20 Books Every Man Should Read, According to Our Editors

The written word has a lot to answer for. From the moment Johannes Gutenberg introduced his marvellous printing press invention to the world way back in the 15th century to the advent of the internet in the early ’90s, human beings have sought connection and knowledge through text. Great books have started revolutions, inspired armies and prompted civil rights movements, with the best of them helping to preserve our perceptions and ideals in concrete fact. When it comes to the best books for men, a topic so wide-ranging it can scarcely be diluted to a mere few, it bears taking a holistic approach.

At their core, great books represent an important theoretical, creative or spiritual theme, with the author allowing the reader to explore the concept in rich detail. Whether it be Hemingway’s remarkable story of age and decay in The Old Man and the Sea or James Clear’s self-development manifesto Atomic Habits, these are the books every man should read. They depict life in motion, providing valuable lessons about gratitude, growth, acceptance and progress, offering a meaningful narrative that will leave you contemplative.

These books, which have been carefully selected by our team of writers and editors, may not always be best-sellers or page-turners, but they will teach you a lesson. Across a mix of self-help books, novellas, long-form essay collections and narrative-drive stories, we’ve crafted a list of books every man should read to live a fulfilled life. These are the books that changed our lives and we hope they do the same for you.

Best Books for Men at a Glance

The books we’ve included below will inspire you to hit the library or bookstore or even download a title for your e-reader. Soon you’ll be relishing in the many benefits of reading, from reducing stress to improving brain health and helping with sleep. To choose the best books for men right now, we focused on timely topics, a combination of classic and more recent releases as well as informative and helpful books, including memoirs from successful men. Highlights from our list include the following options:

• For an award-winning read: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
• For war: Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
• For sci-fi: Dune by Frank Herbert
• For entertainment: One Shot by Lee Child
• For a quick read: The Stranger by Albert Camus
• For self-development: Atomic Habits by James Clear

Now you’ve read the highlights, let’s check out the complete list.

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1. Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

Price: from AUD$22

• Genre: Satirical, War
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 8
• Page count: 544
• Publication year: 1961

Funny, vulgar and full of hope, Joseph Heller’s 1961 classic Catch-22 isn’t your average war novel. It follows Yossarian, a member of the United States Air Force during World War II, as he attempts to navigate the challenges of combat. His journey starts out as hopeful, but as the number of missions Yossarian’s group have to complete before returning home increases, he slowly loses faith in his country, his mission and his reason for being involved in the war at all.

As you read the novel, it becomes entirely apparent that Heller’s mission was to decry the glorification of war and instead paint a real picture of human suffering. Yossarian constantly attempts to escape the battle, but he is consistently dragged back into combat, narrowly avoiding death and drawing ever closer to his eventual release.

Surprisingly, Yossarian’s voice is oddly humorous, and he keeps the story moving fluidly in a manner that feels largely positive despite the circumstances. It is an interesting decision that feels almost out of place to begin with, but when Heller brings in the atrocities of war, the juxtaposition creates an undeniable sense of desperation. Throughout the book, Yossarian makes decisions that are hard to justify, leaving you conflicted and with no real ‘good’ character to root for. It’s an important perspective on the brutality and emotional toll of war that remains incredibly powerful to this day.

2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy

Price: from AUD$21

• Genre: Post-apocalyptic fiction
• Target audience: Young adult-adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 8
• Page count: 287
• Publication year: 2006
• Awards or accolades: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Tähtivaeltaja Award, Quill Award for General fiction, James Tait Black Memorial Prize – Fiction

This book is not for the faint-hearted. Set in postapocalyptic America, The Road details the savage lengths to which men will go to survive. It follows a beleaguered father and his young son, who must navigate the baron wasteland that was once home in search of safety. With food and water almost completely depleted across the globe, they battle the elements to stay alive, foraging for scraps and searching the ruins of homes for a glimmer of hope.

