When Andrew Luck walked away from the NFL in 2019, he didn’t just leave behind touchdowns and tackles—he stepped into a world where books, not playbooks, take center stage. The former quarterback has quietly built a reputation as one of the most thoughtful readers in sports, curating book recommendations that are as intellectually rigorous as they are emotionally resonant.
Through the Andrew Luck Book Club, he’s introduced fans to everything from historical epics to soul-searching memoirs—proving that great leadership doesn’t stop at the locker room door. His 2025 picks are no different: they challenge, inspire, and remind us why Luck is still one of the most curious minds in the game.
Ready to find your next unforgettable read? Let’s dive into the stories that made the cut.
The Boys in the Boat by Daniel James Brown
Category: Historical Nonfiction, Sports, Biography
What It’s About
This gripping narrative chronicles the unlikely rise of the University of Washington’s rowing team as they battled personal hardship, class divides, and national tensions en route to winning gold at the 1936 Berlin Olympics.
Centered on the story of Joe Rantz—an underdog in every sense—the book is as much about grit, teamwork, and resilience as it is about rowing.
Why You Should Read It
If you love stories where character and camaraderie triumph over adversity, this one hits all the right notes. Brown’s storytelling paints each race with cinematic detail, but it’s the emotional arcs—the silent strength, the perseverance, the sheer will—that will stick with you long after you’ve finished.
Andrew’s Take
“I got this from my Oma [German for grandmother] for Christmas one year, and it’s just an incredible snapshot of life during the Great Depression and the integrity of sport with the Games obviously in Nazi Germany,” Luck shared.
It’s no surprise this story resonates with him: it’s about discipline, humility, and rising above, values that echo throughout his career both on and off the field.
Get Book: The Boys in the Boat!A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Category: Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
What It’s About
After being sentenced to house arrest in a luxury hotel by the Bolsheviks in 1922, Count Alexander Rostov must reimagine his entire existence within the gilded walls of the Metropol Hotel in Moscow.
What unfolds is a rich, sweeping story of dignity, reinvention, and the quiet power of kindness, all set against the backdrop of political upheaval.
Why You Should Read It
This isn’t just a story about confinement—it’s about grace, wit, and how one man’s inner world can expand even as his physical one shrinks. Towles crafts a narrative that’s both elegant and emotionally resonant, reminding readers that even in limitation, there can be profound beauty and purpose. If you appreciate slow-burn storytelling and finely drawn characters, this is a literary gem.
Andrew’s Take
Though he hasn’t publicly expanded on this pick, A Gentleman in Moscow aligns beautifully with Luck’s known love for introspective, character-driven fiction. It’s a story that mirrors the patience and strategic mind of someone who’s spent years reading defenses—only this time, it’s emotional layers, not linebackers, being dissected.
Get Book: A Gentleman in Moscow!Red Notice by Bill Browder
Category: Memoir, True Crime, International Politics
What It’s About
Red Notice is the gripping, real-life thriller of Bill Browder—an American financier turned human rights activist—who exposed corruption in Vladimir Putin’s Russia after his friend and lawyer, Sergei Magnitsky, was murdered in a Moscow prison.
What starts as a tale of wealth and opportunity quickly spirals into a fight for justice, as Browder risks everything to hold a powerful regime accountable.
Why You Should Read It
If you’re into political thrillers but want the real thing, this book reads like fiction—but it’s terrifyingly true. Browder’s account is as personal as it is political, shedding light on global corruption, courage under pressure, and the price of speaking up. It’s intense, fast-paced, and eye-opening—perfect for readers who like their stories with stakes that couldn’t be higher.
Andrew’s Take
Red Notice has all the traits of an Andrew Luck pick—smart, global, and morally driven. Known for his admiration of high-stakes narratives grounded in justice and grit, Luck gravitates toward stories where individuals rise against systems. This one fits the bill—pun absolutely intended.
Get Book: Red Notice!Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage by Alfred Lansing
Category: Adventure, History, Survival
What It’s About
This epic non-fiction classic recounts Sir Ernest Shackleton’s legendary 1914 expedition to Antarctica, where his ship, Endurance, became trapped in ice—and ultimately sank—leaving his crew stranded in one of the most unforgiving places on Earth.
Through firsthand diaries and interviews, Lansing masterfully reconstructs the crew’s harrowing journey of survival, teamwork, and unshakable determination over nearly two years in the polar wilderness.
