Pocket Ref

Pocket Ref – This amazing little book is in a class by itself. With over 750(!) pages and still only 1″ thick, the Pocket Ref is a miracle of thin paper and tiny font. However, it navigates easily and contains information on so much stuff, from rope width specifications to cloud formations to zip codes. Buy a copy and put it in your backpack/purse/cargo pants/briefcase, and you’ll be surprised how often you can find info in it. Best for engineers, mechanics, carpenters, etc. but useful for everyone.

Somebody Help! First Aid Books

Sometimes doctors aren’t around. Maybe you’re backpacking, or out in the boonies, or you just won’t get to a doctor in time. Everyone should know first aid, and these books go above the call of duty by giving you enough information to save a life.

Where There Is No Doctor – This book was written mostly for people visiting villages with no medical experts. As such, it covers a lot of material, and it’s very well written and illustrated. Read it cover to cover once, then keep it handy in your car.

Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs 2010 – This book could save your life in a much subtler way. Drugs are extremely common, and understanding them is crucial. While you won’t have doctoral understanding, the detailed treatment of drugs works well with other first-aid books to help give you a more complete understanding. Make sure to get the latest version, though! Use this book to confirm drug information in Where There Is No Doctor, which is a little aged.