Father’s Day is almost here, and if your dad is the type to unwind with a good book (or if you’re gently nudging him into the world of reading), a thoughtful, page-turning gift might be the perfect choice. Whether he loves high-stakes thrillers, epic fantasy adventures, historical sagas, dry wit, or the mind-bending wonder of science fiction, we’ve got you covered.
Books are personal and meaningful gifts—stories that can inspire, entertain, and connect. This guide is filled with diverse titles across genres to help you find the perfect book to celebrate the dad (or father figure) in your life.
Let’s dive in!
20 Books for Dad on Father’s Day
For the Dad Who Loves a Gripping Thriller
1. The Chain by Adrian McKinty
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This nail-biting psychological thriller throws you into the terrifying scenario of a parent being forced to kidnap another child to save their own. With its fast-paced twists and ethical dilemmas, this one will keep Dad hooked from start to finish.
Perfect for fans of edge-of-your-seat suspense and morally complex plots.
2. The Night Shift by Alex Finlay
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Two crimes, decades apart. One night in 1999 and one in the present day—both connected by mysterious murders at a Blockbuster Video and later, an ice cream shop. The investigation brings together an FBI agent, a public defender, and a survivor in a chilling game of truth and lies.
This book is ideal for dads who binge crime shows and love a twist they didn’t see coming.
For the Dad Who’s a History Buff
3. The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles
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Set in 1950s America, this heartwarming and richly written novel follows four boys on an unexpected cross-country adventure. It’s not just a road trip—it’s a deep reflection on friendship, freedom, and the paths we choose in life.
If Dad enjoyed A Gentleman in Moscow, he’ll love Towles’ tender and cinematic storytelling here.
4. The Huntress by Kate Quinn
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Blending historical fiction with a gripping hunt for justice, this novel explores the post-WWII efforts to track down Nazi war criminals. Told through multiple perspectives, including a British war reporter and a Nazi-hunting former pilot, it’s both suspenseful and emotionally resonant.
A compelling mix of history, vengeance, and redemption—perfect for dads who love WWII tales with strong characters.
For the Dad Who’s a Fantasy Fan
5. The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
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Set in a Norse-inspired world teeming with monsters, long-lost gods, and vengeance-driven warriors, this fantasy epic is action-packed and beautifully built. The writing is sharp, the characters are fierce, and the pacing never slows.
Ideal for dads who love Game of Thrones-style fantasy with a mythological twist.
6. The Ember Blade by Chris Wooding
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In this sweeping high fantasy, a young man’s world is upended when his father is arrested as a traitor. What follows is a daring journey filled with rebellion, dangerous magic, and unforgettable characters fighting for freedom. It’s classic sword-and-sorcery storytelling with modern energy and heart.
Perfect for dads who crave epic adventures, reluctant heroes, and immersive world-building.
For the Dad Who Loves a Good Laugh
7. Me Talk Pretty One Day by David Sedaris
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In this witty collection of essays, David Sedaris shares hilarious and self-deprecating stories about his eccentric family, odd jobs, and his struggles learning French after moving to Paris. His sharp observations and dry humor make for an endlessly entertaining read.
A laugh-out-loud pick for dads who enjoy clever, relatable, and slightly absurd real-life stories.
8. Dad Is Fat by Jim Gaffigan
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Stand-up comedian Jim Gaffigan brings the full force of his dad jokes and self-deprecating humor to this book about parenting and fatherhood. From bedtime battles to the chaos of raising five kids in a small apartment, it’s laugh-out-loud relatable.
A great pick for new dads, seasoned dads, or any dad who appreciates a chuckle over chaos.
For the Dad Who Likes Crime and Mystery
9. The Dry by Jane Harper
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Set in the drought-ridden Australian outback, this atmospheric crime novel follows a federal agent returning to his hometown for a funeral and finding himself caught in a murder investigation. It’s as much about secrets and community as it is about solving a crime.
Moody, layered, and utterly absorbing—great for dads who enjoy crime stories with emotional depth.