Why You Should Read It
Few true stories capture the human spirit like Endurance. It’s not just about survival—it’s about leadership under pressure, loyalty to your team, and the ability to push beyond physical and mental limits. The pacing is brisk, the tension is real, and the stakes? Absolutely brutal. Whether you’re into history, leadership, or just love a gripping read, this one delivers.
Andrew’s Take
You can see why this one would resonate with Andrew Luck. Endurance is the ultimate playbook for perseverance. It celebrates strategic thinking, calm under fire, and the kind of team-first mindset that defines great quarterbacks and great explorers alike. Shackleton’s leadership in the face of crushing odds mirrors the kind of grit and resolve Luck admired—and practiced—on and off the field.
Get Book: Endurance by Alfred Lansing!The Art of Racing in the Rain by Garth Stein
Category: Contemporary Fiction, Family Drama, Inspirational
What It’s About
Told from the perspective of Enzo—a wise, philosophical dog with a deep love for race car driving—this novel follows the life of his owner, Denny, a race car driver facing a series of devastating personal challenges.
Through Enzo’s eyes, readers witness a moving story of resilience, heartbreak, and the bond between humans and their loyal companions. It’s an unconventional but deeply emotional narrative that explores life’s twists and turns with humor and hope.
Why You Should Read It
The Art of Racing in the Rain is a story that sneaks up on you. It’s charming, tear-jerking, and surprisingly profound. Whether you’re a dog lover, a fan of racing, or just someone who appreciates stories of hope through hardship, this book delivers. It’s also a poignant reminder that sometimes the ones who know us best walk on four legs.
Andrew’s Take
Described by Andrew as a “heart-wrenching but deeply funny and ultimately uplifting story of family, love, loyalty, and hope,” it’s clear this book struck an emotional chord.
As a former athlete who understands the emotional toll of setbacks and triumphs, Andrew likely found Denny’s story relatable—especially its themes of perseverance, identity, and finding strength in unexpected places.
Get Book: The Art of Racing in the Rain!The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse by Rich Cohen
Category: Sports History, Memoir, Baseball
What It’s About
This book dives deep into one of the most legendary droughts in sports history—the Chicago Cubs’ infamous 108-year struggle to win the World Series.
Blending personal memoir, baseball analysis, and cultural history, Rich Cohen explores what it means to be a lifelong Cubs fan and how a team’s heartbreaks can mirror the emotional rollercoaster of life itself. It’s as much about resilience as it is about baseball.
Why You Should Read It
Even if you’re not a baseball buff, Story of a Curse delivers an engrossing read full of humor, heartbreak, and long-awaited redemption. It’s a reflection on loyalty, disappointment, and the joy of finally seeing your team defy the odds. Perfect for sports lovers, yes—but also for anyone who’s ever held onto hope longer than reason says they should.
Andrew’s Take
As someone who spent years in competitive sports and knows what it’s like to battle through high expectations and pressure, Andrew likely saw parallels between the Cubs’ perseverance and the grit required in any long game. This pick underscores his appreciation for underdog stories, historical context, and the emotional depth that sports can hold beyond the field.
Get Book: The Chicago Cubs: Story of a Curse!Number the Stars by Lois Lowry
Category: Historical Fiction, Middle Grade, WWII
What It’s About
Set in Nazi-occupied Denmark during World War II, Number the Stars tells the story of ten-year-old Annemarie Johansen, whose family risks everything to help their Jewish friends escape persecution. Through the eyes of a child, Lois Lowry brings to life themes of bravery, friendship, and moral courage in the face of danger.
It’s a compact yet powerful story that introduces younger readers to the realities of war and resistance.
Why You Should Read It
This Newbery Medal-winning novel remains a timeless entry point into conversations about justice, compassion, and doing the right thing when it’s hardest. It’s beautifully written and deeply affecting, with lessons that transcend age. Whether you read it as a child or an adult, Number the Stars lingers long after the final page.
Andrew’s Take
Andrew Luck has consistently shown a fondness for literature that balances heart and history. Number the Stars reflects his interest in stories that highlight moral integrity and the quiet strength of everyday heroes—qualities that no doubt resonate with his thoughtful, leadership-driven mindset both on and off the field.
Get Book: Number the Stars!Hatchet by Gary Paulsen
Category: Survival Fiction, Young Adult, Adventure
What It’s About
Hatchet follows thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson, who survives a plane crash and must fend for himself in the Canadian wilderness with nothing but a hatchet—gifted to him by his mother.
Over the course of his harrowing solitude, Brian learns not only how to survive physically but also how to process emotional trauma, develop resilience, and respect nature’s unforgiving beauty.
