Though recreation and athletics may be a big part of your life (or even your livelihood), you're probably too busy to stop and think about why a soccer ball 'bends' in midair or why some batters struggle to check their swings. That's where a new book from the editors of Popular Mechanics comes in.

Why a Curveball Curves: The Incredible Science of Sports (Hearst Books, hardcover, $19.95) explains the biology, chemistry and physics behind hits, kicks, throws, strokes, dives, punches and slam dunks. A select group of athletes, coaches and sportwriters -- including former NFL kicker Matt Bahr, Olympics swimming coach Bob Bowman and Major League pitcher-turned-broadcaster Jim Kaat -- explore and explain everything from the G-force of a tackle to gene doping.

The book is loaded with illustrations, diagrams and lively text written for lay readers.

In his new book "Fatherhood by George," the boxing champion gloves up for parenting. Sharing from his childhood and fatherhood experiences, the parent of 10 offers his personal stories, insights and advice on how to be a winning dad.

George Foreman, is an international symbol of a positive attitude, determination, and athleticism. He's also well known for having ten children, five boys (all named George) and five girls. As a man who strives to live in obedience to the Ultimate Father, Foreman has a powerful perspective on effective fatherhood. Through his own experiences as a son in a single-parent home, as a faithful father, and now as a grandfather, he knows what works and what doesn't -- all with a dose of humor and humility.

Think of reading this book as an opportunity to bask in your impending fatherhood challenges, calm your jitters, and gather advice from a more experienced 'can do' been there, done that type of man.

Who knows? You might just find yourself approaching fatherhood in a whole new way.

As William F. Buckley Jr. writes in the foreword, humans' capacity for exposing themselves to loneliness and fear "makes possible great adventures of the human spirit."

In this volume, Cecil Kuhne has gathered some of the most gripping adventure stories ever written, focusing on sailors' love affairs and battles with the sea. Steven Callahan's harrowing log of being lost for 76 days near the Canary Islands opens the volume with "viciously cold waves and strange creatures lurking below the churning surface." Other takes include Thor Heyerdahl's "Kon-Tiki" and John Rousmanier's "Fastnet, Force 10." After reading these stories, you'll understand why people risk all to experience the indifferent terror -- and beauty -- of one of Earth's most powerful forces. (Vintage Books, $14.95)

You are ready to take to the skies. Hop on a train. Hit the open road.

Just one problem: you have absolutely no idea where you want to go.

Lucky for you: It's impossible to thumb through this colorful travelogue and not find exactly where you want to go. The staff of the famed magazine take us to some of the most unusual places they've ever been: the Kerala backwaters of India, the forts of Oman, the Fitzroy Massif of Argentina, and the barrier reef off Belize. Handy planning tips (when to go, how long to stay, etc.) accompany tales of each journey, making this a practical, indispensable addition to any globe-trotter's library. (National Geographic Books, $40)

It's exactly what you need to plan your next amazing trip.

Problem solved.

We know you’re well-adjusted and socially adept, but don't just rush to jump on the bandwagon. Too many people are talking the talk, but aren't walking the walk. If you're ready, arm yourself with the knowledge to help make change instead of just talking about it. These five books not only educate us on how we got were we are -- but also on how we might find our way out: Blessed Unrest, Silent Spring, An Inconvenient Truth, Cradle to Cradle, and The Omnivore's Dilemma, all are available on amazon.com.

That's what I call a happy ending.

We're not suggesting you go all Betty Crocker and fill your home with your grandma's collection of cookbooks. But when you want to cook something a step above scrambled eggs, it's nice to have somewhere to turn for ideas - especially in the event your wife, mother or girlfriend won't help you. Men's Fitness Magazine and Chef Bobby Flay recommend a cookbook that every guy should own. Their pick: The Zuni Cafe Cookbook by Judy Rodgers. Judy writes as if she's having a conversation with the reader and each recipe describes in detail what the taste, texture, and look of what you're cooking should be at every stage.