If your plans for an organized and methodical campaign of early holiday shopping have not come to fruition, or you just need a last-minute present for an unexpected guest, read on.

From area guides and activity books to mysteries and histories, there’s something for just about everyone in this book lover’s gift guide. Most of the recommended titles feature authors or settings with ties to Central Oregon or the Pacific Northwest.

History and mystery

“Becoming Leonardo: An Exploded View of the Life of Leonardo da Vinci,” by Mike Lankford. This unconventional biography by Central Oregon Community College writing instructor Lankford was recently named one of the Wall Street Journal’s top 10 nonfiction books of 2017. In it, Lankford debunks many of the myths surrounding the legendary artist, scientist and inventor. The often humorous narrative gives readers an almost visceral sense of what it was like to live in Italy and France in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.

“All She Left Behind,” by Jane Kirkpatrick. The best-selling author — who lives in Bend — has built a loyal following for her historical fiction based on actual women and events. “All She Left Behind,” delves into the life, personality and motivations of Jennie Pickett, who became one of the first doctors on the Oregon frontier in the late 1800s.

“The Western Star,” by Craig Johnson. Fans of the “Longmire” books or the Netflix show will enjoy this 13th installment in Johnson’s Western mystery series featuring Wyoming sheriff Walt Longmire. If you want to bump your gift up a notch or just treat yourself to something special, Sunriver Books & Music (57100 Beaver Drive, Building 25-C) has signed first editions available. The store also has signed copies of books available from several other popular authors including Kirkpatrick, Keith McCafferty, Anthony Horowitz and more.

The great outdoors

Here are just a few of the many area guide books that may come in handy when planning activities in the great outdoors.

“Bend Overall: 99 Hikes and Explorations in Central Oregon,” by Scott Cook. This well-regarded book uses Cook’s local knowledge as a fly fishing guide to steer readers to his favorite swimming holes, hidden waterfalls and other beautiful spots you might never find on your own, along with some scenic drives and indoor attractions.

“Mountain Bike Bend: 46 Select Singletrack Routes,” by Katy Bryce. This would make a great present for any mountain biking enthusiast visiting or living in Central Oregon. Bryce’s book offers a range of trail options for all skill levels and includes directions, photos, topographical maps, mileage logs and more.

“Trail Running Bend and Central Oregon: Great Loop Trails for Every Season,” by Lucas Alberg. Alberg provides all the information you need for 50 different cross-country routes within 65 miles of Bend. In a stroke of genius, the runs are organized by season to maximize your enjoyment based on the trail conditions at different times of year.

“Bend, Oregon Daycations: Daytrips for Curious Families,” by Kim Cooper Findling. If you, or your guests or kids are getting a little stir-crazy over the holidays, this handy and humorous tome suggests 19 fun, affordable day trips from Bend (plus several additional side trips) that generally involve nature, views, food and beer.

Thrill seekers

For the adrenaline junkies among us, or those who just enjoy watching “American Ninja Warrior,” these books might be just the ticket.

“Rock Climbing Smith Rock State Park: A Comprehensive Guide to More Than 1,800 Routes,” by Alan Watts. Many climbers consider this guide a must-have for anyone who wants to tackle the mecca of North American sport climbing — Smith Rock State Park.

“Central Oregon Bouldering,” by Jason Chinchen. If you’d like to try climbing but want to ditch the ropes and stay a little closer to the ground, this bouldering guide shares insider knowledge of 900 bouldering problems in 10 of Central Oregon’s best bouldering zones.

“Tracks in the Snow: stories from a life on skis,” by Peter Shelton. This Bend resident and four-time winner of the North American Ski Writer of the 









Year award compiled 50 stories and essays from more than 500 of his pieces.

It takes readers on a thrilling, vicarious ride down some of the world’s most exciting mountains and trails, while also tracing Shelton’s journey as a skier, husband and father.

Nature’s bounty

The scenic Pacific Northwest region has been an inspiration for many writers. The following works of nonfiction set in or near Central Oregon, highlight the beauty and dangers of our surrounding landscape and wildlife.

“Temperance Creek: A Memoir,” by Pam Royes. This debut memoir recounts how Royes met her husband, Skip, and the 3½ years they spent on horseback, often working as shepherds in the rugged but beautiful Hells Canyon area of Eastern Oregon in the late 1970s.

“A Temporary Refuge: Fourteen Seasons with Wild Summer Steelhead,” by Lee Spencer. An engaging almanac chronicling the 14 years Spencer and his dog, Sis, camped by a tributary creek feeding the North Umpqua River, to protect the migrating wild Steelhead salmon from poachers.

“Coast Range,” by Nick Neely. A collection of essays about the intersections of land and sea in the California and Oregon coastal ranges that beautifully embodies the landscape of the Pacific Northwest.

If none of the titles listed here seem to fit the bill for the readers in your life, the knowledgeable staff at local bookstores are always happy to make suggestions.