18 Fantastic Books to Read in Your 20s (2024)

Your 20s are a pivotal decade. You leave the comfort of childhood and school schedule, and suddenly, you're supposed to be an adult. As you navigate your new world, you'll make mistakes and changes, celebrate milestones, learn lessons in love, and mourn missed opportunities. It's an important, fundamental time to explore who you are, who you want to be, and what matters most to your happiness.

Though 10 years might not seem like a long time, 20-somethings shape every generation, have buying power, and ultimately, will become leaders as their careers—and lives—grow. During this unique, transformational period, reading the works of great writers can inspire your journey. From harrowing nonfiction tales to cheeky self-help reads and page-turning fiction, here are some fantastic books to read in your 20s (and want to return to again and again).

01of 18

'Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies' by Tara Schuster

18 Fantastic Books to Read in Your 20s (1)

Feeling envy toward successful influencers, entrepreneurs, and celebrities is entirely normal; but it's also important to remember that not everything is as it appears. This is the story of Tara Schuster, who writes about her experience as a television executive rising to stardom in her late 20s. While her life looked glamorous, in reality, she was suffering from intense anxiety and depression. Her rock-bottom moment came when she called her therapist while drunk, begging for help. Her quick-witted, straight-talking book is about accepting who you are, dealing with your baggage, owning your emotions, treating yourself with love, and building confidence.

02of 18

'Revolution From Within' by Gloria Steinem

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Every woman (and everyone) should keep handy a copy of this 1993 book from feminist icon Gloria Steinem. As one of the pioneers of the women's movement, Steinem's guidebook discusses sexuality, age, race, gender, and ability. In addition to sharing her own stories, she draws on the journeys of other women, all sending the message that it's vital for all people to fight for equality. It was once heralded as 'the ultimate self-help book' by the Los Angeles Times.

03of 18

'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail' by Cheryl Strayed

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There's a moment in your 20s when you look around, take inventory of your life, and wonder: What would happen if I changed everything? Many resist the urge. Others dive head-first into it, like author Cheryl Strayed did. In her captivating memoir, she explains how and why she decided to hike the Pacific Crest Trail alone at age 26. As she walks thousands of miles by herself, she heals the grief of losing her mother, the pain of her divorce, and discovers she has all she needs to change her life. Before you watch the movie (and even if you already have), add this book to your must-read pile.

04of 18

'The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion

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Joan Didion is considered one of the greatest writers of the past 50 years. Her captivating prose draws in readers with true vulnerability and realism. For any 20-something who is sadly forced to process the grief after losing a loved one, this book is an absolute must-read. Right before Christmas, Didion's only child, a daughter, was induced into a coma due to septic shock. A few days later, her husband suffered a fatal coronary right in front of her at the dinner table. While her daughter recovered, she was left to grapple with the grief of losing the love of her life. Then, four months later, she had a hematoma that required six hours of brain surgery. Her writing takes readers through her journey with a beautiful ability to connect life, death, mental health, pain, and joy, as only Didion can do.

'The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life' by Lauren Martin

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One of the reasons older generations tend to roll their eyes at those in their 20s is due to a difference in the way these age groups process emotions. With age and experience comes the ability to manage how you feel and deal with it effectively. Or do we simply better understand the social standards of what's accessible? These are the questions The Book of Moods seeks to uncover. Martin investigates how we can better accept and honor feelings, rather than shying away from emotional triggers and controlling our responses. More importantly, she shares how to prioritize our mental health habits. In addition to personal anecdotes, Martin includes thoughts from Mariska Hargitay, Bobbi Brown, Emma Robert, Brie Larson, and more.

06of 18

'How to Be a Person in the World' by Heather Havrilesky

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If you missed reading the amazing 'Ask Polly' column in The Cut, here's your gentle nudge to start. You'll find yourself pouring over every last word, nodding along, tearing up, and wanting more. Bad news: The column was discontinued in 2021. Good news: There is more. This book from 'Polly'—aka writer Heather Havrilesky—explores how to be your own problem solver, how to process your emotions, and how to build your sense of self. It will leave you ready to tackle anything that comes your way, guaranteed.

