From sci-fi to sports books to literary fiction, we've got recommendations for all kinds of readers
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/saxophone-colossus-project-hail-mary-a-history-of-the-world-in-six-glasses-61926-d7e1b7baebd44c688a4020676e01c414.jpg "The covers of 'Saxophone Colossus,' 'Project Hail Mary' and 'A History of the World in 6 Glasses'")
Credit: Da Capo; Ballantine Books; Walker Publishing Company
Father’s Day is on June 21, and if you’re in need of a gift for the dads and dad-figures in your life, look no further.
PEOPLE staffers rounded up some of our selections of the best books to share with your loved one this year. Whether he’s into nonfiction, sci-fi or a good literary escape, here are 10 recommendations to celebrate him.
01 of 10
‘Project Hail Mary’ by Andy Weir
Credit: Ballantine Books
This sci-fi thriller, about a middle school science teacher who winds up on a space mission to save the world, makes the perfect gift. It’s also the inspiration for the recent movie starring Ryan Gosling.
02 of 10
‘Saxophone Colossus: The Life and Music of Sonny Rollins’ by Aidan Levy
Credit: Da Capo
The legendary saxophonist’s life and career is explored in this acclaimed biography. Jazz fans are sure to appreciate this one, but it’s also a great read for any music lover.
03 of 10
‘Football’ by Chuck Klosterman
Credit: Penguin Press
Klosterman’s latest release — this time, about the great American sport — is not your average historical deep dive. Instead, it’s an entertaining explanation of how football shapes our society.
04 of 10
‘A History of the World in 6 Glasses’ by Tom Standage
Credit: Walker Publishing Company
We raise our cups to this read, which delves into the history behind six iconic beverages: beer, wine, spirits, tea, coffee and Coca-Cola.
05 of 10
‘The Sympathizer’ by Viet Thanh Nguyen
Credit: Grove Press
This Pulitzer Prize for Fiction winter blends mystery, comedic and political fiction to tell the story of a communist double agent, who comes to the United States after the Fall of Saigon. Be sure to check out its HBO adaptation too.
06 of 10
‘Flesh’ by David Szalay
Credit: Scribner
Szalay’s coming-of-age novel follows István, a Hungarian teenager who eventually finds a new path amongst England’s elite. It was the winner of the 2025 Booker Prize.
07 of 10
‘The Yahoo Boys’ by Carlos Barragán
Credit: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Nonfiction fans must read this book, which traces the author’s exploration into the world of romance scammers in Lagos.
08 of 10
‘Take Me With You’ by Steven Rowley
Credit: Putnam
This dramedy, about a man whose husband is abducted by aliens, is the perfect choice for summer — with a poignant twist.
09 of 10
‘The Demon of Unrest’ by Erik Larson
Larson is known for nonfiction books that entertain like a novel. The author’s latest, about the months between Abraham Lincoln’s election and the beginning of the Civil War, is stellar for history buffs.
10 of 10
‘The Final Score’ by Don Winslow
Credit: William Morrow
Crime fiction aficionados are sure to devour this collection of six novellas from the bestselling author.
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