Your 20s are an exciting time filled with changes, growth, and important decisions. Books can be valuable resources during this time, offering knowledge, guidance, and different viewpoints to help you make informed choices. Whether it’s about understanding yourself better, dealing with relationships, pursuing a career, or simply broadening your horizons, some books can deeply influence and assist you during these years. “Top Books You Need to Read in Your 20s” presents a list of carefully selected books from various genres that are not only engaging but also relevant to the experiences many face during this decade. Explore these recommended books to find advice, reflection, and inspiration as you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your 20s.
Top Books You Should Read in Your 20s
Alexander den Heijer
Nothing you don’t already know
"Nothing you don't already know" by Alexander den Heijer is a simple and practical guide to living a fulfilling and meaningful life. This book is for anyone who wants to unlock their potential and make a positive impact. It features popular quotes and writings from Alexander's Instagram page, which have already inspired thousands of people. The book covers important topics such as finding purpose, overcoming fear, and making a difference. It serves as a concise handbook filled with valuable reminders about the meaning of life and self-discovery.
Becky Chambers
The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet
"The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet" by Becky Chambers is a light-hearted debut space opera that takes readers on an exciting journey through space. The story follows Rosemary Harper, a young woman who joins the crew of the aging spaceship, Wayfarer. As she explores the far reaches of the galaxy, Rosemary discovers the meaning of family and learns to rely on her diverse and eccentric crewmates. When they are offered a dangerous job that could secure their future, the crew must face unexpected mishaps and thrilling adventures that test their bonds and teach Rosemary about love, trust, and the importance of having a family.
Bianca Sparacino
A Gentle Reminder
"A Gentle Reminder" by Bianca Sparacino is a heartfelt book that offers gentle reminders for the ups and downs of life. It provides comforting words for when you feel light and hopeful, as well as when you are healing and learning to trust in goodness. The book encourages you to embrace both the messy and beautiful aspects of being human, and reminds you that it's okay to be happy and sad. It also emphasizes the importance of self-love, letting go of the past, and staying soft in a world that can be harsh.
Brianna Wiest
The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery
"The Mountain Is You: Transforming Self-Sabotage Into Self-Mastery" by Brianna Wiest is a book that explores the concept of self-sabotage and provides practical strategies to overcome it. The author delves into why we engage in self-sabotaging behaviors, when we do it, and how to break free from this destructive cycle. By gaining insight into our harmful habits, developing emotional intelligence, healing past experiences, and envisioning our best selves, we can remove the obstacles that hold us back and reach our full potential. Using the metaphor of a mountain, the book emphasizes the importance of addressing internal struggles, building resilience, and changing our mindset to conquer life's challenges.
Brit Bennett
The Vanishing Half
"The Vanishing Half" by Brit Bennett tells the story of the Vignes twin sisters, who grew up in a small black community in the South. After running away at sixteen, their lives take different paths as adults. One sister lives with her black daughter in the same town they tried to escape, while the other sister secretly lives as a white woman with her white husband. Despite the distance and lies between them, the twins' destinies remain connected. The book explores the lives of multiple generations of this family, spanning from the Deep South to California, and from the 1950s to the 1990s. It delves into the themes of family, identity, and the impact of the past on one's choices and aspirations. Beyond race, "The Vanishing Half" also explores the various reasons why people may choose to live as something other than their origins.
Cheryl Strayed
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed is a collection of the best advice from Cheryl Strayed's online column, Dear Sugar. This book brings together her wisdom and compassion in one volume, offering a balm for life's challenges. With humor, insight, and honesty, Strayed provides guidance for readers seeking advice on various topics.
Dolly Alderton
Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir
Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir by Dolly Alderton is a relatable and humorous book that explores the ups and downs of growing up. Alderton shares her experiences of falling in love, finding a job, getting drunk, and dealing with heartbreak. She also highlights the importance of strong friendships and self-acceptance. With its witty and insightful writing, this debut memoir will resonate with women of all ages, capturing the challenges and excitement of early adulthood. It's like a real-life version of Bridget Jones' Diary, filled with relatable stories and moments of uncertainty and hope.