As frightening as the desolate environment might be, the encounters the duo has with other survivors are the most harrowing. In McCarthy’s world of fire and blood, there is no common ground or mateship among men—it is every man for himself. The Road dives into themes including survival, hope, and the power of love – the father and his son, who are each the other’s entire world, are ultimately sustained by their relationship. It has it all – action, sadness, lighter and deep reflections on the power of relationships, especially the bond found in father-son relationships. It is impossibly dark and often difficult to get through, but McCarthy’s unique grasp of the English language is enthralling.

“The Road is the kind of book that entirely changes your perspective on what modern literature can be. McCarthy’s short and direct language provides little room for ambiguity, and while confronting at first, you slowly lean into the writing style as an extension of the storyline. The father and son can only carry the essentials and McCarthy has wisely mirrored this in his word choice, consistently jettisoning phrases that don’t serve the storyline. Make no mistake, The Road is miserable and harrowing, but its use of language and underlying themes of hope make this book an absolute must-read. It completely changed writing for me and I still find myself thinking about it from time to time.” – Nick Hall, editor-in-chief

3. Brave New World by Aldous Huxley

Price: from AUD$15

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Political
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 7
• Page count: 268
• Publication year: 1932

While you could easily throw in George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four or Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451, Aldous Huxley’s political forewarning Brave New World remains the most poignant exploration of control and totalitarianism. Set in a dystopian future where freedom of choice has been largely removed, the story slowly peels back layers of society to reveal a cruel and callous system of control.

Huxley’s world is inhabited by genetically modified citizens and dictated by an intelligence-based social hierarchy. Here, test-tube babies are engineered and born, manipulated into following a rigid structure of social enterprise. The smart are elevated to positions of power, while the expendable beings that sit beneath them are genetically programmed to carry out menial works. On the surface, society seems almost at peace with this notion of forced classicism, but when the story’s protagonist challenges the psychological manipulation and conditioning that underpins its existence, suddenly, equilibrium is broken.

“Huxley’s remarkable work Brave New World is not only a fantastic piece of fiction writing, but it also speaks to the omnipresent threat of dictatorships and totalitarianism. In the story, characters are free to give in to carnal pleasures as they choose and are fed ‘feel-good’ drugs to keep them happy, but in reality, the artificial satisfaction begins to numb. It toys with the notion that true happiness comes from perspective and understanding that good can only be appreciated in moments of darkness. Brave New World explores the dangers of technology and what it can do to a whole world, which feels entirely necessary in this age of artificial intelligence. Despite being written in the 1930s, the story predicts scientific developments in reproductive technology and psychological coercion, which helps legitimise its impact on modern society. It’s an incredible piece of work that remains as, if not more, relevant today than it did when it was first published.” – Nick Hall, editor-in-chief

4. The Stranger by Albert Camus

Price: from AUD$17

• Genre: Fiction, Political, Absurdism
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 6
• Page count: 144
• Publication year: 1942

The first published work by French author Albert Camus, The Stranger is an ideal entry point for absurdism. Released in 1942, the 144-page novella follows the story of an ordinary man weeding his way through coastal France following the death of his mother. He has engagements with friends, a steady job and a girlfriend who seemingly loves him dearly, and yet his demeanour remains largely unphased. As the story evolves, we start to learn a little more about our central character and his relationship with others, drawing us closer to an unexpected and enthralling second act. If you have not read The Stranger before, we recommend going in completely blind. While the major event of the book is not necessarily a twist, it certainly hits harder when it comes out of the blue.

“Albert Camus’ 1942 novella has been lauded for its stunning storytelling and incredible contribution to literature, even earning the author a Nobel Prize, however, for the first 50 pages, I couldn’t have disagreed more. Meursault, the main character and the only voice you hear from, is an aggressively unlikable person who falls through life with an abject air of indifference. He feels nothing and has no opinions about anything, leaving me questioning why and how The Stranger was so well-received. Suddenly (and not a moment too soon), the entire story changes and the true purpose of Meursault’s being is revealed.“

