The holidays are coming up and gift-giving pressure is mounting. (Or so retailers, panicked about the economic slump, would have you believe.)

Even if you're going the frugal route, perhaps you're looking for some outside-of-school reading for the winter break.

What to do? Well, if you're conservative, the Human Events Book Service carries such gems as:

Lessons on Liberty: A Primer for Young Patriots
by Peter Lillback and Judy Mitchell

Reminiscent of The New England Primer, the first widely used American textbook for children, Lessons on Liberty: A Primer for Young Patriots uses information and symbolism from the earliest days of our nation to excite the imagination -- and make your children proud and patriotic Americans. Packed with colorful illustrations, this entertaining and educational hardcover book uses a simple alphabet poem to guide the reader through the fundamental facts and principles of American liberty ("A is for America, a new world that's free"..."B is for Brave Pilgrims who sought liberty," etc.). Each alphabet page is followed by powerful quotations and surprising facts about our nation -- this beacon of liberty for the world.

"B is for Brave Pilgrims who sought liberty?" G is for Genocide they'll leave to the liberals, I assume.

Ted, White, and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto
by Ted Nugent

You don't have to be fan of rock music to love rocker/hunter Ted Nugent. You just have to be share the unabashed patriotism and "rock"-solid conservative values that come through in his music (over 30 million records sold) and bestselling books. Now comes the Motor-City Madman's wildest, most politically incorrect book yet. In Ted, White, and Blue: The Nugent Manifesto, "The Nuge" lays out his plan for defending red-blooded, full-throated Americanism against pantywaist politicians, nanny-state judges, and tofu-eating Obamamaniacs -- calling on readers to "Roll up your damn sleeves, sharpen your crowbars, and think hardcore."

Note the choice of words: 'pantywaist', 'nanny-state' and 'tofu-eating' vs. 'roll up your damn sleeves,' 'crowbars' and 'hardcore.' "Sissy vs. macho" frame much? Hello, misogyny (and the homophobia and transphobia it engenders).

Maybe these books aren't your speed. What can progressives do? Write your own books and blog entries, first of all. And support the progressive alternative, the Progressive Book Club.

The Progressive Book Club aims to make progressive ideas part of the national debate. Their introductory offer gives you 3 books for $3 with membership. Select YP4 as your beneficiary organization when you join, and we’ll receive $2 every time you purchase a club-priced book.

Educate yourself, support the writers you believe in, and keep ideas (and hope) alive.