Dolly Alderton
Dear Dolly
In "Dear Dolly," bestselling author Dolly Alderton shares her wisdom, warmth, and wit with her diverse fanbase. Through her column, she offers thoughtful advice on a wide range of relatable life problems, from breakups and body issues to family dynamics and social media. With empathy and personal experience, Dolly helps readers navigate the complexities of love, friendship, and dating. This collection of her insights is a valuable resource that will make you reflect, laugh, and find guidance for any challenge you may face.
Donna Tartt
The Secret History
"The Secret History" by Donna Tartt is a captivating novel about a group of unique and intelligent students at a college in New England. They are influenced by a charming classics professor who introduces them to a different way of thinking and living, far removed from the ordinary people around them. However, their pursuit of something greater takes them on a risky journey that challenges conventional ideas of right and wrong.
Eckhart Tolle
The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
"The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment" by Eckhart Tolle is a transformative book that helps readers connect with their true selves and experience a higher level of consciousness. Tolle uses simple language and a question-and-answer format to guide readers on a challenging but life-changing journey. This book has become a word-of-mouth phenomenon and has the power to radically improve readers' lives.
Eileen Lamb
Be The One
This book, "Be The One" by Eileen Lamb, is written for those who have been told they feel too deeply. It celebrates the strength in vulnerability and offers inspiration through short passages about friendship, love, and self-discovery. If you're searching for understanding or connection, this book is for you. It reminds us that we are not alone in our emotions.
Elizabeth Gilbert
City of Girls
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert is a captivating love story set in the vibrant theater world of 1940s New York City. The story is narrated by an older woman reflecting on her youth, filled with both pleasure and regret. The novel explores themes of female sexuality, promiscuity, and the complexities of true love. The protagonist, nineteen-year-old Vivian Morris, is sent to live with her Aunt Peg in Manhattan after being expelled from college. In this new world, she encounters a colorful cast of characters, including showgirls, actors, actresses, and a stage manager. However, a personal mistake leads to a scandal that turns Vivian's life upside down. Through these experiences, she gains a deeper understanding of the life she desires and the freedom needed to pursue it. As an eighty-nine-year-old, Vivian finally shares her story, revealing how these events shaped her life and the importance of embracing one's true self.
Fumio Sasaki
Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism
Goodbye, Things: The New Japanese Minimalism by Fumio Sasaki is a book about a regular guy who was stressed and constantly comparing himself to others. One day, he decided to change his life by getting rid of everything he didn't really need. The results were amazing: Sasaki found true freedom, focus, and gratitude for everything around him. In this book, Sasaki shares his personal experience with minimalism and gives practical tips on how to minimize your belongings. He also explains how minimalism can transform your space and enrich your life.
Gabriel Garcia Marquez
100 Years of Solitude
One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez is a widely beloved and acclaimed novel that tells the story of the rise and fall of the mythical town of Macondo through the history of the Buendía family. It explores universal themes such as love, war, riches, and the search for peace and truth. This beautiful and comical story weaves together the political, personal, and spiritual to bring a new consciousness to storytelling. Translated into many languages, it is considered an account of the history of the human race.
Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
"Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman is a heartwarming story about Eleanor Oliphant, a woman who struggles with social skills and lives a solitary life. Her routine of frozen pizza, vodka, and phone calls with her mother is disrupted when she meets Raymond, a clumsy IT guy from her office. Together, they save an elderly man named Sammy and form a friendship that helps them escape their isolated lives. With Raymond's kindness, Eleanor begins to heal her own damaged heart.
