20 of the Best Books for Dads That Love to Read

When it comes to Father’s Day gift ideas can be pretty limited. This year go beyond the tie and BBQ aprons. I have compiled a list of 20 top books for every type of Dad. 

You are sure to find a book on this list that reflects who he is and shows you put some thought into finding just the right gift. If the father in your life likes to read check out this curated list of new reads and old favorites. A collection of perfect books for Dads of all types.  

But you don’t just have to stick to a traditional physical book. You could give a 1-year Audible subscription and include the audiobook of any of these reads. You can start him off with two choices from the list below and then Dad can pick a new book every month after. I have included links to the audiobooks and some notes about the narrators in this list. 

Also included with some of the books listed below are links to special editions or boxed sets if you are looking for that extra added something. 

If your Dad is a book lover then read on to find 20 of the best books to give him this Father’s Day.

Books for Dads That Can Solve Anything

A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

From the Publisher: In A Study in Scarlet, Doyle presents two equally perplexing mysteries for Holmes to solve: one a murder that takes place in the shadowy outskirts of London, in a locked room where the haunting word Rache is written upon the wall, the other a kidnapping set in the American West. Picking up the “scarlet thread of murder running through the colourless skein of life,” Holmes demonstrates his uncanny knack for finding the truth, tapping into powers of deduction that still captivate readers today.

The original sleuth. A Study in Scarlet was the first Sherlock Holmes mystery and introduced the world to the father of deduction and his soon-to-be assistant Dr. Watson. A great gift for Dad is a collection of Sherlock Holmes stories. This beautiful edition compiling all 4 novels and the 56 short stories is available at Barnes and Noble and would look great on any shelf. 

Along Came a Spider by James Patterson

From the Publisher: What have we got? A missing little girl named Maggie Rose . . . a family of three brutally murdered in the projects of Washington, D.C. . . . the thrill-killing of a beautiful elementary school teacher . . . a psychopathic serial kidnapper/murderer who is so terrifying that the FBI, the Secret Service, and the police cannot outsmart him – even after he’s been captured.

Gary Soneji wants to commit the crime of the century. Alex Cross is the brilliant homicide detective pitted against him. Jezzie Flanagan is the first female supervisor of the Secret Service. They complete one of the most unusual suspense triangles in any thriller you have ever read.

This gritty detective series covers a span of 31 books (to date) and will keep your Dad reading month after month. Along Came a Spider introduces you to the brilliant homicide detective and forensic psychologist Alex Cross as he chases down a serial killer trying to commit the crime of the century in Washington DC. This novel is a page-turner and perfect for any fan of entertaining crime stories that keep you on the edge of your seat. Actor Taye Diggs narrates the audiobook. 

Books for Dads That Put Family First

The Road by Cormac McCarthy

From the Publisher:  A father and his son walk alone through burned America. Nothing moves in the ravaged landscape save the ash on the wind. It is cold enough to crack stones, and when the snow falls it is gray. The sky is dark. Their destination is the coast, although they don’t know what, if anything, awaits them there. They have nothing; just a pistol to defend themselves against the lawless bands that stalk the road, the clothes they are wearing, a cart of scavenged food—and each other.

This book is on all of the 50 Books to Read in a Lifetime lists and has been touted as one of the best dystopian novels ever written. In this story, the unbreakable bond between a father and his son will have Dad feeling all the feels. 

Razorblade Tears by S.A. Crosby

From the publisher:  Ike and Buddy Lee, two ex-cons with little else in common other than a criminal past and a love for their dead sons band together in their desperate desire for revenge. 

This book is on everyone’s must-read list. Nominated for Goodreads Mystery/Thriller of the Year 2021, NPR’s Must-Read Books of 2021, and Time Magazine’s 100 Must-Read Books of 2021. A moving story of two men brought together by the murder of their married sons and who must grapple with their failings as fathers while trying to avenge them.

Books for Secret Agent Dads

Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

From the publisher: British Secret Service agent James Bond, a.k.a. 007, is sent to France to play in a high-stakes baccarat game in an effort to take down Le Chiffre, a financier for the villainous SMERSH. Things get more complicated when he is partnered with Vesper Lynd, a beautiful and smart MI6 employee with a dark secret.

James Bond is a classic in the spy world. Everyone has seen the movies but few have read the books that started it all. A great gift idea is this vintage-looking edition of the very first book that launched the iconic James Bond franchise.

The Bourne Identity by Robert Ludlum

From the publisher: Who is Jason Bourne? Is he an assassin, a terrorist, a thief? Why has he got four million dollars in a Swiss bank account? Why has someone tried to murder him?

His memory is a blank. His bullet-ridden body was fished from the Mediterranean Sea. His face has been altered by plastic surgery. A frame of microfilm has been surgically implanted in his hip. Even his name is a mystery. Marked for death, he is racing for survival through a bizarre world of murderous conspirators—led by Carlos, the world’s most dangerous assassin. Who is Jason Bourne? The answer may kill him.

