Life Entertainment Books and Reading 18 Fantastic Books to Read in Your 20s What to read for some valuable lessons on life, love, money, friendship, and more. By Lindsay Tigar Lindsay Tigar Lindsay is a freelance travel and lifestyle journalist covering topics from love, marriage, fitness, wellness, psychology, and entrepreneurism. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines and Megan Lenzi Megan Lenzi Megan Lenzi is an Editorial Apprentice for RealSimple.com. Megan is a senior attending Iowa State University studying fashion communications with a minor in journalism. She has previously interned at Ralph Lauren and Steve Madden with the marketing and digital teams. Megan loves all things style, beauty, and pop culture, as well as fashion and beauty writing. Real Simple's Editorial Guidelines Updated on October 17, 2023 Fact checked by Danielle Slauter Fact checked by Danielle Slauter Highlights: * Has worked as a fact checker for Real Simple since 2022 * Worked as a staff writer for Mochi Magazine * Currently runs and operates the United States blog for Student Beans Our Fact-Checking Process Close Photo: Bookshop.org 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). The 26 Most Inspiring Books for Graduates 01 of 18 'Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies' by Tara Schuster bookshop.org $17, bookshop.org 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. Career 02 of 18 'Revolution From Within' by Gloria Steinem amazon.com $14, amazon.com 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. 03 of 18 'Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail' by Cheryl Strayed Bookshop.org $17, bookshop.org 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. 04 of 18 'The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion amazon.com $12, amazon.com 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. 05 of 18 'The Book of Moods: How I Turned My Worst Emotions Into My Best Life' by Lauren Martin amazon.com $17, amazon.com 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. Books and Reading 06 of 18 'How to Be a Person in the World' by Heather Havrilesky bookshop.org $14, bookshop.org 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. 07 of 18 'The Group' by Mary McCarthy bookshop.org $17, bookshop.org 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 08 of 18 'Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together' by Erin Lowry bookshop.org $15, bookshop.org 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. 09 of 18 'The Defining Decade' by Meg Jay amazon.com $11, amazon.com 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. 10 of 18 'Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person' by Shonda Rhimes bookshop.org $17, bookshop.org 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. 11 of 18 'The Silent Patient' by Alex Michaelides Amazon View on Amazon 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. 12 of 18 'In Five Years' by Rebecca Serle Amazon View on Amazon 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. 13 of 18 'The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue' by V.E. Schwab Amazon View on Amazon 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. 14 of 18 'The Power Of Habit' by Charles Duhigg Amazon View on Amazon 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. 15 of 18 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen Amazon View on Amazon 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. 16 of 18 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho Amazon View on Amazon 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. 17 of 18 'Educated: A Memoir' by Tara Westover View on Amazon 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. 18 of 18 'What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast' by Laura Vanderkam Amazon View on Amazon 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. 7 Romance Novels to Heat Up Your Summer Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit