Top 10: books about men and for men
This top contains the best books that can be given to a man on February 23, or that male readers should pay attention to. We have identified 10 categories to make it easier to decide on a gift or what to read.
There will be no soppy novels about love and naive stories with the ending “everyone will be happy and everyone will get married.” Only books about men and for men , only hardcore!
1. Classic
If you don’t know what to read/give as a gift, classics are the best option. There is a minimum set of books that every man should read. Good books have no expiration date; moreover, from time to time, familiar and read novels take on a new meaning. “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury or “1984” by George Orwell , “Brave New World” by Aldous Huxley - famous dystopias that depict the world of the future, playing on themes of politics, government, freedom and the impact of the media, are more relevant today than ever. The theme of war, unfortunately, is as eternal as the theme of love. But if women like to read about the second topic, then the first is clearly interesting to men. Of the war books, the most powerful and profound are the works of Erich Maria Remarque (the meaninglessness of war in the novel “All Quiet on the Western Front” , the life of the “lost generation” in “Three Comrades” ), Ernest Hemingway (the autobiographical “A Farewell to Arms!” , the tragic “ For whom the bell tolls” , etc.). Have you noticed that the main character of books is often a man? This observation is as obvious as the fact that most writers are male. There are many great novels about real male heroes. For example, two famous but very different novels: “The Great Gatsby” by Francis Fitzgerald and “Martin Eden” by Jack London. Essentially, these very different novels are about the same thing: heroes rise from the bottom and difficult situations to the very top thanks to their strength of character. And thanks to the power of love - where would we be without it? And a couple more ideas for reading/gifting: the novel “The Cuckoo’s Nest” by Ken Kesey can be recommended to a future doctor and intellectual, rebels will love the atmosphere of Jerome D. Salinger’s book “The Catcher in the Rye” , and “The Godfather” by Mario Puzo will not leave anyone indifferent , not just a man.
2. Modern literature
What is meant by the adjective “modern” in this top? Relevant, interesting, smart literature of recent years. Let's read! For many years now, the most popular author among the male audience has been Viktor Pelevin . What is his strength? In twisted, bold and multi-layered plots, in a mix of philosophical ideas, in a set of unique psychological portraits of modern times or literary hoaxes? Nevertheless, Pelevin’s latest novels “Love for Three Zuckerbrins”, “Batman Apollo”, “The Caretaker” will be interesting not only to fans of the author, but also to those interested in modern Russian literature. Another author who can be recommended for men to read is Frederic Beigbeder. Surprisingly, this Frenchman knows how to write about love (and this is what most of his novels are about) frankly, bitingly, ironically, honestly. By choosing the writer Jerome Salinger and his wife Oona O'Neill as the heroes of his new book , Una and Salinger , the author remains true to himself, naturally combining beautiful dialogues about love and caustic descriptions of war in the novel. The thirteenth book by the famous Japanese prose writer Haruki Murakami was the novel “Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Wanderings ,” the main characters of which are an ordinary man and his memories. This is a fascinating, mystical novel about Tsukuru's growing up, and also about how an event that did not happen can dramatically change one's life. A high-profile novelty on the Russian market in 2015 was the novel I Confess by the Catalan writer and screenwriter Jaume Cabret . A complex, non-linear, tragic narrative for those who are ready to immerse themselves in the life story of violinist Adria Ardevol, which turns into a story of war, death, love, life and music. We can safely recommend it to fans of Spanish prose with elements of mysticism.
3. Historical novel
Historical fiction is excellent reading, containing two wonderful components at once: an exciting adventure and a portrait of an era. Classics of the historical genre can be considered Victor Hugo ( "Les Miserables", "Ninety-Three" ), Valentin Pikul ( "The Favorite", "Word and Deed", "Pen and Sword" ), Rafael Sabatini (primarily his trilogy about the Captain Blade ). For those experienced in this genre, an excellent gift/reading would be Umberto Eco's first and most famous novel, The Name of the Rose, about a monk at a Benedictine monastery in 14th-century Italy. The famous philosopher, scientist, semiologist, and medievalist created a multi-layered, complex novel that can be read at different levels: from plot to semiotic and philosophical. In order to capture the full scope of the novel, give/read in tandem with the author’s “Marginal Notes on “The Name of the Rose ,” published as a separate book. One of the best historical novels about Egypt is considered to be the epic of the Finnish writer Mika Valtari “Sinuhe, the Egyptian ,” which is based on “The Tale of Sinuhe,” the oldest Egyptian literary monument. No less fascinating is the trilogy “Pharaoh Akhenaten” by George Gulia , dedicated to the mythology and history of Egypt. Gulia, resorting to quick, short phrases, an intense plot, and historical details, creates a fascinating work that is read in one breath. The atmosphere of 17th century Japan can be found in James Clavell's novel Shogun. The main character, the English navigator John Blackthorn (who had a real prototype), is one of the first compatriots to learn about the Land of the Rising Sun, its traditions, culture and beauty, but this knowledge is not easy for him. The work “The Snake Charmer” by the Soviet writer Yavdat Ilyasov is fragrant with the aroma of the East. This is the exciting story of the famous poet, scientist and philosopher Omar Khayyam, for whom fate has prepared the most difficult trials and the greatest rewards.