This page-turner of a spy thriller brings the reader along as Jason Bourne tries to uncover the truth about who he is and what he has done. The audiobook is short coming in at under 3 hours and is narrated by none other than Darren McGavin (of Christmas Story fame).

Books for Dads That Always Keep You Laughing

Born Standing Up by Steve Martin

From the Publisher: In the mid-seventies, Steve Martin exploded onto the comedy scene. By 1978 he was the biggest concert draw in the history of stand-up. In 1981 he quit forever. This book is, in his own words, the story of “why I did stand-up and why I walked away.” His memoir of his years in stand-up is candid, spectacularly amusing, and beautifully written. Throughout the text, Martin has placed photographs, many never seen before. Born Standing Up is a superb testament to the sheer tenacity, focus, and daring of one of the greatest and most iconoclastic comedians of all time.

Steve Martin is a legend. From his time doing stand-up to sold-out crowds to his recent blockbuster success with Only Murders in the Building on Hulu he has had quite the career. The audiobook is narrated by Steve Martin himself which gives a real impact to the moments he shares with the readers.

Yearbook by Seth Rogan

From the Publisher: Hi! I’m Seth! I was asked to describe my book, Yearbook, for the inside flap (which is a gross phrase) and for websites and s*@t like that, so… here it goes!!!

Yearbook is a collection of true stories that I desperately hope are just funny at worst, and life-changingly amazing at best. (I understand that it’s likely the former, which is a fancy “book” way of saying “the first one.”)

A hilarious memoir that takes you on a tour through actor, writer, and producer Seth Rogan’s life from childhood through life in LA. The audiobook features a full cast including such greats as Dan Akroyd, Billy Idol, and of course the author himself. A great gift idea if giving an Audible subscription. 

Books for Dads That Always Took You on Adventures

The Wager by David Grann

From the Publisher: While the Wager had been chasing a Spanish treasure-filled galleon known as “the prize of all the oceans,” it had wrecked on a desolate island off the coast of Patagonia. 

It became clear that while stranded on the island the crew had fallen into anarchy, with warring factions fighting for dominion over the barren wilderness. As accusations of treachery and murder flew, the Admiralty convened a court martial to determine who was telling the truth. The stakes were life-and-death–for whomever the court found guilty could hang.

This newly released bestseller is a high-stakes retelling of The Wager’s crash and its crew’s return some months later in two separate vessels recounting two very different versions of what happened.  Early praise says that this non-fiction read has the feel of a fast-paced thriller. Rumor has it that Martin Scorsese and Leonardo DiCaprio have already purchased the rights to the story.

The Last Place on Earth by Roland Huntford

From the Publisher: At the beginning of the twentieth century, the South Pole was the most coveted prize in the fiercely nationalistic modern age of exploration. In the brilliant dual biography, the award-winning writer Roland Huntford re-examines every detail of the great race to the South Pole between Britain’s Robert Scott and Norway’s Roald Amundsen. 

This dual biography details the race of two different expeditions to the South Pole. One returns and one doesn’t. This book covers leadership, courage, and the desire to be a hero for your country and be remembered throughout history. Reviews praise the highly detailed historical information however this lends itself to a slower read but is still thoroughly engrossing.

Books for Dads That Taught You the Constellations

The Martian by Andy Weir

From the Publisher: Six days ago, astronaut Mark Watney became one of the first people to walk on Mars. Now, he’s sure he’ll be the first person to die there.

After a dust storm nearly kills him and forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark finds himself stranded and completely alone with no way to even signal Earth that he’s alive—and even if he could get word out, his supplies would be gone long before a rescue could arrive.

If Dad enjoyed the movie he should definitely read the book. The humor perfectly offsets the science and there are more events and disasters than portrayed in the movie. Andy Weir is a master of astronaut fiction. The audiobook is narrated perfectly by Wil Wheaton.

The Right Stuff by Tom Wolfe

From the Publisher: Millions of words have poured forth about man’s trip to the moon, but until now few people have had a sense of the most engrossing side of the adventure; namely, what went on in the minds of the astronauts themselves – in space, on the moon, and even during certain odysseys on earth. It is this, the inner life of the astronauts, that Tom Wolfe describes with his almost uncanny empathetic powers, that made The Right Stuff a classic.

This book was written in 1979 and paints the picture of a controversial space program. Tom Wolfe talks about each astronaut at a point when they became a star. This is a non-fiction book that reads like a funny poignant fiction novel. Part commentary part speculation and completely engrossing. Actor Dennis Quaid narrates the audiobook.

Books for Dads That Taught You How to Make That Perfect Dish

A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain

From the Publisher: The only thing “gonzo gastronome” and internationally bestselling author Anthony Bourdain loves as much as cooking is traveling. Inspired by the question, “What would be the perfect meal?” Tony sets out on a quest for his culinary holy grail, and in the process turns the notion of “perfection” inside out. From California to Cambodia, A Cooks’ Tour chronicles the unpredictable adventures of America’s boldest and bravest chef.

