Claire Kowalchik

This is the book that made me want to be a runner. I tried several times in the years since I read it, but this time it actually seems to be working. I'm following the beginner's program in this book and am up to running for nine minutes straight. I think the problem was me, not the program; I was too driven and pushed too hard.

In terms of sheer overwhelming "This is why you should run! Because it's awesome, that's why!" this is The Book on Running.

The most complete and concise book of herbs on the market.

Informative and entertaining, this encyclopedia has already helped me improve my black thumb to more of a yellowish hue. Practical information such as ideal planting times and soil conditions fill sidebars, while the main pages are devoted to beautiful (and useful) illustrations and explanations of the history/uses/growing conditions of each herb. So far its information helped me save some flagging basil and lavender plants, and grow dill and sage from seed.

No garden library is complete without this book!