10 Nonfiction Books To Get For The Man In Your Life

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It’s fair to say that when it comes to reading, most of us will tend to go for works of fiction. We love taking the opportunity to escape the humdrum of our everyday lives, get swept up in a good story, and find ourselves invested in the characters’ lives. But today, I’d like to make an argument for the importance of nonfiction.

Reading a truly good nonfiction book can feel like having a deep conversation with a friend you admire — there’s so much wisdom to glean from its pages, ideas to ponder, stories to identify with, and lessons the author learned from living life that we, too, can implement in our own lives.

But let’s not just keep this newfound appreciation of nonfiction to ourselves — why not introduce the man in your life to a nonfiction read that he’ll actually enjoy? Below, find ten of my recommendations!

Good Man by Nathan Clarkson

I might be a tiny bit biased, as I’m married to the author of Good Man. But what better book to start with than a book that looks to define and discover what exactly a good man is? This thoughtful book seeks to find the answer to the question of who men were created to be, with the author using personal stories, amusing anecdotes, insightful quotes, and honest reflections to explore this idea.

Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller

I’m not one to reread books, but Blue Like Jazz is one book I can keep on reading again and again. It follows the coming of age story of the author as he struggles, searches, and discovers God in the midst of love, heartbreak, family trauma, and success. A classic to countless readers, his story will engage and connect to many men on their journey to understand how God fits in their stories.

Wild at Heart by John Eldredge

Wild at Heart is a classic that uses scriptural wisdom to find the “secret to a man’s heart”, exploring the condition of masculinity in modern culture and what it ought to be. Filled with inspiration, encouragement of adventure, understanding for struggles, and a vision for who men can be, this book will be a favorite of your his for many years.

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

Meditations is easily considered of the greatest stoic philosophy books, and was written by a Roman emperor almost 2000 years ago. Marcus Areilis, who faced a difficult life himself, explores how to live with purpose and unshakable strength in a cruel, chaotic, and often careless world.

We Stood Upon Stars by Roger W. Thompson

Part memoir part philosophy, this wonderful book taps into men’s natural desire for adventure, romance, beauty, and purpose. As the author takes you on his breathtaking journey into the wilds of America where he discovers both God and himself, it will inspire your man to not only get swept up in the writer’s adventures, but be inspired to find his own.

Becoming a King by Morgan Snyder

This book takes an in-depth look at the broken places in many men and a path to wholeness. Giving a vision of men becoming kings, Becoming a King will connect with the broken places in your man’s life and offer him hope for redemption and wholeness.

David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell

Through a myriad of anecdotes, illustrations, historical stories, and reading life examples, Gladwell dives into the subject of difficulty and the role it plays in our lives. This book will give the man in your life a new perspective on the struggles he faces and the opportunity for triumph in the midst of them.

Self-Care for Men by Garrett Munce

This wonderfully practical book encourages men to grow to their full potential in mind, body, and spirit. With its tips on grooming, working out, dressing, meditation, and healthy practices, this book will help guide your man into a more whole and healthy person.

Stuff You Should Know by Charles Wayne Bryant & Josh Clark

Stuff You Should Know is a helpful visual and written “compendium” of interesting facts, how-to’s, and life hacks. The man in your life will have a wonderful time exploring and discovering tricks, tips, and topics that’ll give him a host of new subjects to bring up at parties.

The Prayer Journal for Him by Jarrett Culver

For the man looking for even more interaction, consider this guided journal filled with prompts, insight, and questions that will deepen his faith, encourage his heart, and challenge his mind while he’s given the opportunity to write his honest thoughts and feelings that will no doubt bring about growth and health.