My list of books every man should read. What did I miss?
I love reading. It’s one of my favorite things to do in my spare time. But, when you get deep into reading, one of the first issues you run into is what to read next. So, I find myself perusing “best book” lists quite frequently. Here is my attempt to throw my hat into the ring.
My goal is to create a well-rounded list. Of course, I’m limited to only books I’ve read. Admittedly, I have yet to read all the classics, but lists filled with those are a little pretentious anyway. I mean, come on, who has actually read The Wealth of Nations, War and Peace, or Ulysses?
Since my audience is primarily men, the list includes 51 books every man should read. I divided them into five categories: fiction, money, personal development, biographies, and fitness.
My plan is for this to be an evolving document. As I read more, books can be added, while others will be removed. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them in the comments. Let’s dig in.
Fiction
The first category is fiction. Nothing beats a good story.
1: The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
It’s a tale of Jay Gatsby’s obsessive love for Daisy Buchanan set against the backdrop of 1920s America. It examines themes of wealth, identity, and the American Dream. You probably read The Great Gatsby in high school, but it’s worth rereading. It’s one of my favorite classics and on nearly everyone’s list of the best novels of all time.
2: Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
Billy Pilgrim becomes “unstuck in time” and experiences moments from his life, including World War II and the bombing of Dresden. It’s a combination of science fiction and war commentary. There are many novels (maybe too many?) about WWII, but this is my favorite.
3: The Old Man and The Sea by Ernest Hemingway
An aging fisherman, Santiago, struggles with a giant marlin in a battle of endurance and respect, reflecting on his life’s victories and losses.
“I told the boy I was a strange old man,” he said. “Now is when I must prove it.” The thousand times that he had proved it meant nothing. Now he was proving it again. Each time was a new time and he never thought about the past when he was doing it.”
Every man should read this short book. It is a masterpiece of resilience and character.
4: The Rainmaker by John Grisham
A young, inexperienced lawyer takes on a massive insurance company in a legal battle that pits morality against corporate greed. The Rainmaker highlights the importance of ethics, integrity, and standing up for the underdog in a world where corruption and profit often override justice. This was the first John Grisham book I read, and I have gone on to read about 40 more. Yeah, I’m somewhat of a Grisham fan.
5: A Time to Kill by John Grisham
In a small Southern town, a young black girl is brutally raped by two white men. Her father, overwhelmed by rage, takes the law into his own hands and murders the attackers. As the town grapples with racial tensions and the father faces a trial, a white lawyer must navigate the complexities of justice and prejudice. Grisham’s first book, A Time to Kill, offers a thought-provoking look at the human condition, challenging readers to consider their biases and the complexities of the legal system.
6: The Killer Angels by Michael Shaara
The Killer Angels is a historical novel that tells the story of the Battle of Gettysburg during the American Civil War, focusing on the perspectives of key figures from both sides. As a history buff, this is one of my favorite books. Even if you don’t love war novels, it’s an entertaining way to learn more about one of the most pivotal battles in American history.
7: Fight Club by Chuck Palahniuk
A disillusioned office worker forms an underground fight club as an outlet for his frustrations with modern consumerism and masculinity, leading to chaos and self-destruction. Fight Club is one of the rare instances where the movie is as good as the book. Even Chuck Palahniuk says that. Still, read the book.
8: 11/22/63 by Stephen King
A high school teacher discovers a time portal and attempts to stop the assassination of John F. Kennedy. Beyond its time-travel intrigue, the book raises questions about fate, personal responsibility, and the rippling consequences of altering history. After finishing this book, you may have trouble thinking about anything else for a while.
9: Animal Farm by George Orwell
A group of farm animals overthrow their human owner and attempt to establish an egalitarian society, only to see it devolve into tyranny under the rule of the pigs.
10: American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Patrick Bateman, a wealthy New York City investment banker, hides his violent psychopathic tendencies while living a life of excess and materialism in the 1980s. This novel is a dark satire on consumerism, identity, and the emptiness of modern material success. I’m a big Christian Bale fan, so I loved the movie. That said, I enjoyed the book more.
Money
Money isn’t everything, but knowing how to handle your finances can make life a lot easier and less stressful.
11: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
When you think of personal finance, you should think of Dave Ramsey. The Total Money Makeover provides a step-by-step plan to get out of debt, build wealth, and achieve financial freedom through Ramsey’s “baby steps.” It focuses on the basics of living a debt-free lifestyle and building savings.
12: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
Rich Dad Poor Dad is one of the few books that greatly impacted me. I read it for the first time when I was 17 or 18, and it blew my mind. This is the type of stuff you don’t learn in school.
