Five thoughtful books to gift fathers this day

Father’s Day is a moment to reflect on the strength, humor, wisdom, and quiet sacrifices that define fatherhood.

While ties and mugs are common go-to gifts, a carefully chosen book can leave a lasting impression, sparking meaningful conversations or quiet moments of introspection. Here are five diverse and heartfelt reads that celebrate the many layers of being a father.

‘The Measure of a Man: A Spiritual Autobiography’ by Sidney Poitier

Sidney Poitier, among the paragons of dignity in the history of Black cinema, recounts personal experiences of his life and his trailblazing career. In this 2000-released memoir, Sidney introspects on his measuring up to the values he had set for himself.    

Sidney draws readers into his reflections on his role as a man, husband, father, and actor, capturing personal values of integrity, simplicity, commitment, faith, and finding meaningful pleasures.    

He narrates how his parents instilled moral sense and self-worth in him when growing up on Cat Island in the Bahamas. These became the same values that he personified in his film roles and personal life.

Sidney’s only portrayal of noble characters at the height of racism and inequality, stereotypical and disgraceful Black representation in Hollywood films bore him the name Ebony Saint. He also lets the readers in on how he felt about being the first Black actor to win an Oscar for Best Actor in 1964.    

The book yields poise and integrity that the author has been celebrated to possess in his life and career. By revealing the depth of his principles, he invites those who wish to reflect on theirs.   

The Most Secret Memory of Men’ by Mohamed Mbougar Sarr

In this political fiction, a young Senegalese writer by the name of Diégane Latyr Faye stumbles upon a 1938 novel, ‘The Labyrinth of Inhumanity’, by fictional author T.C. Elimane.

Diégane moves to different continents to find out the story behind the author who disappeared after being accused of plagiarism. In the tracing of him, the book journeys through colonialism, neo-colonialism, the Holocaust, and genocide.

Intimately styled as a love song to literature, this book paints the lively life of Diégane and three other African writers in Paris, where he calls home.

Rough Silk’ by Deborah Auko Tendo

This 2023 memoir by the Kenyan author is a celebration of fatherhood through the eyes of a daughter solely raised by her father. It unfolds the rural upbringing of Deborah’s father, George Auko, in the 1950s, his two marriages, and his move to Nairobi in the 1980s, where he meets Deborah’s mother, Pam. Unknown to her about his two other marriages in the village, they have two children, Deborah and Philip. The couple separate when Pam finds out about George’s secret, and she leaves.

Through Deborah’s lens, the book unpacks George’s triumphs and financial struggles in raising the children alone. It also carries historical and cultural references of Gor Mahia football club, Rhumba music, polygamy, HIV, and politics.

The book is a celebration of a father’s resilience and influence, with father-daughter relationships as a backdrop.   

‘Afterlives’ by Abdulrazak Gurnah

History enthusiasts are in for a treat with this historical novel set in the 20th century at the Swahili Coast, present-day Tanzania.

Two men have fates that are poles apart during the German colonial era, one is stolen to fight against his people while the other sells himself into it. The Germans are able to rule through a ruthless African army, exploring the theme of Africans’ betrayal of their own.       

'Super Dad Jokes: Saving the World, One Bad Joke at a Time’ by Jimmy Niro

This is one of the Dad Jokes series that Jimmy has in store for fathers. It is a light read, containing 500 puns and short stories about fatherhood that are humorous and refreshing.