Gorge Orwell
1984
In the book "1984" by George Orwell, the story takes place in a bleak city called London, which is ruled by a totalitarian government known as Oceania. The citizens are constantly monitored by Big Brother and the Thought Police, who can almost read their thoughts. The protagonist, Winston Smith, is in great danger because he still has memories and thoughts that go against the Party's beliefs. He becomes involved in a forbidden love affair and joins a secret revolutionary group called The Brotherhood, whose goal is to overthrow the Party. Alongside his love interest, Julia, Winston risks his life in a dangerous battle against the ruling powers. Lionel Trilling described "1984" as a thought-provoking and captivating book that explores the political future through a magnifying lens of the present. Although the year 1984 has passed, Orwell's novel continues to be a powerful reminder for individuals who dare to challenge authority and speak the truth.
James Clear
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a practical guide that offers a proven framework for improving your habits every day. Clear, an expert on habit formation, provides strategies that will teach you how to develop good habits, break bad ones, and master the small behaviors that lead to remarkable results. He simplifies complex topics from biology, psychology, and neuroscience to create an easy-to-understand guide for making good habits inevitable and bad habits impossible. Through inspiring true stories, Clear shows how small habits have helped Olympic gold medalists, award-winning artists, business leaders, physicians, and comedians achieve success. Whether you want to make time for new habits, overcome lack of motivation, design your environment for success, or get back on track when you stumble, Atomic Habits will reshape your thinking and provide you with the tools and strategies to transform your habits and achieve your goals.
Jay Shetty
8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go
In "8 Rules of Love: How to Find It, Keep It, and Let It Go," Jay Shetty provides practical advice on how to navigate the complexities of love. Drawing from Vedic wisdom and modern science, Shetty offers actionable steps to help readers develop the skills needed to nurture and practice love effectively. From defining love to handling break-ups, Shetty covers the entire relationship cycle, providing insights on how to win or lose together.
Jen Sincero
You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life
"You Are a Badass" by Jen Sincero is a fun and inspiring guide that helps you transform your mindset and live an amazing life. With 27 easy-to-read chapters, Sincero shares hilarious stories, practical advice, and simple exercises to help you overcome self-doubt, attract what you want, and create a life you love. This book will empower you to make positive changes, overcome obstacles, and achieve the life you've always dreamed of.
Joan Didion
The Year of Magical Thinking
"The Year of Magical Thinking" by Joan Didion is a poignant memoir that chronicles the author's experience of losing her husband and nearly losing her daughter within a short span of time. After their daughter falls critically ill, the couple's lives are shattered when the husband suddenly passes away. Didion reflects on the profound impact of these events, grappling with the fragility of life, the complexities of grief, and the unraveling of her previously held beliefs. This heartfelt book delves into the depths of loss and the search for meaning in the face of tragedy.
June Eding
How to Hug a Porcupine: Easy Ways to Love Difficult People in Your Life
"How to Hug a Porcupine" by June Eding offers practical and simple strategies for dealing with difficult people in your life. Whether it's a family member, coworker, or someone in your community, this book provides innovative approaches to understanding, loving, and communicating with them. Using an adorable animal analogy, the book shows that making peace with troublesome individuals is not as challenging as it may seem.
Kimberly Nicholas
Under the Sky We Make: How to Be Human in a Warming World
Under the Sky We Make by Kimberly Nicholas is a book that addresses the climate crisis in a relatable and accessible way. Dr. Nicholas, a climate scientist, emphasizes that while companies and governments are responsible for the current state of the environment, individuals also have the power to make a difference. Through personal anecdotes and scientific expertise, Nicholas explores how we can find purpose in a warming world. She discusses topics such as the carbon footprint of travel, finding sustainable love, and even her own family's relationship with supermarket turkeys. This book offers a hopeful and humorous guide to effecting real change in our own lives and society. Dr. Nicholas argues that saving ourselves from climate disaster requires believing in our own agency and taking action.
