Celebrating Fathers Day

Father's Day is a time to celebrate the men who have guided, supported, and inspired us throughout our lives. But... what do you get a man who has everything? While traditional gifts like ties, tools, and gadgets remain popular, there is one timeless gift that continues to create lasting memories: books.

21 June, 2026

Father's Day is a time to celebrate the men who have guided, supported, and inspired us throughout our lives. But... what do you get a man who has everything? While traditional gifts like ties, tools, and gadgets remain popular, there is one timeless gift that continues to create lasting memories: books.

Books offer something unique. They entertain, educate, and inspire, but they also create opportunities for connection. Whether it's a father reading bedtime stories to a young child, discussing a favourite novel with a teenager, a book to share in their favourite topic or hobby, or sharing a memoir that reflects life's lessons, books have a remarkable ability to bring generations together.

Why Books Make Meaningful Father's Day Gifts

A carefully chosen book represents more than just a present; it's a personal gesture. It shows thoughtfulness and an understanding of your father's interests, passions, and dreams. From gripping thrillers and inspiring biographies to practical guides and historical adventures, there is a book for every kind of dad.

 

Books That Your Father Will Love

When selecting a Father's Day book, consider what sparks his curiosity:

 

  • For the history enthusiast: Engaging accounts of historical events and influential figures.
    1. War on the Inland Sea by Thomas Briggs - Set in the mid-1700s, War on the Inland Sea takes readers on a gripping journey through North ‎America and New France during a turbulent period of colonial warfare.‎
    2. Strategic Victory by Kevin Wraight - In Strategic Victory, Kevin Wraight takes us on a journey through history's most important ‎and influential land battles that shaped the course of time.
    3. How the Trireme brought Democracy to Athens by Rodney Ellis – Explore the birth of democracy and the militaristic imperialism of Athens through the naval advancements of this ancient civilisation.

 

  • For the adventurer: Travel narratives and tales of exploration.
    1. Baltic Capitals by Norman Handy - Baltic Capitals is the story of a fascinating trip around the shores of the Baltic, visiting both the ‎current capitals that we are familiar with and some of the lesser-known former capitals with their ‎castles, cathedrals and palaces.‎
    2. GR 5 – A Fascinating Trail to the Sun by Suzanne Middeljans - GR5 and GR52, is a long, multi-day hiking trail. It is the most beautiful, exciting and rewarding journey which traverses from the North Sea to the Mediterranean.
    3. Bridging Worlds: A Sherpa’s Story by Pemba Sherpa and James McVey - Born into poverty in Nepal, Pemba Sherpa went on to become an accomplished alpinist and successful businessman living in the United States.

 

  • For the fiction fan: Bestselling novels, mysteries, and literary classics.
    1. Moscow Gone by David Risdon - Moscow Gone is a whirlwind of plot twists that ends with two world leaders’ mistrust of one another bringing our planet to the brink of extinction, and then perhaps beyond. What will our world be like after all the bombs have been dropped?
    2. Hybrid Conflict by Peter C.L. Harrison - Hybrid Conflict is a story of courage, cunning, and the fine line between protection and obsession.
    3. Ace by Tracy Joy - High society and low crime. Secrets, lies, and a blood connection neither saw coming. In a ‎world where even family can be a weapon, who will pay the ultimate price? When the game ‎ends, who will be left standing?‎

 

  • For the family storyteller: Memoirs and biographies that celebrate life's journey.
    1. Ocean Freedom by Anne Pilcher Gough - Having grown up by Sydney Harbour, Anne's love affair with the sea and, later, ocean sailing was ‎sealed from an early age. After living in three different countries with three different sailing ‎partners, she eventually sailed around the world in the 36' steel yacht ‘Kiwi Dream' with her New ‎Zealand partner, Alan Forrest.
    2. Backstage with King Olav by Steff Herbern - Sparkling white KNS hats, fast boats, cognac-soaked scandalous officers, and breathtaking sailing on the world's oceans. Get ready for a salty, honest, and warm glimpse into royal everyday life.
    3. See You at 6:30 by Stewart White - A journey from a Wiltshire village to the heart of regional broadcasting, See You at 6:30 is the captivating memoir of beloved BBC presenter Stewart White. 

 

Creating New Traditions Through Reading

Father's Day can also be an opportunity to start a new reading tradition. You can choose a book to read together, exchange favourite recommendations, or visit a local bookstore as part of the celebration.

 

The Lasting Impact of Stories

Many of us can remember a book recommended by our father or a story he read to us years ago. These moments stay with us because stories shape how we see the world and understand one another.

This Father's Day, consider giving the gift of a great book. Long after the day has passed, its pages may continue to inspire conversations, spark new ideas, and create memories that last a lifetime.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads, grandfathers, stepfathers, and father figures who help write the stories of our lives.