“From that point on, The Stranger is a truly harrowing piece of political, social and spiritual commentary. Camus’ writing is short and to the point, not unlike the early Hemmingway novels, however, it’s in despair that his words take new life. I have never encountered a book that made me so conflicted and I knew instantly that I would need to strap in for round two. If you are looking for a classic that won’t weigh you down, this 140-page masterpiece will have you enthralled, provided you can get through the first part.” – Nick Hall, editor-in-chief

5. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

Price: from AUD$20

• Genre: Southern Gothic fiction
• Target audience: Young adult – adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 8
• Page count: 320
• Publication year: 1960
• Awards or accolades: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, 1961, Quill Award for Audio book, 2007

Once you get through the first chapter or so, this book will change your life. Set in small-town Alabama, To Kill a Mockingbird is a coming-of-age story that chronicles the childhood of Scout and Jem Finch as their father, Atticus, defends a Black man falsely accused of rape. The lawyer goes against the townspeople’s wishes, ensuring that a fair trial is undertaken and that Tom Robinson, the accused, observes the same level of justice as his white countrymen. While Scout and Jem are mocked by classmates for this, the story forces you to consider the many prejudices we hold and why.

The entire book is told from Scout’s perspective, which provides a wonderfully unique point of view from which to read. The childlike innocence of her unbiased view of the world arms the reader with the requisite knowledge that change is coming, and slowly over the course of the novel, we see Scout learn and acknowledge the cruelty of humanity.

Atticus is undoubtedly the beacon of hope that ties the story together. A wonderful role model, the father figure teaches his children empathy by asking them to walk in another’s shoes and see things from their point of view. It’s a timeless theme, somehow relevant every time we read it, even years after its original publication. The power of Lee’s prose is in how she infers such thought-provoking messages relating to justice, equality, and kindness without explicitly saying anything.

6. Dune by Frank Herbert

Price: from AUD$20

• Genre: Sci-Fi
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 7
• Page count: 535
• Publication year: 1965
• Awards or Accolades: Hugo Award for Best Novel 1966, Nebula Award for Best Novel 1966

Despite being more than 50 years old, Frank Herbert’s epic sci-fi novel Dune remains a stellar addition to any reading list. Even if you’ve seen the recent film adaptation of the 1984 David Lynch attempt, nothing compares to the original text, which details an entirely unique world of sand and space. It follows the embattled journey of Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world. On his desert planet of Arrakis, the only currency is the “spice” melange—a drug that grants its user an extension of life and consciousness—and to the outside world, it’s worth killing for.

When Paul and his family are betrayed, he undertakes a journey of epic proportions in search of a man known only as Muad’Dib. Armed with a burning desire for vengeance, Paul’s destiny is to bring humankind’s most unattainable dream to fruition. Admittedly, Dune is a complicated story, complete with its own unique lore and characters, which can make it a difficult read. Frustratingly, the book introduces concepts and phrases by dropping them in the text with no explanation, but it’s worth it as the narrative progresses.

Herbert’s world was clearly an inspiration for George Lucas’ film franchise Star Wars, so you may find some themes feel familiar and played out. The Jedi Mind Tricks, for example, are an almost exact take from Dune‘s brainwashing tactics, which are constantly referenced throughout. Unlike Star Wars, however, Herbert contemplates the morality of brainwashing if it is, as Paul hopes, for the good of society. It’s a unique perspective that feels entirely relevant in today’s world of misinformation and parallel truths, with Dune exploring the notion of power, corruption and military influence as a means of establishing a dominant regime. It’s more than your stock-standard sci-fi story, and it’s little wonder so many people have attempted to bring Dune to life on the big screen.

7. The Secret History by Donna Tartt

Price: from AUD$14

• Genre: Fiction, Mystery
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 8
• Page count: 519
• Publication year: 1992

No less than 10 pages into Donna Tartt’s classic The Secret History, you’ll find yourself wondering if there was ever a better debut novel than this. First released in 1991, the dense and, at times, overwhelming story tells of a man reflecting on core memories from his undergraduate years. Through his memories, we explore his early days in Vermont and away from his abusive, Californian family. When he is accepted to Hampden College, he relocates across the country in search of a new beginning, and it is here that he finds a new purpose.

