So, you know how some people are nearly impossible to buy gifts for, while others are no-brainers? Well, my dad is has always been extremely easy to buy gifts for — mostly because he has so many, varied interests.
However, I have been so stumped this year for Father’s Day! And, since this had never been a problem before, I just kept assuming that a great idea would pop into my head. Well, on June 11th I still had not thought of a great gift — and then I stumbled upon this list of interesting recommendations from AskMen.com. I love how the list is set-up, too…
So, I chose one of these titles for my dad — since Father’s Day is 6 days away, I will not reveal my choice… but feel free to guess! 
List of Summer Reads for Men from AskMen.com:
Pride and Prejudice and Zombies
By Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith
What it is: A mash-up of Jane Austen’s classic novel (Pride and Prejudice), using the actual original text, reworked and interwoven with over-the-top zombie violence.
Why you should read it: Besides being a hilarious send-up of both Austen’s novel and zombie horror, the book is steadily climbing the bestseller charts, making it a great conversation starter. The book has already earned lots of praise (and criticism) from the literary world. Like it or hate it, people are definitely reading it this summer. Plus, the movie rights have already been sold. So, you can finally be that guy saying: “I preferred the book, personally.”
By Michael Pollan
What it is: Food writer Michael Pollan’s manifesto explaining food culture in America and how our eating impacts the environment and our lives.
Why you should read it: First released in 2008, In Defense of Food was just released in paperback. That means the story of the American diet now comes with a lower price tag and in the perfect form to carry with you this summer. Pollan’s writing provides a fascinating journey through the American food industry, leading to the processed foods on our shelves today. With engaging style, Pollan attacks the processed convenience foods that make up much of our diet, and urges us to stick instead to natural foods. He also explains why “whole foods” such as plants and, yes, even meat provide health benefits greater than the sum of the vitamins and minerals they contain. If you’re interested in physical health and cooking, this is a must-read; Pollan is recommending a revolution in the way we eat, and he makes some compelling points. This isn’t some crackpot diet book — he’s not telling you to give up fatty foods — it’s a new way to think about the food we put on our plate or, as the case may be in the summer, on our grill.
By Neil Strauss
What it is: Neil Strauss’ autobiographical journeys exploring the art of survival.
Why you should read it: Neil Strauss’ work on Motley Crue’s autobiography The Dirt and his own journey into the world of pickup artists in The Game have already given his readers a peek into two major male fantasies: the rock star and the ladies’ man. Now Strauss takes on the world of survival skills and disaster preparedness, describing his mission to become an action hero as well. Throughout this summer reading pick, you’ll learn survival tips and strategies that might just change how you look at the world. After all, summer is the perfect time to hit the woods on a camping trip. Maybe this year you’ll catch your food.
By Jon Meacham
What it is: A new biography about Andrew Jackson.
Why you should read it: If you’re a history buff, you’ve probably already heard about American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House. This well-researched novel about Andrew Jackson’s years in the White House reveals lots of surprising details about the man on the 20 dollar bill. From his greatest success to the failures in between, American Lion paints a portrait of one of our greatest presidents not as a faultless superhero, but as a flawed man trying to do what’s right. First published in 2008, it has been moved back to the central spot on bookstore shelves this summer since it recently won the 2009 Pulitzer Prize.
By Joe Torre
What it is: Joe Torre‘s tale of his years as manager of the Yankees.
Why you should read it: Sure, Torre already wrote an autobiography and a self-help book, but this is the one baseball fans have been waiting for. Love or hate the Yankees, Torre’s book is still full of observations on the team and on the sport from a man who’s been around long enough to witness major shifts and changes. It may not be a “tell-all,” but Torre’s book has still received plenty of criticism from the Yankees as he opens up about the inner workings of the clubhouse. This summer reading pick for 2009 is highly recommended for baseball buffs.
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Hey fellas,
Great action packed read with copious amounts of dry and hilarious humour, plenty of detailed action and an genuinely exciting read!
‘Running The Gauntlet’ by Luke Duffy, ex 1Para now a Close Protection Officer working in Iraq. Telling of the experiences of his job out in Iraq with brutal but humourous honesty that will be sure to keep you glued to the pages of this true account of one mans experiences in the Circut of Iraq!
Available at Amazon also on Kindle and on the Authorhouse publishing website.
Enjoy
I may be a chick but I love my manly reads lol
And if you enjoy this one, just wait for the next publication from this guy! I’ve read the sneak preview of his first fiction novel and man has it kept me awake planning for a Zombie Apocalypse at night, better than Max Brooks and dare I say it David Moody put together!!
Very exciting new Writer to watch out for!
Luke Duffy, Running The Gauntlet. Check it out….
Tish