The Men We Need – Brant Hanson – This has become my most recommended book for men lately. Using the metaphor of “tending the garden,” Brant walks men through a few key questions about what type of man you want to be, with several short chapters per question, and a funny, readable style.
Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus: A Devout Muslim Encounters Christianity – Nabeel Qureshi – I was enthralled with the journey Nabeel went on from devoted son of Muslim parents and follower of Muhammed, to a follower of Jesus. It is a fascinating combination of rational thought, visions and dreams, and the counsel of friends.
Aspirational Masculinity: On Making Men Whole – John Seel – Men are exhausted by the cultural narrative that constantly tells them their masculinity is “toxic.” They don’t need another diagnosis of why they are broken; they need a vision of what it looks like to be whole. Seel flips the script by focusing on aspiration—giving men a target to hit rather than a list of errors to avoid.
The Lost Treasure of Masculinity – Todd McIntyre – Most men are waiting to magically “feel” like men when they hit a certain age or salary bracket. But maturity isn’t a birthday present; it’s a treasure hunt. If your father didn’t show you where to look, you aren’t broken—you’re just lost. And you can get found.
The Art of Disagreeing: How to Keep Calm and Stay Friends in Hard Conversations – Gavin Ortlund – In a world that rewards outrage, the most masculine thing you can do is keep your head when everyone else is losing theirs. Real leadership isn’t about winning the argument; it’s about winning the person. This book gives men the tactical tools to de-escalate conflict and lead their families and teams through disagreement without burning bridges.
