2025 #ReadingWithMuffy June Check-In: Books Featuring Strong Father Figures

Hi, book fam!
Can you believe we’re halfway through the year already? June brings with it Father’s Day, the comforting smell of petrichor, and our next #ReadingWithMuffy prompt, books featuring strong father figures.

Whether it’s a biological dad, a found-family father, a mentor, or even a grumpy grandpa with a heart of gold, this month is all about stories that celebrate paternal love and guidance.

Before you drop your review links in the check-in below, here are ten book recommendations (across genres!) to inspire your reading list:

Book Recommendations Featuring Strong Father Figures

1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (Classic)

Atticus Finch is the gold standard of literary fathers- wise, principled, and quietly courageous. His love for Scout and Jem, and his fight for justice, make this a timeless and necessary read.

2. The Road by Cormac McCarthy (Post-Apocalyptic Fiction)

This bleak yet beautiful tale of a father and son navigating a dying world is heartbreaking and tender. It’s a raw portrayal of love in the harshest of circumstances.

3. Pachinko by Min Jin Lee (Historical Fiction)

While the story spans generations, the father figures in Pachinko,especially Baek Isak and Mozasu, are quietly powerful in their resilience, sacrifice, and unwavering support.

4. The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Fantasy)

Arthur Parnassus, the caretaker of magical children, might not be their biological father, but his love and advocacy for them is deeply moving. A wholesome found-family gem!

5. Wonder by R.J. Palacio (Middle Grade)

Auggie’s dad, Nate Pullman, is one of those fictional parents who steals your heart. Supportive, humorous, and present, his role adds warmth to this already emotional read.

Read: Why You Must Read Wonder

6. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini (Literary Fiction)

Baba, though deeply flawed, is a complex and fascinating father figure. His strength, contradictions, and love form the backbone of this powerful story about redemption.

7. This Is Going to Hurt by Adam Kay (Nonfiction / Memoir)

An unconventional pick, but if you reach the final chapters of this medical memoir, you’ll understand why. Adam’s story of loss and becoming a father himself is devastatingly moving.

8. Circe by Madeline Miller (Mythological Fiction)

Yes, we all love Circe, but the contrasting father figures Helios and later, Odysseus showcase both toxic and tender paternal dynamics in this lyrical retelling.

9. The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (Historical Fiction)

Though the spotlight is on the women, Margery’s late father figure an unconventional protector and the one who raised her fiercely independent, leaves a lasting impression.

10. A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Contemporary)

Ove may be grumpy and stuck in his ways, but through the course of this beautiful book, we see how he becomes an accidental father figure to a mismatched community, and it’s glorious.

📌 Check-In Time!

Have you picked your book for this month’s #ReadingWithMuffy prompt? Finished reading it already? I’d love to hear about the father figure who moved you the most. Bonus points if you pair your post with a cozy father-daughter memory!

🔗 Add your review, blog post, or Bookstagram link below using the Linky tool!

Here’s How the Check-In Post Works

The linky will close on 10th July.

Tag your reads with #ReadingWithMuffy tag me @kohleyedreads so we can all share recommendations and reading joy. Thank you for being part of this cozy little book-loving corner—even when I’m running a bit behind, your support keeps this going!

Happy reading!
With love (and paw prints)