It goes without saying that men who read, often have a superior intellect in comparison to men who do not. Since I was 6 years old, I've always had a fascination with reading. My long time mentor would always say that "the world is bigger than the block you grew up on." He said "a man should make the world his classroom." I did just that through books. I can truly say that I wouldn't be the man I am today had I not developed a passion for reading.
Aside from expanding my knowledge, reading books has expanded my critical thinking, improved my vocabulary, enhanced my communication and allows me to explore the incredible parts of my imagination. Reading is important for anyone and the benefits are not limited to just the ones I shared. You will be amazed to know how beneficial reading books can be for you.
So if you're new to reading regularly and don't know where to start, I have just the solution. Here are 17 of the top fiction and non-fiction books that I strongly recommend for men to read.
1) Who Moved My Cheese, by Dr. Spencer Johnson
This simple book has a dramatically important message about how to cope with change. People fear change because they believe they cannot control how or when it happens to them. What matters most is the attitude we have about change and how we react and deal with it when it comes.
2) The Secrets Men Keep, by Stephen Arteburn
Secrets are the most dangerous force within a man. Finding a way to deal with the unspoken fears and questions that threaten to undo you is among your most important tasks.
3) The Souls of Black Folk, by W.E.B. Dubois
Essential reading for everyone interested in African-American history and the struggle for civil rights in America.
4) Oh, The Places You’ll Go, by Dr. Suess
Dr. Seuss addresses life’s ups and downs with his trademark humorous verse and illustrations, while encouraging readers to find the success that lies within.
5) The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, by Edward Gibbon
Among the most magnificent and ambitious narratives in European literature. Its subject is the fate of one of the world's greatest civilizations over thirteen centuries – its rulers, wars, society, and the events that led to its disastrous collapse.
6) Holy Bible, Inspired by the Word of God
The Bible is literally "God-breathed" (2 Timothy 3:16). In other words, it is God's very words to us. There are so many questions that philosophers have asked that God answers for us in Scripture. What is the purpose to life? Where did I come from? Is there life after death? How do I get to heaven? Why is the world full of evil? Why do I struggle to do good?
7) The Art of War, by Sun Tzu
One of the most influential books of military strategy ever written. This classic of Chinese philosophy lays out a systematic, rational approach to tactics and strategy that leaders worldwide have applied not only to the military, but also to business, law, martial arts, and sports.
8) The Known World, by Edward P. Jones
Edward Jones has woven a footnote of history into an epic that takes an unflinching look at slavery in all its moral complexities. Set in antebellum Virginia, it examines the issues regarding the ownership of black slaves by both white and black Americans.
9) Legends of the Fall, by Jim Harrison
This powerful story explores the theme of revenge and the actions to which people resort when their lives or goals are threatened, painting an unforgettable portrait of the twentieth-century man.
10) Revolutionary Road, by Richard Gates
The most evocative portrayal of the opulent desolation of the American suburbs. It's the story of a bright, beautiful, and talented couple who have lived on the assumption that greatness is only just around the corner. With heartbreaking compassion and remorseless clarity, this book shows how this couple mortgages their spiritual birthright, betraying not only each other, but their best selves.
11) Moby Dick, by Herman Melville
Considered an outstanding work of Romanticism and the American Renaissance. A sailor called Ishmael narrates the obsessive quest of Ahab, captain of the whaler Pequod, for revenge on Moby Dick, a white whale which on a previous voyage destroyed Ahab's ship and severed his leg at the knee.
12) The 5 Love Languages, by Dr. Gary Chapman
You'll discover the secret that has transformed millions of relationships worldwide. Whether your relationship is flourishing or failing, this book reveals a proven approach to showing and receiving love. It will help you experience deeper and richer levels of intimacy with your partner-starting today.
13) The Call of the Wild, by Jack London
The book opens at a ranch in the Santa Clara Valley of California when a dog named Buck is stolen from his home and sold into service as a sled dog in Alaska. He progressively reverts to a wild state in the harsh climate, where he is forced to fight to dominate other dogs. By the end, he sheds the veneer of civilization and relies on primordial instinct and learned experience to emerge as a leader in the wild.
14) Rich Dad, Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki
This book explodes the myth that you need to earn a high income to be rich and explains the difference between working for money and having your money work for you.
15) A Good Man to a Valiant Man, by Allen Meyer
This book is a call for valiant men to rebuild the moral walls in their hearts, to renew the thought patterns in their minds, and to take responsibility for the emotional and spiritual health of their families: the kind of men that women and children can depend on.
16) 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey
This book presents a holistic, integrated, principle-centered approach for solving personal and professional problems. Covey reveals a step-by-step pathway for living with fairness, integrity, service, and human dignity – principles that give us the security to adapt to change and the wisdom and power to take advantage of the opportunities that change creates.
17) Power of Positive Thinking, by Norman Vincent Peale
This bestseller was written with the sole objective of helping the reader achieve a happy, satisfying, and worthwhile life,” Dr. Peale demonstrates the power of faith in action. With the practical techniques outlined in this book, you can energize your life and give yourself the initiative needed to carry out your ambitions and hopes.
All of these amazing books can be found at amazon.com, barnesandnoble.com, or hpb.com (Half Priced Books).