25 Father’s Day Books That Cover All of Dad’s Interests

For the dad who still has a collection of records somewhere in the house, this anthology of album art will capture his interest for hours. Famous music archivist and rock photographer Michael Ochs has selected the best covers from his extensive private collection, and his book takes readers through the evolution of rock music from the 60s to the 90s.

To buy: $18, amazon.com.

Given the National Park Service celebrated its 100th anniversary this year, this book is both thoughtful and timely. If Dad is an avid traveler or just has a serious case of wanderlust, he’ll love thumbing through the various graphic posters illustrating a beautiful park or national monument.

To buy: $12, amazon.com.

A collection of envelopes, each with a different prompt for the letter inside. Prompts include: “the best adventure we’ve had together,” “my favorite memory,” and “one thing I love about our family.” What results is a time capsule of memories and letters that Dad can read and re-read for years to come.

To buy: $12, amazon.com.

This combines two of Dad’s favorites—comedy and the quest to know it all. The culture compendium covers tons of historical and current references, meaning he’ll be equipped with plenty of trivia to share at future family gatherings.

To buy: $4, amazon.com.

This book of baseball history is perfect for the father who grew up playing (or just loving) the sport. It includes stories of baseball’s lesser-known players, as well as a look at great athletes before they hit the Major Leagues. Pages include portraits and vintage-style baseball cards, making this one book he’ll want to read and display on the shelf.

To buy: $7, amazon.com.

If he’s a Patterson fan, the author's newest novel is a necessary addition to his bookshelf. It centers on Travis McKinley, an amateur golfer who unexpectedly wins the PGA Senior Open. He pairs up with a troubled teenager to conquer the world’s most respected golf course.

To buy: $14, amazon.com.

If Dad loves beer, this handbook covers everything he needs to know about brewing his own—from buying the perfect equipment to crafting a flavor that’s all his own.

To buy: $19, amazon.com.

This New York Times bestseller examines and retells the story of the Lusitania, a luxury ocean liner considered to be the fastest cruise ship in the world during WWI. The ship sank in May 1915, carrying with it a record number of infants and children. Larson’s carefully researched story attempts to answer many of the questions surrounding the disaster.

To buy: $17, amazon.com.

This book has 30 interactive experiments for Dad to try in the house (or outside if they get too messy). It covers all of the sciences, from chemistry to human anatomy. You can even make “Marshmallow Pulse Keepers.” Curious yet?

To buy: $15, amazon.com.

This is the story of the Ghost Army—men of the 23^rd Headquarters Special Troops—whose top-secret mission in France was said to play a crucial role in defeating Germany during the war.

To buy: $20, amazon.com.

For a Dad who can’t whip up much more than scrambled eggs, this cookbook includes 45 easy recipes for his favorite foods. It’s the perfect starter guide for his adventures in the kitchen.

To buy: $12, amazon.com.

Brokaw’s memoir is based on a journal he kept during the scary, emotional year that he was diagnosed with cancer. In addition to remembering his career highlights, he treats his illness like a reported story—and aims to help people understand his illness and handle similar battles in their own lives.

To buy: $9, amazon.com.

For a technology junkie dad, give him the authorized biography of one of Silicon Valley’s most exciting entrepreneurs—the brain behind Tesla, PayPal, and SpaceX, among others.

To buy: $14, amazon.com.

If Dad loves to know where things came from, or how they were built, he’ll appreciate this history of the American pioneers and inventors who created some of the most essential items we take for granted—like railroad signs, plastics, and even bottle caps.

To buy: $11, amazon.com.

Fashion-forward dogs model the classic menswear items and must-haves for every man’s closet, mixing essential style advice with seriously cute photos that will make any Dad smile.

To buy: $8, amazon.com.

The complete guide for the guy who likes his white as much as his red. In 108 short chapters, author Mark Oldman wittily explains the basics of wine. The book also features a pronunciation table, wine picks by price range, and suggestions for food pairings.

To buy: $14.50, amazon.com.

The three-volume Complete Star Wars Encyclopedia has everything he’s ever wanted to know about Jedi Knights and Sith Lords, including a timeline of major events and insiders’ skinny on the film franchise. May the Force be with him.

To buy: $82, amazon.com.

Keep him laughing with this collection of more than 2,000 sophisticated funnies. Bonus: The book comes with two easily searchable CDs loaded with every cartoon―more than 68,000!―featured in the magazine since it began publishing in 1925.

To buy: $24, amazon.com.

Your dad may know Ben Falcone for his appearances in the movies Enough Said and Bridesmaids, or his work as the director of The Boss and Tammy, but his most challenging role to date has been the one of a father. Your dad will relate to his struggles as he tells of the hilarious adventures he and his wife, Melissa McCarthy, have had raising their two young daughters.

To buy: $15, amazon.com.

Foodie fathers will love this memoir from the James Beard Award-winning creator of the website Leite’s Culinaria. In his youth, Leite struggled with manic depression, which went undiagnosed until his mid-thirties. Until then, he found relief through food, watching Julia Child, and cooking for others. Tender and honest, this reflection on what it means to grow up and find yourself will make dad both laugh and cry.

To buy: $15, amazon.com.

In the year that followed the release of Bowie’s The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders From Mars, Bowie worked tirelessly with his official photographer Mick Rock. In this book of Rock’s photos, your dad will find a collection of electrifying images, about half of them previously unpublished, that highlight the incredible year of fame and experimentation that the late rock legend had.

To buy: $18, amazon.com.

This Pulitzer-prize winning novel will resonate with the hopelessly romantic dad. It tells the story of Oscar Wao, a nerdy boy from New Jersey who loves to read J.R.R. Tolkien, learn Dominican history, and yearns for love. This heartwarming story is a perfect read for anyone who has searched for love and held onto hope throughout the way.

To buy: $7, amazon.com.

For the funny man in your life, gift him this hilarious book of stories from stand-up comedian and father of five, Jim Gaffigan. Yes—Kim and Jeannie Gaffigan have five kids. Jim’s comments on fatherhood and the behaviors of young children—from their outrageous eating habits to their confusing communication skills—will have your dad laughing out loud.

To buy: $7, amazon.com.

If your dad is a fan of all things trivia, he’ll surely love this collection of lesser-known stories from thousands of years of rich world history. The included stories will challenge what he thinks he knows about the world, from the Scottish kilt being invented by an Englishman to the Pilgrims landing on Plymouth Rock because they ran out of beer.

To buy: $9, amazon.com.

For dads who make recurrent promises to eat healthier, but can’t give up their staple diet of meat, potatoes, and beer, a cookbook to make the change easier. Instead of throwing a bunch of “clean” recipes at him, this approachable cookbook gives him the things he craves—grilled options, healthier versions of takeout favorites, and even a game-day foods section—with a fresh twist.

To buy: $14, amazon.com.