4. Detective
The most action-packed and fascinating genre of literature may primarily be of interest to fans of TV series. Cumberbatch becomes much more interesting to watch when you know the original Sherlock Holmes , whose investigations are truly impressive. In addition to Conan Doyle, in this category we must mention the cult Rex Stout (creator of detective Nero Wolfe) and his best detective stories: “Red Threads”, “Broken Vase”, “Bad for Business”, “Deadly Trap”. A series of detective stories about superspy James Bond could be an excellent gift/reading item. Reading legendary books is much more fun knowing that many moments and images are based on personal experience: the author Ian Fleming was a famous journalist, intelligence officer and favorite of women. For those who are interested in history, Boris Akunin created a series that included detectives of different styles, united by the sophisticated hero Erast Fandorin . Intelligent and atmospheric historical detective stories allow you not only to get a lot of emotions from a twisted plot, but also to immerse yourself in past centuries and enjoy a good style. The mystical works of the Norwegian writer Jo Nesbø are considered one of the best detective novels of recent years. The main character is detective Harry Hole, who is struggling with his alcohol addiction, which does not prevent him from brilliantly solving twisted crimes on the streets of Norway. By the way, filming is currently underway based on one of Nesbø’s best novels – “The Snowman” , where Golden Lion winner Michael Fassbender will play the detective role, but you have time to get acquainted with the entire series of novels. Another novelty in the detective genre is a series of novels about war veteran Cormoran Strike, who investigates mysterious murders. The author of crime novels, Robert Galbraith, has already released two novels in the series ( "The Cuckoo's Calling", "The Silkworm" ), and also revealed his real name: JK Rowling did not hide for long under a male pseudonym.
5. Fantasy and science fiction
Interest in the fantasy and science fiction genres has not subsided over the years. The choice is great, but there are still the main books, which you won’t be disappointed with if you stop at them. Among science fiction, in addition to the always popular and beloved Strugatsky brothers ( "Roadside Picnic", "Hard to Be God", "Monday Begins on Saturday" ), H.G. Wells ( "The Invisible Man", "War of the Worlds", "The Time Machine" ) , Ray Bradbury ( "The Martian Chronicles", "Dandelion Wine" , short stories), we can highlight the classic book for this genre, "Dune" by Frank Herbert. The plot of the philosophical-fantasy novel, which raises political and environmental problems, revolves around the substance “spice”, on which not only the possibility of intergalactic flights, but also the fate of civilization depends. The theme of space, fertile for science fiction, is played out in the socio-philosophical and science fiction novels of Ivan Efremov ( “The Hour of the Bull” or “The Andromeda Nebula” ), which will be excellent food for thought. And for those who are partial to travel, Adam Douglas’s famous novel “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” would be an ideal gift/reading option. Fantasy literature is based on “three pillars”: “The Lord of the Rings” by J. R. R. Tolkien, “The Chronicles of Amber” by Roger Zelazny and “A Song of Ice and Fire” by the “American Tolkien” by George R.R. Martin. These sagas are so popular that it is impossible to ignore them, but at the same time, it is bad manners to talk about them, because everyone can imagine their content and value. The next level of immersion in the fascinating world of fantasy can be the series of novels by Terry Pratchett about the Discworld . The extensive series by the English writer offers readers the story of a fictional disk-shaped planet where heroes of different races fight. The space of the novel itself is filled with jokes, irony and subtle humor, which distinguishes this fantasy from any other. Ancient magic, the beautiful archipelago of Earthsea, a boy magician nicknamed Hawk - this is how Ursula Le Guin created her fantasy world in the novel A Wizard of Earthsea . The book, comparable to Clive S. Lewis's The Chronicles of Narnia, is written in rich colors and captivates from the first pages. Representatives of the stronger half of humanity will enjoy the heroic fantasy from Robert Salvatore . A grandiose series of novels about the dark elf Drizzt (Drizzt), who leaves his underworld, not wanting to worship the bloody laws. After long wanderings and unexpected twists and turns, he finds refuge in Icewind Dale, but this is far from the end of the story.
