It seems that people have one of two relationships with books: they love reading, or they find reading to be an absolute chore.
Reading is actually a great activity for everyone because of how much books can teach us about the real world. Becoming a book lover, however, is not easy for everyone.
The only way to read consistently is to find a book or an author that you enjoy completely. Guys tend to struggle most to find an author they love because many well-known writers tend to appeal more to women.
In reality, there are some popular authors who write in a style that caters to what men look for in a book.
Here is a list of five writers that men should read at least once because of the important texts that they have written.
- J. D. Salinger
Many high school students might recognize the name J. D. Salinger since his most well-known book tends to be on the required reading list.
His famous text The Catcher in the Rye follows a young man named Holden Caulfield as he readjusts to life after World War II.
Salinger’s coming of age novel is a text that every young man should read because it centers on common themes that men deal with as they grow older.
The language that Salinger uses is appealing to young men, as are the situations that Holden finds himself in. Being able to relate to a book and the characters in it is key to fully enjoying it.
If you have already ready his most famous work, Salinger also published a collection of other novels as well as some shorter stories.
“A Perfect Day for Bananafish” is another popular Salinger piece, though this is a short story rather than a full novel. It focuses on a married couple on vacation, mainly from the husband’s perspective.
Salinger’s short story is also enjoyable for the male reader because of how unique the storyline is. It keeps you guessing as you read but the male character is easy to identify with.
Even men who do not usually enjoy reading tend to love Salinger’s popular texts for their unique style.
- Ernest Hemingway
Reading the work of influential writers is important for everyone, even those who do not usually connect with literature.
Ernest Hemingway is a popular name in the writing world because of all his publications and his adventurous lifestyle.
Many of Hemingway’s pieces make great reads for men who enjoy an adventure. He lived a life of travel that inspired many of the experiences his characters endured and the settings in many of his texts.
While The Old Man and the Sea is probably his most well-known publication, he is also known for his short stories and other classic texts.
His collection of short stories entitled Men Without Women is a great way for men to take a break from the full-length novel.
Hemingway’s work covers a variety of themes from love and loss to war and adventure. His characters also tend to embark on coming of age journeys, making his texts suitable for young men as well as older.
If you are interested in reading more of Hemingway’s work, Cool Things Chicago has a helpful guide to some of his best publications.
From short stories to nonfiction novels, it seems like Hemingway has something for everyone.
- J. R. R. Tolkien
With so many book genres to explore, it is a challenge to find the one that interests you the most. Many men find themselves connecting closely to fantasy because of how compelling it can be.
Possibly one of the most famous fantasy writers of all time, Tolkien published the popular series of books, The Lord of the Rings.
Even the people who despise reading seem to be unable to put down the books in this epic fantasy series. The books have also been turned into films because of how widely loved they are.
Any of the books in the series are must-reads for lovers of adventure and imagination. Tolkien’s creative characters like Frodo, Elrond, Morgoth, etc., and settings can transport readers into a land they’d never truly get to go.
Compelling stories of fantasy tend to attract interest from all types of readers, even with books as long as Tolkien’s. Don’t let the number of pages scare you away from a fantasy you won’t want to end.
- Neil Strauss
Some readers find that fiction is just not their thing. Maybe made up stories don’t capture your interest like real-world situations might.
A great alternative to fiction could be nonfiction, like a memoir or essay, though self-help books tend to be more appealing to the male reader.
A self-help book could be a great investment of your time if you don’t love reading the typical fiction novel. They can offer great advice in many aspects of your life to help you get ahead in your career, relationship, or other hobbies.
Neil Strauss is a bestselling author who published his self-help book, The Game, to help men in their search for the right woman.
Strauss uses his own experiences, both good and bad, to offer some advice to those who struggle to form lasting relationships.
In addition to this popular book, he has published other works that highlight the same themes. Strauss’s goal was to be a pick-up artist, which he could help you become as well!
Getting advice from the right self-help book can make a difference in many areas of your own life.
- Mary Shelley
Science fiction is another genre that tends to appeal to male readers because of the imaginary elements that enter into realistic settings. It tends to be similar to fantasy, though the fantastic elements tend to be things that could happen in the real world.
Mary Shelley’s work of science fiction, Frankenstein, continues to be a household name even though her book was published in 1818.
Though it tends to be on many required reading lists at school, some people find themselves never having read it.
Anyone who loves a little scare and a little pulling of the heartstrings would be truly captivated by Shelley’s words. She gets you invested in the life of a monster, making you debate who the monster in the book really is.
She has other important publications, but everyone should read Frankenstein at least once in their life.
No matter if you are a man who loves reading or absolutely hates it, these authors will inspire you to read their masterful creations. So many genres exist that can help you find a book that makes you never want to stop reading.
