There's a certain timeless quality about the phrase "books a man should read". It evokes images of leather-bound classics passed down through generations, each page filled with wisdom and adventure. But in today's world, overflowing with literary fiction and captivating thrillers, defining such a list feels almost impossible.
However, some books transcend genre and time, offering insights into the human experience that resonate deeply with readers, regardless of gender. This list compiles a diverse range of such books - from gripping tales of resilience and self-discovery to thought-provoking explorations of history, philosophy, and the human condition. These are the stories that stay with you long after you've turned the final page, prompting introspection, sparking conversation, and perhaps even inspiring you to see the world in a new light.
1. Shoe Dog by Megan McDonald, Katherine Tillotson
What is this book about?
That's incorrect. "Shoe Dog" is not written by Megan McDonald and Katherine Tillotson. "Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike" is a memoir by Phil Knight, the co-founder of Nike, Inc. In his own words, Knight recounts the captivating story of Nike's improbable rise from a small startup to one of the world's most iconic brands. The memoir delves into the company's humble beginnings in 1962, when Knight, fresh out of business school, borrowed $50 from his father and began selling imported Japanese running shoes from the trunk of his car. Through Knight's candid and engaging narrative, readers experience the rollercoaster ride of building a company fueled by passion, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of athletic excellence. From overcoming near bankruptcy to navigating cutthroat competition, "Shoe Dog" reveals the grit, determination, and unwavering belief it took to turn a simple idea into a global phenomenon.
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2. Beneath a Scarlet Sky by Mark T. Sullivan
What is this book about?
"Beneath a Scarlet Sky" by Mark T. Sullivan tells the thrilling true story of Pino Lella, a young Italian man living in Milan during World War II. As the war engulfs Italy, Pino's life takes a dramatic turn when he is forced to join the German army as a driver. Determined to help the Resistance, Pino uses his position to spy on the Nazis while simultaneously working as a driver for a high-ranking Nazi official. Navigating a dangerous double life, Pino risks everything to smuggle Jewish refugees across the Alps to safety in Switzerland, all while falling deeply in love amidst the chaos and brutality of war-torn Italy.
Who should read this book?
History buffs, fans of WWII stories, and anyone who enjoys a thrilling story based on real events.
Awards
- Goodreads Choice Award(2017)
3. Beartown by Fredrik Backman, Neil Smith
What is this book about?
"Beartown" by Fredrik Backman, translated by Neil Smith, explores the lives and secrets within a small, isolated community obsessed with its junior hockey team. When the team experiences a moment of unexpected success, hopes for a brighter future soar. However, this fragile hope is shattered by a devastating act of violence that rocks the town to its core. As accusations fly and loyalties are tested, Beartown grapples with its darkest impulses and the complex realities of justice, morality, and the weight of unspoken truths.
Who should read this book?
Fans of character-driven stories, anyone interested in exploring complex social issues, and readers who appreciate beautifully written, emotionally resonant novels.
Awards
- Lincoln Award(2019)
- Goodreads Choice Award(2017)
4. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
What is this book about?
"The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger follows the experiences of Holden Caulfield, a cynical and disillusioned teenager, as he recounts the days leading up to his expulsion from a prestigious prep school. Expelled and feeling alienated from both the "phony" adult world and his peers, Holden embarks on a meandering journey through New York City, engaging in a series of encounters with various characters while desperately searching for authenticity, connection, and a sense of belonging in a world he perceives as superficial and corrupt.
Who should read this book?
Teenagers, young adults, those who enjoy coming-of-age stories, and anyone who appreciates classic literature.
Awards
- Teen Read Award(2010)
- National Book Award Finalist(1952)
5. Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
What is this book about?
"Dark Matter" by Blake Crouch throws Jason Dessen, a seemingly ordinary college professor and family man, into a terrifying and mind-bending reality. Abducted and then thrust into a parallel universe where he never pursued his passion for groundbreaking physics, Jason finds himself face-to-face with a shockingly different version of his life. Desperate to return to his own reality and family, Jason embarks on a perilous and twisting journey through the multiverse, confronting dangerous alternate versions of himself and uncovering a complex conspiracy that calls into question the very nature of choice, identity, and the true meaning of home.
Who should read this book?
Fans of science fiction, thriller and suspense readers, and anyone who enjoys a mind-bending page-turner.
