20 Best Books For Guys To Read (2023 Update)

great, classic. i would highly reccommend this book. very warm and sad. great brother story…………………………………………………………………………………………………………gena1207

Read this book aloud to my 14 year old daughter in two days. She said it was "slow", but, I loved the underlying story of true friendship.misslisasdollshop

A very sad but compelling first hand view of an unfathomable event in history. How Viktor Frankl was able to relive these memories and put it all into words in order to finding meaning is admirable and inspiring.scarlet1017-81

Intressanta tankar kring vad som gör livet värt att leva samtidigt som det även handlar om livet och döden i ett koncentrationsläger under andra världskriget; handlingen om livet i ett koncentrationsläger som egentligen är bokens huvudtema och introduktion för att sedan diskutera vidare meningen med livet.Josephine T

It is a very insightful reading of the history of masculinity. Great for anyone working with groups of men, or young boys looking to understand themselves better.Pat

I just got done rereading this book for Halloween and it’s so amazing! Such a good read from cover to cover! There are a lot more details and back stories in the book and it does answer a lot of questions I had about the movie. If you are a fan of the movie or a horror aficionado this is a great book for you.robin.h

Such a fantastic read. The kind of book you can’t put down… what else are you to expect when picking up a SK novel? The man is a genius. As for the movie…. it was infuriating. If you’re a book snob like me and can’t stand when movies don’t stick to the script, do yourself a favor and don’t watch this one.alexandria.w

Quite simply put, The Shining is the best horror story I have ever read. It scared the hell out of me. Over a period of time, I have noticed certain standard "motifs" in horror stories. One of these I call "The Lost Child". Such stories will typically involve a child, who can see what the silly grownups cannot see (or, even if they do see, don't acknowledge because it goes against reason and logic): and who fights, however high the odds stacked against him/ her are. Danny Torrance is such a boy. Danny can read minds. He can see the frightening thoughts inside his Dad's and Mom's heads ("DIVORCE", "SUICIDE") but is powerless to do anything about it. Danny does not know that he has a gift; he takes it as a matter of course, until Dick Halloran of the Overlook Hotel tells him that he "shines on". Jack Torrance, Danny's Dad, reformed alcoholic and struggling writer, is trying to put his life back together after a tragedy. He gets what he sees as the ideal chance when he lands the job of caretaker of the Overlook Hotel for the winter. In the snowed-in hotel with only his son and wife Wendy, Jack assumes that he will get enough quality time to be with his family, patch up old quarrels, and write that breakout novel. But the Overlook has other plans. The hotel, which feeds on and grows in strength from the evils committed on its premises, wants Danny-permanently-to join its crew of ghostly inhabitants. And to do that, it needs to get to Jack… The novel slowly grows in horror, starting with mild unease, moving up through sweaty palms and dry mouth, to pure, gut-wrenching terror. Jack's slow slide into madness is paralleled by the growth in power of the hotel's dark miasma, and Danny's extraordinary capabilities. We are on a roller-coaster ride into darkness. The world of grownups is often frighteningly incomprehensible to young children: these fears seldom die as we grow up, but remain dormant in our psyche. There are very few of us who does not have a ghost in our childhood somewhere. It is when the writer invokes this ghost that story gets to us. King does a masterly job of awakening that child, and putting him/ her in the midst of childhood terrors through the alter ego of Danny Torrance, lost in the cavernous corridors of the Overlook. There are a lot of passages which literally creeped me out in this novel (the topiary animals, the fire hose in the corridor, the woman in the bathroom to name a few). As King has said elsewhere, the monster behind the door is more frightening than the monster slavering at you: this book is full of such monsters. More importantly, you will keep on remembering your own boogeymen while you are reading; and long after you finish, you will feel the urge to look behind you. Horror stories are a form of catharsis. As King says, the writer takes you to the body covered under the sheet: you feel it, and are frightened. At the same time, you are relieved that the body is not you.Rene

Both my mother and I are book addicts and devoured the first book that we've read by Frederik Backman. I immediately ordered 2 others by him. Ove is an "outsider" in terms of modern-day society, or as it's described, a curmudgeon. As I am a bit the same, I found this book particularly delightful as Ove is forced out of his inner life due to circumstances. It is a commentary on modern society. Those of us who prefer a solitary life, to read or spend time alone, are viewed as outsiders, yet Ove learns that helping others changes his life and theirs. The humor is a surprising bonus! A MUST READ and you will be through it in 3 readings and order his others from BAM.Susan

