Rabbeinu Yitchak Abohav writes in "Menoras HaMeor:"

Any intelligent person who is scheduled for trial before a mortal king will surely spend sleepless nights and days preparing his case. He will seek the advice of every knowledgeable person he knows who can help him prepare his case. He will go to great lengths to attain a favorable verdict, even if all that is at stake is but a small part of his fortune, and he faces no personal risk.

Should he not do so as well when brought to judgment before the Supreme King of Kings, the Holy Blessed One, when not only he, but his children and his fortune all hang in the balance?

With this in mind, here is some suggested reading for the High Holidays.

ROSH HASHANA AND YOM KIPPUR SURVIVAL KIT
By Shimon Apisdorf (Leviathan Press 1994) 1-800-538-4284

The award-winning guide to getting more meaning out of the High Holidays. With humor and sophistication, this book offers invaluable insight to the significance of the holidays and prayers. User-friendly format.

ARTSCROLL MACHZOR
ArtScroll/Mesorah Publications - www.artscroll.com

The most complete and well organized prayer book on the market today. Includes full English/Hebrew text of all prayers, plus explanations, laws and customs. Features a masterful essay on the essence of the High Holidays. Separate volumes for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur.

THE BOOK OF OUR HERITAGE
By Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov (Feldheim 1978) www.feldheim.com

A thorough review of the Jewish calendar. Includes month-by-month explanations of all the holidays, laws and customs throughout the Jewish year. A classic.