With that credo in mind, Books is making recommendations each week now through Christmas. Ohio 24/7 and Kentucky 24/7 (DK; $24.95 each) are part of a spectacular states series of oversized hardcovers from the people behind the best-selling America 24/7. Beyond pictures of places you love by local photographers (including a few of our staffers), here's why they are perfect for gift-giving: you can customize the cover with your own photo ($7.95 plus $2.95 shipping and handling for a cover alone; $32.95 and free shipping for the book with your cover). Visit www.america24-7.com/customcover.

Sara Pearce