I liked this book but I didn’t love it, I’ve read much better novels. I read about 1/3 of it and then stopped as I couldn’t really get into it as I found it pretty boring. After a year I decided to read the remainder of it since I had spent the money on purchasing it. It all came together and I found it heartwarming. It’s not a book that would be on my top 10 to recommend but I wouldn’t discourage someone not to read it.essie.p

What a brilliant book , well written brilliant translation and funny. Observations are excellent and really funny. The topic is interesting as is the living in spite of everything. It touched parts of me deeply and is incredible to make me laugh and cry in the same book. Really really great read followed by watching the Swedish sun titled film! Love itnashhy

Sapiens is an insightful, history-laden explanation of how and why we humans organize ourselves the way we do. At the same time, it's a readable story of human history. Harari is an apt guide who doesn't preach, but lays out for us how we may have come by some of our inner workings. At a time when the future looks opaque, an unflinching look at our past can do wonders. I read all three Harari books this past summer, but found Sapiens to be the most compelling and important work of the three. A book that will change your mind, if you're open to it.jwregularguy

The book is a modern day classic which tries to reason why certain decisions were chosen over the other and how these decisions have shaped up the course of human history. While giving us potential explanations, Yuval also reminds us that these are mere speculations or theories and nobody can be sure what was going inside the minds of homo sapiens at that time. Some chapters are a bit of a stretch, though when someone tries to summarize the course of 70,000 years of human history into 416 pages, one can hardly complain. I have given an extra star for BookishSanta team who have provided the book in original (color edition) form with a nice touch of handwritten note.Utkarsh Y.

I really enjoyed this book. It is well written and had me gripped from page one. The author puts things into perspective – drawing analogies and parallels – that is shocking , surprising and even funny. I felt a number of emotions reading this, from ignorance, astonishing intellect, shock, horror, surprise, anger, sadness, hunger? I highly recommend for anyone looking for a easy, albeit enlightening read about the development of human, society and life as we know it.Gene

I had read the cut version many years ago so I wanted to read the uncut version. I havent started it yet but I am so looking forward to diving into it. PS Due to the current issues with USPS it took almost a month to receive this book.starshiplass0

My favorite Stephan King book ever. I got lost in the story, and could not put the book down. It was one of those books that made me sad that it was over, wanting desperately for there to be more. If it where not for this novel I would not be as big of a King fan as I am today. It not only got me hooked on the horror genre but also the post-apocalyptic genre. I would have to say that this is by far my all time favorite novel and I have reread it a hundred times.brittany.l

This book is insanly entertaining. They say not to judge a book by it's cover but you can tell this guy has the juice to tell it like it is. Frank Vincent lays it all out and does so in a easy fun read. There are some guys that don't have a clue and Frank helps those out for sure. Then there is guys that know the rules of the road but still Frank can teach those guys like us a thing or two. Great book and a must have for any man single married whatever.kfss1975

This book broke my heart into a million pieces. It is a truly beautiful and intriguing reimagining of the life of Achilles that showcases themes of true friendship, lovers, enemies, innocence, kindness, and of course pure love. This book gives a glimpse of Greek mythology through a love story between an exile and a prince who are ready to be the best warriors of their generation, with thousands of emotions tied into every chapter. In the end nothing but love matters, love between the souls that is far from the boundaries of gender, looks, or age. There is so much thought put into every page, and lots of small lessons are tied with each passing event! This book is stunningly written, I could not recommend it more.Bookish Nerd

"We were like gods at the dawning of the world, and our joy was so bright we could see nothing else but the other." The Song of Achilles, set in ancient Greece 'in the age of heroes' follows the perspective of protagonist Patroclus and his life's journey up until the trojan war. Patroclus, strong willed, yet weak bodied, son of King Menoitius, is exiled to the court of King Peleus of Phthia where he comes into the acquaintance of Peleus' son, Prince Achilles. The unlikely relationship between the two evolves from a hazy friendship, later maturing into one of intimacy, tenderness, and love. Madeline Miller presents this elegant and devastatingly beautiful story, contemporarily reimagining Homer's mythological tale 'Iliad'. This reconceptualisation of a tale as old as history presents modern and ancient philosophies of changing gender expectations and the influence of power and agency over the aspirations of both male and female characters. As far as queer literature goes, this is absolutely one of the most perfectly and beautifully crafted pieces ever written. I found that regardless of the gender of the two protagonists, this book merely showcased two people, who, were simply and utterly, in love. As a historically fictional and mythological retelling, Miller characterises the heroes, gods, and men over the course of the book, achieving this by emphasising the importance of honour, pride, and legacy. Personally, I discovered that the characterisation of Achilles after he receives a prophecy from the Fates before the battles at Troy, alludes to the suggestion that, after the battle, 'his honour is all that will remain'. Miller skilfully articulates historical jargon throughout the book, in such a way that it would be comprehensible to anyone who wishes to read it. After finishing this story, I would unequivocally recommend this book for anyone over the age of 15 interested (or not) in ancient Greek mythology. To those who wish to read this story, be prepared to have your heart – metaphorically – ripped into a thousand tiny pieces.Gus the booknerd

