10+ Best Books for 35-Year-Old Man w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the hunt for the perfect read? If you're a 35-year-old man or shopping for one, finding books that resonate can be a real game-changer. Whether you're looking to dive into new adventures, gain different perspectives, or simply enjoy a good story, we've curated a selection of books just for you. Keep reading to discover our top picks in the “Books for 35-Year-Old Man” category that are sure to captivate and inspire.

Fun Books for 35-Year-Old Man

• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In a near-future dystopian society, people escape their grim surroundings by logging into the OASIS, a vast virtual reality universe. When the creator of OASIS dies, he leaves behind a series of puzzles leading to a massive fortune, sparking a global competition.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling ride filled with '80s pop culture references and exciting virtual challenges, perfect for escaping reality and reigniting a passion for reading.
  • Perfect for: Tech enthusiasts and lovers of video games and '80s nostalgia.

• The Martian by Andy Weir
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Thriller
  • Synopsis: Astronaut Mark Watney becomes stranded on Mars and must rely on his ingenuity and wit to survive until a possible rescue.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines humor with a gripping survival story, making complex science accessible and entertaining.
  • Perfect for: Fans of space exploration and survival stories, or anyone who enjoys rooting for an underdog.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Two young magicians, Celia and Marco, are pitted against each other in a magical competition they do not fully understand, set within the enchanting and mysterious circus that only operates at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its magical realism and beautiful, detailed imagery captivate the reader, providing a perfect blend of romance and fantasy.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy lush, imaginative settings and a story that weaves love with a touch of mystery.

• Bossypants by Tina Fey
  • Genre(s): Biography, Comedy, Memoir
  • Synopsis: This memoir offers a comedic look into the life of Tina Fey, from her nerdy youth to her career in comedy and television.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's laugh-out-loud funny and offers sharp insights into the world of comedy and television, perfect for a light and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Fans of comedy, memoirs, or anyone looking for a fun and easy read with a good dose of humor.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: A counterintuitive approach to living a better life by caring less about more things, focusing instead on what is truly important.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges conventional self-help advice with a blunt, often humorous approach, making it a refreshing read for those who are a bit skeptical of the self-help genre.
  • Perfect for: Individuals looking for pragmatic life advice without the sugar coating, and those who appreciate a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

Educational Books for 35-Year-Old Man

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores the history of humankind from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century, focusing on key revolutions that shaped human societies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of societal development, critical thinking about human nature and technology
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into the forces that have shaped human culture and society, presented in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, anthropology, and the social sciences.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-Fiction, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive the way we think, showing how our minds are tripped up by error and prejudice even when we think we are being logical.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cognitive biases, decision-making, psychological self-awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers valuable insights into how decisions are made, the interplay of intuition and rationality, and how we can make better choices.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in psychology, decision-making, and improving their thinking processes.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of a woman born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho who, kept out of school, educates herself, eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of self-education, resilience, and personal transformation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and the pursuit of education against all odds, offering a powerful testament to the desire for knowledge.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love inspirational stories of personal growth and overcoming difficult circumstances.

• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Business
  • Synopsis: This book explores the science behind why habits exist and how they can be changed, providing insight into how habits work and how they can be transformed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of habit formation and change, productivity, organizational behavior
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines scientific research with engaging narratives, offering practical advice on how to change bad habits and form good ones.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in personal development, organizational improvement, and applied psychology.

• Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: Diamond examines the reasons why some societies have succeeded and dominated others, attributing societal success to geographical and environmental factors rather than racial genetics.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of historical development, global inequalities, interdisciplinary thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling explanation for the broad patterns of human history, challenging the way we think about societies and human evolution.
  • Perfect for: Readers with interests in history, geography, and anthropology, looking for a scientific approach to understanding human societies.

Challenging Books for 35-Year-Old Man

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: The novel is set in an alternate reality where the U.S., Canada, and Mexico form a superstate. It centers around a halfway house and a tennis academy, exploring themes of addiction and the pursuit of happiness in America.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex narrative structure, extensive endnotes, and deep exploration of heavy themes make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound examination of modern human experience, offering rich insights into the effects of entertainment and addiction on society.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a deep, intellectually stimulating challenge.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows the quest to uncover the secret of a mysterious device (the "Schwarzgerät") that is to be installed in a German V-2 rocket.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's complex plot, a large cast of characters, and the blending of historical facts with paranoia and conspiracy theories make it a challenging read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a unique blend of scientific and metaphysical speculation, deep historical context, and poetic prose.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and conspiracy theorists, or anyone who enjoys complex narratives that challenge perception and reality.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel details the passage of Leopold Bloom through Dublin during an ordinary day, 16 June 1904. The title parallels and alludes to Homer's Odyssey.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its stream-of-consciousness writing style, lack of traditional plot, and deep allusions to classical literature make it notoriously difficult.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering revolutionary narrative techniques and profound insights into the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Literary enthusiasts who appreciate deep textual analysis and are up for the challenge of deciphering complex narratives.

• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Western, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The book follows a teenager referred to as "the Kid" and his experiences with the Glanton gang, a historical group of scalp hunters who massacred Native Americans and others in the United States–Mexico borderlands in 1849 and 1850.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its graphic violence, dense prose, and the philosophical exploration of good and evil make it a tough but rewarding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a visceral narrative that delves deep into the dark sides of American history and human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history, existential philosophy, and those who can handle intense, graphic storytelling.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Mystery, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the murder of Fyodor Pavlovich Karamazov and the subsequent trial of his sons. It explores deep questions of ethics, God, free will, and the human condition.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its deep philosophical discourse, the complexity of its characters, and its exploration of existential themes require thoughtful engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of faith, doubt, and reason, offering timeless insights into personal and philosophical dilemmas.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in philosophy, theology, and classic literature that wrestles with large, existential questions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're a 35-year-old man looking to build or enhance your reading habits, you've come to the right place. Establishing a good reading routine can not only provide relaxation and entertainment but also significantly contribute to your personal and professional growth. Below are some exercises designed to help you develop these habits effectively:

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages you want to read each month.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can provide motivation and a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Be realistic with your goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: A dedicated space can enhance focus and make your reading experience more enjoyable.
  • Tips: Ensure your reading area is comfortable and free from distractions.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more often and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a book club that aligns with your interests to enhance engagement.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers and reading apps to access and organize your books.
  • How it helps: Digital tools can make reading more convenient and accessible.
  • Tips: Explore different apps and find one that suits your reading style and needs.

• Incorporate Reading Into Your Daily Routine
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day for reading.
  • How it helps: Regularly scheduling time for reading can help it become a daily habit.
  • Tips: Start with short, manageable periods and gradually increase as you get comfortable.

• Read Broadly
  • What it is: Make a conscious effort to read books from various genres and authors.
  • How it helps: Diversifying your reading list can expand your knowledge and keep you engaged.
  • Tips: Periodically review and adjust your reading list to include a variety of topics and styles.

Implementing these exercises can significantly improve your reading habits, making your reading time more productive and enjoyable. Whether you're looking to escape into new worlds, learn new skills, or gain insights, these strategies will help you get there. Happy reading!