42 Books for Father's Day That Cater to Every Dad's Interest

Father's Day presents can be tricky—how many ties, gadgets, or tech gifts can one man use? But if your dad loves to read, you're in luck. Books make fantastic gifts for Father’s Day, and finding the perfect one is easier than you think. Whether he's into history, adventure, self-improvement, or fiction, we've got plenty of great options to match his interests.

Novels and Stories

The Three-Body Problem by Liu Cixin

Let your dad choose which version he prefers—whether it’s the original novel or the Netflix adaptation. This epic tale of an alien invasion will captivate anyone, and the book that inspired the series is a must-read.

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone

Send your dad on a thrilling journey through time and space with this magical, Romeo-and-Juliet-inspired tale of time travelers. Two agents from opposing sides fall in love during a time war, making daring choices that could alter the course of history and the fate of the universe.

Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

For the dad who loves gaming, this bestselling book from 2022 is a perfect pick. It follows two friends who create a groundbreaking video game, Ichigo, and chronicles the highs and lows of their complex friendship over the course of thirty years.

The Shards by Bret Easton Ellis

Bret Easton Ellis’s latest novel blends reality and fiction. Set in the 1980s, he plays himself as a young author working on his debut novel, all while navigating the threat of a serial killer known as the Trawler who haunts his circle of friends.

Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin

For dads who love apocalyptic stories like The Last of Us, gift him this gruesome and clever spin on the end of the world, which made many top 10 lists last year. In this novel, men with excess testosterone transform into monstrous creatures, forcing the rest of society to take drastic measures to keep their own hormone levels in check.

Just Like Home by Sarah Gailey

They say you can’t go back home, but Vera has no choice—especially since her father was a serial killer and strange events are still unfolding at the family house. This haunting tale is perfect for dads who love a chilling haunted house story, one that will keep them hooked long after dark.

Victory City by Salman Rushdie

For dads who enjoy literary fiction from renowned authors, Salman Rushdie's latest novel is a captivating read. This grand, multi-century narrative tells the story of a girl who becomes a goddess in India, weaving together history and myth in an epic saga.

The Survivalists: A Novel by Kashana Cauley

In this compelling novel, an ambitious Black lawyer is drawn into the world of survivalist preppers in Brooklyn, offering a unique and darkly comedic tale perfect for dads who enjoy their humor on the edgier side.

Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver

Inspired by Charles Dickens' timeless classic, David Copperfield, this novel follows the tumultuous life of an Appalachian boy navigating the harsh realities of extreme poverty.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

This charming and humorous mystery, soon to be a Steven Spielberg-produced film, follows a group of retirees who meet regularly to discuss cold cases. But when a murder occurs near them, they dive into the investigation. (Think Only Murders in the Building, but as a novel!)

Hide by Kiersten White

For dads who enjoy a spine-tingling read (and were hooked on Squid Game last year), this thrilling novel about a deadly game of hide-and-seek will have him hooked until the last page.

The Cartographers, by Peng Shepherd

This thrilling father-daughter mystery revolves around a rare, valuable map that someone is willing to kill to retrieve. A perfect choice for dads who love a good puzzle, and maybe even a little map-making.

City on Fire, by Don Winslow

For dads who can’t get enough of mob stories, this gripping novel about a violent clash between Irish and Italian crime families in Providence will be right up his alley, often compared to *The Godfather* and *Goodfellas*

The Martian, by Andy Weir

For dads who are fascinated by science and space (which is quite a few of them), this well-researched novel—turned into a brilliant film—follows a stranded astronaut’s journey as he uses his resourcefulness and some essential equipment to survive after being abandoned on Mars.

Advice

The Bartender's Manifesto: How to Think, Drink, and Create Cocktails Like a Pro

This stunning coffee-table book will guide a cocktail enthusiast dad through step-by-step instructions to craft legendary drinks, ensuring he's the life of every family celebration for years to come.