Madeline Miller is a sweetheart and a goddess for this one. I love the song of Achilles, and I will always have a place in my heart just for it. This is one of those books that you never want to finish, you know it would break your heart but you still read it and after reading it you sit in your tears, and you wish it has a different ending or at least a resolution in the ending that goes like, "and then they lived happily ever after", but I guess we don't always get what we want. Not a summary but my wishes, likes, and dislikes: Anyway,I'm glad that Thetis later chose the right thing the do and redeemed herself. I didn't like how Briesis ended, I dislike phyruss and I kinda like that he died. I didn't have any dislike for Hector, he was a good man who was fighting for the honor of his family. I despise Agamemnon because he had a hand in what happened to Patroclus, although Achilles pride was a huge contributor (reminded me so much of Arthur and Merlin). I wish patroculus dad would've known the brave, strong man his son grew up to be. I wasn't happy for the man Achilles became after the death of Patroclus. I wouldn't say I was happy, happy at the end because I don't think they found peace, but I'm glad that at least they found something almost like peace in the darkness of the afterlife. ✨"Go," she says. "He waits for you." IN THE DARKNESS. two shadows, reaching through the hopeless, heavy, dusk. Their hands meet, and light spills in a flood like a hundred golden urns pouring out of the sun✨😭Just Readit

Bought this because it was prequel to his 2019 novel. But I actually liked this one better tho I liked that one too. Its great to read new material from a classic author who can keep up with the younger ones.bcleonmorris

William Gibson tillbaka i god stil. Jag har läst allt han skrivit och älskar det mesta utom ett par mellanböcker. The Peripheral tar oss med till två framtider, en sann och en möjlig. Mer vill jag inte säga om handlingen ? det är spännande och som alltid när Gibson skriver, högst trovärdigt och snyggt.Tove S

THE PERIPHERAL by William Gibson is one of the most prescient Science Fiction novels of the twenty-first century. Gibson, best known for his cyberpunk novels NEUROMANCER and MONA LISA OVERDRIVE, creates a future North America where governments are micromanaged not only by big businesses, but from multi-national conglomerates from other dimensions – corporate entities with the means to contact one reality from another. The most telling feature of THE PERIPHERAL is how the author includes the use of drones – those that fly, and others that walk and talk and look very much like "us." Having met and listened to the author speak on various subjects, I am in awe of his writing style, but even more his uncanny knack for maintaining steady pressure on the very pulse of all that is current, hep, and NOW. Readers will find his latest novel a compelling journey, with memorable characters – one of those books that, once one is finished reading it, the reader is sad to have left the world and its people.vonblut

I have just ordered two more copies, after only reading the intro.—and Prof. Peterson's numerous interviews simply expand my own heart. In this climate of high anxiety and appalling lack of compassion, echoed by Hugh MacKay in AUSTRALIA REIMAGINED. It is no wonder that he has an enthralled audience of millions, world- wide. My wish is that Prof. Peterson will produce a primer affirming our children and youth, to give them hope— for our learning young to master before they get to our Uni's. that have to do their own serious reflecting. In my opinion. AND to give our valiant teachers stronger morale and endurance—as so vividly depicted in Gabbie Stroud's TEACHER, also published last year. Finally, the more I devour of the Prof.'s 'Rules' the more I want to yell my rental's roof off , in agreement—our kids CAN be brought up in a far better world, if we follow Jordan's example of such raw courage and exemplary scholarship and teaching. I only wish that I could buy another 12 copies to share around !KCKLL

This is the third book I purchase as a gift. Jordan Peterson tells it as it is in how one should behave to be a functional human being in society. This is sadly supposed to be the role of parents but not many parents nurture their kids anymore by teaching them the basic life skills. I've seen so many young people can't keep their own room organised yet trying to solve the world's most complex problem. Let's keep it to basic – stand up straight, make yourself better than who you are yesterday and clean up your room before you try to solve any life's complex problem. You will be more content and happier in life and no longer feeling depressed all the time. Great for both men, women and anyone. I'm a woman who loves this book. This book has changed my life!!This book changes my life

An excellent book written with great depth and understanding about living a life. It is necessary to read at least twice to get a more complete picture of what Peterson is on about. Best of all this book made me think deeply about living a life and the ultimate ending of that life. Highly recommended but only to serious readers and certainly not for shallow thinking people.Bob

