Sharyn Wolf,

Hudson Street Press, $23.95

Wolf is a Manhattan-based therapist (and former spokesperson for Viagra) who "applies the language of home repair to marital problems." She got the idea after buying her own fixer-upper home and began testing her new terminology on men, who seemed able to talk more easily about emotional matters in terms of tools and plumbing. Her clear, sensible advice goes all the way from "inspecting" the spouse to finishing touches or "decorating." The only flaw: It's written from a woman's point of view. But any guy who wants to refurbish a relationship will find this book a help.

What to Expect When Your Wife Is Expanding

Thomas Hill, Cader Books, $12.95 paperback

This updated second edition attempts to answer an expectant father's most pressing questions, from how much having a baby costs to what dads should pack in their hospital bags, with humor. When dispensing advice on getting pregnant, Hill advises not to worry: "Think positive and muddle your way through it - after all, once you have a baby, you'll hardly ever have sex at all!" In fact, it may be more humor than practical advice, but hey, humor can help when you really have little control over a situation.

Hollywood Dads

Joyce Ostin, Chronicle Books , $29.95

Ostin compiled 50 "intimate" portraits of Hollywood celebs with their offspring, from Jim Belushi and Deepak Chopra to Steven Spielberg and Kiefer Sutherland. Each photo has a blurb from the author, who is donating a portion of the proceeds to cancer research, and some also include bits of wisdom from the fathers and/or children. The portraits are great fun, as are some of the quotes. From Erick McCormack ("Will & Grace"): "The terrifying responsbility of fatherhood is outweiged only by how much freakin' fun it can be."

- Anne Wilson