The Essential List of the Best Books for Men

Kevin Hanes Jan 26, 2023
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Man reading a good book outdoors

Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only. 

The Best Books for Men: Why you should read

When you are looking to obtain information and learn about a topic you usually go straight to your computer and look up the information you need online. Now, there isn’t anything wrong with that but anyone can go onto the internet and write an article on any topic without any sort of training, expertise, or experience. You don’t always know if you are getting the right information. Books provide another medium by which we can learn and grow as men and fathers.


Back in the day, you had to go to the library and look up books to read on the topic you were wanting to learn about (libraries, how archaic right?). Thanks to the internet, we can expedite this process by searching for the books we want and then having them sent to us directly. I love reading and many of the world’s most successful people read a metric boatload of books every year. Why not you too?


Not only is reading a great way to obtain information but it also has incredible health benefits. Improving the connections in your brain, creating new neural pathways, helping with memory, and (pay attention guys this last one is important) improving your attention span. So, I wanted to create this list of essential books for men, soon-to-be-dads, and current dads who might not know where to start or just need some good suggestions. I will add to this list as I read new books and if anyone has a book they would like to recommend please let me know! In no particular order, let's get started with the first book.

1. Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Can't Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds: David Goggins:  9781544512280: Amazon.com: Books

This inspirational book tells the story of David Goggins and how he overcame incredible hardships during his formative years, to become one of the most impressive men on the planet.


2. Man's Search for Meaning

Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl · OverDrive: ebooks,  audiobooks, and more for libraries and schools

This book, written by Viktor E. Frankl, is considered by some to be the most influential book in America. The author spent 3 years in different concentration camps during World War 2. He chronicles that experience in this book along with the psychotherapeutic method that helped him overcome the tribulation and find meaning in life.

3. As a Man Thinketh

As a man Thinketh: The Original 1902 Edition (The Wisdom Of James Allen):  Allen, James: 9798706171780: Amazon.com: Books

This is a great book talking about the power of thought. It is a quick read but teaches valuable principles that will help any man in his life. "Man is made or unmade by himself." - James Allen

4. Never Split the Difference: Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It

Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It:  Voss, Chris, Raz, Tahl: 9780062407801: Amazon.com: Books

This is one of those books that left me speechless. If you want to learn how to become more persuasive in your professional and personal life, look no further.

5. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal  Change: Covey, Stephen R.: 9780743269513: Amazon.com: Books

This is another one of those books that will change your life if you let it. Pick it up and see for yourself.

There you have it! Pick a book from above and get reading. I know that if you read and apply what you learn to your daily life you will see improvement.

As mentioned above I will continue to add books to the list over time. Let me know if you have any suggestions. Happy reading Dauntless Daddies!

Disclosure:  Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you if you decide to purchase. This site is not intended to provide financial advice and is for entertainment only.