Awards
- Goodreads Choice Award(2016)
- Book of the Month Book of the Year Award(2016)
6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown
What is this book about?
"The Da Vinci Code" by Dan Brown plunges symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptologist Sophie Neveu into a whirlwind of mystery and danger when a shocking murder in the Louvre museum reveals a hidden trail of clues concealed within Leonardo da Vinci's most famous works of art. As Langdon and Neveu race to decipher the intricate codes, they uncover a powerful secret society and a centuries-old conspiracy that, if exposed, could shake the very foundations of Christianity. Pursued by both the authorities and a shadowy figure determined to silence them, Langdon and Neveu must unravel the Da Vinci Code before it's too late.
Who should read this book?
Thriller and mystery enthusiasts, art and history lovers, and fans of conspiracy theories.
Awards
- British Book Award(2005)
- Book Sense Book of the Year Award(2004)
- Humo's Gouden Bladwijzer(2004)
- Zilveren Vingerafdruk(2004)
- The Flume: New Hampshire Teen Reader's Choice Award(2006)
7. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
What is this book about?
"The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald follows the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsessive pursuit of the elusive Daisy Buchanan, set against the backdrop of the opulent and morally ambiguous Jazz Age. Narrated by Nick Carraway, a young man drawn into Gatsby's glittering world, the story unfolds in a summer of lavish parties, forbidden love, and shattered dreams, ultimately exposing the hollowness of the American Dream and the tragic consequences of Gatsby's unwavering devotion to a past he cannot recapture.
Who should read this book?
Lovers of classic literature, those interested in the Roaring Twenties, and readers who appreciate beautifully written stories about love, loss, and the American Dream.
Awards
- Grammy Award(2003)
- Long Island Reads(2002)
8. The Martian by Andy Weir
What is this book about?
"The Martian" by Andy Weir tells the thrilling story of astronaut Mark Watney, who is left for dead on Mars after a catastrophic mission abort. Stranded millions of miles from Earth and facing dwindling resources, Watney relies on his ingenuity, scientific knowledge, and an indomitable spirit to survive the unforgiving Martian environment. As he fights for his life, NASA and a team of international scientists work tirelessly to devise a daring rescue plan, while the world watches with bated breath, hoping against hope for Watney's safe return.
Who should read this book?
Science fiction fans, lovers of survival stories, and anyone who enjoys a story about human ingenuity and perseverance.
Awards
- Kurd-Laßwitz-Preis(2015)
- John W. Campbell Memorial Award(2015)
- ITW Thriller Award(2015)
- Audie Award(2015)
- ALA Alex Award(2015)
9. This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger
What is this book about?
"This Tender Land" by William Kent Krueger follows the unforgettable journey of four orphaned children as they escape from a cruel Minnesota work farm during the Great Depression. Led by the determined Odie and his insightful brother Albert, the children set off on a life-changing odyssey down the Mississippi River, searching for freedom, family, and a place to call home. Along their perilous journey, they encounter a colorful cast of characters, confront the harsh realities of a nation struggling through hardship, and discover the true meaning of love, resilience, and the power of hope.
Who should read this book?
Readers who enjoy historical fiction, coming-of-age stories, and tales of adventure and resilience during challenging times.
Awards
- Minnesota Book Award(2020)
- Goodreads Choice Award(2019)
- Book of the Month Book of the Year Award(2019)
10. Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
What is this book about?
"Alexander Hamilton" by Ron Chernow is a Pulitzer Prize-winning biography that delves into the remarkable life of one of America's most influential Founding Fathers. From his impoverished beginnings as an orphaned immigrant in the Caribbean to his meteoric rise as a Revolutionary War hero, George Washington's trusted advisor, and the architect of America's financial system, Chernow masterfully paints a comprehensive portrait of Hamilton's brilliance, ambition, complexities, and enduring impact on the birth and early development of the United States.
Who should read this book?
History buffs, biography lovers, and those interested in the founding of the United States and Alexander Hamilton's pivotal role in it.
Awards
- George Washington Book Prize(2005)
- National Book Critics Circle Award(2004)
11. Bad Blood by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
What is this book about?
