide 2011

FICTION

Your giftee might be someone’s wife. She might be his second wife. But imagine being someone’s fourth wife – and the other three are still married to hubby! In “The Secret Lives of the Four Wives” by Lola Shoneyin, a woman becomes a fourth bride and quickly becomes the favorite. But what will it do to the family? I’m not telling. Wrap it up and ask your giftee later…

If your giftee has read all the Twilight books and is eager to move onto something with a little more bite, then wrap up “Tattoo” by Kirsten Imani Kasai. This fantasy book is about human-animal mutations that can switch genders at will. That’s not always a good thing… especially when the Tattoo draws both alter-egos into danger. Wrap it up with “Darker Still” by Leanna Renee Hieber, a story of a painting of a dead man…. or is he really dead? Umm hmm: guaranteed holiday hauntings. Also look for “Touch of Frost” by Jennifer Estep, a Harry-Potter-meets-romance kind of book with a touch of chaos and mystery.

Speaking of holiday hauntings, you might want to include “Ghosts by Gaslight,” edited by Jack Dann and Nick Gevers. This collection of all-new stories by seventeen writers will keep your giftee right on the edge of his (or her!) seat right through the New Year.

If there’s a traveler on your list, he or she might like “Touch and Go” by Thad Nodine. This “road novel” tells the story of a recovering addict who journeys with his sponsors from coast to coast to make an important delivery to a dying man. It’s not, in any way, an easy trip, of course. Can you possibly resist wrapping a gift like this in an old map? Can you resist also giving “Tales of the New World ”, ten short stories by Sabina Murray, each with a travelers-and-explorers theme? I wouldn’t be able to….

So you’ve got a knitter on your gift list and you hate giving yarn – again. Why not give her “ Sunrise on Cedar Key” by Terri Dulong instead? This novel is about knitting together dreams and hopes, and a new life borne from the ashes of an old one. Another book that will appeal to someone who loves books about loss and rising from the ashes is “Silver Girl” by Elin Hilderbrand, the story of a woman who loses everything and escapes her problems with her best friend – only to step into different problems.

Has your giftee ever dreamed of chucking it all and running away? Then here’s a great book to give: “The Double Life of Alfred Buber” by David Schmahmann. Alfie Buber is known and loved by everybody in town but he lives a secret life. Can he meld the two existences into one happy life?

If your giftee loves a good bodice-ripper with faith-based characters, then look for “Highland Sanctuary” by Jennifer Hudson Taylor . Set in ancient times, this book tells the story of a “comely lass” who captures a chieftain’s heart after he discovers a secret village of outcasts. There’s adventure and battle in this book, but God’s word is in here, too. Also look for “Yours, Unexpectedly” by Susan Fox, a book about a wedding postponed and the romance that springs from it.

If your giftee relishes a good sweeping, many-layered epic novel, you can’t go wrong by wrapping up“Conquistadora” by Esmerelda Santiago. Set in the mid-1800s in varying locales around the world, this novel tells the story of a young woman who leaves spain to travel to Cuba and faces dangers and challenges she never knew she’d see.

Who doesn’t love a good mystery? For sure, you’ve got someone on your gift list who does, which is why you’ll want to look for “Defensive Wounds” by Lisa Black. When forensic investigator Theresa MacLean is handed a case where everybody involved is a suspect with a motive and several influential lawyers are found dead, she knows that she has to gather good evidence – even though the crime scene is a mess. And for an even better gift, pair it up with “ Motor City Shakedown” by D. E. Johnson, the story of revenge in Detroit , gangsters, unions, and a deadly mob war.

Want more for the mystery maven? Look for “Ghost Hero” by S. J. Rozan, the story of a P.I. who’s been hired to find the latest star in the art world. Ghost Hero Chau is making a huge splash with his amazing paintings. The problem is, he’s been dead for two decades… Pair it up with “Swift Edge” by Laura DiSilverio, a book about a missing figure skater, an Olympic possibility, and murder cold as ice.

And what if there’s two (or more) mystery fans on your gift list? The more the merrier with “Coffin Man” by James D. Doss (a Charlie Moon Mystery set in the Wild West) and “Jersey Law” by Ron Liebman, a humorous crime-novel about two Jersey lawyers and the drug lord they’ve been cornered into helping.

Bonus when you give two people mysteries for the holidays: Swapping!

If your giftee is alone this holiday because she’s the innocent victim of a crime she didn’t commit, then wrap up “Women Outside the Walls” by Trisha Sugarek. This is the story of three women whose husbands are incarcerated and how they deal with what happens. And if you want a book about the other side of the bars, look for “The Gray Zone ” by Daphna Edwards Ziman, a book about a young, beautiful criminal and the defense attorney who falls in love with her.

And if she’s been examining race and is thinking about marrying OUT, then wrap up “Clementine Camille: An American Romance” by Ronald John Vierling. This book is the story of a black girl and the white boy she falls in love with, and how it affects them for the rest of their lives.

Who doesn’t love a good noir mystery a la Bogie and Bacall? If there’s someone on your gift list who does, then look for “Anything Short of Murder” by Tony Piazza. Written like the old-time pulp novels of decades ago, this book is filled with mayhem, mobs and – naturally – murder. Wrap it up with the political thriller “Operation Downfall” by Daniel McNeet, a book about conspiracy and danger for every man, woman, and child in America .

NON-FICTION

Hey their. Rapping up a few good presence? Yeah, I know that’s all improper, but there’s my point: if your giftee is a writer who loves words, then wrap (rap?) up “The Bugaboo Review” by Sue Sommer. This lighthearted book takes a good, hard look at confusing grammar, spelling, and words your writer knows and uses – perhaps incorrectly. This book will quash that mistakenness like a, um, a bug. Wrap it up with “The Pun Also Rises” by John Pollack, for a perfectly word-wise Yule.

