Recovered agoraphobic Bemis (Overcoming Anxiety) aims to help the more than 40 million adults and teens who suffer from anxiety or panic disorders gain a better understanding of their disease. Based on the author's own issues and the experiences of those in her Open Door support groups, the book reflects her belief that giving oneself permission to feel anxious is more beneficial than denying the emotion. In a Q&A format, she discusses dealing with "what if?" syndrome and inevitable setbacks. Excellent, empowering guidance and coping strategies will give sufferers hope for recovery and counselors a new angle.

Burns's claim to fame is that she's worked at 59 jobs in her lifetime; here, she shares her wisdom in 59 corresponding chapters, each containing an anecdote about one of the jobs and suggestions to younger women for getting ahead. Within her tales of working as a burger girl, store clerk, and hostess, she presents helpful advice on preparing a résumé, treating people well at work, and persisting toward one's goals. There's solid advice here if career self-helpers can get by the flip and often silly style.

Believing that character can be created by one's choices and the willingness to examine and accept the consequences of those choices, nurse practitioner/researcher Cross has assembled a collection of 58 character assets, ranging from acceptance to trustworthiness. Each entry serves as a daily meditation, complete with a dictionary definition, relevant quotation, short essay, and meditative thought. Although the lessons specifically address those recovering from addictions, readers looking to perform some everyday mental hygiene will enjoy this browsable and thought-provoking book.

Professional organizer Felton and time-management expert Sims have put together this comprehensive book to help readers quickly complete daily tasks so that they will have the time and energy to move on to significant projects. The authors cover all the bases, from discussing personal mental impediments to managing time. The short chapters and interactive text featuring quizzes, bulleted lists, and fill-in charts make the book ideal for time-starved readers looking to get their act together pronto.

Theoretical physicist Fink wrote this exhaustive compendium of men's customs, habits, and activities to celebrate being male "unabashedly." Organizing the book by topic, he presents diagrams of various styles of facial hair, instructions for building a tree house, and a detailed description of wine and spirits. Similar to Michael Powell's The Guide for Guys, this might be enjoyed by the target audience if you can get it in their hands. [For more man-friendly titles, see Douglas Lord's online LJ column, "Books for Dudes."—Ed.]

Ford, daytime producer of The Doctors, and physician Drake challenge women to question the old paradigm of love and marriage and to take care of their own financial security. Through statistics, case studies, and societal observations, the authors argue that it's nice to have money when romantic love inevitably fades. And, they say, no matter how much women achieve in the workplace, men will generally make more money. One chapter summation best encapsulates this controversy-stirring read's logic: "Economic resources never get angry, ask if you've gained weight, or forget to call home." A potential bible for hardened singles and divorcées.

Life coach/interfaith minister Fortgang believes people can find meaning if they look for it in small, incidental events. After laying out five elements of meaning (Mystery, Minister, Magnificence, Mind, and Mystic), she organizes her message accordingly. Her personal story, interwoven with poetry, yoga meditations, and spiritual teachings, will inspire an appreciation for life in its many textures. Readers looking for something that goes beyond self-help's usual "love yourself" tenet will appreciate this heartfelt book.

As Gallagher (Everything I Need To Know I Learned from Other Women) points out here, there is no simple answer to the titular question, although most people have asked it. The crux of the problem: People tend to allow short-term concerns (e.g., hunger) to outweigh long-term self-interests (e.g., exercising). Gallagher elaborates on why and then provides 52 ways to override human tendencies, including going on a media fast. Her clear, practical treatment of a common but rarely tackled problem elevates this book above the usual self-help dreck.

Father of Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Gates Sr. has compiled his reflections on life as a father, lawyer, activist, and citizen to inspire others to help make the world a better place. The 50 short narratives detail the lessons Gates learned, e.g., the need for involvement and the importance of living according to one's values. While Gates's points are well taken, they're nothing we haven't heard before from more forceful writers in the genre, such as Mitch Albom's Tuesdays with Morrie and Alice Schroeder's The Snowball: Warren Buffet and the Business of Life.

While kindness may be a virtue, being excessively pleasing can adversely affect one's health, wealth, and happiness, say assertiveness workshop leaders Grzyb and Chandler. The authors assist readers in examining the origins of their "niceness" and the consequences of being assertive, then offer tips and techniques, such as slowing the pace of an answer. This book meets a need and does it well, teaching the too nice how to stand up for themselves in a "not nice" but "not nasty" way.

Drawing on more than 1200 family-life questionnaires, psychological research, and his own experience as a clinician, Haltzman (The Secrets of Happily Married Women) provides the basic ingredients for creating happy families regardless of sexual, cultural, or ethnic identification. His strategies include sticking together, establishing values, and making time for fun and rituals, interwoven with case studies, checklists, and ideas for starting points. An authoritative book on a timely subject for mental-health professionals and parents looking to strengthen familial bonds.

Drawing on the inspiration he gained from many high achievers, Hendricks (Lasting Love) sets forth a plan to help individuals reach their "Zone of Genius," a point of unparalleled heights of productivity and life satisfaction, in spite of invisible barriers like feelings of inferiority. Instructions include spending time on priorities, developing integrity, and using the ultimate success mantra. Hendricks's message is nothing new, and many readers will find the hyperbolic buzzwords a turnoff.

Ivens, editor of OK! magazine, jumps on the do-it-before-it's-too-late list bandwagon with this guide for young women. Her advice is both frivolous (find the perfect red lipstick) and consequential (express gratitude more often). Entertaining stuff best suited for precocious YAs and the college-bound.

This uplifting compilation presents 100-plus ideas for doing good works on a tight schedule. Tenzer, founder of DoOneNiceThing.com, bases chapters on the recipients of the good deeds, such as children and the planet; her suggestions include donating used sports equipment to Big Brothers/Big Sisters and sending a gas/gift card to a wounded service member. Public service has become a hot topic because of President Obama's vow to increase funding for AmeriCorps, so this book has a potentially huge audience.

Wood (medicine, Univ. of Arizona) taps personal experience, traditional psychiatric medicine, psychology, and spiritual principles to help women view betrayal as liberation and move forward. The author's guidelines center on 14 key lessons, including rejecting victimhood and examining all involvements. Wood intersperses questions for reflection with case studies and specific tips. Burned wives and girlfriends will find compassionate help here; revenge seekers, look elsewhere.