According to GuysRead.com, a lot of guys aren’t engaged by reading because they don’t know about all the awesome dude books out there. They read differently from girls and learn differently from girls. Just like a lot of girls struggle in math, a lot of dudes struggle in reading. The GOOD news is there’s a lot of awesome literature out there for dudes. Here are some of my favorite dude books for your favorite, well, dude.
Spud by John Van De Ruit
Taking place in South Africa during apartheid, this is the story of fourteen-year-old John “Spud” Milton as he begins his life at an elite boarding school. Spud’s diary includes all the ups and downs that he and his friends go through at school, including their wild antics that will leave dudes in hysterics. And while most of its American reader’s won’t have been to South Africa, and many won’t have any boarding school experience, the adventures of Spud & Co. will resonate with any dude who’s ever been (or currently is) a teen.
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie
Junior has his share of problems. Because of a brain defect he had as an infant, he has a lisp and seizures and ten more teeth than normal. But worse is the fact that he’s just transferred from “the Rez” high school to an all white high school. His old friends won’t talk to him, especially when they meet up on the basketball court. But Junior’s life isn’t as bleak as he thinks it is – it’s not long before he earns respect on the court and in the classroom. This book is funny, earnest, and great for any dude dealing with “the awkward years.”
Burger Wuss by M.T. Anderson
Anthony has always been a “wuss” – never sticking up for himself even when the bullies are at their worst. But finally he’s had enough: his girlfriend has been caught making out with another dude. To try and up his image, Anthony gets a job at O’Dermott’s – the burger chain where said other dude is a “company man” – and launches a plan to start a fast food war with Burger Queen. Anthony is quickly in over his head, and this story of fast food, teen angst, and revenge will entice any teen dude who’s lost out to a bully.
Jerk, California by Jonathan Friesen
If you think high school is bad, try living with Tourette’s syndrome. Sam does, and with his constant jerks, twitches, and outbursts, he’s been called every name in the book. It’s not much better at home either, where his cruel stepfather is always willing to remind Sam of what a loser he is. But when he graduates from high school and reinvents himself with a new job in a new town, Sam realizes everything can change. He and his crush, the beautiful Naomi wind up following a map across the country – it’s an adventure your favorite dude won’t forget!
Here, There Be Dragons by James A. Owen
Imagine that every “fantasy” novel you’ve ever read was the truth – a historical account of that world written by a caretaker of the Imaginarium Geographica – an atlas of all the worlds of myth and legend. When John, Jack, and Charles are brought together to solve a mysterious murder, and given this hefty volume to care after, and must flee London in pursuit of an amazing adventure in the world of the imagination itself. Dudes who love Tolkein and Lewis will embrace this book – and its sequels – whole-heartedly.
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