I’ve been posting some great gift ideas for that special man in your life. It’s refreshing to have so many wonderful ideas aside from the traditional standby of mugs, cologne and ties.

Is your special man an avid reader? Does he enjoy topics such as NASA, Formula Racing or NASCAR? If any of these topics interest him, you should check out these amazing hard cover books. These engaging books are sure to be a huge hit with the lucky recipient.

THE ART OF NASA: The Illustrations That Sold the Missions, Expanded Collector’s Edition

In this expanded collector’s edition, complete with a paper model Lunar Module and a poster, explore over 200 stunning artworks commissioned by NASA to sell its missions. Culled from a carefully chosen reserve of approximately 3,000 files deep in the NASA archives, the 200+ awe-inspiring illustrations presented in this special boxed edition are complemented by 32 pages of new material, a rolled poster, four postcards, and a new forward by astronaut Tom Jones. This collection of the rarest of the rare is not only a unique view of NASA history—it’s a fascinating look at the art of illustration and a glimpse of NASA history like no other.

Hardcover in a slipcase, 224 pages, 200+ images, $100 US

THE FORMULA 1 DRIVE TO SURVIVE UNOFFICIAL COMPANION

Whether you are a new or longtime Formula 1 fan, here is your ultimate, unofficial armchair companion to the popular Netflix series Formula 1: Drive to Survive, providing deeper insight into the players, tech, and history that drive the show’s plot points. F1 expert Stuart Codling is your guide to all things F1. The Formula 1 Drive to Survive Unofficial Companion is a feature-rich guide that takes you beyond the series’ personalities and off-track drama to present further context. With its intensely visual presentation, The Formula 1 Drive to Survive Unofficial Companion demystifies the background and the back stories making F1 more accessible to anyone and everyone.

Paperback, 192 pages, 150 color photos, $34.99 US

 

NASCAR 75 YEARS

Packed with evocative photography and a history written by some of the sport’s most knowledgeable journalists, NASCAR 75 Years is the definitive – and official – story of America’s favorite motorsport. It’s a stunning celebration, capturing the greatest moments throughout the decades: from the beaches of Daytona to the jaw-clenching competition, the mind-bending technology, the triumphs, the teamwork, and the high-speed thrills. Large-format photography from throughout NASCAR history brings it all to life alongside narratives written by a roster of veteran NASCAR reporters and historians.

Hardcover, 224 pages, 310 images, $50 US

I have this book as a gift for my father. He’s always loved racing (he used to race semi-professionally when I was a child). To this day he still misses his racecar and would love to have it back. It was sold, then resold, and resold again. He was able to locate it. It’s currently owned by someone who lives on Long Island (New York). My father lives in Florida, otherwise I know he would make the trip to Long Island to see it again.

Here is a photo of it. He called it “Sunday’s Love.” It was a 72′ Trans Am.

I love that the inside over of this book is all black. Usually metallic sharpies, me, my husband and our kids wrote special messages inside wishing him a Happy Father’s Day.

This book is pretty amazing if you ask me. I did not fully read the book (it’s not my “cup of tea”), but I did flip through the pages and look at the photos. The photos are colorful and they include some really impressive shots from the various decades. I never would have guessed it’s been around since 1948. That’s crazy, especially considering how cars were back then. They didn’t have the technology like they do today (and if you ask me, I’m sure racing was more dangerous back then).

The book is broken down by decades. I know my father is probably going to go straight for the 70’s, because that is when he raced.

This book is overflowing with information about NASCAR, and the people and cars involved in the sport. This is one of those books that you read a little at a time. I can’t see anyone reading this from cover to cover in a day or two. You could, but this is the type of book you want to savor every page and photograph. You certainly do not want to rush through it.

I love that it’s a hardcover book. It makes it more “fancy” than if it was a paperback. This is certainly “coffee table book” quality.

I think this is a great book for a novice all the way up to a lifelong fan of the sport. It has something for everyone. I cannot wait to hear what my father thinks about this book. I know he’s going to love it.

There ARE plenty of color photographs. For some odd reasons the random ones I took photos of are mostly black and white.

This book is outstanding, and I know the receiver will be thrilled to get it this Father’s Day, or another special occasion.

Kimberly

*I received a free sample copy of the book in order to do this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.