When it comes to holiday shopping for the theater fans in your life, there are only so many cast recordings and Playbill binders you can give.

Lucky for you, 2014 was a stellar year for theater-centric books, with a slew of titles hitting the bookshelves from some of the industry’s biggest names.

Here are six titles you can pick up today:

“Not My Father’s Son: A Memoir”
By Alan Cumming
Dey Street Books, $26.99

Alan Cumming is back on Broadway, reprising his Tony-winning turn as the outspoken Emcee in “Cabaret.” But before he returned to the Great White Way, the actor uncovered a shocking secret about his past: that his longtime abusive father was not his biological parent. In Cumming’s candid, marvelously-written memoir, he describes the horrific childhood abuse he endured with an astonishing level of compassion and understanding. Jumping back and forth between Cumming’s disturbing past and his thriving career on stage and screen, “Not My Father’s Son" flows like poetry. It’s a brave, enthralling piece that grabs hold of your heart and never lets go.

Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography
By Neil Patrick Harris
Crown Archetype, $26.00

Leave it to Tony and Emmy winner Neil Patrick Harris to reinvent the autobiography. In the addictively fun “Neil Patrick Harris: Choose Your Own Autobiography," everyone’s favorite awards show host allows you to pick your path through his varied adventures. Stop off in his New Mexico childhood. Take a trip to the “Doogie Howser, M.D.” days. Swing by “How I Met Your Mother.” Every critical juncture presents a new way to navigate his story. Of course, Harris’ illustrious career on Broadway is covered, with insights on everything from “Rent” to “Hedwig and the Angry Inch.” But as you’ll soon learn, as in life, the real reward here isn’t in the destination, but in the journey.

“Lady Parts”
By Andrea Martin
Harper, $27.99

You’d expect the memoir from Tony and Emmy-winning actress and comedienne Andrea Martin to include humorous anecdotes on some of the star’s biggest hits, like “SCTV” and “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” But while those are there, it’s Martin’s honest views on motherhood, relationships, aging and family that will touch and uplift you, painting a portrait of a generous and open woman who has entertained us for nearly 40 years. Theater fans will especially geek out about the “Pippin” star’s account of life on the boards, and her friendship with “Hairspray” composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman.

“Seth’s Broadway Diary, Volume 1”
By Seth Rudetsky
Dress Circle Publishing, $19.99

Seth Rudetsky has worked as an accompanist and musical director for just about everyone on Broadway. Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, Nathan Lane, Kristin Chenoweth, Bernadette Peters, Idina Menzel — you name ‘em, he’s played for ‘em. Throughout the years, he’s made a name for himself through a series of hysterical videos, concert specials and SiriusXM gigs. “Seth’s Broadway Diary, Volume 1” compiles his “Onstage and Backstage” colums for Playbill.com — tackling everything from his experience at the “Rent” final performance, to that time he helped Jonathan Groff and Lea Michele break the law. When it comes to life backstage on Broadway, you’ll soon learn that Seth’s the your new best friend.

“I Must Say: My Life as a Humble Comedy Legend”
By Martin Short
Harper, $26.99

Before he returns to Broadway this January in the sell-out revival of Terrence McNally’s “It’s Only a Play,” get to know how Martin Short went from showbiz-obsessed Canadian to one of Hollywood’s best funnyman — in his own, hysterical words. In his energetic, witty memoir, Short weaves the brilliant humor behind some of his most popular comedic roles, like Ed Grimley and Jiminy Glick, with beautiful stories of a devoted family man. From “SCTV” to “Saturday Night Live,” “Three Amigos” to “Father of the Bride,” and Broadway’s “The Goodbye Girl” and “Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me,” you’ll laugh your way throughout this endearing, entertaining memoir.

“The Untold Stories of Broadway, Volume 2”
By Jennifer Ashley Tepper
Dress Circle Publishing, $19.99

Broadway historian and producer Tepper continues her hit series, which chronicles over 65 years of theatrical past through eight historic Broadway houses — the Gershwin Theatre, the Shubert Theatre, and six others every ticket-holder has undoubtedly passed by. More than 200 actors, composers, writers, producers, stage hands, house managers, press agents and designers provide personal accounts of their times in said houses, revealing juicy secrets and impassionated tales along the way. (We never knew we needed to know about Bill Clinton’s trip to see “Chicago,” but we’re sure glad we do now). And while the dense volume might appeal more to a theater superfan than a casual attendee, it’s clear Tepper is an excellent, detailed researcher who is shaping the industry’s future by documenting its inspiring past.