Lori Gottlieb
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb is a captivating book that takes readers on a journey through the world of therapy. The story follows Gottlieb, a therapist in Los Angeles, who suddenly finds herself in need of therapy after a personal crisis. She ends up seeing Wendell, a quirky therapist who challenges her in unexpected ways. As Gottlieb delves into the lives of her own patients, she realizes that the questions they struggle with are the same ones she is grappling with herself. With humor and wisdom, Gottlieb explores the truths and lies we tell ourselves and others, and the complexities of love, desire, guilt, and hope.
Malcolm X, Alex Haley
The Autobiography of Malcolm X
"The Autobiography of Malcolm X" is a powerful and influential book written by Malcolm X and Alex Haley. Originally published in 1964, it tells the remarkable story of Malcolm X's life and his involvement in the Black Muslim movement. Through his personal experiences, Malcolm X sheds light on the flaws of the American Dream and the racism that exists in a society that denies equal opportunities to nonwhite individuals. This book provides valuable insights into pressing issues of our time and serves as a definitive statement of a movement and a man whose impact continues to resonate.
Meg Jay
The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now
"The Defining Decade" by Meg Jay is a book that challenges the notion that your twenties are a time of little importance. Jay argues that this decade is actually a crucial period of transformation and growth. Drawing from her extensive experience working with young adults, Jay combines scientific research with real-life stories to provide valuable insights and advice. This updated edition also includes the latest research on various topics such as work, relationships, technology, and fertility.
Michele Cagan
Budgeting 101: From Getting Out of Debt and Tracking Expenses to Setting Financial Goals and Building Your Savings, Your Essential Guide to Budgeting
Budgeting 101 by Michele Cagan is an essential guide to help you take control of your finances. This book offers practical advice on tracking expenses, setting financial goals, reducing debt, and saving money. With step-by-step instructions and expert advice, you can manage your money effectively without the need for a financial advisor.
Michelle Obama
Becoming
"Becoming" by Michelle Obama is a captivating memoir that takes readers on a journey through the life of one of the most influential women of our time. As the First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama made history as the first African American to hold the position. She shares her experiences of creating a welcoming and inclusive White House, advocating for women and girls, and promoting healthier lifestyles for families. With honesty and wit, Obama recounts her personal triumphs and disappointments, from her childhood in Chicago to her time in the spotlight.
Michelle Zauner
Crying in H Mart
"Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner is a heartfelt and relatable memoir that explores themes of family, food, grief, and resilience. Zauner, known for her musical talents, shares her experiences growing up as one of the few Asian American kids in Oregon, navigating her mother's high expectations, and the challenges of adolescence. The story also delves into the cherished moments spent with her grandmother in Seoul, bonding over delicious meals. As Zauner moves to the East Coast, pursues a career in the restaurant industry, and finds love, she begins to feel disconnected from her Korean heritage. However, it is her mother's terminal cancer diagnosis that prompts her to confront her identity and rediscover the importance of her cultural roots.
Morgan Housel
The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
"The Psychology of Money" by Morgan Housel is a book that offers timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness. It emphasizes that success with money is not solely based on knowledge, but also on behavior. Housel explains that while money is often seen as a math-based field, real-life financial decisions are influenced by personal history, individual perspectives, emotions, and various external factors. Through 19 short stories, the author provides insights into the peculiar ways people think about money and offers guidance on how to gain a better understanding of this crucial aspect of life.
Naomi Klein
This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate
In "This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate," Naomi Klein argues that climate change is a pressing issue that requires us to address the flaws in our economic system. She explains how reducing greenhouse emissions can help reduce inequality, improve democracy, and revive local economies. Klein criticizes climate-change deniers, geoengineers, and mainstream green initiatives, highlighting the market's inability to solve the crisis. She suggests that the necessary changes to combat climate change should be seen as an opportunity to transform our priorities and heal historical wounds. Klein also showcases inspiring movements that are already working towards building sustainable economies. While the outcome is uncertain, Klein emphasizes that climate change has the potential to change everything, and it is up to us to determine the nature of that change.
