As the late Andy Williams sang in his holiday classic tune, it's the most wonderful time of the year. That's because Pacific Marine Expo gets underway in Seattle this week.

Commercial mariners from Alaska to California gather at the CenturyLink Field Event Center each year to check out the latest in equipment, propulsion, builders, suppliers and new products as well as a host of timely and informative seminars. But that's not all; there's also a full slate of special offerings to enjoy — including the Author's Corner & Book Store, located at booth 631.

The Author's Corner & Bookstore, presented by Pro Star Publications, offers seating and a special section for book signings, discussions and more. That's former NF Highliner Clem Tillion chatting with author Vaughn Sherman about "Sea Travels" in the Author's Corner at Pacific Marine Expo last year. To check out this year's schedule of authors who will be on hand each day, click here. 

You'll also find a pretty impressive selection of marine-related books. And that, my friends, is music to my ears.

Plop me in a bookstore and I will happily while away the hours in search of a good book. This time of year, I'm beginning the hunt for Christmas gifts for my fellow booklovers. However, that won't preclude me from picking up a little something for myself while I'm at it.

I've enjoyed success on both fronts at the Author's Corner & Book Store. You, too, can stock up on reading material for yourself and maybe snap up a present or two, all without ever having to leave the event center. Score!

And as long as you're in gift-shopping mode, you know a subscription to your favorite commercial fishing magazine will look good under the tree, too. Stop by booth 614, say hi to the NF editorial team and take advantage of our special show subscription offer. Get a year of National Fisherman for the most-excellent price of $10! Whether you get a subscription for a friend or yourself (or both), you can't lose.

See? It really is the most wonderful time of the year.