While studying Greek, he befriends five other students, who each represent their own unique challenges. From a miserable racist to a drug addict to an elitist set of twins, the friend group is full of the most deplorable people, and yet, somehow, their stories are fascinating to read. Over a whopping 500 pages, Tartt manages to make you connect with each of them in a way that feels sympathetic, encouraging and relative, but it’s the central secret that they share that ties everything together. So repulsive and immoral is this secret that the group will stop at nothing to ensure it never sees the light of day.

As a writer, Tartt is exceptional, and The Secret History is a masterclass in tension, foreshadowing and narrative structure. She weaves Greek history into the storyline seamlessly, mirroring the plot points with classic tragedies of the past to provide a truly one-of-a-kind reading experience. While lengthy, it’s the kind of book that makes you want to start again on page one as soon as you finish it. The only criticism of the 1991 book is its slightly underwhelming ending, but it still manages to capture all the necessary beats in time. If you are after a thrilling mystery that will keep you guessing (and reaching for the dictionary) throughout, The Secret History is a must-read.

8. Normal People by Sally Rooney

Price: from AUD$25

• Genre: Contemporary Literary Fiction
• Target audience: Young adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 4
• Page count: 288
• Publication year: 2018
• Awards or accolades: Costa Novel of the Year: 2018, Waterstones Book of the Year: 2018, Novel of the Year: 2018 Irish Book Awards, Encore Award: 2019 Royal Society of Literature, Book of the Year: British Book Awards, Fiction Book of the Year: British Book Awards, Publisher of the Year: British Book Awards, longlisted for the 2018 Man Booker Prize and the 2019 Women’s Prize for Fiction

Delving into a complex relationship over many years, Rooney strikes a chord with the hearts of so many readers due to the reliability of heartbreak, confusion and relationships many of us experience during our early adult years. The book follows Marianne Sheridan and Connell Waldron through their time at secondary school in County Sligo on Ireland’s Atlantic coast, and later as students at Trinity College Dublin. It touches on class, gender and love – a must-read for any man who suffers from confusion or problems around commitment when it comes to love.

A key component of Normal People is the class swap. Where odd-couple romances (if you could call this one) generally see a divide between the upper and working classes, Rooney has switched the mentality, instead making the intelligent, outspoken and wealthy Marianne the outcast. Conversely, the athletic and handsome Connell comes from a single-parent home, with his mother serving as Marianne’s family’s housemaid. The unique relationship blossoms quickly, but it is Connell who fears judgement from his friend group for his connection with Marianne—and so begins a situationship that drags on for years.

Normal People is a very character-driven narrative, focusing on Marianne and Connell’s relationship as it ebbs and sways between romantic, torturous, and triumphant. Throughout the years, the couple encounters mental health challenges, inequities of social class, miscommunication, and fear, with each instance of turmoil thrusting them back together. Rooney’s writing flows steadily, and each chapter moves remarkably quickly, sweeping between time periods and milestones with consummate ease. It’s romantic, heart-breaking and totally enthralling.

9. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Price: from AUD$16

• Genre: Autobiography
• Target audience: Young adult-adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 6
• Page count: 188
• Publication year: 1946
• Awards or accolades: Listed among the ten most influential books in America

A harrowing yet gripping read that is ultimately a message of perseverance, Man’s Search for Meaning is the bestselling memoir by Viktor Frankl chronicling his experiences as a prisoner in Nazi concentration camps during World War II. The book explores how to find purpose and strength in times of despair. Frankl proposes that meaning in life can be discovered by accomplishing some task, experiencing something fully or loving somebody, and adopting the attitude toward suffering. Men should read this book when going through a difficult time, as it is genuinely helpful and offers tangible advice and insight.

10. Atomic Habits by James Clear

Price: from AUD$22

• Genre: Self-help
• Target audience: Adults who want to improve their habits
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 4
• Page count: 306
• Publication year: 2018
• Awards or accolades: Number 1 best-selling book on Amazon for 2021

We all have bad habits, but if you’re looking to kick some to the curb, whether it’s vaping or doom-scrolling, this book is a godsend. One of the best self-help books of the 21st century, James Clear’s global smash is loaded with insights and tips for positive habit formation. His comprehensive and practical guide explains how to change your daily rituals in order to get a little bit better every day.