In Rich Dad Poor Dad, Kiyosaki contrasts the financial philosophies of his two “dads” (his biological father and his best friend’s father) to explore how mindset affects financial success. He emphasizes the importance of investing, entrepreneurship, and financial education. The book challenges traditional views about money and encourages you to think like an investor and business owner, building wealth through assets instead of relying solely on a paycheck.
13: The Last Safe Investment by Bryan Franklin & Michael Ellsberg
As the title implies, this book focuses on investing in yourself as the best way to generate financial security. It encourages you to develop skills, build meaningful relationships, and take advantage of unconventional financial opportunities. I love this book because the best investment you can make is in yourself. In this day and age, we can accomplish anything. We can learn, create, and build like never before. The only thing holding us back is ourselves. This book is a hidden gem.
14: The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money is super popular, and for good reason. In the book, Housel examines how emotions, behavior, and psychology affect our financial decisions. Understanding the psychological side of money management can help you make better financial decisions, avoid pitfalls, and master the habits that matter.
15: The Simple Path to Wealth by JL Collins
This is the best investment book I have read. In The Simple Path to Wealth, Collins presents a straightforward guide to building wealth through frugality, saving, and low-cost index fund investing. He explains how financial independence can be achieved through simple, consistent strategies. I love this book because it breaks down the often-overcomplicated world of investing into easy, actionable steps, making it perfect for those who want to take control of their financial future without getting lost in complex strategies.
Personal Development and Self Improvement
The personal development category is filled with junk. That said, there is a lot of quality information available if you know where to find it.
16: How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This is a true classic guide to improving communication skills and building relationships. Carnegie outlines principles for making people like you and handling difficult situations. There are a few outdated references, but it’s still worth the read.
17: The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
Seven core habits that promote personal and professional success include proactivity, beginning with the end in mind, and prioritizing important tasks. It’s the personal development book many others have picked from over the years. Go right to the source.
18: Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss
Written by a former FBI hostage negotiator, this book teaches negotiation tactics based on psychological principles that work in high-stakes situations. It equips you with communication and negotiation skills that are useful in both professional and everyday life situations.
19: Essentialism by Greg McKeown
This book will help you focus on what is truly important and eliminate the non-essential to live a more productive and meaningful life. Everyone wishes they had more time; however, you don’t need more time; you need more focus.
20: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
The War of Art, not to be confused with the Art of War, is a motivational guide on overcoming resistance to achieve creative success and personal fulfillment. It’s a book about battling procrastination. Everyone has felt it. We have a project we want or need to get done, but we can’t get ourselves to do it for some reason. Suddenly, things we never want to do sound appealing. How do we break through this wall? Usually, the resistance fights us the hardest on things we need to do the most. If you have a creative job, put this book at the top of the list.
21: The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss
The 4-Hour Workweek is another book that had a significant impact on me. Looking back, it played a role in why I started an online business. In The 4HWW, Ferriss introduces strategies for designing a lifestyle that minimizes work hours and maximizes freedom and income through automation, outsourcing, and unconventional approaches.
22: Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss
If you like podcasts with successful people, you will enjoy Tools of Titans. The book compiles life and business lessons from top performers, including successful entrepreneurs, athletes, and thinkers. It provides actionable advice from the world’s best. Success leaves clues.
23: The 10X Rule by Grant Cardone
In The 10X Rule, Cardone explains that you must take massive action to achieve extraordinary success—ten times the effort and thinking required for typical goals. The book emphasizes setting bigger goals and working relentlessly to surpass them. It also encourages a mindset of relentless pursuit and aggressive action, reinforcing that achieving greatness requires going beyond ordinary effort and avoiding complacency. Everyone needs a wake-up call from time to time to aim higher and work harder.
24: Leadership Strategy and Tactics by Jocko Willink
Written by former Navy SEAL Jocko Willink, Leadership Strategy and Tactics is a practical guide that offers strategies and tools for leading teams, solving problems, and making tough decisions. It breaks down complex leadership concepts into simple, actionable steps, helping you become a more effective leader in any setting. Anyone can be a leader; it’s not a skill you were born with; it’s a skill you need to develop.
25: The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
The Compound Effect is about how small, consistent actions lead to extraordinary success over time. It shows how simple habits can compound to create massive results. I love it because it discusses the value of consistency and incremental progress, which are fundamental principles in achieving long-term success in anything.
26: Deep Work by Cal Newport
In Deep Work, Cal Newport explores the importance of focused, undistracted work in an age of constant distractions and offers strategies for cultivating focus. If you are a knowledge worker, you need to read this as soon as possible.