6. Travel book
A fertile topic for choosing a gift. In the end, men are eternal nomads and conquerors, who, if not them, should know best about the road. And read about it. The books of the beatnik Jack Kerouac remain unsurpassed masterpieces of travel literature . It’s hard to make a mistake here; you can choose any of his novels, small in volume but great in the power of presentation, mood and humor. The road, philosophy, conversations, friendship, alcohol, women, the road and philosophy again - about what happens “On the Road”. The continuation of this book was the novel "Dharma Bums" , which tells about what happened after the travels, when the autobiographical hero of the novel discovered Buddhism. More melancholic, confusing and mysterious – “Kafka on the Beach” by Haruki Murakami. The prose of the Japanese, who acknowledge the existence of hundreds of ancient gods and spirits at the same time, is always a little mystical and mysterious for Europeans. In Murakami's novel, the wanderings of the protagonist, who has chosen a new name for himself - Kafka, resemble dreams, but their consequences do not dissipate with the sunrise. For those who are not ready to embark on the intricate path of spiritual quest, there is a simple and wonderful book, “The Art of Travel.” A high-quality, delicious narrative by Alain de Botton , in which the writer seeks answers to such important questions: what makes us go on a journey; how we return home; is it possible to be a traveler without leaving home; what does freedom mean? After reading this book, I want only one thing, or rather two things: to go on the road and start keeping travel notes. I would like to mention here another excellent book in the travel genre - “Russian Bikes: Around the World on a Harley-Davidson” . The authors of this “guide” are Andrey Polonsky, Maxim Privezentsev, Vladimir Roshchin, two of whom (Maxim and Vladimir) made the now legendary motorcycle trip around the Earth! This is a real, stunning book that teaches not only the art of traveling on motorcycles, but also that you need to follow your dreams, no matter what.
7. Autobiography
The only thing better than a good biography is an autobiography. And if the autobiography is written in a good style, it has no price. Such a book can not only fill gaps in a particular area, but also inspire. The main thing is to determine your area of interest. An athlete can be advised to read Mike Tyson's relatively recent autobiography, The Ruthless Truth. The greatest boxer in the world talks about his life in a simple, slightly rough style, objectively and frankly talking about the ups and downs. One of the best biographies in the sports genre remains the book by Valery Kharlamov, published almost thirty-seven years ago. "My autobiography. Three Beginnings” begins with the question “Why did I become a hockey player?” and talks not only about hockey, but also about the personality of the athlete. Fans of photography will be interested in the book “Helmut Newton. Autobiography” , which will pleasantly surprise readers with the fact that the famous photographer of the 20th century writes as tenaciously and frankly as he shoots. One of the best masters of modern black and white photography, Sebastian Salgado, also wrote his biography . A small but beautifully designed book “The Salt of the Earth” is not only about photography, but about the world and man. To an intellectual, you can recommend/gift the work “Roland Barthes on Roland Barthes.” In this attractive book, which today reads not as a provocation by a famous structuralist, but as fascinating and witty notes, Barth talks about himself in the third person. And this is not schizophrenia, but a justified literary device. A musical aesthete should pay attention to “Life” by Keith Richards . Voluminous, rich and mind-blowing stories about all the joys and sorrows of the “tumbleweed” guitarist, recorded by a journalist over the course of three years and turned by him into a legendary confessional biography. Here you can also recall “Autobiography” of Miles Davis , which reveals the musician’s entire life path, seasoned with various stories. As a reflection of not only an individual fate, but also an entire era, the autobiography of Mikael Tariverdiev “I Just Live” is interesting , in which the famous Soviet composer easily and sincerely writes about his fate, character and important moments.
