Hello, friends! Welcome to another Favorite Books Friday, and a very special one at that our Father’s Day Edition!
With Father’s Day just around the corner, I found myself brainstorming last-minute gift ideas, and naturally, my mind drifted toward books. After all, a great book is a timeless gift something that can transport the reader to another world, spark inspiration, or simply provide a much-needed escape from daily life.
If I could grant the ultimate Father’s Day gift to the father of my children, it would be a serene day at the beach. Picture this: warm sunshine, a comfortable chair, toes in the sand, a picnic spread of all his favorite snacks prosciutto, fine cheeses, fig jam, nuts, fresh berries, and perhaps a glass of sangria (okay, maybe those are my favorites, but who’s counting?). Add to that a football and frisbee for some casual fun, our three teenagers fully present and delightful to be around (every parent’s dream, right?), and of course, a fantastic book in hand.
While I can’t quite make that dream beach day happen this weekend, I can certainly make sure he has a book to enjoy when the opportunity arises! With that in mind, I’ve put together a curated list of excellent reads that the dads in your life might love.
Favorite Books Friday | Father’s Day Edition
You can find most of these titles at Target and Barnes & Noble, but I’ve also included Amazon affiliate links if you’d prefer to order online and have them shipped directly to your favorite dad (or yourself!). Read my full disclosure policy here for more info on affiliate links.
1. Defending Jacob
Defending Jacob by William Landay is a gripping legal and psychological thriller centered around an eighth-grade boy accused of murdering a classmate. Set in a real Boston suburb, this novel weaves an intricate tale of mystery and family loyalty, making it nearly impossible to put down. If the dad in your life enjoys thought-provoking thrillers, this is a must-read!
2. Townie: A Memoir by Andre Dubus III
Townie by Andre Dubus III is another Boston-based book, but this one offers a deeply personal, raw memoir of a young man’s journey through poverty, violence, and self-discovery. Dubus vividly recounts his challenging upbringing, crafting a story that is both gritty and profoundly moving. I read this book years ago, and it remains etched in my memory—one of those rare reads that lingers long after the final page.
Dubus is also the author of the critically acclaimed House of Sand and Fog, which was adapted into a movie starring Jennifer Connelly and Ben Kingsley. If you haven’t seen it yet, you might want to check it out!
3. Where Men Win Glory: The Odyssey of Pat Tillman
Where Men Win Glory by Jon Krakauer delves into the remarkable true story of Pat Tillman, the NFL player who walked away from a dream football career to serve in the military after 9/11. Tillman’s journey, from professional athlete to soldier, and the tragic circumstances surrounding his death, are masterfully chronicled by Krakauer, best known for his book Into Thin Air. If your dad enjoys non-fiction, military history, or stories of extraordinary individuals, this is an exceptional choice.
On a side note, we recently watched Everest, the film starring Jake Gyllenhaal and Keira Knightley, which is based on Krakauer’s Into Thin Air. It was intense and well worth a watch!
4. When Pride Still Mattered: A Life of Vince Lombardi
Sports lovers will appreciate When Pride Still Mattered by David Maraniss, an insightful biography of Vince Lombardi, the legendary coach of the Green Bay Packers. Lombardi’s leadership and dedication to excellence turned him into an enduring symbol of perseverance, making this biography not just a story about football, but also a tale of ambition, strategy, and resilience. Even if you’re not a football enthusiast, the themes in this book will resonate with anyone who admires greatness and determination.
5. King of the World: Muhammad Ali and the Rise of an American Hero
With Muhammad Ali’s passing still fresh in our minds, I couldn’t resist adding King of the World by David Remnick to this list. This biography captures the incredible rise of Muhammad Ali, from an ambitious young boxer to a cultural and political icon. Remnick, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, paints a vivid portrait of the charismatic fighter whose influence extended far beyond the boxing ring. As someone who has a personal love for the sport (shoutout to my amazing coach, Keiko!), this book is at the top of my list and it might just be a gift I’m giving this weekend (selfishly, because I want to read it too!).
More Book Recommendations
If you’re looking for additional suggestions, check out these past Favorite Books Friday editions:
Also, I’d love to hear from you! If you’ve recently read a book you loved, share it in the comments I’m always on the hunt for great new reads.
Final Thoughts
Father’s Day is about celebrating the amazing men in our lives dads, grandfathers, husbands, father figures who inspire, support, and love us unconditionally. While a single book may not encapsulate all our gratitude, it’s a meaningful way to show appreciation and give them something they can enjoy at their own pace.
Whether it’s a gripping thriller, a powerful memoir, or an inspiring sports biography, I hope you find the perfect read for the dad in your life. Wishing you all a wonderful weekend filled with love, laughter, and, of course, great books!
Happy Favorite Books Friday and Happy Father’s Day! 📚🎉