That description is inaccurate. "Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup" is a non-fiction book written by John Carreyrou, a journalist, not Jennifer Lynn Barnes. The book details the rise and fall of Theranos, a blood testing company, and its founder Elizabeth Holmes, who claimed their technology could revolutionize healthcare. Carreyrou's investigation unravels a web of deceit, exposing how Theranos misled investors, the medical community, and the public with its false promises, ultimately leading to one of the biggest corporate scandals in Silicon Valley history.
12. The Exchange by John Grisham
What is this book about?
"The Exchange" by John Grisham plunges readers into the high-stakes world of international finance and legal intrigue. After the sudden death of a prominent partner at a prestigious law firm, young attorney Sam Underwood is thrust into a dangerous conspiracy that stretches from the boardrooms of Wall Street to the corridors of Washington D.C. As Sam uncovers a trail of hidden agendas, financial malfeasance, and cold-blooded murder, he must risk everything to expose the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice, all while navigating the cutthroat world of corporate law and fighting to protect himself from those who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets buried.
Who should read this book?
Fans of legal thrillers, readers who enjoy John Grisham's work, and anyone interested in stories about corporate conspiracies.
13. Mastery by Robert Greene
What is this book about?
"Mastery" by Robert Greene is not a novel with a traditional story. Instead, it's a thought-provoking exploration of the path to achieving mastery in any field or endeavor. Drawing upon the lives and insights of historical figures like Leonardo da Vinci, Mozart, and Benjamin Franklin, as well as contemporary masters in various disciplines, Greene identifies the common patterns, strategies, and mindsets that enable individuals to reach the pinnacle of their chosen pursuits. Through compelling anecdotes, historical analysis, and practical advice, "Mastery" provides a roadmap for anyone seeking to attain exceptional skill, knowledge, and lasting fulfillment in their life's work.
Who should read this book?
Individuals seeking self-improvement, those interested in achieving success in their chosen field, and readers who appreciate historical analysis and practical advice.
14. The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli, Rufus Goodwin, Benjamin Martinez
What is this book about?
"The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli, translated by various individuals including Rufus Goodwin and Benjamin Martinez, is not a story in the traditional sense but a treatise on power, politics, and leadership. Written in the 16th century, it presents a pragmatic and often ruthless guide for rulers on how to acquire, maintain, and expand political power in a dangerous and unpredictable world. Machiavelli argues that a ruler must be willing to prioritize the stability and well-being of the state above all else, even if it requires resorting to morally ambiguous or unpopular actions.
Who should read this book?
Students of political science, history enthusiasts, and anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of power and leadership.
Awards
- National Book Award Finalist(1978)
15. The Road by Cormac McCarthy
What is this book about?
"The Road" by Cormac McCarthy paints a bleak and haunting portrait of a father and son navigating a post-apocalyptic wasteland. In a world ravaged by an unnamed cataclysm that has obliterated civilization and left the landscape barren and desolate, the man and his young son embark on a perilous journey south, pushing a shopping cart laden with their meager supplies, desperately seeking warmth, sustenance, and a glimmer of hope amidst the ashes of a shattered world. Haunted by the omnipresent threat of starvation, roving bands of cannibals, and the relentless grip of despair, the father clings to his humanity and the fierce love for his son as they struggle for survival against insurmountable odds.
Who should read this book?
Fans of post-apocalyptic fiction, readers who appreciate starkly beautiful prose, and those who enjoy stories that explore the depths of human resilience and the bonds of love in the face of adversity.
Awards
- Pulitzer Prize(2007)
- Locus Award(2007)
- James Tait Black Memorial Prize(2006)
- The Quill Award(2007)
- Premio Ignotus(2008)
16. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius, Martin Hammond
What is this book about?
"Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius, translated by various individuals including Martin Hammond, is not a traditional story but a collection of personal reflections, philosophical insights, and spiritual exercises written by the Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius in the late 2nd century AD. Never intended for publication, these writings offer a glimpse into the mind of a philosopher-king grappling with the burdens of leadership, the complexities of human nature, and the pursuit of virtue and inner peace amidst the chaos of the world. Through a series of fragmented thoughts and aphorisms, Marcus Aurelius outlines his Stoic philosophy, emphasizing self-control, acceptance of fate, and the importance of living in accordance with nature and reason.
Who should read this book?
Those seeking wisdom and guidance on living a meaningful life, individuals interested in Stoic philosophy, and anyone drawn to introspective and timeless reflections on the human condition.