Why You Should Read It
More than just a wilderness survival tale, Hatchet is a raw, emotionally stirring coming-of-age story. It blends fast-paced, gripping tension with moments of quiet introspection—making it a favorite for both young readers and nostalgic adults who once imagined themselves in Brian’s shoes.
Andrew’s Take
“It’s a book I had fond memories of reading and I wanted to read it again,” Luck shared, noting its outdoorsy appeal and its sentimental value.
He described Hatchet as a thrilling survival story rooted in extreme camping and personal grit. It was a childhood favorite—one he later discovered was also a favorite of his partner. That shared connection makes the story even more memorable, speaking to how literature often becomes a thread in our most meaningful relationships.
Get Book: Hatchet by Gary Paulsen!Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli
Category: Middle Grade Fiction, Coming-of-Age, Social Issues
What It’s About
Maniac Magee tells the story of Jeffrey Lionel Magee, a young runaway who becomes a local legend in a racially divided town. With a talent for running and a heart full of compassion, Maniac bridges gaps between communities, defies prejudice, and challenges the lines society draws between people.
It’s a moving tale about homelessness, friendship, race, and the search for belonging.
Why You Should Read It
Spinelli’s novel blends whimsical storytelling with powerful social commentary, making it a standout in children’s literature. It’s the kind of book that stays with you—offering new insight each time you read it, whether you’re 12 or 42. Its themes of empathy, resilience, and unity make it just as relevant today as when it was first published.
Andrew’s Take
“I loved this book throughout my childhood,” Luck said. “I actually still read it.”
That enduring affection speaks volumes. Maniac Magee is more than a childhood favorite for Luck—it’s a story he continues to revisit, likely for its moral depth, emotional richness, and the timeless way it speaks to the heart.
Get Book: Maniac Magee!The Terrible Two by Mac Barnett and Jory John
Category: Children’s Fiction, Humor, Friendship
What It’s About
When Miles Murphy moves to a new town, he plans to take over as the school’s top prankster. But things don’t go as expected when he meets Niles Sparks—already the reigning mischief-maker at Yawnee Valley Science and Letters Academy.
What starts as a rivalry soon turns into an epic (and hilarious) partnership. Full of clever gags and heartwarming lessons, The Terrible Two is a fun ride for readers of all ages.
Why You Should Read It
With laugh-out-loud moments and a surprising amount of depth, this book is a joyful reminder of how humor and friendship can flourish in the most unexpected places. It’s a perfect pick for readers who love smart, silly fun—and it’s also great for parents or educators looking for a book that gets kids excited about reading.
Andrew’s Take
While Luck hasn’t publicly expanded on why he loves The Terrible Two, it fits his reading style perfectly—smart, playful, and full of heart. Known for his support of children’s literacy, Luck has spotlighted this series as a favorite during his Andrew Luck Book Club days. It’s just the kind of book that reflects his belief in learning through laughter.
Get Book: The Terrible Two!How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Category: Children’s Fiction, Adventure, Fantasy
What It’s About
Set in a Viking world, How to Train Your Dragon follows young Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III as he struggles to prove himself in a tribe of fierce warriors. His task? Capture and train a dragon.
But when he ends up with a tiny, toothless dragon named—well—Toothless, Hiccup’s path takes a hilarious and heartfelt detour. Through courage, wit, and compassion, Hiccup discovers that true strength isn’t about brute force—it’s about understanding, kindness, and forging your own path.
Why You Should Read It
This book is more than a dragon tale—it’s a story about leadership, empathy, and embracing your unique strengths. With humor and heart, Cowell crafts a world that’s irresistible to both kids and adults. If you’re into underdog heroes and unlikely friendships, this one’s a must.
Andrew’s Take
As part of his Andrew Luck Book Club picks, How to Train Your Dragon reflects Luck’s commitment to celebrating youth literature that’s both entertaining and empowering. The story’s focus on quiet bravery and clever problem-solving resonates with his own leadership style—measured, thoughtful, and never afraid to go against the grain.
Get Book: How to Train Your Dragon!Final Whistle: Why Andrew Luck’s Books Still Score Big
Andrew Luck’s reading list is a masterclass in range—spanning childhood nostalgia, historical grit, political intrigue, and timeless tales of resilience. Whether he’s diving into stories of underdogs, decoding complex systems of power, or revisiting the books that shaped his youth, Luck proves that thoughtful reading is a lifelong pursuit. His choices remind us that great books, like great quarterbacks, have the power to change the game—on the field and off.
So if you’re looking for reads that sharpen the mind and stir the heart, this list is your perfect playbook.
