20 Best Books For Men (Review) In 2021

To kill a Mockingbird Paperback enjoyed instant success once released, with an intriguing plot that keeps readers turning the pages until the very end. Published in 1960 and written by Harper Lee, the story takes a setting in a fictional town called Maycomb, during the times of the great depression. Based on strong issues of racism, prejudice, and justice which are quite still pressing concerns today, the novel highlights these sensitive topics in a captivating and controversial drama. The book went on to get a film adaptation as well as win the prestigious Pulitzer prize and 3 academy awards. You can give it as a Christmas gift this year to somebody you love.

The Art of War has to be one of the earliest and most impactful books on warfare and conflict strategies. Most people argue that these strategies are not exclusively centred on war, but can actually be used in everyday life with friends, family, neighbours and co-workers. It brings into play concepts such as discipline, morality, divinity, deception, nature as well as military strategies. Sun Tzu, the writer implies that victory or failure are dependent on certain primary factors which are further outlined in the book.

Rumored to be based on an actual real life character, Fitzgerald fascinates readers with the captivating and glamorous life portrayed in The Great Gatsby. Set in the jazz age, the tale of a superficially rich, mysterious and troubled gentleman has had Americans reading this book for decades. The mega rich Gatsby is known to throw glamorous and decadent parties every week, but no-one really sees or knows the host. As the tale unfolds, we are made to see the secrets of this enigmatic character.

Not so into fictional novels? That’s okay, this book is more educating and gives a good number of tips on making successful contacts, improving friendships and building a success-centred mentality. Set to impart the fine art of persuasion, powerful and impactful thinking as well as inspire a mindset that aspires towards success, Dale Carnegie offers a lot of advice in this book. With more than 15 million copies sold, there’s no doubt that this book will leave any reader, self improved. Providing story after story with hidden life lessons, ‘How to Win Friends & Influence People’ proves to be very educating, therapeutic and empowering.

Lord of the flies is one that has captivated the minds of a lot of readers both young and old. Taking the mind on an interesting journey alongside young boys who coincidentally get trapped on a lonely island. Left to enjoy their new freedom, they try to create a working system to govern their new found community. The inspiring storyline exposes the true values and nature of humankind, while highlighting how easily a system can fail without a concrete supervising authority. The very detailed and descriptive writing will definitely keep the pages turning, with unexpected twists and a very surprising ending. If reading is one of your favorite hobbies, you should definitely put this book on your list.

If you’re in the mood for a captivating and interesting, partially fictitious book based on the writer’s travels, this book will definitely keep you hooked. Truly a literary and ingeniously written piece, On the Road resonates the American dream, and the poetic masterpiece that is America herself. Written in the post-war era, the book focuses on jazz, drugs, sex and hopes for a more passionate, thrilling and exciting tomorrow.

Published in 1903, with a setting in Canada, The Call of the Wild tells of a story of Buck; a dog taken from his owners to the harsh life of the Arctic. Animal and pet lovers would love to see the slow but sure transformation of a dog subject to cruel treatment, extreme cold and hardship. It shows how the love of just one man can truly transform and tame the beast in a human, animal or creature. Selling as two books in one, both the Call of the Wild and White Fang are still very interesting and a great read for curious minds. If you like to make notes while reading, the right mechanical pencil would come handy, so check out our guide to the best ones on the market.

The writer of Animal Farm, Goerge Orwell completed this dystopian novel and it was published in 1949. Known for his political writing, 1984 was actually his last published book, however, it gained quite the popularity. Based on a dystopian, futuristic city, Goerge Orwell foretells of the ills of the Totalitarian system of government and the consequences the world would face with such deepening controls. This 1984 (Signet Classics)  centres on the character Winston, living in a society where the Government uses the Big Brother to monitor every move. Speculated to be some kind of prophetic book, we soon see that what Orwell forewarns in his book later came to pass in reality.

You may have watched the movie, but have you read the book? There’s something about getting lost in every word, sentence and page flipped that’s superior to watching the script acted out on screen. Known as one of the most popular books that highlight the world of crime, power, greed and the mafia, the Godfather is undoubtedly a global read. Centered on the family of the Corleones, this Italian-American drama engages the reader on the page after page of thrilling, intriguing plot, putting controversy, power, blood, loyalty and tradition in play.

