CHECK IT OUT

After the ties are unwrapped and the charcoal has cooled, Dad might

enjoy settling down with some of the best new books on library shelves.

If his passion for basketball has been fueled by the Lakers’

victories, he can learn how the sport has been woven into the world’s

social fabric with Alexander Wolff’s “Big Game, Small World.” Exposition

on players, coaches and local legends provide a fascinating glimpse of

the sport’s reach, while profiles of such figures as a cloistered nun who

was a talented basketball player and Michael Jordan’s best friend in

college reveal the human side of the game.

Baltimore Sun writer John Eisenberg focuses on another popular

national pastime in “From 33rd Street to Camden Yards, An Oral History of

the Baltimore Orioles.” Starting with the 1954 season, he presents

snapshots of one of the game’s most successful franchises through

interviews with Hall-of-Famers Jim Palmer, Frank Robinson, Brooks

Robinson and a lineup of other players and managers.

For dads interested in investment action, finance guru Andrew Tobias

offers common sense advice about cyberspace brokers, online trading and

IRAs in “The Only Investment Guide You’ll Ever Need.” The 2002 edition of

this classic covers changes resulting from 2001 tax legislation and

features hints for using the Internet to make smart financial moves.

Cyberspace was the arena in which Michael Parness recouped a nest egg

of $150,000, lost after following his stockbroker’s advice. He reveals

how he turned $33,000 into several million in “Rule the Freakin’ Markets:

How to Profit in Any Market, Bull or Bear.” Whether Dad’s an individual

investor or an investment club member, he may profit from tips in this

breezy account about market psychology.

When it’s time for something hands-on, Andy Rae provides an excellent

reference for woodworkers in “The Complete Illustrated Guide to Furniture

and Cabinet Construction.” High-quality photos illustrate techniques for

a range of skill options, for both novice and experienced craftspeople.

For outdoor types, editor Lee Anne White culls ideas from America’s

best gardeners in “Landscaping Your Home.” Along with how-to info -- from

drawing the layout of yards to creating focal points -- find great ideas

for entrances, decorative plantings and pathways in this collection of

articles by expert gardeners.

Someone besides Dad may be cooking this Father’s Day, but when the man

of the house takes his turn at the coals, he might refer to Steven

Raichlen’s “How to Grill: The Complete Illustrated Book of Barbecue

Techniques.” Along with tips for grilling everything from the perfect

burger to a whole pig, more than 1,000 full color-photos show how to jerk

pork, smoke ribs, rotisserie a chicken and grill just about anything else

that might find its way onto an open flame.

* CHECK IT OUT is written by the staff of the Newport Beach Public

Library. This week’s column is by Melissa Adams, in collaboration with

Debbie Walker. All titles may be reserved from home or office computers

by accessing the catalog at www.newportbeachlibrary.org.