Is there a giftee on your list whose name practically screams for something edgy? Then look for“Adventures in the Orgasmatron” by Christopher Turner. Far from prurient, this big fat book takes a look at the history of the Twentieth Century sexual revolution and one psychoanalyst’s quest to get us there through “science.” And because there’s no way to finish this book in one sitting, wrap it up with a BOOKFLIP instant bookmark. Be sure to ask for a demonstration when you buy one.

Does your giftee go, go, go in a too-fast-paced life? Tell him (or her!) to slow down by wrapping up “What I Learned When I Almost Died” by Chris Licht. This small book is the true story of an ambitious man who spent eight days in the hospital after suffering a near-death brain hemorrhage. Wrap it up with a joke book because life’s too short.

If you’ve got a new homeowner on your gift list (or someone who’s a big DIYer), then you’ll want to give a gift certificate for “What’s a Homeowner to Do?” by Stephen Fanuka and Edward Lewine. This book, coming out in January, is filled with all kinds of fix-and-design ideas that will make that old house a home. Wrap the gift certificate up with a promise to help, and you’ve got a gift that can’t be beat. I also liked “The Archaeology of Home” by Katharine Greider. This is the story of the history of a Manhattan row house, and the displaced author who was compelled to find out more about the irritating, exasperating, wonderful place she called home.

Here’s something unusual for the guy who likes extreme sports: “Raw Combat: The Underground World of Mixed Martial Arts” by Jim Genia. This book takes readers inside the world of “anything-goes” fighting where scars are like medals and risking everything can become everything. Wrap it up in bandages. He might need ‘em. And for the ultimate risk-taker, look for “How to Avoid Being Killed in a War Zone” by Rosie Garthwaite. If your extreme-sporter is really sticking his neck out, this survival guide may save his life.

Here’s a quirky little gift for the die-hard, can’t-live-without-books reader on your list: “ Reading with the Stars” by Leonard Kniffel. What does Laura Bush like to read? How about David Mamet? Or Kareem Abdul-Jabbar? This is the ultimate celebration of fame plus fiction (and non-fiction) and your giftee will love it.

So you say your giftee is crazy about those crime shows on TV? If she always wanted to be a detective, then wrap up “Delayed Justice” by Jack Branson and Mary Branson. This book is filled with cold cases and the ways with which investigators solve them (or, at least, try to solve them). This book is an armchair PI’s delight. Pair it up with the fast-moving “We Have Your Husband” by Jayne Garcia Valseca with Mark Ebner, the true story of a kidnapping in Mexico and one wife’s frightening ordeal. And for a look at the other side of the bars, wrap up “Hard Time: Life with Sheriff Joe Arpaio in America ’s Toughest Jail” by Shaun Attwood, a book about a man who spent time in jail under Arizona ’s “notorious” Sheriff Joe.

And if there’s someone on your gift list who can never get enough of true crime, look for “Delivered from Evil” and “The Crime Buff’s Guide to the Outlaw Rockies ”, both by Ron Franscell. These books, the first one about people who survived mass murder and horrific killings and the second one about Wild West bad guys and the places they were bad, will keep your crime buff in his or her seat for a good long time.

So you say your giftee loves music. She love to watch dancing. He’s a HUGE movie fan. Then you can’t go wrong when you wrap up “Art & Soul: Stars Unite to Celebrate and Support the Arts,” edited by Robin Bronk, photography by Brian Smith. This book is literally half love-letter from your favorite Hollywood / Broadway / TV / Movie stars, and the other hand if pictures of those stars in their support of the arts. This huge coffee table book is a delight for anyone who loves entertainment of any kind.

Curious minds can’t be without their books, and “What Does the Earth Sound Like?” by Eva Everythingis the perfect one to wrap up. Using science quizzes, this book entertains and informs – a winning combination in any science geek’s world. Wrap it up with “Curious Folks Ask 2” by Sherry Seethaler, a book for the trivia-minded.

The holidays are a time for family, but if yours is far-flung, then “Made for You and Me” by Caitlin Shetterly will be a welcome gift. This is the story of a Shetterly and her husband, their ill-fated move cross-country, and their journey back to heart and home. Wrap it up with tissues and a wish for a visit, soon.

Is there a parent on your gift list… or someone who’s thinking about being one? Then why not give “Selfish Reasons to Have More Kids” by Bryan Caplan? This helpful book shows parents (or future moms & dads) that raising a family doesn’t require hard work and no play; in fact, enjoying the journey with your kids is one of the best things about being a parent. Wrap this book up with “The World According to Toddlers” by Shannon Payette Seip and Adrienne Hedger… and maybe a gift certificate for babysitting.

If you’ve got someone on your list who is staring at the future with a tornado of a toddler, then look for “Dr. Riley’s Box of Tricks” by Douglas A. Riley, EdD. This is a book of parenting solutions for everyday problems with the kiddoes, and includes things that Mom or Dad has yet to encounter. And if the kid is, um, a bit older, then wrap up “How to Raise Your Adult Children” by Gail Parent and Susan Ende, M.F.T. Yes, indeed, just because your giftee’s baby turns 18, doesn’t mean she’s done being Mom…

Without a doubt, you know someone who likes a good argument. So why not give “Muzzled: The Assault on Honest Debate” by Juan Williams. This book tackles the subject of PC-ness, free speech, racial profiling, religious debate, and why you can (or can’t) say certain things in certain places to certain people. Get a copy for your giftee, and find one for yourself, too, then look for “Living ‘Illegal’: The Human Face of Unauthorized immigration” by Marie Friedmann Marquardt, Timothy J. Steigenga, Philip J. Williams, and Manuel A. Vasquez.

