17 Self-help Books Every Man Should Read Today

Are you a man looking for self-improvement books for men? Are you looking for books that can help you become a more masculine and higher-value man? Do you know anybody who might benefit from reading such book?

If you’re answer to any of these questions is YES, then, come on in — you are in the right place.

Self-help books have the power to transform the life of anyone who reads them and puts their lessons to practice. There are true testimonies from persons who claim that these books have changed certain aspects of their lives.

If you’re looking for the best self-help books to improve your life before the end of 2024, here’s a comprehensive review of some of the best ones in the market.

1. Unfu*k Yourself: Get out of Your Head and into Your Life

Right off the bat, this book’s title tells you what the book is about. Written by Gary John Bishop, this bestseller will help you gain your freedom from a bad relationship or lift yourself from an undesirable situation onto a better life. For best results, you the reader must first acknowledge that you’re the cog in the wheel of your own progress and accomplishments in life. That’s why this hit book is big on addressing self-defeating behaviours procrastination, self-pity, guilt, anxiety, compulsiveness, and the likes. If you’re looking to get a hold on your life, I recommend this book.

2. Awaken the Giant Within

Chances are you’ve heard about Anthony Robbins, a big name in the motivational speaking world. This globally known self-help expert is a guru at unlocking the inner potential of anyone that crosses his path.

You’re sure to find his uncompromised methods and feel his infectious energy in his book Awaken the Giant Within. This success book will help you get out of your own way, abandon self-sabotaging habits, and grab life by the horns.

What do you see when you look at yourself in the mirror? A cat? Well, after reading this book, that lion hidden within you will show up.

3. Make Your Bed: Small Things that can Change Your Life… and Maybe the World

Are you already a part of the “make your bed movement “? If you’re not, you’re missing out on the tremendous value locked up in this book. Not to worry, now that you’ve found it, let’s tap in.

This book life-changing book, written by Navy SEAL Admiral William H. McRaven, explores how today’s man can achieve personal development and maybe even change the world in the process, just by doing small but intentional things every day. You’re solely responsible for your own life.

4. Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds

Another smash-hit also written by a retired Navy SEAL and marathon runner, this book is about the inspiring life of David Goggins. Like Phoenix rising from the ashes, this man rose from a childhood poverty and abuse to become one of the best-known and most sort-after motivational speakers worldwide. If the attainment of balance, happiness, and fulfilment is one of your pursuits in life, this self-help book is your TEDx. It’s big on adopting the discipline that will help you navigate through life.

5. Man’s Search for Meaning

If you’re seeking to find meaning and purpose in your life, or looking for inspiration and insights into the human condition, you’ve found the right book in “Man’s Search for Meaning.”

In this insightful and inspiring book, renowned psychiatrist Victor E. Frankl takes us through his experiences as a prisoner in the Nazi concentration camps during the WW2.

Through his painful journey, he delves into the depths of human suffering and perseverance, thus revealing the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life even in the most difficult situations.

Using deep insights and powerful messaging, this book offers a unique angle on the human condition and the pursuit of happiness.

What do you make out of life when it throws lemons at you? This book can help you decide.

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

True to its title, this book will help re-orientate your mind so that you stop giving your time and attention to things that don’t matter too much and start prioritizing meaningful pursuits that make you happy. These detractors and distractions could your own self-sabotaging thoughts, people’s unhelpful opinions, or pursuits that compromise your progress and general well-being.

In this book, blogger and author Mark Manson, skillfully leverages humour and advice to deliver a tantalizing reading experience to those looking to become a little more badass.

7. The Art of Manliness

I call this a book for the evolved man, the modern man. If you’re looking to adjust to the realities and contexts of the modern times while maintaining the cherished heritages of the traditional manhood, this book offers that healthy balance you’re looking for.

In “The Art of Manliness,” Brett and Kate McKay explore various aspects of manhood, including personal care, communication, relationships and practical skills. Focusing on traditional values and practical advice, the book equips today’s men with timeless skills and manners to survive the rigours of the modern world while maintaining their masculinity.

Other beneficiaries of this gold mine may include young adult males looking to develop critical life skills and manners, as well as individuals interested in understanding the idea of modern masculinity.

8. Bigger Leaner Stronger

True masculinity is about balancing both the inner and the outside game. While working on your mindset as a man, it is also important to take care of your physical appearance for a healthier, more competent and confident self.

As the name suggests, this book is for men looking to gain muscle and improve their physique; fitness enthusiasts looking for proof-backed strategies for building muscle; and persons who want to understand the science of bodybuilding techniques.

In his book, Michael Matthews offers no-BS, science-backed approach to helping men achieve their physique. It provides detailed insights on building muscle, losing weight, and improving strength by a balanced combination of proper dieting, effective workouts, and guided supplementation.

9. 48 Laws of Power

If there’s one book you MUST have on your shelf, it’s this book, the “48 Laws of Power” — a book for powerful men.

Authored by Robert Greene, this chart-topper teaches men the timeless secrets to becoming successful in all areas of their lives. It stresses the importance of taking power without the person handing it to you knowing that they are losing or compromising; it recommends subtlety in power strategies.

This timeless classic will help you achieve all you want to achieve in life and prepare you for every challenge by arming you with necessary perspectives and strategies you need.

But, there’s a caveat.

Be careful with this book — very. Like fire, it can raise or raze.

10. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

Since its first publication in almost 4 decades ago, this book remains one of the best self-help books out there. Here, Steven Covey explores the reasons why most people never achieve their full potential in life. He addresses the pitfalls of not being able to handle even the smallest life challenges can make a person ineffective.

The book suggests a strategic approach to solving problems centered on identifying personal core values as the most effective way of finding closure under even the most difficult circumstances.

As the title suggests, this book will make you a more competent and capable — or EFFECTIVE — person in any area of your life you wish to improve.

11. The Man’s Guide to Women

Men will often complain that they don’t understand women enough or that women are complex beings. Well, let’s be honest: these claims aren’t far from the truth.

That’s why I highly recommend this book.

“The Man’s Guide to Women” provides science-backed insights into understanding and navigating the complexities of relationships from the viewpoint of women. It’s a fact that you cannot comprehend and coexist with someone if you don’t understand what goes on inside their head. This book addresses this issue. Gathering information from deep research, a 4-man team of experts dispensed practical advice and strategies for men to better understand and meet the emotional needs of their significant other.

This guidebook is an invaluable resource for men looking to cultivate healthier and more fulfilling connections with women.

12. She Comes First

Intimacy and sex play a crucial role in increasing the bond between romantic couples. As a matter of fact, studies reveal that regular and fulfilling sex is linked to lower divorce rates among married couples. So, clearly, this area of masculinity is important, and, as such, will not be overlooked in this listing.

In his book, “She Comes First,” author Ian Kerner provides a detailed guide that explores the art and science of pleasuring a woman (from a male point of view). He stresses on the importance of prioritizing a woman’s sexual satisfaction and offers actionable insights on techniques, communication, and understanding the female biology.

If you’re looking to become a skilled lover as a man, this book will help you achieve that.

13. Think and Grow Rich

Who doesn’t know this book? This motivational bestseller remains as relevant today as it was more than 8 decades ago when Napoleon Hill decided to bless the world with his insights.

“Think and Grow Rich” helps readers reframe their minds and achieve success in all areas of life by providing useful knowledge and insights. In the book, Napoleon Hill also often talks about the secret of wealth; that once one finds that secret, wealth will follow. This emphasis on growth in both wealth and in life generally makes it appropriate for all agendas and suitable for all genders and ages.

Everyone has to read this book at least once in their lifetime. We suffer unnecessarily when answers have been right beside us all along.

14. How to Win Friends and Influence People

This book, authored by Dale Carnegie, is one of the best-known self-improvement and motivational book.

The timeless chart-topper is guaranteed to boost your self-esteem and improve your interpersonal skills, so that you become more confident, agreeable, and charismatic. It will teach you how to communicate effectively, network properly, and sell yourself better. Its proposed approach can be summarized under the famous 3-word line “stoop to conquer”.

As the name suggests, “How to win friends and influence people” will help you become an effective leader, an efficient professional, or just a better human.

Highly recommend!

15. Beyond Anger

Men and women are built differently, and as such, process feelings differently, too. Studies show that men are characteristically more volatile and less willing to control their emotions than women.

“Beyond Anger” helps was written by psychologist Thomas J. Harbin, Ph.D. to help men who have anger and emotion issues change for good. In this book, the author helps men understand their anger by addressing the root causes, the symptoms, and the potential consequences. He explains how their actions can negatively affect their family life, friendships, and professional relationships. It proposes solutions such as effective exercises and the formation of new habits to help manage anger.

If you want to learn to process and express your feelings more constructively (than destructively), get yourself this book.

It’s also a great resource for women to gain useful knowledge for understanding and helping the angry men in their lives.

16. The New Father

One of the habits and qualities of a truly masculine or high-value man, as we’ve discussed in previous articles, is empathy and service — the capacity to avail oneself and to serve. This is summed up wholesomely in one word — leadership.

A father is a leader, charged with the nature-given responsibility to lead, guide, nurture, and protect.

“The New Father: A Dad’s Guide to the First Year” is a comprehensive and practical book that provides valuable insights and guidance to new fathers dealing with the challenges and joys of first- and early-years fatherhood.

The writer, Armin A. Brott, an authority in parenting topics, explores a broad range of topics, such as bonding with the new child, understanding developmental mileages, juggling work-life realities, and supporting the mother.

This book is an invaluable itinerary for expectant and new fathers looking to become more involved and confident as fathers and husbands.

17. No More Mr. Nice Guy

This book is for men struggling with the Mr. Nice-Guy personality and low self-esteem, for individuals seeking to improve their relationship and assertiveness skills, and for anyone interested in understanding the kinetics of healthy masculinity.

Sounds like you?

Using personal stories, practical exercises, and expert guidance, Dr. Robert A. Glover takes readers on a journey of self-discovery which will help them break free from the people-pleaser syndrome and develop healthier relationships and a more assertive personality that will potentially lead to a happier, more fulfilled life.

General thoughts

That’s it on our top 17 self-help books for men. From the timeless classics to the newer chart toppers, these books are guaranteed to make any man higher and more masculine. And not just men, generally it can make anyone, male or female, more competent and confident.

What’s more?

As the Christmas Season approaches, there’s never been a better time than now to gift yourself, or your friends and family!

That said, which of the books resonates more with you, and which do you recommend for yourself or loved ones? Share in the comments!