The holiday season can be hectic. Whether you love November and December or dread the string of parties and get-togethers, all of us have moments when we could use some comic relief. These holiday books are witty, sometimes moving and often laugh out loud funny.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Hachette Book Group}

In the next couple months, many of us will be traveling or taking some time off from work. Even if you can't go somewhere exotic over the holidays, you can still visit a far off place through great fiction. Here are four Books about India that are full of love, adventure and intrigue.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Atria}

Pat Conroy, bestselling author of novels including Prince of Tides and Beach Music, has made his fans wait fourteen years for his newest novel. South of Broad is a rambling novel about Charleston, South Carolina and a group of unlikely friends who weather life's storms together. While South of Broad offers definite charms, it lacks the charisma of some of his earlier novels.

• Read a complete review of South of Broad by Pat Conroy

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Knopf}

Wondering what not to read? Every year there are books that just don't match their hype. These titles are often prominently displayed in bookstores, but don't be fooled -- good marketing does not a good book make. Here are the most disappointing books from 2009 along with suggestions for books in the same genres that would be better choices.

_{Cover Photo Courtesy Doubleday}