07of 18

'The Group' by Mary McCarthy

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In your 20s, you'll collect friends from different aspects of your life—the college friends, work pals, the happenstance buds you meet randomly. The Group is an older book, but a timeless one that illustrates perfectly the ups and downs of adult friendships. This classic novel takes readers along on the separate, but intertwining journeys of eight friends and Vassar graduates post-university.

34 Great Books to Suit Any Mood or Interest

08of 18

'Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together' by Erin Lowry

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Money is a stressful topic for most people, regardless of age. And the only way to break through feelings of discomfort and anxiety around finances is to educate yourself and take control. This detailed book helps 20-somethings navigate the big money topics most on their minds—budgeting, student loans, savings and investing—and also touches on the more hush-hush struggles that don't get enough air time, like keeping up with your friends' spending habits, asking for a raise, and getting comfortable talking about money around colleagues, romantic partners, and friends.

09of 18

'The Defining Decade' by Meg Jay

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The name says it all: This nonfiction best-seller is focused on remaining in the present. All too often, the 20s are touted as a throw-away decade that's full of bad mistakes, too much booze, and career mishaps. In reality, these 10 years are significant ones, and it's vital to give them the attention they deserve. Based on research, Jay takes a provocative look into why our 20s matter and how they can shape our relationships, our jobs, and our identity for decades to come.

10of 18

'Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person' by Shonda Rhimes

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You already know the powerhouse that is Shonda Rhimes, the creator and producer of Emmy-award-winning shows Grey's Anatomy, Scandal, How to Get Away With Murder, and Bridgerton. Though she's built an impressive career, Rhimes self-identifies as an introvert and had to force herself to lean into activities that made her uncomfortable. How? By committing to one full year of saying 'yes' to anything that scared her. Yes, anything. Her powerful and heartwarming book details this 12-month challenge and how it transformed her life for the better.

11of 18

'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides

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A shocking thriller that takes the reader through many emotions, The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides is a suspenseful novel worthy of your time. Step into a psychological thriller of character Alicia Benson's life that turns upside down when her husband returns late from a fashion shoot and she shoots him five times in the face and never says another word. A therapist becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth of this mystery.

12of 18

'In Five Years' by Rebecca Serle

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An unpredictable novel with lots of twists, In Five Years by Rebecca Serle follows character Dannie Kohan who lives her picture perfect life in numbers. For a mind-blowing twist, Dannie wakes up and her life flashes forward five years and it's completely different. This book's unforgettable love story, is unexpected and captivating.

13of 18

'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. Schwab

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A must-read for fantasy lovers, this immersive story by V.E. Schwab is compelling and takes the reader back to France in 1714, where the main character is cursed to be forgotten by anyone she meets. This enchanting novel shares Addie LaRue's journey to live forever and leave her mark on the world.

14of 18

'The Power Of Habit' by Charles Duhigg

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Transform your life by learning how to nip bad habits in the bud and form new healthy habits. Author Charles Duhigg teaches readers the human nature behind habits, how to create real change, and set yourself up for success to reach your highest potential.

15of 18

'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen

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A timeless classic, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen encourages readers to never judge a book by it's cover. At first glance, Characters Elizabeth Bennet and eligible bachelor Fitzwilliam Darcy instantly have conflict from Bennet's first impressions. Austen teaches readers the important lesson that you cannot base someone's character on first impressions.

16of 18

'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho

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In need of an enchanted escape from reality? Look no further than this mystical fantasy by Paulo Coelho. This tale follows an Andalusian shepherd boy as he travels from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of an unknown treasure. Feel inspired by the story's message of following your heart and the power of our dreams.

17of 18

'Educated: A Memoir' by Tara Westover

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Author Tara Westover shares her story about her upbringing in rural Idaho and how the power of education can change lives. Westover set foot in a classroom for the first time at age 17 and went on to earn a Ph.D. from Trinity College. Book reviewers have called her memoir heartbreaking and heartwarming as well as inspiring others to seek out education.

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'What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast' by Laura Vanderkam

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Tired of hitting the snooze button? Carve out time for yourself in the morning and prioritize self-care. Explore this practical guide from writer Laura Vanderkam and learn how to become a morning person. Start maximizing your day by creating the picture-perfect morning and building habits to achieve your goals.

