Life Changing Books To Read In Your 20s

If you have ever wondered which books to read in your 20s, look no further because these are the best books for women in their 20s!

If you’re looking for your next great title then you have to check out these books to read in your 20s. From self-help books to financial books to fiction books, these are worth the hype!

This list will definitely introduce you to your next fave read, and don’t just take my word for it! These titles are the general consensus of awesomeness.

So kick back and get your library hold ready, these are the must-read books for women.

This post is all about books to read in your 20s.

Books To Read In Your 20s

I’m a massive bookworm and I was so excited to make this list! These are some of my absolute favorite reads over the past couple of years that I think every 20-something gal should read.

To make it easy for you, I’ve got four different sections to navigate through — self-help, financial, fun reads, and non-fiction.

I heard someone say that the cheapest way to learn more and explore different worlds and perspectives is to simply pick up a book. And isn’t that just the most wonderful thing you’ve heard today??

Seriously I love it.

There’s definitely something on here for everyone, so keep scrolling until you find your match.

Self Help Books

*cue Buddy the Elf voice* I love self-help books and I don’t care who knows it!

Seriously, I have an addiction but honestly, who cares? It’s my life and if I choose to spend copious amounts of time reading about relationships and habits, so be it.

These are the self-help books I’m obsessed with —

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

If you’ve always struggled with getting into good habits or breaking bad habits, then you needed to read this book yesterday. Seriously, it’s that good.

Honestly, if I had a penny for every time I’ve seen someone recommend this book (not including myself), I’d be set for life.

Think And Grow Rich

By Napolean Hill

Don’t be fooled, this isn’t a strict “how to be money-rich” book. It’s more of a get-what-you-want-in-life and how to have an abundance mindset book.

Plus it’s like… ancient, which I think supports its effectiveness since it’s still relevant.

Essentialism

By Greg McKeown

Mhm okay, so this is a best-kept secret that doesn’t get half the publicity it deserves.

In my perfect world, this book walks hand in hand down the aisle with Atomic Habits because they’re both all about your priorities. If you struggle to set boundaries and know what your priorities are (or should be), then get your hands on this one!

Pussy: A Reclamation

By Regena Thomashauer

This is definitely not the first time I’ve praised this book and it certainly won’t be the last! If you’re looking to get in touch with your divine feminine power then hallelujah this is the one for you.

The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck

By Mark Manson

Read this if you care too much about what other people think, what other people are doing, etc.

I am a control freak by nature and sometimes it can feel impossible not to be ~passionate~ about everything but that’s where this book comes in. It’s all about balance and that’s what Mark Manson is here to remind us of.

Beautifully Brave

By Sarah Pendrick

Calling all my coffee table book lovers! This is an aesthetic piece of work and such a wonderful, empowering read too. So if you’re looking for something to show off as well as mantras and affirmations, this is what you need.

Professional Troublemaker

By Luvvie Ajayi Jones

Oh word, I can’t get enough of LAJ and this book (I even bought the teenager versions for my younger sisters). And I sincerely believe everyone should have a copy. You’ll be jumping FULLY into your power with this one.

The Mastery Of Love

By Don Miguel Ruiz

When I say that this book brought me to tears and breakthroughs, I’m absolutely not exaggerating. There’s so much to learn about yourself and sometimes books are the harshest learning tools…

And this was absolutely a lesson in loving others, your relationship with friends and significant others, and how you should honor your partner.

Couldn’t recommend it more (and maybe have some tissues on standby).

Financial Books

While I anticipate reading many more money books in my lifetime, these are three I recommend to anyone who’s looking to start somewhere. From the basics to the more micro fiscal advice, start here:

Get A Financial Life

By Beth Kobliner

Basic finance knowledge that the average human can understand… I DIDN’T KNOW IT EXISTED BEFORE THIS BOOK! I felt like a total money fool until I read this.

If you feel like you don’t know anything, give it a peek.

I Will Teach You To Be Rich

By Ramit Sethi

Once you’ve got the basics down and understand money jargon, this book should be your next pick-up. Ramit gives you the instructions to make money-wise moves and set yourself up for financial success!

A Happy Pocket Full Of Money

By David Cameron Gikandi

Now, if you’re ready to commune with the universe about wealth and abundance, this book is the one for you. Looking for mantras and affirmations to manifest wealth?

Welcome, you’ve arrived.

Fun Reads

I believe in zero spoilers when it comes to fiction so I’m going to keep these as broad and short-winded as possible.

Have you ever seen those “most basic” movie descriptions before? For example, Finding Nemo‘s description could be: dad looks for son.

That’s what I’m going to do with these — LOL this should be fun.

The Forty Rules Of Love

By Elif Shafak

Two parallel stories, one about the scholar/poet Rumi & his best friend, and the other about the main character who learns a lesson.

The Alchemist

By Paulo Coelho

A boy goes on a journey to find his ultimate treasure.

The Seven Husbands Of Evelyn Hugo

By Taylor Jenkins Reid

The story of a woman’s romantic journey.

Non-Fiction Books

Lastly, here are some memoirs mixed with some regular non-fiction, all inspiring books nonetheless!

It’s all about balance, reading can be fun or educational or inspiring or whatever you want — whatever you end up choosing from this list will serve you well, promise.

Dottir

By Katrin Davidsdottir

I’ve been obsessed with Katrin’s story since I saw her in the CrossFit Games documentary on Netflix, so when I found her book it was a no-brainer.

I even have Dottir tattooed on my arm in her honor (as a reminder of #girlpower), but that’s another story.

Half The Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity For Women Worldwide

By Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn

This was an especially enlightening read as a reminder (or as an introduction) to what women around the world face daily. I’ve found that it’s so easy to get wrapped up in what I’ve got going on – hello, self-help books and individual mindset – that this was a great collective mindset reset.

I think this is also on Emma Watson’s book club list? So it’s basically verified as legit.

Why Not Me?

By Mindy Kaling

If there is one person I singularly hope to meet before I die, it’s Mindy. She is my idol, my inspiration, my everything. I consume everything she puts out, her shows and her social media, and her books.

So when I say that you need to run, don’t walk to read this book, I MEAN IT.

I want her to bring as much light to your life as she brings to mine.

The Beauty Myth

By Naomi Wolf

Beauty standards in America and the world suck. And if you want to feel justified in your feelings and have a better understanding of how those biases are working, read it nowwwww.

We Should All Be Feminists

By Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

The fastest read in history and such a good one too! Honestly, we should all be feminists and this essay cinches the argument.

This post was all about life-changing books to read in your 20s.