Here’s another good book, and it’s filled with enough debate to last well into the new year.

Everybody makes New Years’ resolutions to lose weight and get active, but if your giftee is making real promises, then wrap up “In the Long Run” by Jim Axelrod. This is the true story of a man who confronts all the wrong things in his life and vows to beat his father’s record in the New York marathon. It’s a book about fathers and sons, regrets and triumphs.

You gotta love small towns, and if your giftee is particularly smitten with his (or hers!), then look for “Emus Loose in Egnar: Big Stories from Small Towns” by Judy Muller. This book, a long letter to the kind of places where everybody knows everything about you five minutes before it happens, is perfect for anybody who lives in a tiny town or is missing one of the same.

If there’s someone on your gift list who is concerned with the environment, then you’ll be glad you give “Hot: Living Through the Next Fifty Years on Earth” by Mark Hertsgaard. This book, part cautionary and all informative, will make you glad you wrapped it in recyclable paper, too. Also look for “The Beekeeper’s Lament” by Hannah Nordhaus, a book about food, bees and their keeper, and keeping all of the above in good working order in the world.

We all need a little boost now and then, and if your giftee is in particular need, then be sure to give“Everything is Going to Be Okay” by Bruce Eric Kaplan. This sweet story and its accompanying simple illustrations will give that special person just the right kind of comfort. Wrap it up with “1,000 Mitzvahs” by Linda Cohen for a mitzvah of your own this holiday.

Is there a self-professed geek on your gift list? Oh, I just know he’ll want to open a package with “NASA Space Shuttle Owners Workshop Manual” by Dr. David Baker and “RMS Titanic Owners’ Workshop Manual” by David F. Hutchings and Richard de Kerbrech in it. These way-cool books, brought to you by the people who publish the Haynes automotive books, include schematics, detailed pictures, engineering facts, and so much more. And if you really want to make the gift spectacular, look for“The Practical Pyromaniac” by William Gurstelle, a book made for playing with fire.

Do you have on your list someone who is concerned about social justice and crime? Then be sure to wrap up “False Justice: Eight Myths that Convict the Innocent” by Jim Petro and Nancy Petro, and“Convicting the Innocent” by Brandon L. Garrett. These books nicely complement one another and will make great gifts for any future or current lawyer. And if that social justice advocate is also interested in immigration issues, wrap up “Rescuing Regina ” by Josephe Marie Flynn, SSND (a book about deportation during times of war).

What would the world look like if it was filled with one gender or another? If you’ve heard your giftee muse about that in times of irritation, then wrap up “Unnatural Selection” by Mara Hvistendahl. This book presents scientific and cultural scenarios for what the world would look like if women become obsolete, and how we could be heading in that direction… And speaking of unnatural worlds, look for “Real Aliens, Space Beings, and Creatures from Other Worlds” by Brad Steiger and Sherry Hansen Steiger. This book makes a world full of one gender or another seem like a happy walk in the park…

Where do we come from? If there’s someone on your gift list who ponders the big picture, then wrap up“Born in Africa : the Quest for the Origins of Human Life” by Martin Meredith. This book takes a look at how scientists continue to discover where humanity’s roots lie, and what may be expected in the coming years. And for even more big-question thinking, add “When Gadgets Betray Us” by Robert Vamosi to the gift box. That’s a book about how we’ve come to rely on technology and what could happen if it suddenly turns on us.

For the giftee who loves God, “The Desperate Christian” by Leigh Crane-Freeman is a good choice for a gift. This book will help that special someone in his or her search for a church that fills a spiritual hole in their soul.

HUMOR

Is your giftee one of those “glass-half-empty” people? Then be sure to wrap up “Survive the Bomb”, edited by Eric G. Swedin. This book, filled with Cold War-era hints and tips on being safe in the case of a nuclear attack, is quaintly innocent and will put a smile on the face of anyone who’s sure a target is painted on their roof. Wrap it up with “Manksills: how to Avoid Embarrassing Yourself and Impress Everyone Else” by Chris Peterson, to guarantee a better chance of Armageddon survival.

Are the words “Bah. Humbug” on the lips of your giftee right about now? Then you might – just might – get a smile from “The Misanthrope’s Guide to Life (Go Away)” by Meghan Rowland & Chris Turner-Neal.This is the book your grump needs, the one your curmudgeon craves. Give it – then slink away.

The Trekkie on your list will be over the moon when you give “Shatner Rules: Your Guide to Understanding the Shatnerverse and the World At Large” by William Shatner. Part advice, part memoir, and part tongue-in-cheek, this book is pure fun. Engage.

Here’s a gift that will be welcome, but only to the right person so beware: “Weed: 420 Things You Didn’t Know (or Remember) About Cannabis” by IM Stoned; “The Quotable Stoner” by Holden Blunts; and “The Danktionary: An A-Z Guide to Stoner Slang” by Will B. High. Yes, indeed, these are funny books and will give the right person a high (no pun intended) amount of snickers… but beware who opens the wrapping and who’s in the room when that happens.

COOKING

For the wine aficionado on your gift list, “Naked Wine” by Alice Feiring” will make the perfect gift. This book, the story of a neophyte wine-maker, will surely spur your wine lover on a journey of his or her own. Wrap it up with a special pair of goblets, and ask to be invited to the first uncorking.

