In the modern age of the Internet and digital content, books seem to be going out of style. That is a shame, though, because there are so many pleasurable and beneficial reasons to keep reading.
Who doesn’t love curling up next to a fire on an autumn day with a good book?
Reading can not only be an escape from a boring daily life, but it can also be educational.
In fact, it can be really good for you. Studies show that people who read books at least 30 minutes per day live, on average, two years longer than people who don’t. Who knew there were actually health benefits to reading?
As a man, it might be hard to find books that interest you. Don’t worry – you’ll find something. Here is a list of the ten books every man should read in his lifetime.
The Call of the Wild By Jack London Is One of the Best Books Every Man Should Read
An adventurous spirit is an important part of being a man. If you like dogs, the outdoors, and a general sense of manly independence, then this book is perfect for you.
Jack London made a name for himself as a writer dedicated to proving that each man can live by his own means. This independence in writing style might be desirable if you are looking for an escape.
The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain
Speaking of living independently, this book is a must for you. Mark Twain is just a pen name, though – the writer’s real name is Samuel Clemens.
This book is known for being one of a boy’s rowdy friends and adventures. If you are ready to live out your boyhood again, pick up this American treasure. There are plenty of reasons that it is read throughout high school all around the country.
1984 By George Orwell
As a man, you know how important it is to stand up for your values. It is not every day that is required of you, but it is still important to exercise your ethics one way or another.
Consider reading 1984, which is a powerful story about the drawbacks a society can create for its citizens. Perhaps you feel as though your current society needs some guidance, and you are looking for an outlet for your frustrations with it. This would be the perfect read in that regard.
The Outsiders By S.E. Hinton
Speaking of society, there is something about a band of brothers on the outskirts of it to really emphasize one’s manhood. Not everyone has to fight alongside his best friends just to have a normal life, but the fellows in this book did.
Set in Tulsa, Oklahoma, follow this tale of misfit boys as they struggle to define the worth of their lives. For any man who has felt like they can’t help but go against the grain, this book is for them. Believe it or not, there is always going to be someone who relates and will have your back.
The Hitchhiker’s Guide To the Galaxy By Douglas Adams
To take a different tone (or genre) for a book a man must read in his life, let’s take a look at science fiction. Douglas Adams wrote a series of five books revolving around a man and his quirky adventures throughout the universe.
Get ready for a sarcastic protagonist and a wild ride throughout one of the greatest science fiction reads of our day. Some of the characters in this read are solely there for a nihilistic humor, which the reader will respect as the futility of humanity is evident throughout the book.
The Kite Runner By Khaled Hosseini
Men have many sides to them, one of them being the nurturing and protecting side. It is rare in modern society that an emotional connection is praised, but you know as a man that it is necessary to a fulfilling, well-rounded life.
That’s what you will find in The Kite Runner – a captivating, genuine depiction of a male protagonist working through the inner-workings of life’s most emotional times.
The Martian By Andy Weir
Few books speak to the independence and bravery of one man’s journey like The Martian. Imagine being stranded as the only human being on a foreign planet. Pick up this book for a story of grit, intelligence, and a single man’s struggle for survival in an unforgiving world.
Reading a book is more than just immersing oneself in a story. There are proven benefits to sticking with a reading life, especially for people who have the potential to suffer from mental illnesses like dementia. Studies show that the cognitive exercise of reading can slow the decline into this disease for avid lifelong readers.
The Picture of Dorian Grey By Oscar Wilde
Part of being a man in the modern day and age is expressing one’s personality through his appearance. With social media so prevalently tied to a person’s self-image, it can be hard to separate the person’s true worth from the amount of “likes” he receives online.
This struggle with vanity, though, is not a new thing for humanity. Consider reading Oscar Wilde’s take on the subject through this story. It is about a man who loves his image and youth so much that his personality eventually decays into it.
The Old Man and the Sea By Ernest Hemingway
Hemingway is definitely one of the most necessary authors for any man to appreciate. He spent his life defining the noble virtues of manhood, which is evident in one of his most well-known books.
Into the Wild By Jon Krakauer
The beginning of this list of books every man should read started with The Call of the Wild, so it is suiting to end the list with another book with the same heart. Into the Wild answers some of life’s most daunting questions of society, independence, and the ability of one man to stand alone.
There Are Always More Books to Read
After reading through all ten of these books, every man should have a well-rounded understanding of how he fits into this world, as well as what he can offer it. Reading is crucial for every person if they want to remain sound of mind and full of heart. Hopefully, you have a great start with these ten books every man should read.
Don’t stop there, though. Reading is a lifelong journey, and sharing your reading with others will only further your connection to the stories you cherish. Comment below to share what books you think are important to read as a man.
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