‘Where’s My Fifteen Minutes?’ (Book)

It’s 2009. Do you know where your public image is? More places than you might think.

In the era of social-networking, even private people have public images. And those images may need upgrading, says veteran Hollywood publicist Howard Bragman, who suggests using proven Tinseltown techniques to shape your public persona. Bragman offers a how-to book for nonfamous folks who want to overhaul their images: “Where’s My Fifteen Minutes?: Get Your Company, Your Cause, or Yourself the Recognition You Deserve,” which is due this month.

Drawing on more than 25 years as a publicist and crisis counselor, Bragman takes readers step by step through the Hollywood publicity process: shaping an image, hosting events, working with media and overcoming mistakes. “You don’t have to hire a publicist,” he says. “You don’t need a huge media campaign. But what you do need is some intent and some vision of what you’re trying to achieve. I consider the book sort of ‘How to Win Friends and Influence People’ in the new millennium.”

‘My Best Friend’s Girl’ (DVD)

In a planned-yet-unplanned love triangle, Dustin (Jason Biggs) hires his best friend Tank (Dane Cook) to take his ex-girlfriend, Alexis (Kate Hudson), on a bad date to show how great her former boyfriend is. But Alexis finds Tank more interesting than Dustin, and romantic comedy conflict ensues. “My Best Friend’s Girl” comes out on DVD Tuesday.

‘Eat This, Not That’ (Book)

If you’re looking for guidance on your new diet, this book by David Zinczenko and Matt Goulding is for you.

It explains how restaurant chains and food producers aren’t interested in helping you make healthy choices, instead spending $30 billion a year on advertising and disguising the fat and calorie counts of their products. For instance: red bell peppers have twice the vitamin C as green peppers; the Egg McMuffin is actually a healthy alternative to pancakes at McDonald’s; and the turkey pot pie from Swanson’s at the supermarket has 610 fewer calories than the same meal from Pepperidge Farms. “Eat This, Not That!” takes you through alternatives for a healthier lifestyle.