27: Atomic Habits by James Clear
One of the most popular books of the past decade, Atomic Habits, outlines a system for building good habits and breaking bad ones, focusing on the power of small, incremental changes. Clear provides a practical framework for lasting improvements in daily routines, which can lead to significant personal and professional growth.
28: Relentless Solution Focus by Jason Selk
One of the lesser-known authors on the list, Jason Selk, introduces the concept of Relentless Solution Focus (RSF). RSF trains the brain to quickly shift from problems to solutions, promoting resilience and mental toughness. It helps you develop a solution-oriented mindset, which is key to overcoming challenges and achieving success in any area of life.
Listen to the podcast I did with Jason Selk here: https://kylehuntfitness.com/how-to-develop-mental-toughness-with-sports-psychologist-dr-jason-selk/
29: Mindset by Carol S. Dweck
In Mindset, Psychologist Carol Dweck explains the concept of a “fixed” vs. “growth” mindset, showing how believing in your ability to improve can lead to greater success and fulfillment. It emphasizes the power of adopting a growth mindset, which is essential for overcoming setbacks, learning new skills, and achieving personal development.
30: The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
The Five Love Languages identifies five ways people give and receive love—words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, and physical touch. It helps people understand how to strengthen relationships by learning to communicate love in a way that resonates with their partner or loved ones.
Biographies and Memoirs
Biographies are my favorite category. In my opinion, they are the ultimate self-improvement literature.
31: Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow
Although the musical is great, I was a fan of Hamilton way before that. He’s always been one of my favorite Founding Fathers. This is a comprehensive biography of Hamilton, exploring his rise from poverty to become the architect of the U.S. financial system. It covers his personal life, political contributions, and his untimely death in a duel.
32: Shoe Dog by Phil Knight
The memoir of Nike’s founder, Phil Knight, details his journey from selling shoes out of the trunk of his car to building a multi-billion-dollar global brand. It provides an inside look into the struggles and risks of entrepreneurship. I really enjoyed this book.
33: On Writing by Stephen King
Part memoir, part writing guide, Stephen King shares his journey as an author and practical advice for aspiring writers. It includes tips on storytelling, editing, and perseverance in the craft. Whether you’re interested in writing or not, King’s insights on creativity, discipline, and overcoming obstacles are valuable for personal and professional growth.
34: Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand
The true story of Louis Zamperini, an Olympic athlete who survived a World War II plane crash, spent weeks adrift at sea and endured brutal treatment in Japanese POW camps. The book highlights his resilience and eventual forgiveness of his captors. It’s a story of human endurance, mental toughness, and the power of forgiveness in overcoming unimaginable challenges.
35: Undisputed Truth by Mike Tyson
Mike Tyson’s brutally honest autobiography covers his rise to fame as a heavyweight boxing champion, his personal struggles, his time in prison, and his eventual redemption. It’s a raw account of a life filled with extreme highs and lows. Tyson’s story is a powerful reminder of the consequences of unchecked power and ego and how it’s never too late for personal transformation.
Mike Tyson’s Workout: https://kylehuntfitness.com/the-mike-tyson-workout-and-diet-plan/
36: American Prometheus by Kai Bird and Martin J. Sherwin
A Pulitzer Prize-winning biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist who led the Manhattan Project and developed the atomic bomb. The book explores his brilliance, political struggles, and ethical dilemmas regarding nuclear weapons. Oppenheimer’s life raises profound questions about science, ethics, and responsibility—issues that are still relevant in today’s world. If you enjoyed the movie, this is a deeper dive into his life.
37: Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins
David Goggins shares his life story of overcoming adversity, from childhood abuse and obesity to becoming a Navy SEAL and ultramarathon runner. The book emphasizes mental toughness and the importance of embracing pain and challenges. Goggins’ philosophy of pushing beyond perceived limits is a powerful motivator for anyone striving to achieve greatness in any area of life.
38: Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl reflects on his experiences surviving Nazi concentration camps and how finding meaning in life, even in the most horrific circumstances, is vital to human survival. His logotherapy approach emphasizes purpose and personal responsibility. It offers profound insights into the human capacity for resilience and finding purpose, even in suffering.
39: Fearless by Eric Blehm
This is a biography of Adam Brown, a Navy SEAL who overcame drug addiction and personal demons to serve his country with distinction. The book chronicles his life and his ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan. It’s not a typical Navy Seal memoir, which is fitting because Adam Brown was not a typical Navy Seal.
40: Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara
Will Guidara, the co-owner of Eleven Madison Park, shares how exceptional hospitality transformed the restaurant into the best in the world. The book emphasizes what it takes to go beyond expectations to create extraordinary experiences. If you are a fan of the show The Bear, some things will sound familiar to you.
Fitness and Nutrition
Last but not least, fitness and nutrition. What good is anything else if you are not fit and healthy?