What can be said about comfort food – other than that everybody loves it? If your giftee is always looking for a different kind of recipe, then wrap up “Gudrun’s Kitchen: Recipes from a Norwegian Family” by Ingeborg Hydle Bauth, Irene O. Sandvold, Edward O. Sandvold, and Quinn E. Sandvold. Filled with recipes and a family history, this book also includes celebrations to match the special dishes. Be sure to ask for a sample from the first dish made…

For the nostalgic cook, you can’t go wrong with “The Unofficial Mad Men Cookbook” by Judy Gelman and Peter Zheutlin. This book is filled with old food ads, sidebars about cooks and culture, and – of course – recipes that might now be considered “comfort food.” Yum!

What foodie worth his salt doesn’t like to travel for (you guessed it) food? If there’s someone on your gift list, then look for “Feeding the Dragon” by Mary Kate Tate & Nate Tate. Is it a travelogue with recipes, or a cookbook with travel stories? With food like this, does it matter? For more adventure, wrap up “Blood, Bones, and Butter” by Gabrielle Hamilton, a book about the life of a Manhattan chef.

It seems like everybody has a baker on their gift list, and if you’re no exception, then wrap up “Vegan Pie in the Sky” by Isa Chandra Moskowitz & Terry Hope Romero. In this book, you’ll find 75 recipes for dessert and pictures to match. Wrap it up with a new pie pan and offers to use your house as a laboratory.

What’s it like to open a restaurant? If your giftee is making plans, wrap up “Montauk Tango” by Lewis Gross, a book about a family’s journey toward a family restaurant near New York City and the locals who come to accept them - eventually. Fiction or non-fiction? Your giftee can decide…

MUSIC

Does your giftee wear purple and hark back to “1999”? Then you just need to wrap up “Prince: Chaos, Disorder, and Revolution” by Jason Draper this holiday. This book looks at the Purple One’s life, from the beginning of his career to recently. Bonus: pictures!

So you’ve got a Dead Head in your family, and the holidays are a challenge? Not any more. Not with “Dead Letters: The Very Best Grateful Dead Fan Mail” by Paul Grushkin, foreword by Bill Walton. This book is part art, part music, and a definite labor of love, and will thrill any Dead fan, music maven, or pop-culture artist with a tune in his heart.

Does someone on your list love a little Beat with his beats? Then look for “Fug You” by Ed Sanders, co-founder of the Fugs. This book takes the reader back to a time when underground was a movement and counterculture wasn’t hip quite yet. Wrap this biography up with “This is a Call: The Life and Times of Dave Grohl” by Paul Brannigan, a “definitive” biography about the drummer for Nirvana and songwriter for the Foo Fighters.

Remember the 70s? If you do, then you’ll remember CSNY, James Taylor, Simon & Garfunkel, and you’ll want to borrow “Fire and Rain: The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, James Taylor, CSNY, and the Lost Story of 1970” by David Browne after you’ve given it as a gift. This book about rock legends takes a look at the music and how these important and iconic artists shaped the way we pad our iPods. And if you loved the 70s (or the 50s, or the 60s, or…. well, any time in history), then check out “Retromania: Pop Culture’s Addiction to Its Own Past” by Simon Reynolds. Then dig out your bobby sox, your tie-died T-shirt, your frizzy bangs and sequined glove….

If there’s a Clapton fan on your list, you’ll get big-time hugs when “Clapton: The Ultimate Illustrated History” by Chris Welch is unwrapped. This huge, beautiful book is just jammed with photos, information, concert posters, and more. This Ultimate book is for the ultimate Eric Clapton fan. Really.

You’ve undoubtedly got someone on your list who lives with earbuds in his ear, right? Then wrap up“Aerosmith: The Ultimate Illustrated History of the Boston Bad Boys” by Richard Bienstock. This gorgeous book is filled with pictures, discographies, cover reproductions, concert shots and more. Definitely, if you give this book, you’ll have your giftee walking this way…

Is there someone on your list who longs for the days of California girls and surfing music? Then you know“The Beach Boys FAQ” by Jon Stebbins will make the ultimate gift. This book is filled with discographies, information, trivia, biographies, and all kinds of argument-enders.

Is there a music lover on your list who loves anything with a tune? Then look for “Best Music Writing 2011”, edited by Alex Ross and Daphne Carr, and wrap it up. Your giftee will read about blues, rock, soul, grunge, and all kinds of music and artists from today’s best music writers.

AFRICAN AMERICAN AUTHORS

Got a street lit lover on your gift list? Then wrap up “Street Divas” by De’Nesha Diamond. In this book, four women in Memphis rule the hood but when men step into the picture, they must decide: are they together, apart, or both? Also look for “Nookie” by Anieshea Dansby, a book about a sweet little something who finds the streets to be a place she needs to capture or die trying…

When it comes to a gift, do you like to put a little bling into the thing? Then you can’t go wrong with“Lifestyles of the Rich and Shameless” by Kiki Swinson and Noire, two novellas by two acclaimed authors in one hott book. Pair it with “Back on Top” by Angela Winters, one story about three women and their risky, dangerous, sexy lives in our nation’s capital.

For the romance lover, why not wrap up “Breaking the Ties That Bind” by Gwynne Forster? This book includes a little love, a little mother / daughter drama, and a lot of entertainment for not a lot of cash. Wrap it up with “Should Have Known Better” by Octavia Grace, for the best holiday gift ever.