18 Fantastic Books to Read in Your 20s (2024)

FAQs

What are 22 year olds reading? ›

Reading List Of A 22 Year Old Graduate
  • The Time Machine. by H.G. Wells, Carlo Pagetti (Foreword), Greg Bear (Introduction) ...
  • The Penelopiad. ...
  • Life Lessons From Nietzsche. ...
  • Life Lessons From Freud. ...
  • Life Lessons from Bergson. ...
  • Life Lessons From Byron. ...
  • Life Lessons from Hobbes. ...
  • Life Lessons from Kierkegaard.

How many books does the average 20 year old read? ›

And the number of books consumed dropped by age, with adults aged 18-34 reading 13 books for the year, compared to 12.5 books for those between 35-54, and 12 books for those older than 55.

How many books is impressive to read in a year? ›

You're in the top half of U.S. adults. Reading five books put you in the top 33 percent, while reading 10 books put you in the top 21 percent. Those of us who read more than 50 books are the true one-percenters: people who read more books than 99 percent of their fellow Americans.

What is the number 1 most read book? ›

With over 5 billion copies sold and distributed, the Bible takes the top spot as the most read and widely distributed book in the world.

Is 22 too late to start reading? ›

It's never too late to pick up a book and dive into the world of literature. Whether it's for leisure, self-improvement, or career development, reading can be immensely rewarding at any age.

What age read the most? ›

The highest percentage of readers by age was 88 percent, among the 18-24 age group, followed by 86 percent in the 16-17 range. Readers in the 30-39 group were a close third at 84 percent. The lowest percentage of readers was among people older than 65, at 68 percent.

What is the highest reading age? ›

Reading Ability Scale

The values on the scale are 0 to 600 – a higher scale score represents a higher reading ability level. The reading ability of a student aged 6 years is around 200; for age 9 years it is around 300; and for age 16 it is around 400.

Is reading 100 books a year a lot? ›

Reading 100 books in a year is an accomplishment. For most people, it will stretch their horizons and stretch their brain to its limit. But it won't make you smarter unless what you read actually starts to impact the way that you live.

What happens if you read 50 books a year? ›

Reading 50 books in a year is a rewarding goal. It can help enhance your understanding of the world and improve focus, concentration, and memory. It's also a great way to escape the stresses of daily life and immerse yourself in new worlds. More than anything, it's a way to challenge yourself.

How does reading impact your brain? ›

The more you read, the more neural activity occurs in your brain. This leads to more neural productivity while also strengthening the various pathways in your brain. These pathways improve overall cognitive functioning, which helps your ability to actively recall information. Technology trains you to be distracted.

How many books can you realistically read in a lifetime? ›

Of those who did, the average was 11 books. By that count, if a seven-year-old began reading in 2023, they would get through roughly 770 books in their lifetime, according to actuarial tables. A 30-year-old might have around 500 left to read. And someone in their 70s might be down to their last 100.

How many books does the average CEO read? ›

In fact, the average number of books read by a CEO is 60 books per year, or five books each month. “What I know for sure is that reading opens you up,” says Oprah, “It exposes you and gives you access to anything your mind can hold. What I love most about reading—It gives you the ability to reach higher ground.”

Is reading books healthy? ›

Studies have shown reading helps reduce stress, likely because it requires concentration and focus. Researchers at the University of Sussex found that participants who read for just six minutes experienced reduced muscle tension and a slower heart rate.

Is 25 too late to start reading? ›

It's never too late to pick up a book and dive into the world of literature. Whether it's for leisure, self-improvement, or career development, reading can be immensely rewarding at any age.

Is 26 mid or late 20s? ›

- Mid-20s refer to ages 25-26. - Typically, mid-20s range from 25 to 26 years old.

Is 21 too late to start reading? ›

Moral of the story: It's never too late to become a reader.

How to thrive in your 20s? ›

20 Things to Do in Your 20s
  1. Make a plan—but be willing to change. Setting goals is great. ...
  2. Make a budget and stick to it. ...
  3. Learn how to set boundaries. ...
  4. Take care of your mental health. ...
  5. Save up an emergency fund. ...
  6. Embrace the season you're in. ...
  7. Pay off all debt (especially student loans). ...
  8. Get out of your parents' house.
Jan 30, 2024

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