Atomic Habits hones in on the power of small decisions, exploring the notion that minor changes can ultimately lead to significant results. Clear provides a raft of practical strategies and insightful anecdotes to keep the momentum rolling forward, and as a reader, you feel in tune and on board for the journey. Importantly, the self-help book emphasises the idea that change does not happen overnight. Instead, Clear prioritises a framework based on the ‘four laws of behavioural change’. In this system, habits must be obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying for them to be actioned accordingly.

Ultimately, Atomic Habits might not be life-changing for you, but it’s a great refresher on the importance of making good decisions, no matter their size, each and every day. Whether it’s mindfulness, routine or happiness, Clear’s adherence to the principles of simple, actionable and straightforward is the ideal methodology for substantial and prolonged progress. If you’re a man looking for practical strategies, then this one is for you.

11. Into the Wild by Jon Krakauer

Price: from AUD$32

• Genre: Essay/Biography/Travel
• Target audience: Young adult, adult, outdoor enthusiasts
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 7
• Page count: 224
• Publication year: 1996
• Awards or accolades: Garden State Teen Book Award 1999, Best Books for Young Adults in 1997, finalist for the Pulitzer Prize.

You may have seen the film, but if you ask us, the book is even better. Into The Wild is an expansion of a 9,000-word article by Krakauer based on the haunting true story of Chris McCandless, an American adventurer and nomad who died in Alaska after spending months alone in the wilderness. The story details McCandless’ journey, from graduating from university to abandoning his possessions and savings in exchange for hitchhiking and living off the land.

This version is a less romanticised take on the film’s events and is much more focused on McCandless’ idiosyncratic ideals. Krakauer explores the concepts of loss and acceptance as central themes, with revealing insights from McCandless’ family, most notably from his sister Carine, who shares her experience dealing with the tragic loss of life. Into the Wild offers a poignant account of the power of nature and the simple joys of life – connection and happiness – while also reminding us that we aren’t invincible, especially in the face of the brutal Alaskan wilderness.

12. The Stand by Stephen King

Price: from AUD$25

• Genre: Post-apocalyptic fantasy
• Target audience: Adults
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 6
• Page count: 1152
• Publication year: 1978
• Awards or accolades: World Fantasy Award for Best Novel: Nominated in 1979, BBC’s The Big Read: Ranked number 53 in 2003

When it comes to crafting a list of books for men to read, you could quite easily fill up every spot with a Stephen King release, but we’ve kept it to just one. Despite his prolific catalogue of stories, The Stand remains King’s most powerful and moving work, rebelling against the tired trope of good vs evil and instead prioritising the notion and acceptance of fate.

With a similar post-apocalyptic framework to McCarthy’s The Road, this book details the beleaguered plight of the human race. A deadly mutating flu, dubbed Captain Trips by its sufferers, has swept across America and threatens to wipe out the entire population. In an effort to cover up the mess, the U.S. government implements martial law, separating families and bringing communities to boiling point. When a man escapes from a biological weapon facility after an accident, the future of the world’s superpower looks increasingly more volatile.

In a sense, The Stand follows a familiar premise, but what makes this book so unique is its timeframe. King’s work takes place over the course of 46 hours, meaning the entirety of the story unfolds almost in real time, moving at a rapid pace towards its eventual climax. The introduction of the prophetic Mother Abigail inspires some survivors to turn to religion, while for others, the brutality of Randall Flagg, The Dark Man, captures their imagination. Eerily reminiscent of COVID times, we’ve only just been able to pick this one up again. It dives into themes of freedom and order, love and fear, and causes us to question what matters most to us.