If your giftee loves a little fast action, then you can’t go wrong with “Tre Pound” by Jordan Belcher. This novel tells the story of a hustler from a long line of hustlers who finds himself fighting for his life on the streets, but his criminal behavior isn’t just his business… it also affects his teenage cousin. Also look for“Allure of the Game” by Danielle Santiago, the story of a female hustler and her losing game she’s playing.

If there’s a political animal on your gift list, then wrap up “The GQ Candidate” by Keli Goff. This book, inspired by the last presidential election, is the story of a man who aspires to be the next president, until a campaign of negativity and his own wife serve to squash his political dreams.

Somebody on your list needs some spiritual guidance, no doubt, so you know they’ll appreciate getting “64 Lessons for a Life Without Limits” by T.D. Jakes. In this book, Rev. Jakes leads his readers on a path to wealth, both personally, financially, and spiritually, and you know that will make for a great New Year.

If there’s a musician on your gift list, here’s two good suggestions: “What a Wonderful World” by Ricky Riccardi is a book about Louis Armstrong in the post-World War II years until his death in 1971. This is a big book and I defy you not to hum the song to match the title as you’re giving it… Wrap it up with “Flavor Flav: The Icon, The Memoir” by Flavor Flav for a good representation of all kinds of music.

For the future educator who will be tackling his or her first classroom this year, look for “The Urban Teacher’s Guide to Classroom Management” by Dr. Sean B. Yisrael. This book, written by a teacher, will help equip the new educator to deal with unique problems seen mostly in urban schools, including how to guide students, how to deal with behavior problems, and how to help parents to help their kids.

HEALTH AND MEDICINE

Here’s a gift that’s a cut above: “Knife, Fire and Boiling Oil: The Early History of Sugergy” by W.J. Bishop. Yes, this is a book about the days before anesthetic, computer lasers and even basic hygiene. Any way you cut it, it’s a great book for a history buff, a medical lore fan, or a future surgeon.

If there’s somebody on your gift list who wants to be well from the inside out, then you’ll be doing a good thing by giving “Spontaneous Happiness” by Andrew Weil, MD. This book will help readers find emotional wellness through a shift in attitude that will help readers manage moods and attain contentment and a better outlook on life.

No doubt, being a doctor has affected all parts of your giftee’s life. So wrap up “Anatomy of a Kidnapping” by Steven L. Berk, M.D. In early 2005, Dr. Berk was kidnapped in Texas by a crazed gunman. His medical background and what he’s learned from his patients kept him and his family alive.

For the parent of grandparent who’s notoriously difficult to buy for, you can’t go wrong with “Treat Me, Not My Age” by Mark Lachs, MD. This book, written by a doctor, explains how your loved ones can get the best care possible from the right physician, no matter how old or young they are. This book would also make a good gift for a med school student who’s thinking about geriatrics, or for someone who will be caring for an elderly parent sometime in the New Year.

LGBT AUTHORS AND TOPICS

Who doesn’t long for a little bit of summer in the wintertime? If your giftee is already counting the days til beach time, give him (or her!) “For Frying Out Loud: Rehoboth Beach Diaries” by Fay Jacobs. This fun book just kind of meanders: a little of this, a little of that, and a whole lot of enjoyment, reminiscent of spending the day with a good friend and catching a little sun…

Don’t ask, don’t tell? Don’t worry about it any more, but there once was a time… and “Out of Step” by J. Lee Watton tells about those years. Watton, a WAVE in 1965, was one of a handful of women whose careers were threatened by officials looking for lesbians to discharge. This book promises surprises, as well as outrage.

Does your literature-lover love a little non-fiction, too? Then wrap up “The Unreal Life of Sergey Nabokov” by Paul Russell. This fictional biography, based on a true story and a real person, tells of the rich life of the brother of Vladimir Nabokov; his loves, his friends, and the times in which he lived. Then, wrap it up with “Benedetto Casanova” by Marten Weber. This novel, based on Casanova’s younger brother, tells the erotic story of life as a gay man in the mid-1800s. This “translation” of a manuscript supposedly discovered in 1881 promises to turn up the heat…

For the movie-loving person on your gift list, you can’t go wrong with “The Brokeback Book: From Story to Cultural Phenomenon”, edited by William R. Handley. This collection of essays from various writers takes a look at all facets of the iconic movie and the impact it’s had on culture even now. And for someone really special who loves the arts, wrap that book up with “Grand Wood: A Life” by R. Tripp Evans, a biography about the famous, beloved painter, his work, and his secret life.

If your giftee is one of those skip-around-the-book kinds of readers, then “Black Like Us”, edited by Devon W. Carbado, Dwight A. McBride and Donald Weise will be much appreciated. This book, filled with short stories by dozens of African American LGB writers, offers literature from the turn of the last century and forward.

Who hasn’t wished they could go back in time and change things? If your giftee has – and you know he has – then wrap up “Remembrance of Things I Forgot” by Bob Smith. When a comic book dealer travels back to 1986 and meets his younger self (as well as his younger former boyfriend), he decides to set some things straight (no pun intended)… including his life, his boyfriend’s life, and the election of the President of the United States. And for a little fantasy with his fantasy, wrap up “The Curse of the Dragon God” by Geoffrey Knight, the story of gay adventure-seekers who must save a perfect diamond before the perfect crime is committed.

BUSINESS

Is there a new job in your giftee’s future? Maybe a position after graduation? Then wrap up “Pocket Posh Word Power: 120 Job Interview Words You Should Know.” This pocket-sized book will help even the most nervous job-hunter, allowing for that extra edge. Wrap it up with “The Accidental Creative: How to Be Brilliant at a Moment’s Notice” by Todd Henry, and you know it’ll be a great New Year.