8. Business literature
Inspiring, motivating, educational - and that’s all about it, about business literature! The most popular business literature remains motivational books that tell the secrets of how to start ( "Rework. Business Without Prejudice" by Jason Fried and David H. Hansson or "Startup" by Guy Kawasaki ), how to make money (the bestsellers "Think and Grow Rich" by Napoleon Hill or “Rich Dad, Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki ), how to turn yourself into a business shark ( “How to become a businessman” by Oleg Tinkov or “Masters of Words. Secrets of Public Speaking” by Jerry Weissman, “The Psychology of Lying” by Paul Ekman ). It is also worth mentioning here books that tell about the successes of a particular company, which will captivate not only a businessman or startupper, but simply a curious person. One of these books is the work of journalist Dmitry Soklov “Yandex. The book” , in which the author reveals not only the history of the development of the largest Russian IT company, but also talks about the Yandex team, about the life and development of the main creators. In this category, we can name several more stories of famous brands, told in an interesting way and with the feeling: “It’s not about the coffee. Starbucks Corporate Culture by Howard Behar and Janet Goldstein or Inside Coca-Cola by Neville Isdell and David Beasley. Those who worry about time can be divided into two groups: “how-to-get-it-all” and “how-to-learn-to-appreciate-the-moment.” For the first type, we can recommend the classic book by Gleb Arkhangelsky “Time Drive: How to Manage Your Life and Work . ” The author, who laid the foundations of national time management, clearly explains how and what to spend time on, how to set tasks correctly, and how to consistently achieve your goals. The second group should pay attention to the work of Carl Honoré “No fuss: How to stop rushing and start living” , in which the author calmly and measuredly proves that the rush of the modern world is a disease of the 21st century, but being a little snail or sometimes being lazy is natural need person a .
9. A book for a creative person
It is known that creative people need inspiration, motivation and – a good book! If you're looking for a great gift for an artist, designer, writer (or any of the above), you should check out Austin Kleon's Steal Like an Artist. You don't have to read this book. If you have a creative block, then just open it: framed in the form of clear and simple short phrases (literally an action plan), it instantly makes you want to draw/write/sculpt/invent. For writers (or for those who are not yet a writer, “but just learning”), the manual “How to Write Books: A Memoir of the Craft” from Stephen King will be a godsend. The recognized classic shares the story of his rise, honestly and captivatingly talks about how ideas come to him, what it takes for a literary hero to be born, how many hours a day need to be devoted to work, and most importantly, how to write books. For those who have a crisis of ideas, and “there is no way out” stuck in their heads, there is an excellent book “Rice Storm” from Michael Mikalko. The author offers 22 creative thinking techniques, the names of which alone (“Book of the Dead”, “Salvador Dali Method”, “Rice Storm”, etc.) awaken new associations and ideas. The book contains specific exercises, by doing which you can not only get out of a creative impasse, but also develop a creative approach to life. In the modern world, the book as an object has received a completely new use. Today you can not only read a book, you can draw, scribble, write in it - anything you want... Only if the book is adapted for this. Like, for example, the hit “1 page a day. Diary for creative people" from Adam Kurtz . Each page in this book is a specific instruction for action: “Describe a birthday from your childhood”, “Write what your motivation is, and then fold this sheet tightly!”, “Draw the contents of your bag”... These simple and fun tasks will help cope with the fear of a blank sheet of paper and get used to regular creativity.
10. Gift book
Giving a book in the age of the Internet is not an easy task, because any work can be obtained in electronic form and read on your favorite medium. Therefore, when choosing a paper version, it is important to remember that the book should look high quality and beautiful. A book of this type doesn’t even have to be read: you can leaf through it from time to time or just put it on a shelf to show off. Probably, a photo album will be a pleasant gift for any person (not just men). This can be a large album with black and white photographs of a famous photographer (for example, the legendary Henri Cartier-Bresson ) or bright glossy photographs (as an option - artistic and provocative photographs by Martin Parr ), which are so pleasant to look at. A lover of oriental culture will like, for example, the illustrated book “Hidden in the Leaves. The Book of a Samurai” , which contains notes from the samurai Yamamoto Tsunetomo , deep and surprisingly modern. Beautifully designed albums with aphorisms or small parables can be found on almost any topic. Knowing your area of interest, you can choose a good encyclopedia, fortunately there are now a great many of them: from edged weapons to men's fashion (as for the latter, there is a worthy album “Icons of Men's Style” from the famous author of articles on fashion, Josh Sims ). There are also beautiful books about elite alcohol, which is already prestigious to have. For example, a classic review of wines and wineries around the world from Tom Stevenson. This hefty illustrated book “Wine. Sotheby's Encyclopedia" is so pleasant to flip through, so that you can then show off your knowledge when choosing wine for dinner.
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