Natasha Lunn
Conversations on Love
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn is a book that explores the different aspects of love through personal essays and interviews with experts. The author, realizing that there was no clear understanding of love, embarked on a journey to have candid conversations about love's complexities. The book addresses three key questions: how to find love, how to sustain it, and how to cope with its loss. Through real-life stories and insights from experts, this book offers solace, hope, and a fresh perspective on relationships.
Ottessa Moshfegh
My Year of Rest and Relaxation
"My Year of Rest and Relaxation" by Ottessa Moshfegh is a novel about a young woman who tries to escape the troubles of the world by going into a deep sleep with the help of a terrible psychiatrist and a variety of medications. Despite having a seemingly perfect life, the protagonist feels a deep emptiness inside her. Set in the year 2000 in a wealthy and promising city, the book explores the reasons behind her alienation and the unconventional methods she uses to heal herself. Moshfegh's writing is both tender and darkly humorous, showcasing her talent as a powerful writer.
Paul Kalanithi
When Breath Becomes Air
When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi is a deeply moving memoir that tells the story of the author's journey from being a neurosurgeon to becoming a patient himself. At the age of thirty-six, Kalanithi was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer, completely changing the course of his life. In this book, he explores profound questions about the meaning of life in the face of death and reflects on the experience of becoming a father while confronting his own mortality. Despite his untimely death, Kalanithi's words continue to inspire and guide readers, offering a powerful perspective on the challenges of facing death and the unique relationship between doctor and patient.
Robert M Pirsig
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry Into Values
Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig is a thought-provoking book that explores the meaning of life and offers guidance on how to live a better life. It tells the story of a father and son on a motorcycle trip, but it goes beyond that to delve into deep philosophical questions.
Ryan Holiday
Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control
Discipline Is Destiny: The Power of Self-Control by Ryan Holiday is a book that emphasizes the importance of self-discipline in achieving success and happiness. Holiday explores the stories of various historical figures, both as examples to emulate and cautionary tales. Through engaging examples, the author teaches readers about the power of self-discipline and balance, while warning against the dangers of excess and indulgence. The book also delves into the core virtues of Stoicism, including courage, temperance, justice, and wisdom, and how they contribute to self-mastery.
Ryan Holiday, Stephen Hanselman
The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living
"The Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living" by Ryan Holiday and Stephen Hanselman is a book that explores why influential figures throughout history, from George Washington to Ralph Waldo Emerson, have embraced the wisdom of the ancient Stoics. This book offers daily insights and exercises for an entire year, featuring quotes from renowned Stoic philosophers such as Marcus Aurelius and Seneca. With historical anecdotes, commentary, and a glossary of Greek terms, this book provides the tools needed to cultivate serenity, self-knowledge, and resilience for a better life.
Sally Rooney
Normal People
"Normal People" by Sally Rooney tells the story of Connell and Marianne, who grew up in the same small town but have very different lives. Connell is popular in school, while Marianne is a loner. However, when they start talking, something life-changing begins. A year later, they both attend Trinity College in Dublin. Marianne thrives in her new social world, while Connell remains shy and uncertain. Throughout their university years, they are drawn to each other, even as they explore other relationships. As they face personal challenges, they must decide how far they are willing to go to save each other.
Spencer Johnson
Who Moved My Cheese?
Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson is a timeless business classic that offers valuable insights on dealing with change. Through a simple parable, the book reveals profound truths about managing change in both your work and personal life. Dr. Johnson, coauthor of the bestselling book The One Minute Manager, emphasizes the importance of attitude when facing a rapidly changing world. By exploring a simple approach to managing the future, this book helps readers overcome fear and anxiety associated with change. It provides practical advice on how to anticipate, acknowledge, and accept change in order to have a positive impact on your job, relationships, and overall life.
Susan Cain
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain is a book that sheds light on the value of introverts in a society that often overlooks them. Cain explores the rise of extroversion as the ideal personality trait and how it has influenced our culture. Through compelling stories of successful introverts, she demonstrates the unique strengths and contributions they bring to the table.
