From Mr. Handyperson (by Mark Hetts, syndicated columnist)

Dear Readers: When we talk about tools and home repair and maintenance, it is good to bear in mind that the most basic tools are your own two hands, your brain and acquired knowledge. One can acquire knowledge the hard way, through trial and error, or the easy way, from helpful books (though trial and error will still be a part of the process). So here are Mr. HandyPerson's recommendations for some useful books that would make practical holiday gifts for yourself or others.

Allegra Bennett's How to Hire a Contractor: A Homeowner's Guide to Dynamic Contractor Relationships . Mr. HP has been a huge fan of Allegra Bennett ever since he read her classic Renovating Woman: A Guide to Home Repair, Maintenance and Real Men (Pocket Books, $22). It is a funny, entertaining and useful book for any homeowner, male or female, and it is another of Mr. HP's most highly recommended titles.

Bennett condenses her experiences in her new book to untangle one of the daunting challenges for any homeowner: working with a contractor and getting good results. This is a small book with a huge amount of useful information, written with Bennett's trademark sense of humor.