We're nowhere near Father's Day, but a bunch of new guy-related books have piled up over recent weeks. Hey, we men welcome help anywhere we can get it. Or not.

"The Good Men Project: Real Stories From the Front Lines of Modern Manhood," edited by James Houghton, Larry Bean and Tom Matlack (Good Men Foundation, $14.99, 268 pages): What does it take to be a "good man" in the first decade of the 21st century? This collection of visceral first-person essays offers some heartfelt answers.

"Guyland: The Perilous World Where Boys Become Men" by Michael Kimmel (Harper, $14.99, 352 pages): This one's scary. The sociologist-author interviewed more than 400 males ages 16 to 26, and their candid answers show that few of them have a clue about responsibility or what their futures may hold.

"The Decline of Men" by Guy Garcia (Harper, $14.99, 320 pages): This is not good news, either. Men are confused, says the author, as they drop out of college, slack off and avoid commitment. His advice: Get a life.

"Rules for My Unborn Son" by Walker Lamond (St. Martin's, $14.99, 224 pages): This one's far less distressing. The blog-based compilation has some good advice: "If you've made your point, stop talking." "Find yourself a good hideout." "Compliment your mom's cooking." "Follow instructions; you'll be done in half the time." "Be a good passer, but don't forget to shoot."

Early sign-up for Novak

Romantic-thriller novelist Brenda Novak will team with paranormal- romance writer Christine Feehan to present FAN 2010 aboard the Delta King in Old Sacramento. Though the event isn't until March 5-7, fans are urged to register early; there's room for only 100 people. The cost, $225, includes lodging, most meals and a lineup of special events. Details are at www.fanconvention.net.

"Christine and I wanted to do an event that will allow our readers a chance to get to know us on a personal level in a cozy setting, where we can talk books and characters to our heart's content," said Novak, who lives in Sacramento.

Bookmobile cutback

Because of budget cuts, the Sacramento Public Library will reduce its bookmobile services from two vans to one, and its stops from 77 to 44 beginning Nov. 17, a library spokesman said. Most stops are at senior residential locations.

"Bookmobile users are encouraged to visit their nearest library branch and ask about applying for the Homebound Books-by-Mail service," he said.

For more information: (916) 264-2920 or www.saclibrary.org.

Author appearances

Joshua Clover for "1989: Bob Dylan Didn't Have This To Sing About" (University of California Press, $21.95, 198 pages): The book is described as a re-imagining of "how we understand both pop music and its social context in a vibrant exploration of a year famously described as 'the end of history.' "

Event: 6 p.m. Tuesday at the MU ArtLounge on the UC Davis campus; (530) 752-9072.

David Kulczyk for "Death in California" (Linden, $15.95, 169 pages): The author documents "the bizarre, freakish and curious ways people die in the Golden State."

Event: 7 p.m. Wednesday at Time Tested Books, 1114 21st St., Sacramento; (916) 447-5696.

Stevan Allen for "Roaming Ghostland: The Final Days of East Germany" (Xlibris, $15.99, 201 pages): When the infamous Berlin Wall came down in November 1989, the journalist was on the scene. Event: 5 p.m. today at De Vere's Irish Pub, 1521 L St., Sacramento; (916) 947-8568.

Ted Robinson for "Water in My Veins" (Lulu.com, $27.95, 456 pages): Robinson will discuss his World War II service as a naval officer on PT boats, including his part in rescuing John F. Kennedy after PT 109 was sunk.

Event: 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the California State Military Museum, 1119 Second St., Sacramento; (916) 854-1902.

Amazon's top 10

The book editors at online merchandiser Amazon.com have chosen their top 10 titles for 2009, a mix of fiction and memoir:

1. "Let the Great World Spin" by Colum McCann

2. "Strength in What Remains" by Tracy Kidder

3. "Wolf Hall" by Hilary Mantel

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The Bee's Allen Pierleoni can be reached at (916) 321-1128 or apierleoni@ sacbee.com. Contact him with news of coming literary events that are open to the public.