Originally published in 2001 and re-released after his death this memoir is as much a travel diary as it is a culinary exploration. 

Taste by Stanley Tucci

From the Publisher: Taste is a reflection on the intersection of food and life, filled with anecdotes about his growing up in Westchester, New York; preparing for and shooting the foodie films Big Night and Julie & Julia; falling in love over dinner; and teaming up with his wife to create meals for a multitude of children. Each morsel of this gastronomic journey through good times and bad, five-star meals and burned dishes, is as heartfelt and delicious as the last.

This is not your typical memoir. Stanley Tucci tells the stories of his life through his interactions with food, all his greatest memories tied to meals, and culinary moments. A perfect read for any dad that loves spending time around the table enjoying good food and good times. The audiobook is narrated by the author himself.

Books for Dads That Served Our Country

Band of Brothers by Stephen E. Ambrose

From the Publisher: As good a rifle company as any, Easy Company, 506th Airborne Division, US Army, kept getting tough assignments–responsible for everything from parachuting into France early D-Day morning to the capture of Hitler’s Eagle’s Nest at Berchtesgaden. In “Band of Brothers,” Ambrose tells of the men in this brave unit who fought, went hungry, froze & died, a company that took 150% casualties & considered the Purple Heart a badge of office. Drawing on hours of interviews with survivors as well as the soldiers’ journals & letters, Stephen Ambrose recounts the stories, often in the men’s own words, of these American heroes.

This book was turned into an award-winning series on HBO and is considered one of the more gritty and compelling retellings of life in World War II.

The Things They Carried by Tim O’Brien

From the Publisher: The Things They Carried depicts the men of Alpha Company: Jimmy Cross, Henry Dobbins, Rat Kiley, Mitchell Sanders, Norman Bowker, Kiowa, and the character Tim O’Brien, who has survived his tour in Vietnam to become a father and writer at the age of forty-three.  The Things They Carried’s portrayal of the boots-on-the-ground experience of soldiers in the Vietnam War is a landmark in war writing. 

This book was nominated for the Pulitzer Prize and has been required high school reading for years. The details and haunting narrative bring the reality of war right to the page. Actor Bryan Cranston powerfully narrates the audiobook.

Books for New Dads and Soon-to-Be Dads

Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday

From the Publisher: Instead of a parenting book you read once as a sleep-deprived new parent, The Daily Dad provides 366 accessible meditations on fatherhood, one for each day of the year. Each entry offers a memorable lesson on being the role model your child needs, rooted in timeless principles.

This book will be a read, re-read, and re-read again for any Dad. The thought-provoking lessons will be able to be applied to any stage of fatherhood. Ryan Holiday is able to take the philosophy of Stoicism and explain it in practicable ways through examples and quotes. You can purchase a signed copy of the book from his website.

Be Prepared by Gary Greenberg and Jeannie Hayden

From the Publisher: An indispensable survival manual for men entering the trenches of fatherhood, Be Prepared is loaded with one-of-a-kind insights, MacGyver-esque tips and tricks, and no-nonsense advice for mastering the first year as a dad.

Like a good Boy Scout, every new Dad needs to “Be Prepared”. This book takes a sensible and humorous look at early fatherhood. The tips are practical while also being a bit cheeky. 

Books for Superhero Dads

The Story of Marvel Studios: The Making of the Marvel Cinematic Universe by Tara Bennett and Paul Terry

From the Publisher: Bennett and Terry were granted unprecedented access to Marvel Studios, which led to this years-in-the-making tome containing personal stories from more than 200 interviews, including every Marvel Studios producer; MCU writers and directors; the stars of The Infinity Saga; concept artists, costume designers, composers, and the talents behind the MCU’s dazzling visual effects; and more. Featuring previously unpublished behind-the-scenes photography and archival production material, as well as personal photos and memorabilia from cast and crew, The Story of Marvel Studios is the essential, collectible chronicle of how the Marvel Cinematic Universe was brought to life.

If the Dad in your life has watched all the Marvel movies in order and talks endlessly about multiverses and the latest MCU controversy (without explaining what MCU is…) then this comprehensive story of the saga that is the rise of the Marvel empire is for him. A beautiful slipcased edition.

The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon

From the Publisher: Joe Kavalier, a young Jewish artist who has also been trained in the art of Houdini-esque escape, has just smuggled himself out of Nazi-invaded Prague and landed in New York City. His Brooklyn cousin Sammy Clay is looking for a partner to create heroes, stories, and art for the latest novelty to hit America – the comic book. 

Not a superhero story in the traditional sense this Pulitzer Prize-winning novel tells the story of two men creating a comic book of superheroes based on their own experiences as they try to chase the American Dream in 1930s New York City. 

I hope you were able to find a great gift idea for your Dad in this list. Is the father in your life a bookworm? Are you giving the gift of reading this Father’s Day? Any other Dad recommendations? Comment down below.