Although this article certainly targets young men like me, I do want to express that women may gain something from these books as well. After all, there’s nowhere that it’s written that men can only benefit from listening to men’s advice, and women can only benefit from women’s advice.
Maybe you’re the parent/guardian of a young man. You could consider these books for him. Assuming he likes to read. And if he doesn’t he should do it anyway because it’s good for you.
Now then, onto the meat and potatoes. These five books have all had a sizable impact on me and some of their style even comes through in my own writing. At least in non-fiction pieces like this blog post.
I believe they can all teach something valuable to young men who are looking for purpose, values, responsibility, their path in life, and more.
In no particular order…
How To Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book has been in print for over 80 years and you may recognize the title. It was originally published in 1936 and has remained largely unchanged over the years, Carnegie’s family only making the most minor of edits. I think the length of it’s continuous publication speaks for it self.
This book has quite a few good lessons in it on dealing with people. It even offers practical ways to try and integrate them into your life. If nothing else, many of the stories within are heartwarming and worthwhile.
Models: Attract Women Through Honesty by Mark Manson
I know, I know. Books on picking up women can be sleazy so why would I include one here?
I like this book because it doesn’t speak as if the author wants to get you laid (Where I think dating books get a bad rap). That’s not what dating should be about.
The main value is in its underlying message. That message essentially being, be yourself.
Honesty, to me, is one of the highest virtues. This book is obviously focused on attracting women, but it does well to express how valuable and important honesty and vulnerability are in general.
And trust me, women will sense the false confidence and bravado and it will not attract them to you. Be honest. Always.
Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This book focuses on finances, a topic that will inevitably impact everyone who is doomed to grow up into an adult (that’s everyone).
Kiyosaki illustrates how, growing up, he had two father figures: his biological father, and his close friend’s father.
He tells us how the mindsets of rich people differ from poor people when it comes to money. Essentially, poor or middle class people work for money. Rich people make their money work for them.
It’s an enlightening book and it remains entertaining throughout with stories from Kiyosaki’s childhood.
No More Mr. Nice Guy by Robert A. Glover
Dr. Glover spent years working with men as a therapist and he coins the term, “Nice Guy,” to describe a man who, despite thinking of himself as a nice person, may have some behaviors that do not fit that description.
While you may or may not have the, “Nice Guy Syndrome,” Dr. Glover describes in this book, it is still a worthwhile read. There is always room for improvement and it may help you to understand just why you do what you do. Or what your man, partner, husband, etc. does and why.
It could help you break free of bad patterns you find yourself in that always end in frustration and resentment.
12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos by Jordan B. Peterson
This is the newest book on the list, having been released in 2018 but it quickly rose the charts and became a bestseller.
Dr. Peterson covers each rule with a somewhat lengthy essay on it and I find the writing very effective at getting his point across.
Rule number one is: Stand up straight with your shoulders back.
No, he’s not advocating for good posture. Although, I highly doubt he would advocate against good posture either. This rule, as he explains, is more about taking charge of your life, not cowering in your room. Standing up to the world and carving out your part of it.
Like I said, I wanted to avoid having an order for this list. They’re all great. That said, if you can only afford one, or only want one for now, I’m inclined to recommend 12 Rules for Life. It’s quite long so you can get a good bit of time out of it before finishing your first read-through and the various rules touch on things that some of the other books cover as well.
Thank you for reading.