Hey there! Navigating your 20s can be like wandering through a maze without a map. And while your parents’ advice or well-meaning friends might not always hit the mark, diving into the right books can totally change the game for you.
What makes a book life-changing?
So, what’s the deal with life-changing books? Well, it’s kinda hard to nail down because it’s super personal. But basically, a life-changing book is the one that hits you hard. The kind that lingers in your mind, shakes you up, and leaves you speechless.
It’s all about the impact—whether it’s about deepening your connections, learning self-love, finding your soulmate, discovering who you are, or nailing your dream job.
30 Must-Reads for Your 20s
When you stumble upon a book that really resonates with you, it shifts your outlook and makes you a tad wiser. And let’s be real, in your 20s, you need all the wisdom you can get. So, here’s a mix of books to dive into:
- Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski
“I am done living in a world where women are lied to about their bodies; where women are objects of sexual desire but not objects of sexual pleasure…”This book is a game-changer for understanding sex and your body, focusing on the uniqueness of each woman’s sexuality and the context in which sex happens. - Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh
“I’ve always wanted not to give a fuck. While crying helplessly into my pillow for no good reason, I would often fantasize that maybe someday I could be one of those stoic bad-asses…”For a good laugh and a lighter read, this collection of essays from Brosh’s popular webcomic will hit the spot. - The Art of Imperfection by Brene Brown
“We cannot selectively numb emotions; when we numb the painful emotions, we also numb the positive emotions.”If vulnerability scares you, this book will guide you through embracing your true self without fear of judgment. - Wild by Cheryl Strayed
“I’m a free spirit who never had the balls to be free.”Known for its film adaptation starring Reese Witherspoon, this memoir about hiking the Pacific Crest Trail will inspire you to tackle your own journey. - Bossypants by Tina Fey
“Some people say, ‘Never let them see you cry.’ I say, if you’re so mad you could just cry, then cry. It terrifies everyone.”Tina Fey’s hilarious take on her life and career is a must-read for some comic relief and relatable life lessons. - Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath
“The key to human development is building on who you already are.”This book helps you identify your natural strengths and provides strategies to leverage them, making it easier to achieve your goals. - Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
“I think it best we went our separate ways and that those paths never crossed again.”A powerful fiction novel that tackles themes of race, class, and the complexities of modern relationships. - The Roommate by Rosie Danan
“The scary things, the ones you spend the most time and energy talking yourself out of, are the ones that make life worth living.”This book is all about embracing your sexuality and living life on your own terms. - The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
“The future isn’t written in the stars. There are no guarantees. So claim your adulthood. Be intentional. Get to work…”Jay’s book is a call to action to make the most of your 20s and not to wait for life to just happen. - Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
“As my mom has said, when one person is unhappy, it usually means two people are unhappy…”Mindy Kaling’s witty observations on life, love, and Hollywood are a fun and insightful read. - Devotions by Mary Oliver
“Today is a day like any other: twenty-four hours, a little sunshine, a little rain…”For those who crave a slower pace, Oliver’s nature-filled poems are a perfect escape from hustle culture. - All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
“All too often women believe it is a sign of commitment, an expression of love, to endure unkindness or cruelty…”Hooks’ book redefines love and asks us to rethink how we approach it in all aspects of our lives. - F*ck! I’m in My Twenties by Emma Koenig
“However, what I anticipated happening to me when I graduated from college was the equivalent of becoming the Pink Power Ranger…”A candid and humorous look at the struggles and surprises of being in your 20s. - Goodbye, Vitamin by Rachel Khong
“What imperfect carriers of love we are, and what imperfect givers…”This book dives into family dynamics and the emotional journey of caring for aging parents. - The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you…”A thought-provoking tale about exploring different life paths and embracing the life you have. - The Art of Showing Up: How to Be There For Yourself and Your People by Rachel Wilkerson Miller
“Showing up is the act of bearing witness to people’s joy, pain, and true selves…”This book is about forming and nurturing meaningful relationships by being present and supportive. - Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
“But part of getting to know yourself is to unknow yourself—to let go of the limiting stories you’ve told yourself…”A fascinating look into therapy from both the perspective of a therapist and a patient. - Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman
“In a very real sense, we have two minds: one that thinks and one that feels.”This book underscores the importance of emotional intelligence and how it can impact various aspects of your life. - Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance by Lisa Olivera
“We so easily forget that accepting ourselves isn’t about reaching some final destination…”A guide to self-acceptance and overcoming feelings of inadequacy. - The Marriage Plot by Jeffrey Eugenides
“Depression is like a bruise that never goes away. A bruise in your mind…”A compelling read about love, mental health, and navigating relationships in a love triangle. - The Myths of Happiness by Sonja Lyubomirsky
“Nothing in life is as important as you think it is while you are thinking about it.”A book that debunks myths about happiness and offers a more realistic view of what brings true joy. - White Teeth by Zadie Smith
“In the end, your past is not my past, and your truth is not my truth…”This novel explores identity, race, and cultural clash through the lives of two wartime friends. - How to Make Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
“It isn’t what you have or who you are or where you are or what you are doing that makes you happy or unhappy…”A classic guide on improving relationships and personal development. - Such a Fun Age by Kiley Reid
“I think it best we went our separate ways and that those paths never crossed again.”A sharp exploration of race, class, and relationships in modern society. - Even Cowgirls Get the Blues by Tom Robbins
“There are many things worth living for, a few things worth dying for, and nothing worth killing for.”A quirky novel about a woman with oversized thumbs who embarks on a wild journey. - I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson
“Some of the best experiences don’t end with a bang, but rather a dose of reality.”Follow Jacobson’s road trip adventures for insights and life-changing realizations. - Big Friendship: How We Keep Each Other Close by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
“If you prioritize only your romantic relationships, who is going to hold your hand through a breakup?”A look at the importance of maintaining strong friendships and how they support us through life. - Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
“The ability to say no to yourself is a gift…”Learn how to establish healthy boundaries to improve your relationships and well-being. - Hello, Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant to Be by Michelle Poler
“What’s the BEST that can happen?”Poler’s book helps you face your fears and use them as stepping stones to personal growth. - The Roommate by Rosie Danan
“The scary things, the ones you spend the most time and energy talking yourself out of, are the ones that make life worth living.”This story explores the growth that comes from stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing new experiences.