41: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall
Born to Run is a story about the natural running ability of Mexico’s Tarahumara tribe. McDougall’s journey takes readers from ancient running cultures to modern-day athletes. It is my favorite book on running, which can be a boring topic.
42: Never Let Go by Dan John
Dan John, a legendary strength coach, shares a collection of essays on strength training, fitness, and life. The book covers a little bit of everything. It’s packed with practical advice on building strength and fitness at any age while delivering valuable life lessons through storytelling. I have read it multiple times and take something different from it each time.
Podcast with Dan John: https://kylehuntfitness.com/dan-john-on-barbell-complexes-loaded-carries-goblet-squats-and-more/
43: Flexible Dieting by Alan Aragon
Aragon explains the science behind flexible dieting, showing how people can achieve their fitness goals—whether muscle gain or fat loss—by balancing calories and macronutrients rather than following restrictive meal plans. It provides a sustainable, scientifically-backed approach to dieting that focuses on balance rather than extremes, making long-term progress achievable.
If you want to learn more about this nutrition style, get my free Flexible Dieting Manual.
44: Outlive by Peter Attia, MD
In Outlive, Dr. Peter Attia explores the science of longevity, sharing insights on how to extend both lifespan and healthspan. He covers key topics such as diet, exercise, and mental well-being in practical ways to maximize one’s years. Everyone can benefit from understanding how to live not just longer but healthier.
45: The Comfort Crisis by Michael Easter
In The Comfort Crisis, Easter argues that modern life has become too easy, contributing to many of today’s health and mental struggles. He shares his own experiences of embracing discomfort through extreme challenges and wilderness expeditions. It challenges you to step out of your comfort zone, emphasizing the importance of physical and mental resilience, adventure, and facing discomfort head-on.
46: Built to Move by Kelly Starrett & Juliet Starrett
In today’s sedentary world, our bodies are often out of balance and prone to pain. Built to Move is a comprehensive guide to restoring optimal movement patterns and improving overall health. In the book, Kelly Starrett talks about how to move, feel, and live more fulfilling lives through practical exercises, nutritional advice, and lifestyle tips. Understanding movement principles and incorporating them into your daily routine can reduce pain, enhance performance, and unlock your body’s full potential. This book is excellent. In my opinion, it’s a more practical version of Kelly’s first book, Becoming a Supple Leopard.
47: The Muscle and Strength Pyramids (Training and Nutrition) by Eric Helms, Andy Morgan, and Andrea Valdez
These two books provide a detailed, evidence-based guide to training and nutrition for building muscle and strength. With all the training and nutrition information available, it’s easy to emphasize things that don’t matter. The pyramid structure shows what elements of fitness and diet are most important, guiding readers to focus on the right priorities. These books are a great mix of science and practical advice.
48: The New Encyclopedia of Modern Bodybuilding by Arnold Schwarzenegger
Written by the bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, this comprehensive guide covers everything from basic bodybuilding principles to advanced techniques for building muscle. I have flipped through this book a thousand times and am not exaggerating. The pictures and stories are incredible. I don’t know what to tell you if you don’t get fired up to train after looking at all the black-and-white images of old-school bodybuilders.
49: Scientific Principles of Strength Training by Mike Israetel, Chad Wesley Smith, and James Hoffmann
This book takes a scientific approach to strength training, providing a framework for understanding the principles of volume, intensity, recovery, and adaptation. It’s ideal for those who want to take their strength training seriously. Scientific Principles is the most in-depth and well-rounded book on strength programming available. If you are a strength athlete and want to learn more about creating training programs, this book is for you.
Podcast with Mike Israetel
50: Bigger Leaner Stronger by Michael Matthews
Matthews presents a straightforward, evidence-based approach to building muscle, losing fat, and getting fit. The book outlines workout routines, nutrition plans, and mindset strategies for long-term success. It simplifies getting fit, focusing on efficiency and sustainability, making it ideal for men at any fitness level who want to achieve results.
Podcast with Mike Matthews: https://kylehuntfitness.com/best-selling-author-and-legion-ceo-mike-matthews-ep-225/
51: Bodybuilding for Beginners by Kyle Hunt
I couldn’t make a reading list without including one of my own. Bodybuilding for Beginners is the book I wish I had when I first started lifting weights. I tried to write a book that provided a lot of helpful info without any fluff. I cover training, nutrition, warming up, a detailed section on exercise techniques, and a complete 12-week program. You can’t beat the value. Grab a copy here: Bodybuilding for Beginners.
Author: Kyle Hunt
Email: KyleHuntFitness@gmail.com
Hire Kyle as your coach: http://www.kylehuntfitness.com/services/