Now that thoughts of turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and football (not necessarily in that order) have begun to dance in people's heads, it's time to reflect on the weekend's other major holiday in America... Black Friday. 

Things may have changed slightly since the Great Cabbage Patch Kid Stampede of 1983, but folks still camp out en masse in anticipation of standing in long lines to purchase the most clamored-for items before they run out. (I, for one, chose to catch up on some much-needed sleep.)

When it comes to books, there are three real options for gifts.  We'll discuss each of these in turn:

• The Classics.  At Hollywood Jesus, we take a look at books from a little different perspective than a normal reader.  Sure, we're searching for a good read, one that potentially has reread value (like George Orwell's 1984), but one that also allows for a spiritual perspective on life.  To this end, nearly every classic has at least one nugget of faith-based truth to learn from... if you're willing to look for it.  A book worthy of discussion should be a part of every stocking hung from the mantle.
• E-Book Readers and E-Books.  A few years ago, the concept of reading a book from a tablet-sized screen was a novelty at best.  Not anymore.  Today, you can find these devices at most stores for very decent prices (some below $100).  The Barnes and Noble Nook and the Amazon Kindle (3rd generation) are the best options; you take a risk with anything else when it comes to quality and availability of texts, both classics and current bestsellers.  And if you already have an iPad or iPhone, the Books app allows you to read texts as well (though the iPhone is a tad challenging due to its size).  The key is to do your research on a reputable site like CNET before reaching the checkout counter. Once you have the reader, you can download books to your heart's content (or the size of your wallet).
• Current Bestsellers.  Everyone has their favorite authors, so if you see an interesting title for a friend or family member (perhaps even yourself), this is as good a time as any to pick it up. There aren't a lot of new releases in December, so it might be a good time to consider recent works.
   

• House of Leaves: An Experimental "Review" of an Experimental "Book"
• Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth: Time To Grow Up
• Worth Dying For: Western Justice In The Present Day
• Painted Ladies: Love the Hunt