Where Football Is King: A History of the SEC
by Christopher J. Walsh (Taylor Trade Publishing, $26.95)

Filled with hard-to-believe-but-true antics on and off the gridiron, this book entertains even if you don't consider football a religion. The author, an award-winning sportswriter, provides enough Southeastern Conference detail to guarantee you a spot as color commentator and chief tiebreaker among Monday morning quarterback debates.