There’s a lot to learn about in history; the wars, the renaissance, the edge of modernity and power of religion. All Quiet on the Western Front takes us to a time of war, and into the minds of the German soldiers during World War 1. First there was the enthusiastic delight in fighting for and defending one’s Nation and beliefs, however as the full swing of the war starts to seep in, we see the regret, depression, fear and brokenness. Bound by the duty to serve and protect the Nation, the story is centred on a young boy, Paul Brauman. It really is an eye opener to those who didn’t witness the dark throngs of war and its aftermath.

If you loved the descriptive writing in farewell to Arms, then For Whom the Bell Tolls will be a pure delight. Set in a Spanish and American setting, this adventurous war book tells of a young American volunteer who gets caught up in the drama of the Spanish civil war. Leaving his job as a college instructor, he enrolls to fight against the fascist system. Befriending some locals and falling in love with a spanish girl Maria, the drama unfolds as he is given the gruesome task of bombing a bridge. It’s a great blend of political drama and romance, while putting into place the struggles of the indigenes affected by the war and the personal struggles of Jordan to overcome his non-violent self and complete his mission.

The name may chase some away from ever turning the first page while compelling those who love fiction thrillers and horror-based books. However, the Slaughterhouse-Five Novel is quite an intriguing, comic book based on an anti-war plot. It takes its plot from the fire-bombing in Dresden in WW2, the Vietnam war and civil rights protests that went on in the 1960s. Centered on the character of Billy Pilgrim, we see how devastating the war can be and how deeply it can take a toll on the human spirit, mind and body. Filled with comic relief, the seemingly sad story keeps readers fixed on the book till the very last page.

The Catch-22 is an extremely literary book that deeply pens down the events of dark ambitions, deception and a seriously flawed system that can’t be overcome as well as personal vendetta. Based on the War in WW2, the book centres on a man, Yossarin in Italy, undertaking numerous missions for the country. It becomes more obvious that these missions keep increasing without a clear or functional way of asking to be excused. Combining a lot of comic relief to the gruesome tale as well as a satirical form of writing, you’ll find yourself giggling and being awe-struck by the unfolding events, page after page.

This book may have been written in the 16th century, but will still hold a lot of ground in years to come. Machiavelli created this masterpiece after being removed from active service and denied the opportunity of being an on-air political analyst. The Prince is not only taught in schools, but holds a lot of political significance among scholars and professionals today. It’s quite the controversial book, changing theories of power, religion and morality as we know it.

The book, Brave New World is another futuristic, science fiction Novel based on a dystopian plot that gives life to a highly technologically advanced society that has tampered with nature as we know it. This prophetic masterpiece forewarns this generation and the one to come, about putting our trust in ‘the machine’ and how a seemingly technologically advanced society could turn out to be a threat to man’s freedom.

This is one of the books that makes use of a somewhat ironic title to encompass an even deeper meaning. Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values  is a soul searching book that’ll have readers examining their personal lives on the ploy to becoming a better version of themselves. The modern and classic tale teaches life lessons and gets readers to ask meaningful life questions using the story of a father and son on a Motorcycle trip during the summer in America.

Plato’s ‘Republic’ was much loved and revered by a multitude of people, finding pre-eminence in the sands of time and foundations of political Science and International Relations. The Republic was written quite passionately, and while many read it, the full meaning and purpose was a bit hidden in words that were not fully expressed and explained. Allan Bloom took up the task and wrote The Republic of Plato; revising, translating and interpreting the book which has granted a better understanding to the full intent and purpose of the aforementioned classic.

A lot of people have heard about Malcom X, but don’t really fully understand what he was about. The Autobiography of Malcolm X: As Told to Alex Haley is the perfect opportunity to delve into the life of the human rights activist. He boldy spoke against racial discrimination, racial pride and black nationalism in America. His activism was more aggressive than the peaceful protest Martin Luther King jr championed. Alex Haley captures his life, thoughts and clear insight of what was really going on in the mind of the legendary Malcom X.

Widely considered as one of the pioneering works of history, this book was well arranged, and vividly narrated. Originally written in Greek way back in the 5th century, Herodotus systematically collected and put together well-arranged accounts of historical happenings around the time he was alive. If you love historical tales and dramatic twists, let this translated version of Herodotus’ The Histories take you on a wild historical journey.

Ernest Hemingway stuns once again with an intriguing drama set in the post WW1 era, highlighting the aftermath the war had on the generation, as well as the activities carried out to forget and move on from the happenings of the war. Based on the lives of Jakes Barnes and Brett Ashley, the story follows their journey from the invigorating nightlife in Paris to the fearsome bullfighting in Spain. Bringing to light the moral decadence of the times, spiritual emptiness and fake illusions, The Sun Also Rises just goes on to confirm how expertly Ernest Hemingway writes.