Not Your Father's Year-End Book Rec Listicle

One question, one summer road trip — here are 10 must-read books, according to men on Bumble.

This past summer, I set out on a road trip with no grand plans beyond good coffee, great playlists, and the occasional swipe on Bumble in the background.

My profile included a prompt to spark conversation: “What’s one book you think everyone should read?”

From Charlotte to Raleigh to Virginia Beach to the DMV to New England, I collected dozens of thoughtful, funny, and wildly varied book recommendations. Some picks were predictable, others surprising.

If you’re looking for fresh inspiration to kick off your new year, here are the top 10 books, based on frequency, impact, and sheer enthusiasm.

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The Top 10 Books Recommended by Men on Bumble

1. Atomic Habits by James Clear

   

   
   This book dominated the list, and honestly, I get it. Who doesn’t want to hack their way into better habits and a more productive life? It’s simple, actionable, and apparently a go-to for men trying to optimize everything from fitness to flossing.

   I actually finished this one over the summer during my first go at the 75 Hard Challenge. It took me from February 2023 until July 2024, so maybe I need Clear’s framework more than I’d like to admit.

2. The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

   

   
   A surprising number of guys embraced controversy by revisiting what’s been called “one of the most divisive books in children’s literature.” Sure, it’s a quick read with a seemingly profound message about love, sacrifice, and what it means to give.

   On the other hand, it’s also sparked debate surrounding potential hidden themes of environmental exploitation and normalizing one-sided relationships. Some have even claimed the book “elevates masochism to the level of a good.”

   Bonus points for nostalgia, though, I guess.

3. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

   

   
   Maybe it’s anticipation of Gladiator 2, but this ancient Roman emperor’s private journal is still resonating today. Men turned to this for wisdom, perspective, and a reminder that some struggles are timeless. Often seen as an introductory to stoicism, Meditations has been translated numerous times since the mid 1600s, and new editions continue to hit the shelves today.

   Stoic thought itself is increasingly popular — particularly among men — as evidenced through the more than half a million community members on the Stoicism subreddit. No doubt worth a read for the cultural significance alone.

4. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

   

   
   Classic. Timeless. Effective. If you’re looking to master the art of connection (or just win an argument with your best friend), this book delivers every time. Maybe 2025 is the year I give it a go.

5. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

   

   
   This one felt like a wildcard. Holden Caulfield’s existential ramblings are either deeply relatable or deeply annoying, depending on your mood—but either way, this book left a mark on these men.

   I remember falling into the “deeply annoying” category when I gave it a try in high school, but maybe I was missing something.

6. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson

   

   
   This one’s been on my TBR list for a while now. In a world that demands constant perfection, this book’s blunt reminder to focus on what truly matters is a breath of fresh air. Apparently, men find that message just as liberating as the rest of us do.

7. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

   

   
   I was a massive Tolkein head in high school, so you can imagine I made it my mission to out-nerd anyone who suggested this read. Pure adventure. Whether you’ve read it a dozen times or never cracked its cover, this is a story that feels like home.

8. Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey

   

   
   Equal parts memoir and life advice, McConaughey’s book landed on this list for its mix of charm, humor, and heartfelt reflection. If you’ve been meaning to pick it up, consider this your nudge. As a self-proclaimed memoir slut, I’m prioritizing it in 2025.

9. The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

   

   
   I’m not completely sold on the validity of mainstream spirituality and mindfulness culture, but several men swore this book changed their lives. If mindfulness feels elusive or you’re struggling to stay present, Tolle’s words might be exactly what you need.

10. The Bible

    

    
    A foundational text for billions of people around the world. Whether you approach it for faith, literature, history, or philosophy, its inclusion here speaks for itself. Also interesting to note that the further up into the northeast I got on this roadtrip, the less this was recommended. North Carolina cities were where it was mentioned the most.

    As someone who grew up in the evangelical faith, I’d recommend reading The Bible (the King James version particularly) through a historical literature lens. It’s fascinating that way.

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Honorable Mentions

Not every book could make the top 10, but here are a few that deserve a shoutout:

• The Art of War by Sun Tzu

• Ikigai by Héctor García and Francesc Miralles

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky

• The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis

• The Savage Wars of Peace by Max Boot
  A sweeping look at America’s small wars and their lasting impact on the world stage. Thought-provoking and meticulously researched.

• The Ugly Americans by William J. Lederer and Eugene Burdick
  A sharp critique of U.S. foreign policy, told through the lens of fiction. It’s one of those books that stays with you long after the final page.

(Those last two were my now boyfriend’s answers, and I’m unclear what that says about me)

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Social Reading is a Love Language

Books are more than just stories or information—they’re bridges, connecting us across time, space, and even dating apps. Whether you’re diving into a classic, tackling a self-help guide, or asking a Bumble match about their favorite read, the right book can spark something extraordinary.

As we head into 2025, I’d love to hear from you: What’s one book you think everyone should read?

Drop your recommendation in the comments, and let’s keep this conversation going.