Tom Foreman’s widely popular book is a great choice for dads! Journalist Tom Foreman spent three decades reporting for CNN on natural disasters, war zones, and riots.
But none of this was as scary as when his 18-year-old daughter asked him to run a marathon with her.
The book follows Foreman’s journey as he completes four half marathons, three marathons, and a 55-mile race.
Forman is open about the failures along the way, the reality of aging, and the time spent with his daughter while he rekindles his passion.
It’s a fine choice whether your dad is into running, sports, or looking to rekindle a passion.
Pros
Lots of funny moments
Well written and easy to read
Lots of good information about running
Emotional parts about family relationships that everyone will enjoy
Interesting lessons that can be used in family dynamics
Cons
Some of the content about overtraining should come with a warning to avoid others following it and injuring themselves.
If your dad is a fan of Bill Bryson or a sarcastic joke, they are sure to love this book!
Bill Bryson’s travel writing is hugely famous, but this book dives in further than any of his others. Bryson asks mathematicians, anthropologists, and archaeologists his most burning questions.
You can expect to learn about the Big Bang, the rise of civilization, and everything in between!
Even if your dad doesn’t enjoy science, Bryson has made these topics funny, clear, and entertaining.
You also don’t need a background in science to engage with the book, or have read Bryson’s earlier work, making it a good book for anyone!
The historical elements of the book are engaging too, although some of the knowledge is a little obscure.
Your dad will become a fountain of historical information once they have read this book!
Pros
A great read for fans of Bill Bryson
Covers more tricky science topics in an easy and relatable manner
Andy Weir’s book The Martian is a great book to buy your dad for father’s day. The book follows Mark Watney who is left behind on Mars following a dust storm.
Assumed dead, Mark’s team leaves him behind and is unable to return for him when they find out he is still alive.
Weir puts you on Mars with Mark as he tries to survive on the red planet alone.
This sci-fi thriller is different from anything your dad will have read before, and is good for anyone that enjoys a slower-paced book.
The book also focuses on the technical aspects of living in space and is incredibly well-researched. If your dad enjoys fiction, it’s a great book to buy!
It has also been made into a movie starring Matt Damon. If your dad enjoyed the movie, then be sure to get the book for them this father’s day!
Pros
A lot of technical information about space and life on another planet
Charles Duhigg’s book is sure to change your dad’s life! The Power Of Habit takes readers on a journey.
It’s not your typical self-help book, but rather an insightful exploration of habits and how you can use them to make changes in your life.
The book is broken down into easy-to-read chapters and three sections.
The science and studies mentioned in the book are explained well, so you don’t need any prior knowledge to understand the book.
If your dad has recently changed jobs, retired, or is looking to incorporate more habits or make changes in their life, it’s the book for them!
It isn’t too long and is full of references for further reading if they find the topic engaging and want to learn more.
Although the book does not tell you how to create new habits, it provides you with plenty of information and scientific evidence that will allow you to form your own habits in your life and business.
Besides, it’s always good to learn more about how businesses created habits for success!
Pros
An insightful read about habits in life and business
The chapters are short and easy to read
Lots of scientific evidence that is clearly explained
A profound read that stays with you
Cons
Some readers found some of the stories in the book irrelevant
If your dad is yet to read Into The Wild, then pick them up a copy for father’s day!
Jon Krakauer’s inspirational story follows Chris McCandless, a famous hitchhiker who abandons possessions and money, leaving his car in Alaska and setting off on foot.
But after four months of wandering and meeting new people, McCandless is found dead. The book draws you into the character, leaving you wanting more.
Is this a tale about ignorance and naivety? Or is there more to appreciate and learn from McCandless’ attempt to live a freer life?
Your dad will need to read the book and decide for themselves!
While the story is well crafted and allows readers to learn more about people around McCandless, some readers found that these stories about other characters derailed the plot slightly.
Pros
Engaging and enjoyable
Good if your dad enjoys books about adventure
Lots of detail and description
Easy to read in just one day
Cons
Some readers found that the plot jumped around and other characters’ stories weren’t relevant
If your dad loves books about the Cold War, you need to get him this book! Not only is it a true story, but it is one of the best they will read!
Ben Macintyre follows Oleg Gordievsky, the son of two KGB agents.
Becoming a Russian intelligence agent in 1968, he quickly flew up the ranks and became the Soviet’s topman in London.
But, there is a twist! Since the early 1970s, he’s been working for MI6!
The story follows the decade that follows, as the Cold War reaches dangerous heights, and Gordievsky finds himself being identified by Alrich Ames, an infamous Soviet spy.
