Best Books On Father-Son Relationship

Everyone talks about mothers and sons, and fathers and daughters. But fathers and sons have a very beautiful relationship too, and one that is often complicated. A lot is unsaid, a lot is ambiguous but it holds so much depth and weight! Today, we’ve curated for you a list of the best books on father-son relationship.

Letter to my Father by Franz Kafka

This is definitely not a feel good book that will make you run to your father for a hug. This classic by the acclaimed author is an autobiography of sorts, but centered around his father. Kafka wrote it during his engagement to his lover Julie, perhaps prompted by his father’s opposition to it. He describes his father as an authoritarian and omnipresent figure in his life, sometimes as a “diagonal spread across the whole map.” Although it isn’t all sunny and happy, it’s a book that explores this relationship and its power struggles intimately and intensely. Kafka’s own experiences make the book all the more poignant.

Pops: Fatherhood in Pieces by Michael Chabon

Michael Chabon’s essay on accompanying his 13 year old son to the Paris fashion Week and his deep respect for his son’s passion thereafter became an instant superhit. This essay collection includes that and six other e3ssays that define the joys and struggles of being a father in a modern world. The warmth and humanity that reflects in Chabon’s writing makes it a perfect read for a summer morning in your father’s porch. It will make you celebrate the smaller pleasures of life

Tinkers by Paul Halding

In this stunning and introspective piece, Halding tells the story of an old man lying on his deathbed. As he drifts in and out of consciousness surrounded by his dearest family, he contemplates his life from the very beginning. In the process, he recounts his relationship with his father, an epileptic peddler. The story of a father from his son’s eyes, this novel stretches time and plays with it like malleable clay – offering a holistic view of characters and their life. This one will make you sob, but also examine your relationship with your father a teeny bit more.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

This novel is famous for its themes of race and justice, but what belies that is a unique father son relationship. Atticus and Scout’s relationship shows the deep reverence that children naturally have for their father and the trust they place in their father’s judgement. Atticus turns to Scout for moral guidance and comfort, and Scout in always has his son’s back. This famous classic explores the father-son relationship whose essence boils down to respect, something we can all vouch for.

Grief is the Thing with Feathers by Max Porter

This novel is a stunning meditation on grief, resilience, healing and adapting. After a mother’s death, two sons and their father grapple to come to terms with their new reality, pierced with grief. They’re interrupted by a crow, who threatens to stay until they no longer need him. The novel feels like a fable at times, with talking birds, but it is, in its essence, a meditative essay on mourning and recovering.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M Pirsig

This philosophy novel unites the art of living with a unique father-son relationship. It takes us with a father-son duo along a bike ride through North-Western America. What emerges is a journey of growth and revelation. The intimacy of the duo is endearing, but the lessons they learn together are even more so. After all, what is intimacy but learning from life together? Not only will this book motivate you and charge you up, but also it will make you want to go on an adventure with your father. 

Not my father’s son by Alan Cumming

Alan Cumming is famous today as a versatile and brilliant actor, but this memoir talks about his personal life. He talks especially about his childhood in Scotland. Under the custody of an abusive and violent father, who harbored a silent and deadly secret. In this suspenseful and moving memoir, Alan decodes these freshly solved mysteries and brings a compelling and heartbreaking story to life.

Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki

You may have heard about this finance book – it’s the ultimate financial guide for beginners! However, if you probe into it, it’s also so much more. As the author marks the differences between his biological father and the ultimate father figure in his life, our takeaway, among other things, is what constitutes a father. What makes someone whose blood doesn’t flow through your veins seem like a father? This non fiction talks about the value of a father’s advice and the bond that flourishes due to it; while also giving insightful financial tips.

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