3 Books & 3 Movies I’m Passing to My Sons and Grandsons

Wisdom for the road, and fire for the soul - by Sean Lynn

After over three decades as a police officer—and more than four as a husband and dad—one thing I’ve learned is that men need stories. Not just to relax with, but to live by.

Stories that remind us what it means to be a man when no one’s watching. Stories that don’t just entertain us, but shape us.

Whether it was with my sons around the TV, on a long ride across the Rockies, or sitting down with a dram and a brother, these six titles keep coming up.

They’ve helped me in my own walk—as a husband, a father, and a man trying to follow Christ in a complicated world.

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‘Wins, Losses, and Lessons’ by Lou Holtz

Lou Holtz coached college football, but more than that, he coached men. This book isn’t just about winning games. It’s about losing with grace, leading with faith, and showing up when it’s hard.

“You’re never as good as they say when you win, and you’re never as bad as they say when you lose.” That line could sum up fatherhood, marriage, and ministry. Holtz reminds us that success isn’t about glory—it’s about character.

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‘The Screwtape Letters’ by CS Lewis.

C.S. Lewis wrote this book like a set of letters from a senior demon to a junior one. Strange idea, but it works—and it works well. It gives you a look behind the curtain at how the enemy tries to wear men down, not with big temptations, but with little compromises.

“The safest road to Hell is the gradual one.” It’s not about shock and awe. It’s about distraction, comfort, and pride. You don’t read this one and walk away unchanged. It makes you examine your thoughts, your habits, and the ways you’ve gone numb.

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‘Father Elijah’ by Michael O’Brien

Set in a world falling apart under the Antichrist, ‘Father Elijah’ is about a quiet, faithful man sent into the heart of darkness. This is a story for men who know the world is changing fast, and not always for the better. It’s for men who are tired, maybe even discouraged, but still want to stand firm for what matters.

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‘The Lord of the Rings’

This one’s personal. I’ve watched these movies with my sons more times than I can count. And every time, they remind me of what it means to carry a burden, walk with brothers, and fight for the good—even when it seems hopeless.

“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.” Whether you see yourself in Frodo’s struggle, Sam’s loyalty, or Aragorn’s reluctant leadership, these stories hit deep. Greatness comes not from strength or success—but from perseverance, humility, and sacrifice.

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‘Secondhand Lions.’

Two crusty old men, a boy, a lion, and a porch. Sounds like a joke, but it’s one of the most meaningful movies I’ve watched. It’s a reminder that you don’t have to be perfect to be a hero—you just have to show up, and mean it.

“Sometimes the things that may or may not be true are the things a man needs to believe in the most.” It’s one of the best stories I’ve seen about mentoring, legacy, and living a life that’s interesting—even if a little messy.

If you’re a dad or a grandfather, this one will land heavy, in the best way.

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‘Braveheart’

This one for the ages isn’t a history lesson. It’s a gut-punch. It’s about standing for what’s right when it costs you everything. Wallace doesn’t fight for fame or revenge. He fights for freedom.

“Every man dies. Not every man really lives.” This film reminded me of every fallen officer I’ve known. Every father who worked the overnight shift to keep food on the table.

Every man who carried more than most could handle. This movie calls something out of a man. It’s not about violence. It’s about valor.