·&-1 THE INTELLIGENCER, Saturday, December 20,1986-3 uons are, of course, free from the extra duties. Expensive or not, a good book has a long-standing tradition as a valued gift. And this Christmas offers a particularly wide selection of reading materials, because "all the major authors seem to have a hardcover book out," says Randy Whiteman, manager of Classic Book Shop, in Quinte Mall. "This year there really is something for every taste," he adds. And some of the hottest-selling literature of the season includes James Clavell's latest fictional work, Whirlwind, and It, by Stephen King. Two Canadian fiction works, in hardcover format, have been selling well at local retail outlets. Alice Munro's latest collection of short stories, The Progress of Love, is popular, as. is The Telling of Lies, by Timothy Findley. Retailers say quick-selling books in the non-fiction category include: Pierre Berton's Vimy; Fatherhood, by Bill Cosby; and His Way: The Unauthorized Biography of Frank Sinatra, by Kitty Kelley. Many customers have purchased Lions in Winter, which focuses on the Montreal Canadiens, for hockey enthusiasts on their Christmas lists. A spokesman for Belleville's Coles bookstore says business and political volumes are also popular this Christmas. Controlling Interest: Who Owns Canada?, by Diane Francis and The Rainmaker, by Keith Davey are providing serious reading material this year. Local bestsellers in the children's field of literature include Janet Lunn's latest tale, Shadows on Hawthorn Bay. Greenley says James Herriot's latest children's books, including The Christmas Kitten, are making popular Christmas gifts. He adds that the Herriot volumes for adults are also big sellers.