What does he do now?
This three-way gamesmanship is sure to keep your dad hooked to the book! Who is the spy? And who is the traitor?
Your dad will be thrown into a world of betrayal and treachery as these men battle it out to try and change the future of nations, and the world.
It’s a super engaging read, with a complex plot that can be tricky to follow at times. The characters are super life-like and jump off the page.
Readers can’t help but root for them. Even if your dad hasn’t read a spy story before, this is a wonderful one to start with.
Pros
A super engaging and enjoyable story
A good insight into the life of a spy
Plenty of twists and turns
A true story
Cons
Some readers found the plot tricky to follow at times
How To Buy The Best Book For Dad
Buying books for your Dad can seem a daunting task, but it doesn’t need to be!
Check out my buyer’s guide below to find out what factors and features you should consider when making your purchase.
What Your Dad Likes
First, consider what books your dad likes to read. Take a look through their bookshelves next time you visit, or sneak a peek at their Kindle.
Is there an author that features a lot? Or perhaps a series that is not yet completed?
Buying the latest copy of their favorite author’s book, or the newest in a series they enjoy is always a good way to get a book they like!
Alternatively, consider the genre they like to read and see if there is a new release they would enjoy.
You can always ask your dad what kind of books they like too, which will help to narrow your search.
Fiction Or Nonfiction
Another factor to consider is whether your dad wants to read fiction or nonfiction. If they enjoy reading both, it’s worth considering the new releases.
Has their favorite sports player or celebrity released an autobiography?
Or is there a new book about their favorite topic you could buy? These are good questions to ask when narrowing your search for a non-fiction book.
You can also consider the genre here, searching by topics that your dad is interested in for a new and exciting book that they can enjoy.
Alternatively, if they enjoy fiction, revisit the questions I posed earlier to narrow down your search.
If your dad reads a lot of nonfiction, it might be a nice change to purchase him a fiction book, especially if it is a nonfiction author they enjoy that is trying something new.
There are lots of options when it comes to fiction, even if you don’t know what your dad is interested in.
You can head to the bestseller or new release pages online to find a book with an interesting plot or a familiar name that your dad would enjoy.
Stand Alone Or Sequel
It’s also worth considering whether the book is a stand-alone book or a sequel.
If you are buying a book that is a sequel or part of a series, has your dad read the books before it?
Or do they need to read any books in the series before this one? The last thing you want is to give them a book that confuses them!
Be sure to check before making your purchase whether there are any books your Dad will need to read before reading it.
If your budget allows, you could buy them the first few books in the series.
Or you can start with the first book and if they enjoy it, you can continue buying them the rest of the series for birthdays, fathers day, and other holidays!
Price
You will also want to consider the price of the book. Set yourself a budget before you start searching for a new book for your dad.
These days, you can always pick up a bargain online, you don’t need to spend a fortune to buy a good book!
Use your budget and the other factors I have outlined above to narrow your search and find a book that your dad will love this father’s day!
Don’t forget to keep your eyes out for any sales that would allow you to bring the cost of the book down too!
Final Thoughts
And there you have it, the 9 best books to buy your dad for father’s day!
No matter his interests, I am sure you will have found a book here that’s great for your dad.
Whether he enjoys travel, history, thrillers, autobiographies, or a bit of everything, there is a book out there for him!
Don’t forget to make use of our buyer’s guide to narrow your choices and find a book that your dad is sure to love.
Check the genre, what he likes, and whether the book is a stand-alone or part of a series before making your purchase and you are sure to be a winner!
Happy shopping!
Frequently Asked Questions
Don’t forget to check out our brief FAQ section before you leave us today!
How Long Should A Book I Buy My Dad Be?
This depends on the size of books your dad likes to read. For Father’s Day, I recommend a book of around 300 to 500 pages. This is long enough for an avid reader to enjoy the book but isn’t too big that it puts new readers off.
Plus, a book this length will provide your dad with plenty of entertainment throughout the summer if they start it on father’s day!
Should I Buy My Dad A Book About Dads?
A book about dads can be a good option for your dad on father’s day. If your dad is about to become a parent again, or a grandparent, they might get a lot of practical use and enjoyment out of the book.
If they aren’t, I recommend opting for a book that talks about fatherhood in relation to adult children. They will find this more relatable, and it could even help to improve your relationship with your dad.
You don’t need to buy your dad a book about dads for father’s day unless you think they would enjoy it. As long as it’s a book they will read and enjoy, it doesn’t matter what the topic is!
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
