The Books Every Man Needs to Read in 2024

Feeling stuck in a rut with predictable war stories and CEO biographies? You know, there’s a whole universe of captivating books waiting to be discovered, tailored specifically for men who want to work on their leadership skills, develop a healthier mindset, or simply do some brain workouts.

And this curated Blinkist collection of the best books for men is your gateway to becoming a well-rounded modern man. Because we’ve handpicked the best books for men who want to think deeper, laugh harder, and maybe even change the way they see the world.

And here’s Blinkist’s secret: We tell you the insides of our books in just 15 minutes. That’s right, the time it takes to brew your coffee is all you need to dive into the key ideas that have shaped history.

The Best Books for Men – Blinkist’s Recommendations

1. How to Become a Better Man

Let’s start our book list for men with a focus on personal growth, self-improvement, and developing strong habits. It’s the bedrock upon which you build your success.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

Learn about the power of small, consistent actions. Discover how seemingly insignificant tweaks to your daily routine can lead to dramatic improvements over time.

For those looking to dive deeper and truly transform their lives with the principles from “Atomic Habits,” we’ve crafted something special for you:The Atomic Habit Worksheet and a 5 Steps Guide to Transform Your Life. 

This comprehensive guide, complete with an “Atomic Habits” worksheet, is designed to help you shed unproductive habits and significantly boost your productivity.

Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl

This inspiring memoir explores the power of purpose, even in the darkest of times. Discover how to find meaning in life, no matter the challenges you face.

Deep Work by Cal Newport

In our distracting and shiny world, focused work is a rare commodity. Learn the art of deep work to unlock peak performance and achieve your goals with laser focus. For those intrigued by the power of concentration and looking to explore further, dive into the realm of Cal Newport’s insights with our feature:Cal Newport Books: Focus is Key

2. Men and Relationships

No man should be a lone wolf. That’s why the books in this section will equip you with the tools to build strong relationships and influence others. Mastering communication and emotional intelligence is key to success in all areas of life.

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie offers practical advice for building lasting connections and becoming a more influential man, and also shows you how to use those new skills in the digital world. Learn to connect with others on a deeper level and inspire those around you.The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown

Challenge traditional notions of masculinity and embrace vulnerability as a strength. Listen to thisShortcast and develop stronger and more authentic relationships by learning the power of vulnerability.

Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman

Emotional intelligence (EQ) is crucial. Goleman’s book explores the key components of EQ and shows how they can help you:

• Improve your relationships
• Achieve your goals
• Reduce stress
• Boost your overall well-being

3. Understanding the World & Yourself

Now let’s dive into books about history, science, and understanding yourself in a broader context. You are part of a whole universe, that’s why it is important to gain a more in-depth perspective on the world and your place within it.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Embark on a captivating journey through human history, from our origins to the present day. Understand the forces that shaped our world and the challenges we face as a species.

Guns, Germs, and Steel by Jared Diamond

Explore the factors that contribute to the rise and fall of civilizations. Gain insights into the complex dynamics that shape societies around the world.

Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell

Malcolm Gladwell explores the ingredients that contribute to success and the role of opportunity and circumstance. Discover what it takes to achieve your goals in a competitive world.

And for those mesmerized by Gladwell’s profound insights and his unique way of storytelling, there’s another treasure waiting just for you. “Malcolm Gladwell Book Recommendations – A List by Blinkist” is your curated gateway to a universe of books that echo Gladwell’s captivating narratives and thought-provoking ideas.

4. How to Become a Financial Successful Man

This section equips you with the tools and strategies to achieve success and financial security.  You know, it’s not just about the money; it’s about building a life that allows you to pursue your passions and goals.

Zero to One by Peter Thiel

Learn from a Silicon Valley insider about what it takes to build a successful startup from the ground up. Discover the importance of innovation and competing in uncrowded markets.

Start with Why by Simon Sinek

Uncover your “why” – the core purpose that drives you and your decisions. Learn to communicate your vision with clarity and passion to inspire those around you.

The Hard Thing About Hard Things by Ben Horowitz

This book offers practical advice for navigating the challenges of building and leading a tech company. Gain insights from a seasoned entrepreneur on building a strong team, making tough decisions, and achieving success.

The Checklist Manifesto by Atul Gawande

Learn the power of checklists in reducing errors and improving performance. Discover how to implement checklists in different areas of your life to become more efficient and reliable.

Shoe Dog by Phil Knight

Go behind the scenes with the co-founder of Nike and learn the story of building a global brand from scratch. Gain insights into marketing, strategy, and overcoming obstacles on the path to success.

Born to Win by Zig Ziglar with Tom Ziglar 

This motivational classic provides a roadmap for achieving success in life and business. Develop a positive mindset, set goals, and cultivate the habits needed to reach your full potential.

The Millionaire Next Door by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko

Debunk myths about wealth accumulation and learn the habits of everyday millionaires. Discover strategies for saving, investing, and building long-term financial security.

Eager to elevate your financial literacy and take your net worth to soaring new heights? Dive intoMaster Your Money with Today’s Best Investing Books. This selection of the crème de la crème in investing literature promises to add zeros to your balance, guiding you to financial nirvana with each page turned.

5. The Challenges Men Face

Our world is complex. It’s important to build practical skills for navigating life’s inevitable challenges as a man. The following books equip you with the tools to overcome adversity, build resilience, and thrive in a challenging world.

The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker

Learn to trust your gut instincts and recognize potentially dangerous situations. Develop the skills to stay alert, assess threats, and protect yourself and those around you.

Quiet: The Power of Introverts by Susan Cain

Challenge the stereotype of the loud, extroverted leader. Discover the power of introversion and learn how to leverage your strengths in communication, leadership, and creativity.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Explore the impact of trauma on the mind and body. Learn about the healing process and discover practical strategies for overcoming trauma and building resilience.

Endurance: A Shackleton’s Story by Alfred Lansing

This true story of Ernest Shackleton’s Antarctic expedition is a testament to human resilience and leadership. Learn from his example of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges through grit and determination

Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

This collection of the Roman emperor’s philosophical writings offers timeless wisdom on stoicism, self-discipline, and living a virtuous life. Develop inner strength and emotional control through the principles of Stoicism.

6. How Men Succeed

This section offers captivating narratives and biographies to ignite your curiosity and inspire you on your path. It’s about finding stories that resonate with you and fuel your drive for growth.

Elon Musk by Ashlee Vance

Delve into the life and work of Elon Musk, a visionary entrepreneur who is pushing the boundaries of technology and innovation. Discover his drive, ambition, and the challenges he has overcome.

The Godfather by Mario Puzo

This classic novel offers a fictionalized look at the world of organized crime. While not condoning violence, it provides insights into power dynamics, strategy, and negotiation that can be applied to various aspects of life.

One Blink at a Time

We shattered the stereotype of men as one-dimensional readers, and now, with this curated list as your compass, you’re equipped to set off on a transformative journey of self-discovery and growth.

But carving out large chunks of reading time can be a challenge, that’s why Blinkist offers the perfect solution for the busy modern man. In just 15 minutes, you can absorb the habit-forming insights of James Clear or the relationship-building wisdom of Dale Carnegie. And even better, listen to key takeaways on your commute or while running errands.

Be a man who takes action. Start your free 7-day trial today and see how Blinkist can empower you to become the best version of yourself, one powerful idea at a time.

Start your free 7-day trial