Why Men’s Literature Deserves More Attention: 7 Hidden Gems to Read

In 2025, the literary world is still grappling with gender imbalance—especially when it comes to male authors. While women continue to dominate bestseller lists, book clubs, and the literary canon, male authors are often underrepresented or overlooked. The good news? The tide is slowly turning as readers and critics alike seek more diverse and inclusive reading lists.

But, let’s be honest. There’s still work to do. By seeking out and celebrating books by gifted male writers, we can help normalise the presence of men in literary spaces, giving credit where it’s due to authors who’ve navigated gender-based adversity.

So, if you’re looking to broaden your reading horizons and dive into some outstanding works by male authors, here are 7 hidden gems you shouldn’t miss.

1. The Great Gatsby – F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby is still one of the most well-loved American classics, yet it offers more than just a glimpse into the decadence of the Jazz Age. Through the lens of male obsession and idealism, Fitzgerald explores the fantasy of the American Dream—and how it all crumbles under the weight of superficiality. The novel critiques men’s ability to project unrealistic desires onto women, making it just as relevant for modern readers who are seeking insight into contemporary gender dynamics.
Why Read Now? Classic literature continues to reflect the societal pressures placed on both men and women, giving us new ways to think about modern relationships and ambition.

2. Walden – Henry David Thoreau

Thoreau’s exploration of self-reliance and simplicity in Walden continues to inspire those craving a deeper connection to nature and introspection in a fast-paced world. In an era dominated by tech and social media, Thoreau’s advice to live deliberately, cutting through life’s distractions, couldn’t be more timely. In 2025, as many struggle with burnout and overconsumption, his call to return to basic truths resonates strongly.
Why Read Now? With the rise of mental health awareness and mindfulness practices, Thoreau’s reflections on solitude and simplicity are more relevant than ever.

3. Carrie – Stephen King

Stephen King’s Carrie remains a brutal and fascinating exploration of adolescence, but what stands out is King’s bold approach to the horrors of female puberty, as seen through a male perspective. The dissection of women’s bodies and the menacing idea of “otherness” are explored through the lens of an alienating society. King’s eerie treatment of menstruation, sexuality, and societal fear still strikes a chord in today’s world, where we continue to struggle with the topic of body image and the portrayal of women’s experiences.
Why Read Now? The novel pushes boundaries and challenges how society views female growth, which still resonates in 2025’s conversations about gender and bodily autonomy.

4. The Crucible – Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible offers an alarming yet crucial examination of societal power dynamics—one that has continued relevance in the age of social media, cancel culture, and political trials. By shifting the focus to the oppression of women, Miller allows us to reflect on the toxic male gaze that dominates social and political structures. The tension between male voices claiming authority while silencing women mirrors ongoing gender battles today.
Why Read Now? With the rise of populism and political witch hunts, Miller’s work is a reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and societal scapegoating.

5. On the Road – Jack Kerouac

Jack Kerouac’s On the Road immortalises the pursuit of freedom in a post-WWII America, and though the narrative focuses on male road trips, adventures, and the search for meaning, it’s also a powerful meditation on identity, friendship, and the American Dream. In 2025, as more people seek ways to escape the grind and re-evaluate their lives, Kerouac’s work holds up as a blueprint for personal reinvention.
Why Read Now? As “digital nomad” culture grows, Kerouac’s exploration of freedom and life on the road speaks directly to a generation seeking purpose beyond the traditional 9-to-5.

6. Red Badge of Courage – Stephen Crane

Set during the Civil War, Stephen Crane’s Red Badge of Courage provides a nuanced exploration of courage, fear, and masculinity in the context of war. Through the journey of Henry Fleming, the protagonist, the novel examines how men navigate cowardice and bravery. In today’s global political climate, where men continue to be called upon to embody certain ideals of masculinity, Red Badge remains a powerful commentary on the psychological effects of war and the expectations placed on men.
Why Read Now? With the ongoing conflicts around the world and a growing conversation on toxic masculinity, Crane’s novel offers a crucial perspective on vulnerability and resilience.

7. Fight Club – Chuck Palahniuk

Palahniuk’s Fight Club is a stark critique of modern masculinity, tackling themes like consumerism, self-doubt, and emotional suppression. The narrator’s descent into chaos through an underground fight club reflects the challenges many men face as they try to reconcile their roles in society. With ongoing discussions about male mental health, emotional expression, and self-worth, Fight Club remains a key work in understanding the pressures modern men face.
Why Read Now? As we continue to push for more emotional openness in men, Fight Club reveals the cost of ignoring vulnerability and the struggle to express authentic feelings.