Ken Follett is a master story teller; and "The Pillars of the Earth" is a fascinating insight into the medieval world. This is carried on in the sequel. This book my wife bought me for our 18th wedding anniversary; although I'd read it some years previously. The accuracy of his knowledge of the medieval world is wonderfully demonstrated in "The Pillars . ." A great book, which I would recommend to any lover of historical fiction.nobby0183

I read this many years ago. Though fiction, much if that mentioned in the book was factual – characters, language, behavior and more in and around the era of 12th century Britain. It took me back to a time in history that I had rarely investigated before, The main characters were engaging and elicited my emotions and caring for them. This was a powerful novel that would require me to write something nearly as long, in order to do it justice. The best I can, or want, to do is to say, "Go buy it." You won't be disappointed. PS I loved this book so much, but had lost the original copy (it was damaged), so was ordering this just so that I would always have a copy to read and reference. Unfortunately, the supplier had run out, so could not fill my order. I will look for it again.chapinfo1

This book is my favorite ever. I keep buying them as gifts for others The condition of the book was excellent, but if it was just good I would be happy. Great gifts. If you like history, although its not a history book, it goes back to the knights and Masons. I hated when I was done reading it. I wanted more. Just a hint about the second book written a few years later… I totally didn't connect with anything, big disappointment.eves_world_2005

This is the first Mitch Albom book I read and it quickly turned me into a huge fan. Ultimately, yes this book leads to tears. However, the way Mitch Albom writes every book the tears are not unwelcome. His characters teach wisdom, compassion, humility and remind the reader of the bigger picture. You feel for Morrie and you know his passing will be inevitable but the peace and grace demonstrated by this character is soul stirring. Like all his books, this story humbled me and was the exact mental and emotional restart I needed ✨serinna.c

A well written story or life, friendship and death. A book that shows that one person can make a positive impact in the world, and you don't need fame or fortune to do it. If you are striving to be a better human, this book will give you a plethora of clues on how be exactly that – A better human.Blue Chip Minds

Tuesdays with Morrie included two main characters, Morrie and Mitch. The main conflict was the misunderstanding of life's purpose. The books setting was at West Newton, Massachusetts during the 1990s. What stands out in my mind about this book is that Morrie was such a strong and positive man. I truly admire Morrie for never even feeling bad for himself even when he's dyeing. He always seems to find a way to look at things differently from the rest of society because he actually understands the purpose of life. He knows how to live a happy life. I didn't like the part where Mitch mentions that he had promised Morrie to keep contact with him after his graduation, but never did until he heard about his news. It was upsetting because at the point where the reader finds out about the promise, they've learned to already love Morrie for being such a sweet old man. I thought it was really cute when Mitch said he could see Morries eyes light up when he saw him, it shows that Mitch truly knows how much he means to Morrie. The author's message to the readers is to detach themselves from what society and the public thinks is right to do and to have values that come from yourself. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to read it. There's not anyone who wouldn't be interested in reading this book. Tuesdays with Morrie, I think, makes you look at your life differently. It helps you understand how to live better on your own, no depending on society.AVID4

I bought this book as a present for a guy friend a I have. He said that he had never read a book like this. As I read the book before I gave it to him, I realized that this book is so accurate about how girls think. Totally recommend it to any guy who is trying to understand the alien gender.abibendod

It's hard to express to guys how differently girls think. This book is very straightforward and simple. Highly recommend it for men of all ages, and women who need help explaining things to men.toeslovesnose

I bought this book as a present for a guy friend a I have. He said that he had never read a book like this. As I read the book before I gave it to him, I realized that this book is so accurate about how girls think. Totally recommend it to any guy who is trying to understand the alien gender.abibendod

It's hard to express to guys how differently girls think. This book is very straightforward and simple. Highly recommend it for men of all ages, and women who need help explaining things to men.toeslovesnose

This book is interesting. It's an academic read, heavy on dates, places, numbers, and research attribution. The author does a good job of presenting the info in a readable style. Unfortunately, it's depressingly repetitive and begins to feel like a clinical analysis of mass murder. A worthwhile reminder for readers, since it gets easier, over time, for all of us to diminish what "Ordinary Men" were shown to be capable of.rbstern

I was a history teacher and always found it strange that anyone could convince smart people like the German that they had an enemy in the Jews who had been a vital part of the Germany economy. But then again a leader of a country who uses short phrases over and over and appeals to the lowest in a society seems to gain cult status. The big rallies in Nuremburg with the total focus on the leader help develop the feeling that he was above the law. The murder of millions because of their faith was one of the most shameful events in the history of the world.williajero-0