As a passionate bookworm, I’ve always found solace and wisdom tucked away in the pages of a great book. My personal reading journey has been filled with gripping tales of resilience, touching memoirs, hilarious jokes, inspiring stories of success, and many more. I’ve always believed that books have the power to shape our thoughts, broaden our perspectives, and, in many ways, touch our hearts.
Each book I’ve read has given me invaluable insights that I’ve applied to my life. Some have offered me respite after long days, while others have served as roadmaps for navigating life’s complex paths.
As dads, I know how meaningful it can be for you to steal a few moments for yourself from the hectic schedules. That’s why I’ve compiled this list of best books for dad, some of which have made me laugh, others have made me reflect, but all have made me appreciate the journey of fatherhood even more.
1.The Mamba Mentality: How I Play, by Kobe Bryant
This book is an inspirational guide from one of the greatest basketball players, Kobe Bryant, who shares his deep insight into the game. It details his approach to preparing both physically and mentally for basketball and illustrates his transformative Mamba Mentality. This is a profound dive into the mind of an elite athlete, making it a perfect pick for fathers who love sports.
2. Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood, by Trevor Noah
Born a Crime is Trevor Noah’s compelling memoir detailing his childhood in apartheid South Africa. Born to a white father and a black mother, Noah’s very existence was a crime under the racial laws of the time. His story is both hilarious and heartbreaking, offering a unique perspective on a country’s transition from oppressive racial segregation to democracy.
3. Every Tool’s A Hammer, by Adam Savage
Adam Savage—star of Discovery Channel’s MythBusters—shares his golden rules of creativity, from finding inspiration to following through and successfully turning your idea into reality. This book is a chronicle of his life as a maker, providing useful and practical advice for dads who love tinkering, crafting, and building.
4. Sh*t My Dad Says, by Justin Halpern
In this humorous book, Justin Halpern shares pearls of wisdom from his irreverent, salty, yet inarguably wise father. Halpern’s comedic writing provides lots of laughs, while also offering thought-provoking insights into parenting and life. It’s a fun read for any dad with a sense of humor.
5. Hair Love, by Matthew A. Cherry
Hair Love is a heartwarming, beautifully illustrated children’s book that portrays a positive image of black fatherhood. The story revolves around an African-American father who must do his daughter’s hair for the first time and, in the process, learns a valuable lesson about love, bonding, and the importance of family.
6. Dadskills, by Chris Peterson
Dadskills is a practical and engaging guide for new fathers and fathers-to-be, filled with essential advice, tips, and tricks on handling the challenges of modern fatherhood. From baby wrangling to navigating the teenage years, this book has it all, making it an excellent resource for fathers at any stage of the parenting journey.
7. Miracle at St Andrews, by James Patterson
James Patterson delivers a story that blends the magic of golf and the power of miracles. In this book, a retired golfer gets a chance to play a round on the world’s oldest and most revered golf course, St Andrews. It is an inspiring and moving tale about golf, life, and miraculous moments.
8. Tell Me Your Life Story, Dad, by Questions About Me
This journal is designed to guide fathers to tell their life story, capturing treasured memories, wisdom, and experiences to be passed down to future generations. It is a thoughtful prompt for reflection and a perfect keepsake gift from a father to his children.
9. The Forgotten 500, by Gregory A. Freeman
This book brings to light the courageous story of 500 American airmen who were trapped in Nazi-occupied Yugoslavia during WWII and their daring rescue. It’s a gripping and often overlooked piece of history, perfect for dads who are fans of historical nonfiction.
10. Dad Jokes, by Jimmy Niro
This book is a collection of classic, corny “dad jokes” that are so bad they’re good. It includes more than 600 puns, knock-knock jokes, and one-liners that will make you groan and laugh at the same time. Perfect for dads who love to entertain and embarrass their kids with their humor.
11. A Promised Land, by Barack Obama
“A Promised Land” is the riveting and deeply personal account of history in the making from former President Barack Obama. The memoir offers a thoughtful exploration of the powerful journey of leading a nation and the hard choices that come with it, making it a wonderful read for fathers interested in politics, history, or leadership.
12. Uncommon Type, by Tom Hanks
Written by actor Tom Hanks, “Uncommon Type” is a collection of short stories that blends nostalgia, wit, and insight. Each tale features a typewriter, reflecting Hanks’ own passion for vintage typewriters. This book will charm dads who enjoy thoughtful, evocative storytelling.
13. The Boys in the Boat, by Daniel James Brown
“The Boys in the Boat” is an inspiring true story of the University of Washington rowing team who, against all odds, clinched gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. It’s a powerful exploration of determination, resilience, and teamwork that dads with an interest in sports and history would appreciate.
14. Shoe Dog, by Phil Knight
“Shoe Dog” is a candid memoir from Nike’s founder, Phil Knight. Knight shares the inside story of the company’s early days and its evolution into one of the world’s most iconic and profitable brands. Dads who are interested in business, entrepreneurship, or just love their Nike sneakers will find this book engaging.
15. Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer
“Into the Wild” is the tragic yet fascinating tale of Christopher McCandless who, after graduating from college, abandoned his possessions, donated his money to charity, and hitchhiked to Alaska to live in the wilderness. Krakauer’s poignant writing will engage fathers who enjoy adventure, nature, and introspective journeys.