Who doesn’t like to be liked? The businessperson on your list certainly does, so why not give him or her“The 11 Laws of Likeability” by Michelle Tillis Lederman? This easy-to-use book shows your giftee how to run a business that people like… because who buys from people they don’t like? Look for this book at a store you like. Wrap it up with an idea you’ll like: “Locavesting: The Revolution in Local Investing and How to Profit from It” by Amy Cortese. This book will show your giftee the way of the future, and it could mean a better world for you both, locally.

Mama always said that TV was a waste of time, but your giftee knows better – especially after you’ve given“‘Chuck’ vs. the Business World: Business Tips on TV” by Ray Keating. Yes, you can harvest business lessons while being a couch potato. No, it doesn’t have to be a stuffed-suit kind of show. Wrap it up with “Slow Down, Sell Faster!” by Kevin Davis because, after all, isn’t sales what makes a business, a business?

You’ve got nobody but yourself to blame if you don’t wrap up “Beyond Blame” by Carl Alasko, PhD for your business-minded person. This book will help your giftee see that blame has a negative effect on so many aspects of life – including business – and it will help them learn to assign the blame where it really belongs. Then, for even more of an antidote to bad times at work, wrap up “Little Bets” by Peter Sims. This is a book about finding big things in small discoveries, and it’s practically guaranteed to put your giftee in a better work frame-of-mind.

Does your giftee long for a quiet vacation? Is he wishing he was closer to retirement? Then wrap up “Rush: Why

You Need and Love the Rat Race” by Todd G. Buchholz. This book won’t make him (or her!) throw away the tickets for that getaway that’s been eagerly planned, but he’ll look at work in a whole new way. Wrap it up with “More: The Vanishing of Scale in an Over-the-Top Nation” by Ronald Bishop for another look at life’s “simple” pleasures and why you do – or don’t – need more of them.

Every new manager will love getting “Conflict 101” by Susan H. Shearouse this holiday. This book will help him (or her) to learn how to resolve those thorny issues at work that make the holiday (and every day) into one big Bah Humbug. Wrap it up with another helpful business book: “Chief Culture Officer: How to Create a Living, Breathing Corporation” by Grant McCracken, a book about a new trend in business and something that new manager may want to keep in mind.

Looking for something to soothe the businessperson who’s had a rough year? Then look for “Adapt: Why Success Always Starts with Failure” by Tim Harford. This book can help anybody deal with a world that’s always changing, but for someone in business, this may be the best gift they get this year. Wrap it up with “Split-Second Persuasion: The Ancient Art & New Science of Changing Minds” by Kevin Dutton, PhD, another great book to help your businessperson look at the future of work and relationships.

In this economy, you might have someone on your list who’s eager to be their own boss. The best gift, in that case, is a book like “6 Secrets to Startup Success” by John Bradberry. This book shows, step by step and sometimes off-the-beaten-path, how to take an idea from a spark to a roaring success. Wrap it up with“Make Your Own Rules: A Renegade Guide to Unconventional Success” by Wayne Rogers with Josh Young, and show your new businessperson that you’re a believer!

Does your giftee want to make the world a better place? Then, for sure, look for “Powering the Dream: The History and Promise of Green Technology” by Alexis Madrigal. This book takes readers back (are you ready for this?) more than 100 years to show that being green is nothing new but it is innovative and, as the person on your gift list knows, it’s the way business will operate in the future.

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HISTORY

If your western fan has read all the “good stuff”, then here’s a good gift: “The Last Gunfight” by Jeff Guinn. There’s no made-up stuff in this book about the O.K. Corral shoot-out. It’s all real, and it’s perfect for your oater lover. Wrap it up with “Lions of the West” by Robert Morgan, a big, thick book about the movers, shakers, good guys and villains who helped settle the West.

So you say there’s someone on your list who loves to believe that government was simple, once upon a time? Then you need to wrap up “The President is a Sick Man” by Matthew Algeo. Once upon a time, Americans never knew that the leader of their country was spirited away to sea for a surgery that saved his life. So who held the reins while he was ailing? And who was the brave soul who let the Presidential cat out of the bag?

BIOGRAPHY / MEMOIR

If your giftee is a big fan of music, then you’ll get big smiles when you wrap up “My Song: A Memoir” by Harry Belafonte with Michael Shnayerson. This big brick of a book is filled with reminisces from the man who is arguably one of the greatest entertainers of the 20th century. Wrap it up with “One Day It’ll All Make Sense” by rapper Common with Adam Bradley for the perfect musical gift.

Did your giftee grow up saying “Goodnight” to John Boy? Then he or she will love “Lessons from the Mountain” by Mary McDonough (Erin Walton). This behind-the-scenes peek is nostalgic and – because McDonough includes the story of her personal struggles – it’s inspirational, too. And you know you’ll be giving the best gift ever when you wrap it up with “The Wilder Life” by Wendy McClure, which is a book about a woman and her excursion into the world of Laura Ingalls Wilder. And then, if your giftee is still thinking of chucking it all for a life of self-sufficiency, add “This Life is In Your Hands” by Melissa Coleman to that package, quick. Not that the life is bad, but that the book is honest…

Scholars of history who are also lovers of biography will want to read “My Germany ” by Lev Raphael.Because of what his parents endured, the author grew up hating everything that had to go even remotely with Germany . But while doing some research, he discovered something that made him re-think the very beliefs that had shaped his life. Wrap it up with “The Man Who Broke Into Auschwitz ” by Denis Avey with Rob Broomby, the story of a hero during a horrible time in history.

