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Undoubtably one of the greatest gift to gift both readers and non-readers alike is a really good book.
In this post, I have combined a list of 10 great books to gift dad for Father’s Day. 📖
A lot of these books – if not all – of these books are written by fathers. Furthermore, some of these books have fatherhood as their thematic core or as one of its many subjects!
For more inspiration, you can also read here my post on the 40 Thoughtful and Useful Gifts for Dad – Father’s Day Gifts!
1. “The Splendid and the Vile” by Erik Larson
“The Splendid and the Vile” is a great book to gift for Father’s Day for dads who love history surrounding the World Wars. A nonfiction account that practically reads like fiction because it’s that good.
In this book, Larson explores the way in which Winston Churchill convinced the world that the British were a worthy ally during the rise of Hitler’s bombing campaign.
It is safe to say that dad will devour this book!
If he already has this newest book by Erik Larson, he might enjoy his earlier works such as “The Devil in the White City” (about the Chicago World’s Fair) and “Dead Wake: The Last Crossing of the Lusitania.”
2. “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari
“Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” is a classic book to gift dad! If he loves history, science, and anthropology, then this book will more than peak his interest.
This book examines the survival of our species: Homo sapiens. 100,000 years ago 5 other human species ruled the Earth but we – sapiens – are the ones to have survived. As it’s title highlights, this book is an eye-opening book about the brief – yet incredible – history of humankind.
3. Autumn by Karl Ove Knausgaard
“Autumn” is a touching book to gift to dads on Father’s Day. This novel is a collection of biographical essay-like dated passages of Swedish Karl Ove Knausgaard author’s real life.
These skillfully written passages are dedicated to his unborn daughter. Essentially he beautifully describes both the material natural world around him to his daughter as well as everything that encompasses life’s small wonders and intricacies.
4. “The Anthropocene Reviewed” by John Green
“The Anthropocene Reviewed” is another fantastic book to gift to dad. This book is John Green’s first nonfiction book, however, his storytelling prowess does not escape the pages of this book.
Furthermore, “The Anthropocene Reviewed” offers a moving collection of personal essays as John Green explores the complexity and contradictions of humanity on both a scientific and personal level.
5. “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy
“The Compound Effect” is amazing to gift to dad if he’s trying to change his life habits and make great positive change in his life. My dad loved reading this one – my dad doesn’t read – which made me pick it up and read it right after him.
This book is short, accessible, and yet filled with groundbreaking practical advice on how to truly change your life without buying into any of these on-going gimmicks we hear from all the gurus out there.
Dad will love reading through this one!
6. “If it Bleeds” by Stephen King
“If it Bleeds” is a great collection to gift to dads that love the horror-thriller genre. Actually most of the books by Stephen King will suit dads who love this kind of fiction. This newly released collection encompasses 4 horrific novella that will have dad’s heart pumping as he reads.
7. “Word Travel” by Anthony Bourdain
“World Travel” is the perfect for the avid traveller dad. This amazing book contains vignettes from Bourdain’s very many travels and gives practical advice about travelling along the way. More than that, it is a book about people, detailing different cultures, foods, landmarks, and values.
8. “A Promised Land” by Barack Obama
“A Promised Land” is a great book for memoir/politics loving dads. Evidently this 700+ paged book highlights the former president of the United States – Barack Obama – personal journey into politics. This autobiography will both engross and inspire dad!
Another book to consider gifting dad is “Dream of my Father” which is Obama’s personal heartfelt family story facing the death of his own father.
9. “Win” Harlan Coben
“Win” is another great mystery-thriller fiction book to gift dad on this Father’s Day.
This brand new series follows Windsor Horne Lockwood III (Win for short) who embarks in a mysterious family saga. It involves the FBI, one kidnapped cousin, a stolen Vermeer painting and a stolen leather suitcase.
Harlan Coben is known for his twists and amazing character developments and this new series starts with no exception!
10. “Things My Son Needs to Know About the World” by Fredrik Backman
“Things My Son Needs to Know About the World” is another perfect book to gift dad that also chronicles fatherhood!
Composed of funny and heartfelt relatable essays, Backman – similarly to Karl Ove as seen earlier – instructs his son about the world he will inhabit while presenting an earnest autobiography of himself as a father and citizen of the world.
I hope you enjoyed this list of 10 great books to gift dad for Father’s Day! Let me know which book(s) you are gifting dad on this Father’s Day! 📖
For more inspiration, you can also read here my post on the 40 Thoughtful and Useful Gifts for Dad – Father’s Day Gifts!
Thanks for these recommendations! I was just google searching this!
Sooooooo good. And I’m not even a Dad! Great selection of books. I haven’t read them all yet so there were a few I added to my “must-read” list. Thanks!
This is truly an awesome selection. I’d go for the Homo Sapiens and World Travel myself. I wish I could read more 🙂 Thanks for the inspiration!
Pinned this post also! Thank you for all these recos, it is great that they are written by fathers and will make a perfect gift for readers and non- readers alike