Finding quality fiction is challenging enough. Why is it that all of the good books have to be R-rated? How often have you gotten a quarter of the way into a quality read—great characters, engaging writing, clever ideas—only to find yourself putting it down because it was just a bit too much?
Here are clean fiction books and book series for men (and women) that are worth the read.
The Lord of the Rings, By J.R.R. Tolkien
Okay, this one might be cheating. It doesn't get much better than The Lord of the Rings. Not only do you get the added benefit of almost fifteen hours of movies to go along with the books, but you get to be that guy who watches it and says, "Where's Tom Bombadil?" or, "What about the scouring of the Shire?"
If you know, you know.
The Lord of the Rings is a monumental epic that redefined the fantasy genre, a must read work of fiction for all men. This classic narrative follows Frodo Baggins—and many, many others—as he embarks on a perilous journey to destroy the One Ring and thwart the dark lord Sauron.
But I'm sure you already knew that even if you didn't read the books or watch the movies.
Tolkien's richly crafted world of Middle-earth is immersive, filled with intricate cultures, languages, and landscapes that breathe life into the story. The characters are well-developed, ranging from the resilient hobbits to the noble warriors and wise wizards, each facing their own battles against temptation and evil.
Which really sums up the theme of the series. At its heart, it's a story about good versus evil, light versus dark. It's a tale of friendship and sacrifice intertwined with issues of power, hope, and redemption. Tolkien's lyrical prose and vivid descriptions make every page a delight, engaging readers in a timeless adventure that resonates long after the last page is turned.
Read The Lord of the Rings. Right now. I'll wait. Every man should.
The Chronicles of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis
Okay, another classic and another cheat. While C.S. Lewis is widely known as a Christian apologist (books most men should also read), he's also a fantastic fiction author in his own right.
And did you know there are seven books in this series? The three movies didn't combine the books—they just didn't include a few of them. Seven! I still bet the word count is less than the three books of The Lord of the Rings.
Hold on...let me check...
I was close. The Chronicles of Narnia sits at around 420K words, while The Lord of the Rings comes in at 480K.
Anyway.
The Chronicles of Narnia is a captivating series that transports readers to a magical land filled with wonder, adventure, and profound moral lessons. It's a bit more on the nose than The Lord of the Rings, and Aslan is very clearly Jesus. But it's not so preachy that non-Christians can't enjoy the engaging story and wonderful characters.
The series is geared toward younger readers—early teens and so on—but that shouldn't stop anyone from enjoying it. You probably read Harry Potter, after all.
Or not. That's fine, too.
Black Cloud Rising, by David Wright Faladé
Here we go. It's time for a book that might be a bit more obscure than you expected. Black Cloud Rising isn't your typical read, especially at number three (though these aren't in any particular order). It's a gripping historical novel that follows the all-Black African Brigade during the American Civil War. What's more manly than a book about the Civil War?g
The story follows the journey of Sergeant Richard Etheridge, who fights not only for his country but also for his freedom and dignity. Faladé's evocative prose captures the harsh realities of war, blending action with poignant reflections on race and identity.
This isn't a traditional book, with a straightforward plot and the standard character arc. Rather, it's a reflection, a showcase of Etheridge's resilience and determination in the face of adversity. Faladé effectively brings to life the challenges faced by Black soldiers during this era, shedding light on an often overlooked aspect of history.
With a powerful narrative filled with emotional depth and historical authenticity, Black Cloud Rising is a thought-provoking read that honors the courage of those who fought for justice and equality. It’s a compelling story that resonates beyond its historical setting, making it a must-read for fans of historical fiction.
The Faithful and the Fallen, by John Gwynne
We're back to the fantasy genre, one of the genres most guilty of making me put a book down partway in. Can we find a way to eliminate Romantasy from my book searches? I don't want to read a story about an orc and a werewolf falling in love.
Thankfully—at least for me—there's none of that in John Gwynne's The Faithful and the Fallen. This four-book series is an exhilarating epic fantasy that blends rich mythology with intense action and moral complexity. It follows the struggle between good and evil in a world inspired by various ancient mythologies, where gods, warriors, and mythical creatures collide.
The narrative is populated with well-drawn characters, each facing their own trials and tribulations as they navigate loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of war. Gwynne’s storytelling is immersive, with vivid battle scenes and emotional depth that keep you engaged from start to finish. The themes of honor, sacrifice, and the struggle for redemption are deeply woven into the fabric of the plot, making it a profound exploration of what it means to be faithful in the face of overwhelming odds.
He's even written a bunch more books in the same world. So, if you like this series, you've got plenty more to get to.
Overall, The Faithful and the Fallen is a gripping series that will appeal to fans of fantasy and action alike, offering a thrilling ride through a beautifully crafted world.
The Rosie Project, by Graeme Simsion
Just hear me out. I know I said "For Men" in the title, and yes, I know this is technically classified as a romance—even though it isn't (stay with me, guys). And yes, I know I just bashed Romantasy a few paragraphs ago.
And no, I would not have read this book had I not been forced to do so during my schooling for my MFA.
But trust me, men: This book is fantastic.
This is a comedy first and a romance only by accident. I've never laughed out loud reading a book before, and I was in tears reading this one. My wife was concerned.
It's hysterical.
The protagonist has Asperger's, though he'd probably deny it if you asked him (come to think of it, I probably enjoyed this so much because of my son's autism...). Imagine reading a book from the point of view of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory.
The protagonist and narrator, Don Tillman, is a brilliant genetics professor who is as logical and structured as he is socially awkward. Hoping to find a suitable partner, he creates a scientific survey to identify the perfect woman—which he dubs 'The Wife Project'—only to have his plans hilariously derailed when he meets Rosie, a free-spirited bartender who is everything he isn't.
At least give it a chapter. Just one chapter. If you haven't laughed by then, drop a comment below and let me know why I'm wrong. I've been wrong before; I can take it.
Simsion's writing is witty and engaging, littered with both humor and heartfelt moments. The dynamic between Don and Rosie is amusing and poignant, showcasing how love often defies logic and expectations. As Don navigates his rigid world, readers are taken on a journey that highlights the importance of embracing the messy, unpredictable nature of life and love.
This book is original, hysterical, and was an absolute joy to read. Thank you, Southern New Hampshire University, for making me read this book.
Men: Take a flier; read this book.
If you have even the slightest sense of humor, you'll love it.
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