13. The Narrow Road to the Deep North by Richard Flanagan

Price: from AUD$22

• Genre: Historical fiction, war story
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 8
• Page count: 352
• Publication year: 2013
• Awards or accolades: Booker Prize, 2014

Based on the historical events of Australian prisoners of war forced to work on the Thai-Burma Death Railway during World War II, The Narrow Road tells the story of an Australian doctor haunted by memories of a love affair with his uncle’s wife. It explores themes including resilience, love, and the brutality of war. Men should read this if they are in the mood for something powerful and gut-wrenching, to take their minds away from perhaps the more insignificant stresses and remind them of what men are capable of enduring.

14. The Hunt for Red October by Tom Clancy

Price: from AUD$20

• Genre: Thriller
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 7
• Page count: 387
• Publication year: 1984
• Awards or accolades: The book was a runaway bestseller and adapted into a film

A techno-thriller novel about a Soviet submarine captain who defects to the United States with his crew and the Soviet Navy’s most advanced ballistic missile submarine, The Hunt for Red October explores themes of power, betrayal and trust. We recommend this if you’re a man who loves stories of espionage and military adventures spearheaded by political intrigue. It is also recommended that you know a thing or two about the Cold War and have some naval terminology, otherwise, it will be hard to follow at times.

The story centres around a Russian nuclear submarine—the titular Red October—that goes missing. With the motive of its captain Marko Ramius unclear, the Soviet Navy launches every ship in its arsenal to track it down and destroy it, but the mass military operation doesn’t go unnoticed. CIA analyst Jack Ryan steps up to the plate, implementing an audacious plan to intervene and halt the Soviets in their tracks.

As far as great novels go, Tom Clancy’s war-games classic is not a Noble Prize-level piece of literature, but it is an incredible read. The much-revered author’s ability to translate action into the written word is second to none, with each meticulous move and sequence flawlessly explored through movement and dialogue. It’s a straightforward mystery novel, but there are twists and turns at every stage. If you are looking for a suspense novel where the fate of the world rests on one man’s shoulders, The Hunt For Red October is a must-read.

15. The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway

Price: from AUD$20

• Genre: Literary fiction
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 4
• Page count: 127
• Publication year: 1952
• Awards or accolades: Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, 1953

If you’ve never read Hemingway before, The Old Man and the Sea is the iconic American author’s quintessential work. A short novella that explores life, death, and mortality, it is the last major fictional work Hemingway published during his lifetime and, in our humble opinion, one of his best.

It tells the story of a struggle between an old fisherman, Santiago, and his long struggle to catch a giant marlin fish. Joined by his apprentice, Santiago imparts life lessons to his young contemporary, aiming to fill his head with the knowledge he wishes he had at his age. When his ailing work reaches a point of contempt, he sets out to the deep waters of the Gulf Stream, where he hooks a giant marlin. Wrestling with the beast for three days, Santiago is forced to contemplate cutting the wild animal loose and suffering in the process or battling on through the struggle.

Hemingway’s writing style is inherently unique, favouring short, punchy sentences over long, drawn-out descriptions. Like Camus and McCarthy, he leaves little room for ambiguity, and each word holds enormous weight. The sentences are so perfectly constructed that not a syllable is ever out of place so as to keep the story as taut as the line from which the battle between man and fish wages.

The story is often interpreted as an allegory of Hemingway’s career and feelings of loneliness at the time he wrote it, expressed in the protagonist’s loneliness and isolation. It is a powerful book for men to read as it delivers an inspirational message about our capacity for resilience and perseverance. It stands as the ultimate encapsulation of the beauty and grief of man’s challenge to beat the elements.

16. One Shot by Lee Child

Price: from AUD$17

• Genre: Thriller, crime
• Target audience: Young adult-adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 5
• Page count: 512
• Publication year: 2005
• Awards or accolades: Named one of the 50 best crime novels of the past fifty years by The Times

There are a seemingly endless amount of Jack Reacher novels released every year, but One Shot, the ninth in Lee Child’s best-selling franchise, is undoubtedly the best. It follows Reacher, a former soldier and military investigator turned off-the-grid civilian on the hunt for the truth. When a former comrade is accused of executing a mass shooting in broad daylight, Reacher heads to Indiana to confront him, but when he arrives, all is not so simple.

