What can you get a dad that already seems to have it all? If you, like many others, have waited until the last minute to grab your old man a great gift, we’ve got you covered! Instead of the usual handyman gift card, sports paraphernalia, barbecue equipment or monochromatic wallet, try going for a good book this year. These 11 titles, covering various genres, are a great sentiment for dads of all backgrounds and ages.
1. The New Dad’s Playbook: Gearing Up For The Biggest Game Of Your Life by Benjamin Watson
The New England Patriots tight end, Benjamin Watson saw the need to create a go-to guide for first time dads. With countless birthing guides and books catered to first-time mothers, The New Dad’s Playbook is game-changing. Using football jargon, the book gives fathers parenting advice on how to care for the mother, prepare for the baby and maintain once the baby is home.The New Dad’s Playbook is an amazing gift for football fanatic fathers.
2. Basketball (And Other Things): A Collection Of Questions Asked, Answered, Illustrated written by Shea Serrano and illustrated by Arturo Torres
For the basketball loving dad, Basketball (And Other Things) merges basketball history, stats, myths and common sports banter into a graphic novel. Created by New York Times best selling writer Shea Serrano and best selling illustrator Arturo Torres, the novel comedically brings to life some of history's biggest basketball hall of famers. Dads who love to debate over basketball can easily whip this manual out at the next barbecue or family function.
3. Let Love Have The Last Word by Common
An enduring memoir about the life and legacy of hip-hop artist Common, Let Love Have The Last Word showcases the impact love can have on a grand scale. The book details Common’s family unit, race in America, politics and his reflection of being sexually assaulted as a child, among other narratives. The biography about a father is for fathers worldwide, proving that love is universal. Pour your pops a drink and let him enjoy this heartwarming read on his special day.
4. The New Guy Code: Becoming A Man In A Fatherless Society by Tony A. Gaskins Jr.
Author, life coach and speaker Tony A. Gaskins Jr. delivers thought-provoking topics centered around what it means to be a man in today’s society. In The New Guy Code, he also delves into the influence of men in media and the effects of growing up fatherless. Gaskins is a husband and father who addresses the need for accountability, as it relates to manhood. No matter the age, The New Guy Code is a notable present for all dads.
5. Peekaboo Morning by Rachel Isadora
Peekaboo Morning is a children's book narrated from a child's perspective, where a curly-haired youngster plays peekaboo with his family, toys and fluffy puppy. Bring the young ones down to the man cave and let dad read this colorful gift to the kids.
6. What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker by Damon Young
What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker is a humorous memoir about the life of Damon Young, the co-creator of Very Smart Brothas. Young candidly describes his unique childhood as well as his experience navigating through Trump's America as a Black man. Each chapter, written in essay form, focuses on various aspects of Young’s experiences with sexuality, masculinity, race and politics. What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Blacker is a great read for dads to enjoy poolside with a beer.
7. The Success Commandments: Master The Ten Spiritual Principles To Achieve Your Destiny by Devon Franklin
Best selling author, preacher and motivational speaker Devon Franklin, blesses readers with another must-have motivational book. Franklin stresses the importance of reprogramming your mind from conditioned teachings of spirituality and religion. The Success Commandments marries the ideologies of religion and secular practices in order for individuals to fully embrace and stand in their purpose. For the church loving fathers, add this to your gift list.
8. Breathe: A Letter To My Sons By Imani Perry
Imani Perry is a professor of African American Studies at Princeton University, hailing from Birmingham, Alabama. Breathe reveals her perception of America’s toxic race relations and her anxiety for Black and brown boys growing up in a nation that deems them inferior. Referencing some of the great Black philosophers and writers from the early 1900s, Perry intertwines their experiences with her own, in this honest literature geared towards social justice. Pre-sales for Breathe are available now; dads should be alright with an I owe you receipt, until the book’s official release in September.
9. Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet Book 1 written by Ta-Nehisi Coates and illustrated by Brian Stelfreeze
Ta-Nehisi Coates talks about his Black Panther comic books and a new series set in Harlem https://t.co/PRgqY7T56M
pic.twitter.com/7tvGJwtjCQ— The New York Times (@nytimes) March 2, 2017
For the comic book loving and Marvel fandom dads out there, Ta-Nehisi Coates’ Black Panther: A Nation Under Our Feet Book 1 is for you! Following a violent disruption in Wakanda by a terrorist organization calling themselves The People, ruler of Wakanda, T’Challa has no choice but to step up as Black Panther. The uprising in Wakanda forces Black Panther and friends to strap on their vibranium suits and fight back. The illustrations and story lines will keep dad in awe.
10. The Wealth Choice: Success Secrets of Black Millionaires by Dennis Kimbro
Dennis Kimbro’s 306-page finance book, The Wealth Choice explores discrepancy of resources as it pertains to the Black community learning how to acquire and maintain wealth. Kimbro dishes out stats and advice on how to continuously stack checks and gain a money-making mentality. With advice from heavy hitting celebrities and business owners such as director and producer Spike Lee and pastor turned author T.D Jakes, it’s never too late for dads to step into the world of Black wealth and finance.
11. Real Men Cook: Rites, Rituals And Recipes For Living by K. Kofi Moyo
Real Men Cook gets it's name from the Real Men Charity organization. The organization hosts a grand Father's Day cooking experience across the nation. Real Men Charity has donated money to numerous causes and continues to give back to communities all over. Kofi Moyo and several other fathers share their love for food with savory recipes, while dishing out cooking tips. Have dad grab his apron and dive fork first into recipes that include, Captain Kofi's Candlelight Catfish and Derrick Malone's Boozy Black Beans.
