Best Books to Read in Your 20s
There’s so much pressure placed on your 20s; meant to be the “time of your life,” it’s equal parts exciting, chaotic, confusing, and full of possibility… and pressure. Trying to figure out who you are, what you want, and how to build a life that feels like yours is a lot of work, and the comparison trap of social media definitely doesn’t help. Now that I’m in my 30s, I’ve found that you’ll always be learning, growing, and changing, but I wanted to put together a list of books that made my 20s much easier (as well as a few I wish I read sooner). Whether you’re looking for career guidance, inspiration, motivation, or stories that make you feel understood, these are some of the best books to read in your 20s.
best books to read in your 20s
mental and physical wellness
you’re too good to feel this bad: an orthodox approach to living an unorthodox life by dr. nate dallas
This book is written by a dentist, and covers mind, body and lifestyle - topics range from breathing to money to meditation. It is one of the most comprehensive self-help books I’ve read. The advice he gives is practical (not woo-woo at all) and the tips are ‘easy’ to incorporate in the sense that you don’t have to change your whole life. They’re habits you can stack into your daily life long as you are motivated, disciplined, and have a plan in place to stick to them. If you read only read one self-help book, this is the one I most recommend. Read it here.
becoming bulletproof: protect yourself, read people, influence situations, and live fearlessly by evy poumpouras
Consider this your crash-course in street smarts. It covers personal safety, communication skills, mental grit, and the importance of self-ownership. Written by a former Secret Service agent, it’s no-nonsense but highly engaging, and has given me the confidence to live/ travel alone and feel competent in “grown-up” situations, whether it’s with negotiating with a boss, speaking with landlords/ roommates, or getting away from a pushy person at a bar. Read it here.
the mountain is you: transforming self-sabotage into self-mastery by briana wiest
This self-help book is all about self-sabotage; It appeals to personal habits, daily choices, and the patterns that leave us “stuck” rather than deep-rooted trauma or conditions like anxiety or depression. It’s straightforward, easy to follow, and one of those books that will speak to you in a different way each time you read it. Topics include setting goals, getting out of denial, and validating feelings. Read it here.
career
so good they can’t ignore you: why skills trump passion in the quest for work you love by cal newport
The number one book I wish I read in my 20s. It provides a clear argument against pursuing your passion as a career, as for most people “working right” is ultimately more beneficial than “finding the right work.” If you’re someone who is told “you can do anything you set your mind to” or you have no idea what you want to do for work (especially in a world of content creators and instant gratification), I highly recommend it. Read it here.
the defining decade: why your 20s matter and how to make the most of them now by meg jay
Another strategy-based book, this encompasses more than career (health, relationships, etc). I love that the author, a clinical psychologist, shows what mindset shifts are helpful (and what aren’t), which makes it easier to implement the advice given. A little bit of tough love but also encouraging, read it here.
relationships
the rules of inheritance: a memoir by claire bidwill smith
I first read this when I was 19 and leaving for college, and it completely changed my perspective - I had never thought about losing my parents before. This book really made me think about my relationship with my parents, and helped us transition from “parent-child” to more of a peer relationship, which is always difficult as you enter your 20s. This book is raw, extremely honest, and will definitely make you think. It’s not fun to read something sad, but this is really worth it. Read it here.
the let them theory by mel robbins
A lot of viral books fall short; this does not. “Let them” will influence your perspective towards others, but this second half of the formula, “let me,” will change your behavior and puts the responsibility back on you, and can be applied to all of your relationships; I wish I had read this before dealing with toxic co-workers. There’s also a chapter on adult children, which is incredibly impactful if you live at home or are somewhat dependent on your parents and navigating that “not a child, but still at home” situation. Read it here.
finances and money management
moving beyond broke: the power of perseverance in personal finance by dasha kennedy
A lot of finance books are great in theory, but feel out of reach when you’re living paycheck to paycheck. This book is the day one book, especially if you have zero savings or are in debt. The author is a single mother who shares her money mistakes, what has helped her get out of debt, start saving, and create stability for herself and her family. It’s geared towards women and POC, but anyone can learn from this. Read it here.
the psychology of money: timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness by morgan housel
This focuses on the qualitative aspects of money in our lives, rather than step-by-step education. It’s one of those books I wish I read in school, and everyone I know that has read this book is in a financially healthy place, so the proof is in the pudding. Read it here.
we should all be millionaires: a woman’s guide to earning more, building wealth, and gaining economic power by rachel rodgers
If you have lots of big feelings around money, whether it’s guilt, shame, or anxiety, this is the book for you. Some of the advice will feel out of touch as the author is a multi-millionaire with a background in law, but the mindset shifts really helped me be more strategic, assertive, and less of a people-pleaser. Read it here.
philosophy and world views
the four agreements by don miguel ruiz
A classic that’s easy to read yet deeply impactful, there’s a reason why successful people like Tom Brady, Oprah, and Jim Carrey rave about this book. It’s the type of book you can read again and again and still learn something from. Read it here.
outwitting the devil: the secrets to freedom and success by napoleon hill
This is an interesting book; it’s written uniquely in that the author creates a conversation between himself and the devil, rather than give you straightforward advice. Originally written in the 1930s, many of the ideologies are still relevant today, especially in regards to social media. Whether you’re struggling with mental health or feel like you can’t connect with the people in your life, you’ll gain priceless wisdom from this book. Read it here.
memoirs and biographies
Biographies are some of my favorite books to read. There’s so much to be learned, not just in the explicit lessons shared, but the way you’re able to connect the dots and see someone else’s life from a bird’s eye view. I always gain at least a few takeaways that I can apply to my life, and find myself highlighting quotes and passages more frequently than with some self-help books. Read about people and topics that interest you, but I also recommending picking up something unexpected - you’ll gain more than you think. Here are some of my favorites:
The Happiest Man Alive by Eddie Jaku - heart-wrenching yet heartwarming, this book will touch your soul and give your mindset a big wake-up call.
The Gucci Mane Guide to Greatness by Gucci Mane - no-nonsense advice broken down into quick chapters that are more like essays, so you can read a page or two at a time.
I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy - we all grew up with this author, which might be why learning about what happened to her behind the scenes (and how she overcame it) makes this memoir that much more riveting.
Finding Me by Viola Davis - a true example of grace, wisdom, grit, as well as the evolution of your relationship with yourself (and family members).
The First 21: How I Became Nikki Sixx by Nikki Sixx - for those at the beginning stages of their dreams/ careers; serves as a reminder that you make your own luck and are more capable than you think.
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears - conversational and easy to read; I especially recommend it if you’re a people pleaser.
Paris: The Memoir by Paris Hilton - way more than meets the eye, this is for the girls who are co-dependent or give their all to relationships, as it teaches you to trust yourself and build your dream life on your terms.
Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator Adam Brown by Eric Blehm - this book changed my life, and I gift a copy to a loved one every year.
Can’t Hurt Me: Master Your Mind and Defy the Odds by David Goggins - incredibly inspiring and motivational, there’s a reason it’s on so many ”must-read” lists.
Everything and Nothing at Once: A Black Man's Reimagined Soundtrack for the Future by Joél Leon - a vulnerable reckoning of the past as the author builds his future, for those with generational trauma, especially if you struggle to express your emotions.