10 fantastic non-fiction books for Father’s Day

1 May 20251 MIN READ

Father’s Day is a great moment to show appreciation with a gift that’s both thoughtful and entertaining. If you’re looking for something a little more lasting than the usual suspects, a book can be the perfect choice – something to inspire, challenge, or simply provide a good bit of escapism.

This carefully curated collection spans adventure, brainteasers, wartime legends, mechanical triumphs and fitness with real intelligence. There’s something for every kind of reader – whether they like to dig into military history, flex their mental muscles with puzzles, or enjoy the thrill of speed from the comfort of the sofa.

Each book is chosen not only for its subject matter but also for its quality of storytelling, design, and the joy of flicking through a well-crafted volume. Here are 10 excellent picks that make ideal gifts for Father’s Day.

Motorcycle Grand Prix

Motorcycle Grand Prix: Insider Stories from World Championship Racing

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Experience the sheer emotion and exhilaration of MotoGP this Father’s Day in this revealing, access-all-areas look inside the sport!

In Motorcycle Grand Prix, journalist Adam Wheeler takes readers inside the 75-year-old FIM world championship. Featuring interviews with the biggest names in MotoGP like Pecco Bagnaia, Jorge Martin, Brad Binder, Jack Miller and reflections on Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez and Cal Crutchlow, it offers fans unprecedented access to MotoGP’s inner circle.

This lavishly illustrated guide captures the speed, drama and evolution of MotoGP racing. From iconic riders to breakthrough machines, it’s a vivid journey through decades of two-wheeled history. The perfect Father’s Day gift for anyone who lives for the thrill of the race.

Hurricane: The Plane that Won the War

Hurricane: The Plane that Won the War

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Often overshadowed by the Spitfire, the Hawker Hurricane played a decisive role in the Battle of Britain. Britain’s first-ever wartime fighter plane, the Hawker Hurricane, shot down more enemy planes than any other fighter.

Using documents, letters and first-hand accounts, this is the historic untold story of the Hawker Hurricane and the lives of the people who flew, helped design and construct, fit and worked behind the scenes of the ‘Hurri’, all contributing in ways big and small, to its outstanding success as a legend of the Second World War.

Full of incredible stories and technical insight, it’s a must-read for aviation enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

SAS: Duty Before Glory

SAS: Duty Before Glory: The True WWII Story of SAS Original Reg Seekings

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Starting at the very bottom of the ranks, Seekings was a farm labourer’s son who climbed from private to squadron sergeant-major and became one of the British Army’s most highly decorated non-commissioned officers of the Second World War. In short, Seekings was an ordinary man who did extraordinary things.

His is a remarkable story – one of fierce ambition, camaraderie, inner strength and heroism as he transcended humble beginnings in the Fen fields of Cambridgeshire. And he was there from the very first day of the SAS, which was born in the late summer of 1941.

This is the gripping true story of the SAS’s early missions during WWII, brought vividly to life through first-hand accounts and detailed research. With tales of daring raids, survival and sacrifice, it’s a powerful tribute to those who served—and a compelling read for anyone fascinated by real-life courage and resilience.

F1 Racing Confidential

F1 Racing Confidential

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Formula One is one of the most intense, complex and secretive sports on the planet. It’s also the fastest-growing major sport and attracts one of the largest global television audiences.

In F1 Racing Confidential, Guardian journalist Giles Richards speaks to the people inside Formula One to shed new light on the hidden inner workings of the world’s most glamorous motorsport.

Pulling back the curtain on the high-stakes world of Formula 1, this book offers insider knowledge, behind-the-scenes stories, and technical analysis from one of the world’s most exhilarating sports. Whether you’re new to F1 or a seasoned fan, it’s an exciting read packed with fascinating detail – perfect for Father’s Day gifting.

The Lancaster Story

The Lancaster Story: True Tales of Britain’s Legendary Bomber

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A beautifully produced celebration of the Avro Lancaster, one of the most iconic aircrafts of the Second World War.

The Lancaster Story takes readers on a remarkable journey through the history of an aviation icon. This is an informative and engaging account of the true workhorse of the RAF’s bomber corps and the emotional human stories of quiet courage, sacrifice, and hard work of the people who flew, designed, constructed and maintained it.

This book combines stunning photography with technical detail and historic context, giving readers a full appreciation of the bomber’s role in history. It’s the ideal Father’s Day gift for aviation fans or anyone with an interest in wartime innovation and engineering.

Triumph: The Story of the Legendary Motorcycle

Triumph: The Story of the Legendary Motorcycle

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An iconic piece of design and style, the Triumph has roved through the twentieth century, making its mark in hearts and minds.

Founded in 1885, Triumph Engineering had humble beginnings, importing bicycles and sewing machines. Little did anyone know that in the coming years the company would birth an historic series of motorcycles that have lit up the arenas of racing, popular culture and even warfare for well over a century.

Charting the highs and lows of one of Britain’s most famous motorcycle manufacturers, Triumph tells a story of innovation, competition and cultural influence. This is a fast-paced read for anyone interested in engineering, British industry, or two-wheeled legends – from the track to the open road.

SAS Puzzle Book

SAS Puzzle Book

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Do you have what it takes to be in one of the most elite teams on the planet?

Written by internationally best-selling author Dr Gareth Moore, this is the ultimate puzzle book for fans of extreme army missions. A unique mental challenge inspired by the world’s toughest elite force, this puzzle book offers hundreds of exercises to test logic, memory, survival skills and more.

Designed to simulate SAS training through brainpower, it’s perfect for puzzle fans looking for something with real bite. It’s also a great way to switch off from screens and sharpen problem-solving skills in a genuinely rewarding way.

Intelligent Fitness

Intelligent Fitness: The Smart Way to Reboot Your Body and Get in Shape

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Simon Waterson, performance coach to Hollywood’s biggest action stars, brings together practical advice and expert insight in this smart, holistic guide to fitness.

Drawing on his vast experience as the elite trainer who transformed Daniel Craig’s physique for five James Bond films, along with countless other actors for blockbuster roles, Simon Waterson reveals how to enhance your energy, sleep and confidence with his intelligent approach to fitness.

A thoughtful Father’s Day pick for anyone interested in training with purpose, regardless of current ability.

F1 Racing: The Ultimate Companion

F1 Racing: The Ultimate Companion

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Explore the global history of Formula One in this definitive visual reference.

Written by former Autosport editor Bruce Jones, it spotlights each of the forty-eight countries across six continents to have produced an F1 driver or hosted a grand prix, exploring the circuits, teams, people and stories that make up each nation’s F1 heritage.

This definitive companion to Formula 1 brings together stats, stories and standout moments in a stylish and accessible format. Whether browsing casually or reading cover to cover, fans will love this celebration of the cars, circuits and champions that make the sport so compelling.

Brain Games for Clever Dads

Brain Games for Clever Dads

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Take a break from the dad dancing this Father’s Day with these clever games specially designed to give their brain a workout.

From cryptic codes to logic puzzles, number puzzles to feats of memory – these clever games, all evolving in levels of difficulty, will challenge their brain and help boost their IQ.

Packed with riddles, crosswords, trivia and lateral-thinking challenges, this puzzle book is tailor-made for those who enjoy keeping their brain active. It’s a fun and rewarding gift that can be dipped into again and again.

 

For more inspiring Father’s Day gift ideas and brilliant book recommendations, browse the Michael O’Mara blog and discover your next favourite read.