Evidence suggests that secrets are hidden within the open-and-shut case, and it’s up to Reacher to unpack them all. Child delves into themes such as justice, morality, and the ambiguity between right and wrong, making it a thought-provoking and highly entertaining read.

“Child’s writing style is extremely straightforward and uncomplicated, with the characters plainly guiding you through each chapter with ease. The mystery is intriguing enough to keep you hooked, and Reacher, as a character, keeps the story flowing with a barrage of quips and one-liners. If you don’t read a lot and are simply looking for something quick and easy to get stuck into, Lee Child’s Reacher series is a great place to start. – Nick Hall, editor-in-chief

17. In Cold Blood by Truman Capote

Price: from AUD$22

• Genre: True crime
• Target audience: Adults, with an interest in crime
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 3
• Page count: 368
• Publication year: 1965
• Awards or accolades: Edgar Award for Best Fact Crime, 1966

If you are a fan of true crime, Truman Capote’s incredible In Cold Blood is an absolute must-read. The 1966 novel explores the real-life murder of the Clutter family in Holcomb, Kansas, in 1959. The shocking killing came at the hands of two men looking for fast cash and quickly became a national news headline. Capote, a revered writer and playwright, was fascinated by the story and set out to unpack the crimes in rich, vivid detail.

Taking a four-part approach, Capote assesses the murder starting first with the day of. He meticulously recounts the scene immediately preceding the crime, explaining the backstory of the Clutters—a well-liked family with no obvious enemies. From there, In Cold Blood details the grizzly murder, the evasion of the killers before their eventual capture and finally, the trial.

What makes the novel so interesting is its real-life theme. Where a fiction story would be remiss to leave loose ends open, In Cold Blood details the often superfluous and irrational nature of crime. Killers don’t always have to be motivated to kill, but rather, some inhumane people will take the opportunity when presented. In Cold Blood, a first-of-its-kind novel, dives into the criminal mind, urging the reader to ponder the question of what is and isn’t evil. It’s a meaningful book for men, as it examines and provides valuable lessons on violence and power.

18. Pour Me: A Life by A. A. Gill

Price: from AUD$31

• Genre: Travel, Food, Memoir
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 5
• Page count: 257
• Publication year: 2015
• Awards or accolades: Shortlisted for 2016 Pen Ackerley Prize

A.A. Gill’s Pour Me, A Life is unlike any of the other books on this list and perhaps that’s why it feels so fitting. The late travel and food writer’s 2015 memoir is a disjointed and chaotic look at the life of a man with undeniable talent and unavoidable darkness.

A reviewer for The Sunday Times, Vanity Fair, GQ, and Esquire, Gill is one of the industry’s most recognisable names, with his work garnering mass appeal across the globe. In Pour Me, he bares all, revealing his lifelong struggles with alcoholism, depression and dyslexia. While he stops short of detailing exactly how he managed to overcome the former (“I don’t talk about sober club”), Gill does provide unique perspectives on life and art.

In a sense, Pour Me is an addiction memoir, but it really feels like an admission of hope. His prose is direct and deeply moving, bringing elements of raw emotion and dark comedy to what would be an otherwise very depressing novel. Gill’s trademark wit is on full display and it feels like a homage to his undeniable legacy that has been serendipitously penned by the man himself.

“I’ve been a writer for almost a decade and I still marvel at the remarkable turn of phrase that A. A. Gill possessed. The way he manages to weave cultural references, historical moments and sensory indicators into his work is extraordinary. With every meal, you feel as though you are at the table with him, listening to his big, booming voice regale you with tales of triumph and tribulation. If I could only garner 10 per cent of the talent that he had on one hand, I’d be a very happy (and presumably successful) writer. It’s a masterpiece of a memoir.” – Nick Hall, editor-in-chief

19. His Bloody Project by Graeme Macrae Burnet

Price: from AUD$20

• Genre: Thriller, crime
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 5
• Page count: 288
• Publication year: 2015
• Awards or accolades: Saltire Society Fiction Book of the Year: 2016, Vrij Nederland Thriller of the Year: 2017, shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2016

This unique blend of mystery, historical fiction, thriller and crime tells the story of three murders in a remote community of the Scottish Highlands in 1869. In His Bloody Project, a young man is arrested and stands trial for the crimes, where he readily admits that he carried out the attacks but shows no remorse. Diving into themes of justice and morality set against the eerie backdrop of the Scottish Highlands makes for the perfect thriller for all the men out there looking to escape the daily grind.

