Being a dad means always learning, always adapting, and sometimes just needing a good laugh (or escape) after a long day of dad-ing. Whether you’re looking for tips on fatherhood, inspiration for leading your family, or just a great story to get lost in, we’ve got you covered.
Here are the must-read books for dads in 2025, spanning everything from parenting wisdom to fiction that’ll have you turning pages long after the kids are asleep.
Parenting & Fatherhood
1. “The Expectant Father: The Ultimate Guide for Dads-to-Be” by Armin A. Brott and Jennifer Ash
Perfect for new or soon-to-be dads, this book walks you through everything you need to know about pregnancy and the early days of fatherhood. It’s practical, insightful, and an easy read when you’re short on time.
2. “Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids” by Hunter Clarke-Fields
Parenting isn’t always about rules—it’s about connection. This book helps you build strong relationships with your kids while staying cool under pressure (even when they’re testing every nerve you have).
3. “Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters: 10 Secrets Every Father Should Know” by Meg Meeker
For dads of daughters, this book is a game-changer. It’s packed with advice on how to be the rock your daughter needs, from toddler tantrums to teenage drama.
Leadership & Personal Growth
4. “Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy SEALs Lead and Win” by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
This isn’t your typical leadership book. Written by two Navy SEALs, it’s packed with hard-hitting lessons on accountability, discipline, and teamwork—perfect for leading your family and owning your role as a dad.
5. “Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
Dad life is all about maximizing your time and energy. This book teaches you how to build habits that stick—whether it’s hitting the gym, being more present with your kids, or tackling that ever-growing honey-do list.
6. “The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living” by Ryan Holiday
Start your mornings with a quick dose of wisdom. This book offers daily reflections to help you stay grounded, even when dad life feels overwhelming.
Fiction for Fun (and Sanity)
7. “Project Hail Mary” by Andy Weir
From the author of The Martian, this sci-fi adventure is a wild ride through space with plenty of humor, heart, and suspense. It’s the perfect escape when you need a break from the real world.
8. “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
A haunting yet powerful story about a father and son navigating a post-apocalyptic world. It’s dark but full of lessons on love, sacrifice, and what it means to protect your family.
9. “Daisy Jones & The Six” by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A fictional rock-and-roll documentary about a band’s rise and fall. This one’s just pure entertainment, and it’s impossible to put down.
For Laughs (Because Dads Need It)
10. “Sh*t My Dad Says” by Justin Halpern
Based on the viral Twitter account, this book is laugh-out-loud funny and full of heartfelt moments. It’s a quick, easy read that’s perfect for when you’re hiding in the bathroom for a few minutes of peace.
11. “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
If you’re into absurd humor and sci-fi, this classic will have you laughing your way through the galaxy. Bonus: It’s a great conversation starter with your kids when they’re older.
Final Thoughts: Build Your Dad Library
Whether you’re looking to level up your parenting game, lead with confidence, or just escape into a great story, these books have something for every kind of dad. Make 2025 the year you invest in yourself—and by extension, your family—by diving into these must-reads.
Got a favorite dad book we missed? Let us know.