Lauren Niemes, Executive director, Nutrition Council of Greater Cincinnati:

On Hope's Edge by Frances Moore Lappe and Anna Lappe (J.P. Tarcher; $26.95).

"It's an exploration of creative approaches to issues of hunger and food insecurity throughout the world. It's really looking at food distribution in terms of why are there people in Africa who are hungry? Why are there people in Brazil who don't have enough food? There's plenty of food. It's just a matter of why don't poor people have enough. Is it political? Is it economic?"

Candace Alexander, Director, field health initiatives, American Heart Association:

Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Gregg Michael Levoy(Three Rivers Press; $14).

"It's about finding your purpose in life and the challenge that presents as one sets out in that endeavor. He really drives home the whole notion of what a spiritual experience it is to seek one's calling or purpose in life."

- Peggy O'Farrell