Who loves Lucy? Your giftee does, so you know the ultimate gift will be “Lucille Ball FAQ by James Sheridan and Barry Monush. Not only is this book a treasure trove of trivia, but it’s an argument finisher for anybody who adored Lucille Ball and her comedy.

And if there’s a Hollywood fan on your list this year, you can’t go wrong with “True Strength” by Kevin Sorbo (also known as TV’s Hercules). It’s his story of illness and recovery. Pair it with “I Know Where I’m Going” by Charlotte Chandler, a book about the life of Katharine Hepburn.

Did your giftee eat up the Jacqueline Kennedy transcripts that came out this fall? Then you can’t go wrong by wrapping up “Jack Kennedy: Elusive Hero” by Chris Matthews. This lively biography takes a look at the private moments of the late President; his friends, his favorite things, and his thoughts.

If the family is expanding this year in a way you never anticipated, then you’ll find somebody who will love“No Biking in the House Without a Helmet” by Melissa Fay Greene, author and mother of nine children. This is a sweet book, funny, and just perfect for the new mom of an older kid.

And finally, if you’ve got a prestidigitator on your gift list (and you don’t even know what that is), trust me and wrap up “The Last Greatest Magician in the World” by Jim Steinmeyer. That’s a book about a magician who was actually better than Harry Houdini and now you have a hint on what to pull out of your Santa hat.

PETS / ANIMALS

What would your giftee’s dog say if he could write a book? In “Ivan! A Pound Dog’s View on Life, Love, and Leashes” by Tim McHugh, you’ll get a taste of what a pooch might postulate. This is a cute book, written from a dog’s POV. Fetch. Sit. Read.

If a certain member of the family is missing this holiday, show your commiseration by giving “Cherished: 21 Writers on Animals They Have Loved and Lost”, edited by Barbara Abercrombie. This book is filled with humor and love, as well as grief and survival. Wrap it up with tissues, “Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates” by Gary Kurz (a book about grief, loss, and love of pets), and a special ornament to commemorate a life never forgotten.

Okay, seriously… can your giftee resist a book entitled “Sex and the Kitty”? This book by Nancy the Catis all about her travels, her adventures, and her search for Mr. Big (a.k.a., Mr. Kit-e-Licious). Cute, right? Your giftee will think so, too.

If you’ve searched for the perfect gift for the dog-lover on your list and you’re still looking, you can stop now and grab “You Had Me at Woof” by Julie Klam. This is a book about living with and loving dogs, by a woman who can’t live without canines. Pair it up with “One Dog at a Time: Saving the Strays of Afghanistan ” by Pen Farthing, a book about a soldier with a different sort of mission, and you’ll have a doggone great gift.

Your giftee undoubtedly thinks her pooch is the cutest thing on four legs. So why not give her a book about an ugly dog with inner beauty. In “Oogy: The Dog Only a Family Could Love” by Larry Levin, she’ll read about a family who couldn’t resist a face that could stop a (gravy) train and the heart behind it.

Is there someone on your gift list who lives to ride? Then for her, there’s no better gift than “Why We Ride: Women Writers on the Horses in Their Lives”, edited by Verna Dreisbach. Filled with short essays, this book also includes pictures from like-minded horsey sorts and will be welcomed by your equestrienne. And if she’s a dog lover, too, wrap “Dogs & The Women Who Love Them” by Allen & Linda Andersonalong with it.

If there’s a furry family member missing from the festivities this year, the best gift you can give to the one who misses Fluffy most is “The Divine Live of Animals” by Ptolemy Tompkins. This book thoughtfully answers the age-old question of animals and souls, although I suspect your giftee knows the answer. Wrap it up with “Every Dog Has a Gift” by Rachel McPherson, and wishes for a new furry life in the new year.

And if your giftee loves all creatures great and small, then wrap up “The Chimps of Fauna Sanctuary: A True Story of Resilience and Recovery” by Andrew Westoll. This book is perfect for anyone who is concerned about what happens to the animals used for experimentation and their lives after the laboratory.

POETRY

If your giftee loves a little bit of darkness in his poetry, then wrap up “Songs for the Devil and Death” by Hal Duncan. This book may be a little hard to find, but for those who love to howl at the moon and reach for darkness, this poetry book is perfect.

CHILDREN’S PICTURE BOOKS

Does your budding philanthropist love doing good things? Then he or she will approve when “Sabrina: The Girl with a Hole in Her Heart” by Wendy Lewis is unwrapped. This is the story of a 10-year-old Ethiopian girl who gets lifesaving surgery from Save a Child’s Heart, an organization that does just that. It’s based on a true story, includes both drawings and pictures, and there are activities for kids to do, in the back of the book.

For the littlest giftee on your list, “Welcome to the World” by Valerie Wyatt, photography by Lennette Newell will be a welcome gift. This book – part pictures, part wonderful wish – would also be perfect for the giftee who’s not quite born yet and the Mama who’s patiently waiting. Also look for “When the World Was Waiting for You” by Gillian Shields, illustrated by Anna Currey.

If there’s a family member missing from your child’s life this year, look for “The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye” by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Jim LaMarche. This is a sweet story of a cat who’s “tired” and knows it’s time to go. For kids, this book will give comfort. For adults, bring the tissues…. And if your child really loves tigers and you want to replace tears with a smile, look for “Louis the Tiger Who Came From the Sea” by Michael Kozlowski, art by Solto Walker.

