Magazines today instead of books, but hopefully you'll count that as close enough to my theme of the week. I find magazines a great way to learn a new topic and to stay up on what's latest and greatest. At times I've had as many as 20 subscriptions going (most free), but I've pared that down and they change some from year to year as my interests change, or as I forget to renew.

Smart Money is my favorite money magazine. It's a good mix of personal finance, stock screens, and general money discussion. Can't say that I'm a superstar investor, but it does remind me to pay attention to money at a level beyond next pay day. If I traded aggressively I'd probably read more financial based stuff, but this works fine for now.

Fine Woodworking is my favorite woodworking magazine and definitely the top of the heap in this market. It focuses on the higher end craftsman (which I'm not, I'm the enthused amateur) and some of the stuff they do just astounds me, combines superb mechanical skills (which I aspire to) and superb design skills (which I wish for, but am sorely challenged on). If you get a chance, grab a copy and look at the project featured on the back cover, and the ones in the center feature section. I'm still pretty much squares and rectangles when it comes to projects, when you watch what they do with curves, bent and steamed laminations, etc, etc - you'll be amazed if you've ever tried to build stuff yourself. I read it because it reminds what is possible, and that I've got a long journey to get there. I read a few other wood working magazines (and if you're a beginner pick any of them), but this is the best.

And while I'm stretching the definition of books, if you like woodworking/tools send for a free copy of the Lee Valley catalog. Lots of interesting stuff, some nice niche items, and the section of books in the back of the catalog is great, a lot of old woodworking/how-to books they reprint and sell at low cost