No Plot No Problem

Want to write a novel but never knew how to get started? No Plot No Problem will get you to your first draft in just 28 days. Easy and fun to read, this book coaches you through getting the first draft of 50,000 words created. Even if you just wondered what it would be like, it's a great experience to ride the roller coaster of following his method.

Penis Pokey Activity Book

Sure, not for everyone, but we all have that friend who would get a kick out of this. The book is hilarious not only for the funny premise of a book with a penis sized hole through the entire book, but for the suggested activities. You know a party this is perfect for. The only trick is, the person who gets it has no idea what do to with it after the party. Can't keep it at work, can't keep it at home where the kids might find it, and that's an extra layer of humor for later.

Barnes & Noble Nook

There are quite a few e-readers on the market, and I've only tried one, but it's so fun, I have to talk about it here. I have the original Barnes & Noble Nook and I've used it for almost two years now. It's the greyscale one, not the nook color, but if you're interested in a platform for just reading books, it's a great device. Decent contrast, lightweight, and it feels great in your hands. Your library is easy to manage online, you can lend books to other friends with nooks, and there's a free book offered every Friday!

Update: The Nook has been updated regularly over the years with some great features, but the Kindle has matched many of those feature for feature. I don't have any experience with the Kindle, but I would say long-term, I'm not sure I'd still endorse the Nook as the platform is in some question.

Stumbling on Happiness

I've spent many years thinking about what happiness was, how to get more of it, and especially, why it's so damn important to me and people around me. All I can think is it's so elusive, the rarity itself makes it valuable.

That's the playful bent of this book by Daniel Gilbert. Gilbert looks at case studies and anecdotes that seem to suggest you really can't plan your way into happiness (but that you can 'not plan' your way into being miserable). It's a fun read and sort of a relief to know happiness pretty much happens when it happens, so don't sweat yourself trying to make yourself happy.