Is there a constant name-game going on in your house? If so, then wrap up “My Name is Elizabeth !” by Annika Dunklee and Matthew Fortythe, a book about a little girl who hates nicknames. Or, more for a boy, wrap up “My Name is Not Alexander” by Jennifer Fosberry, illustrations by Mike Litwin. That’s the story of a boy with a wonderful imagination, but a name that doesn’t always match.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS AGES 7 TO 12

What’s more natural than kids and animals? How about a little adventure, too? That’s what your new reader will find in the Bindi Wildlife Adventures by Bindi Irwin (the late Steve Irwin’s daughter). There’s danger in this book, and a bit of a challenge for kids who are just starting on chapter books. Bonus: there are several Bindi adventures in the series, so your new reader won’t run out soon.

If you’re a lover of history, why not pass that on to a kid on your gift list? Why not wrap up “Women Icons of the West: Five Women Who Forged the American Frontier” by Julie Danneberg. This book features “Molly” Brown, Isabella Bird, Clara Brown, Nellie Cashman, and Sarah Winnemucca, and your young historian will love it. Wrap it up with “Elizabeth I: the People’s Queen” by Kerrie Logan Hollihan, which is a book filled with history as well as activities your child can do.

Want to impart your love of journaling on a favorite kid? Then wrap up “Diary of an American Kid, with artwork by Cyd Moore. This book – written by said Favorite Kid – will quickly fill up with pictures and memories. There are games and other fun stuff in here, too, for use as great idea-starters.

Does your giftee have superpowers? He will once he opens these gifts from you: “The Ultimate Top Secret Guide to Taking Over the World” by Kenn Nesbitt, illustrations by Ethan Long, which is a book about world domination; and “101 Ways to Become a Superhero… Or an Evil Genius” by Richard Horne and Helen Szirtes. Yes, indeed, wrap these books up and prepared to be either scared or willing to stay home where it’s safe.

“A Book for Black-Eyed Susan” by Judy Young, illustrated by Doris Ettlinger sure looks like a book for much littler kids, but I think that if your giftee loves a good story (and perhaps is studying a little history), she’d love to find this sweet little book under the tree. Another one to try is “Riparia’s River” by Michael J. Caduto,illustrated by Olga Pastuchiv. It’s the story of a river, beloved by several children, and the mysterious person who helps them save it.

For the young mystery lover, why not wrap up “The Warrior Sheep Go West” by Christine & Christopher Russell.

This wild and wooly adventure pits the Warrior Sheep (five sheep on a mission) against a monster called Red Tongue in the battle for the lives of all the sheep in the eweniverse. No, really. Then, wrap it up with any of the “Sam & Friends” mysteries by Mary Labatt and Jo Rioux for a cool whodunit-type Yule.

Is there a budding crime-solver on your gift list? Then wrap up “Sally’s Bones” by MacKenzie Cadenhead. Young Sally has a new pet: a recently-departed little dog she calls Bones. But when Bones is wrongly accused of a crime, it’s up to Sally to bury this silly caper once and for all. Wrap it up with“Chihuawolf” by Charlee Ganny, a book about a Chihuahua with the size of a cat and the heart of a big, scary were-beast!

So you say your future Mad Scientist loves reading about weird things? Then you’ll want to give him (or her!)“50 Poisonous Questions: A Book with Bite” by Tanya Lloyd Kyi, illustrated by Ross Kinnaird. This book includes bugs, monsters, bad experiments, old-tyme (and very wrong!) medical “cures” and more. Wrap it up with “Mathemagic! Number Tricks” by Lynda Colgan, illustrated by Jane Kurisu. This book proves – once and for all – that math is not just for nerds only.

CHILDREN’S BOOKS – YOUNG ADULT

If your giftee is a big fan of history (or if he just likes a great story), then wrap up “ Vietnam : I Pledge Allegiance Book One” by Chris Lynch. In this book, three young men sign up to go to war because their friend is drafted. One of them vows to take care of his friends, but he may be in greater danger himself…

Does your giftee need a fairy godmother? Show her you understand by wrapping up “My Very (un)Fairy Tale Life” by Anna Staniszewski. Being an adventurer is no great thing, especially when you have a gnome for a sidekick and you’re always getting stuck by unicorn horns. And the handsome prince? Puh-leeze.

Surely you remember how much fun it was to try to fit in. Or not. Either way, there’s undoubtedly a young woman on your gift list who would appreciate “Reasons to Be Happy” by Katrina Kittle. It’s the story of a not-so-perfect girl who learns that she’s unique and… perfect.

If you’ve got a young romantic on your list this year, she might like “If I Tell” by Janet Gurtler, the story of a young girl who’s dealing with problems at home and a fresh romance with a boy who’s been in trouble before. Or try “Beautiful Dead: Phoenix ” by Eden Maguire, a book with a little darkness in its love story. Or maybe “WinterTown” by Stephen Emond, the story of changes and love, written in text and comic strips.

Is your giftee fascinated with the UnDead? Then “The Undertakers: Rise of the Corpses” by Ty Dragowill make a lively gift. This is the story of… well, you can’t call them zombies and you can’t see them, either. Let’s just say that your giftee will love this book to death…

If there’s a budding politician on your gift list, then “Americapedia” by Jodi Lynn Anderson, Daniel Ehrenhaft, and Andisheh Nouraee should get a nod for the holiday. This book, written just for kids who are intrigued by politics and social movements, is all about how America works, from Washington to Washington and in between. It’s particularly perfect for anyone who may be voting for the first time in the New Year.

And finally, if there’s a girl on your list who thinks math stinks, then wrap up “HotX: Algebra Exposed!” by Danica McKellar. Did you know that Winnie on The Wonder Years had a degree in math? Yes, indeed, and this book explains algebra in a way that your high-schooler can understand. Bonus: borrow the book back, for an education of your own…