A well-read man is an informed man, and having a well-rounded knowledge of literature helps to open up new perspectives and introduce us to new ideas. We’ve tried to create a list that isn’t gender-specific but rather focused on books that we feel every man should read at some point in his life. So, when compiling this list, we were looking for books that are interesting, influential, and can enrich a man’s life. And while all of these books tick those boxes, there are some that just stand out as essential reading for men.
From classics to contemporary fiction, there are a number of books every man should read. These books can provide insight into the human condition and help to expand our understanding of the world. Even if you’re not a bookworm, there are some hobbies you can pick up like playing video games which are equally mind-engaging.
Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
No list of the top books every man should read would be complete without including at least one Charles Dickens novel – and this one is a good place to start. Published in 1860, Great Expectations is one of Dickens’ most famous and well-loved novels. The story follows a young boy named Pip who grows up in a poor household and has his life transformed when he is given money by an anonymous benefactor. The book is widely considered to be a classic of British literature and features some of the most memorable characters in literary history. It’s a timeless tale that has been adapted countless times across all forms of media, including film, TV, and graphic novels. It’s easy to see why this book has become such an essential reading for men; it has everything you could want in a classic novel.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Published in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel made famous by its central character, Holden Caulfield. The story follows Caulfield as he leaves his school and travels to New York City on a journey of self-discovery. Holden is a complex and often misunderstood character, and his journey to maturity is filled with angst and calamity. The Catcher in the Rye is a must-read for any young adult and has often been used in English Literature classes as a teaching aid. It’s a complex novel about growing up, finding your place in the world, and the difficulties of being a teenager. The book has been lauded for its insight and honest depiction of the teenage experience and has become a modern classic. If you’re looking for a modern book that every man should read, then The Catcher in the Rye should be at the very top of your list.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
Published in 1925, The Great Gatsby is one of the most famous novels of the twentieth century. It’s also a book that every man should read at some point in their life. The story follows a young man named Nick as he becomes acquainted with an upper-class family in the suburbs of New York City. After meeting the family’s mysterious neighbor, Gatsby, Nick becomes drawn into his world of lavish parties, decadent lifestyles, and romantic pursuits. The novel is set against the backdrop of the roaring twenties and explores themes of wealth and class, as well as the American dream. It’s an iconic piece of fiction that has been lauded by literary experts over the years and is regarded as one of the most influential books ever written. If you’re looking for a book that every man should read, then The Great Gatsby should be at the top of your list.
Lord of the Flies by William Golding
Published in 1954, Lord of the Flies is a modern classic that has become a must-read for everyone—including men. The book follows a group of young schoolboys who have become shipwrecked on an island and begin to lose their grip on civilization. The book explores some interesting themes and has become famous for its use of the literary device known as symbolic irony. The novel is a rare blend of adventure and philosophical discourse, which has helped to earn it a place in the books that every man should read. It’s a short novel but one that will provoke insight and discussion among readers. Lord of the Flies is a great example of how fiction can be used to explore complex themes and ideas. It’s a fascinating book and one that every man should make time to read.
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
Published in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird has become one of the most celebrated novels of the twentieth century. It has been translated into more than 40 languages and is one of the books that every man should read at some point in his life. The book follows a young girl named Scout as she grows up in small-town Alabama during the Great Depression. The novel explores themes of innocence, child psychology, and racial inequality and has become famous for its use of symbolism and imagery. To Kill a Mockingbird is a complex novel that rewards multiple readings, and it has become one of the most influential books ever written. It’s a must-read for any young man and is one of the best books every man should read.
1984 by George Orwell
1984 is a classic dystopian novel that was published in 1949. It’s one of the most famous books that every man should read, and it is often listed among the top books of all time. The book follows a man named Winston as he lives in a dystopian society where all aspects of life are controlled by a totalitarian government. The novel has become famous for its prophetic exploration of technology, government, and how the two can become intertwined. It is an example of how science fiction can be used as a vehicle for exploring important themes and ideas, and it has become one of the most influential books of all time. If you’re looking for books that every man should read, then you can’t go wrong with Orwell’s 1984.
Conclusion
There are lots of books every man should read, and there are also a number of books every woman should read. Fiction and nonfiction, classic and contemporary – there are tons of great books out there and everyone has their own list.