Fatherhood: A Comprehensive Guide to Birth, Budgeting, Finding Flow, and Becoming a Happy Parent, by the editors of Fatherly

For the new (or soon-to-be) dad in your life, this all-inclusive guide helps him navigate the emotional and practical challenges of the early fatherhood years with ease and confidence.

Look Big, by Rachel Levin

For dads who are passionate about camping and the great outdoors, this essential guide covers encounters with 50 animals. Journalist Levin shares expert survival advice on dealing with everything from coyotes and bears to smaller creatures like bees and skunks. With its helpful charts, anecdotes, and illustrations, it's a perfect coffee-table book that easily fits in any backpack.

Mastering Homebrew, by Randy Mosher

For dads who are into beer, this detailed guide walks him through every step of brewing—from selecting the right equipment to creating a brew that's uniquely his.

Around the World in 80 Books, by David Damrosch

For a dad with a sense of adventure, this book is packed with recommendations for gripping reads from all over the world, perfect for sparking his next literary journey.

The Daily Dad: 366 Meditations on Parenting, Love, and Raising Great Kids

If you're searching for a meaningful Father's Day gift for a dad who craves mindfulness (or simply wants a bit of peace in the busy world of parenting), look no further. This book offers a daily, short meditation to ground him and bring balance to his life.

Dad Jokes: Groan-Worthy Quips, Puns, and Almost-Funny Gags, by A. Grambs

If your dad is a master of cringe-worthy jokes (or just really needs some fresh material for his pun-filled routine), this collection will give him plenty of eye-roll-inducing quips to keep him going until the next holiday.

Memoirs and Essay Collections

Unmasked: My Life Solving America's Cold Cases, by Paul Holes

For dads who are fascinated by true crime, this gripping memoir from the detective behind some of the most high-profile cold case solutions, including the Golden State Killer and Laci Peterson, is the perfect read for Father's Day.

I'd Like to Play Alone, Please: Essays by Tom Segura

This collection of essays by comedian Tom Segura dives into the bizarre and often hilarious situations parents find themselves in—perfect for any dad (or partner) who can relate to the unpredictable nature of parenthood.

Look for Me There: Grieving My Father, Finding Myself, by Luke Russert

In this poignant memoir, NBC News political correspondent Luke Russert takes us through a three-year journey of self-discovery, healing, and finding a new direction after the death of his father, the respected news anchor Tim Russert.

The Storyteller, by Dave Grohl

If your dad rocks out in a garage band or shreds air guitar (or drums!), he'll get a kick out of this memoir packed with amusing stories about life on the road and with family, from the iconic Dave Grohl.

Happy-Go-Lucky, by David Sedaris

This newest collection of sharply humorous essays dives into everything from quirky childhood memories to reflections on the pandemic—making it a must-have for your dad who's a fan of Sedaris' wit.

Science

The Allure of the Multiverse, by Paul Halpern

Alternate realities, multiverses, and other dimensions are central to the stories that dominate today's pop culture (Marvel fans, anyone?). This captivating history reveals the scientific theories behind these larger-than-life narratives—and may even prompt your dad to wonder if he's living in an alternate reality.

What If? Serious Scientific Answers to Absurd Hypothetical Questions, by Randall Munroe

Does your dad have a passion for exploring outlandish scientific concepts? This book delivers answers to questions like "What would happen if I swam in a pool of spent nuclear fuel?" through delightful stick figure illustrations and well-researched, entertaining explanations. (The verdict: Likely nothing if you stay near the top.) If he enjoys this, consider the sequel for his next birthday or holiday.

Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, by Peter Attia, M.D. with Bill Gifford

For the health-focused dad who's always striving to stay youthful, this New York Times bestseller draws on the latest research to help him create a personalized diet, exercise, and lifestyle plan designed to prevent illness and maintain a high quality of life as he grows older.

The Order of Time, by Carlo Rovelli

If your dad was a huge fan of Stephen Hawking, this mind-expanding exploration into the concept of time by theoretical physicist Carlo Rovelli will be the perfect next read. The main takeaway? Time might not be as linear as we often think.