10. Razorblade Tears by S.A. Cosby
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Two ex-cons, one black, one white, set out on a brutal journey of revenge after their sons are murdered. Along the way, they confront their own prejudices, past mistakes, and grief. It’s a raw, explosive, and moving story that blends action with heart.
A powerful story of redemption, fatherhood, and justice. For the dad who likes his crime gritty and profound.
For the Dad Who Digs Sci-Fi
11. Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
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From the author of The Martian, this space adventure starts with a lone man waking up on a spaceship, with no memory of who he is or why he’s there. As pieces fall into place, he realizes he might be humanity’s last hope. It’s clever, funny, and scientifically mind-bending.
A perfect blend of science, humor, and heart. Great for science-loving dads with a taste for space.
12. The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
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This visionary sci-fi novel explores climate change and global cooperation (or lack thereof) in the near future. It’s an ambitious read with real-world implications, combining science, politics, and drama in sweeping scope.
Thought-provoking and timely—ideal for dads who enjoy speculative fiction with substance.
For the Sentimental Dad Who Loves Stories with Heart
13. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
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Ove is a grumpy yet lovable old man with a strict routine, a tragic past, and a heart he’s trying very hard to keep hidden. But when a new family moves in next door, his carefully structured life begins to unravel in beautiful ways.
This one tugs at the heartstrings while delivering warm laughs. Great for the dad who secretly loves a feel-good story.
14. Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
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An elderly woman working the night shift at an aquarium forms an unlikely bond with a remarkably intelligent octopus. Their friendship becomes the key to unlocking a long-held mystery. It’s gentle, quirky, and full of quiet wisdom.
A surprising story about connection and second chances. For the dad who appreciates thoughtful and tender tales.
For the Dad Who’s Hard to Shop For
15. The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
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A group of retirees solves cold cases from the comfort of their retirement village, until a real murder happens on their doorstep. With charm, wit, and just enough mystery, this book is a crowd-pleaser.
It’s clever without being too intense—a great pick for any dad who enjoys mysteries with a lighthearted twist.
16. The River by Peter Heller
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Two friends on a canoe trip in the Canadian wilderness find themselves in a life-or-death struggle after hearing a couple fighting from afar, then later encountering only one of them. With gorgeous writing and simmering suspense, this is a thoughtful literary thriller.
A must-read for outdoorsy dads who appreciate nature writing as much as a suspenseful plot.
For the Dad Who Loves Horror
17. The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
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This haunting novel blends supernatural horror with cultural identity and guilt. Four Native American men are stalked by an eerie, vengeful entity years after a disturbing event during an elk hunt. It’s brutal, poetic, and unforgettable.
A literary horror story with depth and dread—perfect for dads who like their scares with substance.
18. The Troop by Nick Cutter
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A group of teenage boys on a remote camping trip with their scoutmaster find themselves fighting for survival after a mysterious, emaciated man wanders into their camp. What follows is body horror at its most intense and impossible to look away from.
Visceral and relentless—ideal for horror-loving dads who aren’t afraid of the dark (or what’s lurking in it).
Bonus Picks: A Little Bit of Everything
19. Devil in the White City by Erik Larson
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Though technically nonfiction, this reads like a fast-paced thriller. Set during the 1893 Chicago World’s Fair, it weaves together the story of the fair’s visionary architect and America’s first known serial killer.
A historical true crime masterpiece—great for dads who enjoy fact-meets-fiction narratives.
20. The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach
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Set at a small college, this literary novel blends sports (baseball!), friendship, identity, and ambition. It’s beautifully written and emotionally rich—more about life than baseball, really.
A home run for the reflective dad who enjoys coming-of-age stories with depth.
Wrapping It Up: Why Books Make the Best Gifts for Dad
Books aren’t just something to unwrap—they’re an experience. They can bring Dad to far-off lands, drop him into the middle of an unsolved mystery, make him laugh out loud, or reflect on life’s deepest questions. Whether your dad is the kind to read one book a year or one a week, there’s something on this list to fit his style and spirit.
Pair the book with a cozy chair, a mug of his favorite coffee, or some quiet reading time, and you’ve got a Father’s Day gift he won’t forget.
What better way to say, “I love you, Dad,” than with a story worth getting lost in?
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