20. The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett

Price: from AUD$30

• Genre: Self-help, business
• Target audience: Adult
• Reading difficulty (0-10): 3
• Page count: 368
• Publication year: 2023
• Awards or accolades: British Book Awards: Shortlisted for Book of the Year

If you’re a man looking to become more successful or start your own business, this one’s for you. Written by one of the world’s most exciting entrepreneurs and the host of the No. 1 podcast The Diary of a CEO, the book details his own entrepreneurial journey, and he provides a set of principles for excellence rooted in psychology and behavioural science.

Alternatives to These Books for Men

• In the Jingle Jangle Jungle – Keeping Time with the Brian Jonestown Massacre by Joel Gion: Joel Gion’s memoir tells the story of the first ten years of the Brian Jonestown Massacre. It is captivating, intriguing and a little bit terrifying – all the things that make a good book.
• A Periodic Tale by Dr. Karl Kruszelnicki: Everyone’s favourite doc, Dr. Karl (who you may know from Triple J) has released a memoir. The only child of Holocaust survivors who fled to Australia in 1950, Karl details how he forged his own destiny and his convoluted cacophony of a career.
• The Bee Sting by Paul Murray: A hilarious read, The Bee Sting details the dysfunctional, hapless lives of the Barnes family of Ireland, with portions of the book dedicated to the lives of each of the four family members.
• Odyssey by Stephen Fry: This book is the final, epic chapter in Stephen Fry’s outstanding retellings of the Greek myths.
• A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara: This book is a big one, so it can be hard to get through it, but we highly suggest you give it a go. It’s about how four very different college friends persevere through life’s struggles, telling the story of unconditional love.
• The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel: This timeless work is about how our feelings and interactions with money often result in different outcomes for different people. It is an interesting and eye-opening read.
• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman: This book details the journey of four unlikely friends who meet in a peaceful retirement village, and catch up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.
• The North Water by Ian McGuire: An enthralling read, The North Water is a story of a ship with a killer on board.

The Importance of Reading

Reading is a lifelong skill that allows you to connect and communicate with others in a manner far more detailed than the spoken word. With books, you can dive into a different world, charting fantasy stories or learning about milestone moments from our past, but more than that, reading offers a bridge between generations.

By reading past works, we can gain insights into the perceptions and ideologies that underpinned the timeframes in which they were written. Books serve as historical documents, outlining the important moments that define our history. Additionally, consistent reading throughout adulthood can have widespread cognitive impacts. Studies have shown that reading can help you to develop empathy and foster a connection with perspective-taking whilst also improving critical thinking and vocabulary skills.

For men, this is especially important. Recent studies from the Pew Research Center revealed that women read an average of 14 books per year, while men only read an average of nine. Even stranger, men account for only 20 per cent of the fiction market, according to surveys conducted in the U.S., Canada and Britain. Increasing reading among men has the potential to improve global literacy, build a more empathetic society and drive connection amongst a demographic that largely underutilises mental health professionals. Reading more might not be the answer to all our problems, but a few hours (or minutes) of literary escapism can certainly help to calm the mind.

How We Chose This List

This list of the best books for men was curated by our team of editors and journalists. It takes into account reader and critics’ reviews, industry accolades and our own personal opinions providing a comprehensive look at the wider literary landscape. The process involved creating a final shortlist and weighing up all the prospective entries’ cultural impact, contribution to literature and overall reader sentiment.

The final selections were narrowed down by author and Man of Many Editor-in-Chief Nick Hall, who has over five years of experience reporting on entertainment. For more details on Man of Many’s editorial policy and how we select products, see here.

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