A Farewell to Arms by Earnest Hemingway
For the more literary dad, who enjoys stories about war and bravery written by a great author, it can’t really get better than this book. It isn’t only a novel about war but also has a beautiful love story woven into it that would appeal to your well-read father’s sensitivities.
Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
This best-selling book explores the concept of economics as the study of incentives and very intelligently relates it to many other truths about the world and the way we live and about how to redefine the way we look at the modern world through asking the right questions. Brilliant and according to anecdotal evidence, very popular amongst men, we’re quite sure dad will happily lap it up.
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
Mitch Albom has evolved into quite the modern-day guru, with his raw, true-to-life quotes and advice. The book is based on a series of interviews Mitch Albom carried out with his former professor, Morrie Schwartz, who was dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease. In the book Morrie relates his ideas on love, nurturing and giving love. It is a heartwarming book and whether your dad is stressed or retired, the advice, which makes it a sort of self-help book, will drive some strong points home.
Legend by David Gemmell
If your dad is a fan of fantasy, this book is one he simply must add to his collection, if he hasn’t already. This is fantasy-novel genius Gemmell’s first title and tells the story of Druss the Legend, whom we see in many of his subsequent books. Filled with all the intriguing plotlines of a good fantasy novel, along with lots of warfare, treachery, bravery and romance.
Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
Your old man has most probably seen the movie, which is a brilliant work of art in our opinion. With its detailed psychological plot and plenty of fight scenes, this movie is sheer genius. The book is even better. If your dad loved it as much as we did, he’ll have his mind blown once he reads the book it’s based on.
A photo book
Yes we know this isn’t an actual book he can read but a picture book, put together by you, could be the greatest book, one that he can flip through and reminisce over many times over the years. Put in a little more effort here and fill the book with photos you’ve taken with your father over the years. Be sure to add little notes of appreciation beside or below them. Decorate it as best you can and watch your dad beam with warmth when he sees it.
Neither Here nor There: Travels in Europe by Bill Bryson
If your dad is a travel enthusiast and a Bill Bryson fan then this is a great pick for him. A travelogue, injected with the right amount of humour, it relates Bill Bryson’s account of his travel’s in Europe in 1990 and with some mention of his previous trips in the 1970s. If your father traveled to Europe as a young lad, this will bring back familiar memories.
Bravo Two Zero by Andy McNab
Former SAS (Special Air Services) sergeant, McNab is a well known English novelist whose books primarily focus on action thrillers about combat and war in the modern day. Bravo Two Zero is arguably one of his best books and he recounts his own experiences in Iran in 1991, behind enemy lines. Another favourite author amongst men, this is another surefire gift option for dad.
The Motorcycle Diaries by Ernesto ‘Che’ Guevara
This iconic coming-of-age memoir that was made into a movie, of the Marxist revolutionary leader, Che Guevara’s life and travels in his early twenties, is a remarkable story of his 8-month journey with his friend Alberto Granado, on motorcycles, through desserts, jungle and cities and social reform. If your dad hasn’t already read the book, this would make for an ideal gift.
Golf is Not A Game of Perfect by Dr. Bob Rotella
We’re quite sure most dads like the game and if he’s a golf enthusiast, this book is a must-get. Rotella, one of America’s top performance consultants, teaches you to make the most out of your game and to improve your technique while having fun. Some men can get super competitive at the game and feel disheartened at how their handicap has decreased and this is book will offer the boost they need.