Coffee Table Books

Bruce W. Talamon. Soul. R&B. Funk. Photographs 1972-1982, by Pearl Cleage

For the dad who loves classic music, this photo collection by SOUL Newspaper photographer Bruce W. Talamon captures iconic behind-the-scenes moments with legends like Parliament-Funkadelic, Aretha Franklin, the Jackson Five, and Diana Ross, to name just a few. The limited-edition version includes four signed prints by the photographer.

1000 Record Covers, by Michael Ochs

If your dad is passionate about vinyl or a die-hard rock fan, this curated anthology of album covers will keep him engaged for hours. Michael Ochs, a renowned music archivist and rock photographer, has selected the finest covers from his extensive personal collection, showcasing the evolution of rock music from the '60s through the '90s.

See America: A Celebration of Our National Parks & Treasured Sites, by the Creative Action Network

Is your dad a passionate traveler or someone who dreams of exploring new places? He’ll adore this collection of graphic posters showcasing stunning parks and national monuments. It’s the ideal coffee table book to display in his favorite space.

The Art of Star Wars: The Mandalorian (Season 2)

A must-have for any Star Wars enthusiast, this stunning book offers a behind-the-scenes look at the concept art from the second season of the legendary father-son saga. It’s the perfect addition to any fan’s collection of memorabilia.

1000 Places to See Before You Die, by Patricia Schultz

Fuel your father’s adventurous spirit with this beautifully curated collection of must-see destinations around the world, each accompanied by stunning visuals and captivating descriptions to inspire his next journey.

Accidentally Wes Anderson, by Wally Koval

For the dad who adores the whimsical worlds of Wes Anderson, this coffee table book is filled with real-life locations that seem straight out of his movies, along with the quirky tales that make them even more intriguing.

History

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI, by David Grann

If your dad enjoyed the gripping drama of Martin Scorsese's latest film (and has a passion for historical narratives), this book—based on true events—dives into the haunting story of the Osage murders and the origins of the FBI’s involvement in the investigation.

The Baseball 100, by Joe Posanski

For the dad who can’t get enough of America’s pastime, sportswriter Joe Posanski offers an in-depth look at the sport’s history, profiling 100 of the most iconic, impactful, and sometimes overlooked players who shaped the game.

Making History: The Storytellers Who Shaped the Past, by Richard Cohen

This captivating book is a must for any history enthusiast. It delves into the lives of the historians who recorded the past and examines how their perspectives have shaped the way we interpret history today.

The Phantom Atlas: The Greatest Myths, Lies and Blunders on Maps, by Edward Brooke-Hitching

For the dad or brother who enjoys impressing others with fascinating historical facts, this intriguing book will be a hit. It showcases a variety of errors on historical maps, from missteps by early mapmakers to deliberate falsehoods crafted by cartographers to influence the reader. With stunning visuals and captivating tales from ancient civilizations, this book provides plenty of new material for Dad to share at the next family dinner.

Black Fortunes: The Story of the First Six African Americans Who Survived Slavery and Became Millionaires, by Shomari Wills

History enthusiasts and entrepreneurial fathers will find inspiration in this meticulously researched narrative by journalist Shomari Wills. It highlights the journeys of the first black millionaires in America—six men and women who defied the odds of slavery and discrimination to enter the ranks of the wealthy elite. The book features the stories of remarkable individuals like O.W. Gurley, a teacher-turned-real estate mogul, and Annie Turnbo-Malone, a self-taught chemist who revolutionized hair care for black women.

The Ghost Army of World War II: How One Top-Secret Unit Deceived the Enemy with Inflatable Tanks, Sound Effects, and Other Audacious Fakery, by Rick Beyer and Elizabeth Sayles

This gripping narrative tells the incredible tale of the Ghost Army—members of the 23rd Headquarters Special Troops—who executed a covert mission in France that played a pivotal role in the Allies' victory over Germany.