1.   Americana is a natural, inevitable, and popular theme for gift books, and there is an unusual number this season.

2.   Andrews McMeel Publishing, a division of Andrews McMeel Universal, publishes general nonfiction books, gift books and humor books.

3.   Biographies are among the most readable of gift books.

4.   Crown publishes fiction and non-fiction books, including inspirational books, illustrated lifestyle books, cookbooks, gift books and language study guides.

5.   Entertainment is always a prime topic for gift books.

6.   Gift books are easier to receive than give.

7.   Star personalities are always popular subjects for gift books.

8.   The glossy-photo Christmas gift books take you all over the globe.

9.   The performing arts are always popular subjects for the publishers of gift books.