10+ Best Classic Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 20-year-old eager to dive into the world of timeless literature? Finding the right classic books for 20-year-olds can be a thrilling adventure into diverse narratives that have stood the test of time. Whether you're looking to get lost in transformative stories or seeking insights that resonate with your current life stage, we've curated a selection of must-read classics just for you. Keep reading to discover our various lists of classic books perfectly suited for your age group!

Fun Classic Books for 20-Year-Olds

• The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Holden Caulfield, a teenager from New York City, who recounts the days following his expulsion from prep school. Disillusioned and disconnected, he searches for truth and rails against the "phoniness" of the adult world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of teenage angst and the struggle to find one's identity, which can be particularly resonant for young adults navigating their own paths into adulthood.
  • Perfect for: Those who feel a bit out of step with the world around them and anyone dealing with the challenges of growing up.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Legal Drama
  • Synopsis: In a sleepy Alabama town during the Great Depression, young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, are being raised by their widowed father, Atticus, who serves as a moral beacon and lawyer defending a black man wrongfully accused of a grave crime.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful exploration of morality, justice, and the racial inequalities that still echo in society today. The perspective of young Scout offers a unique and compelling narrative that speaks to the innocence and the cruelty of the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in American history and those who value stories of moral struggle and integrity.

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel introduces Winston Smith, who lives in a society governed by strict surveillance and oppressive control by the Party, led by the omnipresent Big Brother. Winston's growing discontent and his rebellion against the Party's totalitarian rule lead to dire consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of personal freedoms, themes that are increasingly relevant in today's digital and politically complex age.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in politics and the implications of government overreach, as well as lovers of intense, thought-provoking narratives.

• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in the Roaring Twenties, this novel tells the tragic story of Jay Gatsby, a self-made millionaire, and his pursuit of Daisy Buchanan, a wealthy young woman whom he loved in his youth. Gatsby's desperate quest leads to devastating consequences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brilliant depiction of the American Dream and its discontents, offering a critical look at the glamour and cruelty of an enigmatic era. The beautiful, melancholic narrative captures the spirit of the Jazz Age and its moral decay.
  • Perfect for: Those fascinated by the 1920s, lovers of romance and tragedy, and readers who appreciate lyrical prose.

• Frankenstein by Mary Shelley
  • Genre(s): Gothic Novel, Science Fiction, Horror
  • Synopsis: This story recounts the ambitious scientist Victor Frankenstein, who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. The creature's struggle for acceptance and revenge against his creator raises profound ethical and moral questions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into themes of creation, responsibility, and the consequences of man's pursuit of power over nature, offering a timeless reflection on the limits of science and the complexities of human nature.
  • Perfect for: Science fiction and horror enthusiasts, as well as anyone interested in philosophical questions surrounding ethics and humanity.

Educational Classic Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Science Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel presents a futuristic society where human beings are conditioned to passively uphold an imposed social order. Bernard Marx feels something is missing and starts to question the principles of his society.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, societal analysis, understanding of psychological manipulation and conditioning
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to consider the consequences of unchecked technological and governmental control, and the loss of individuality.
  • Perfect for: Fans of dystopian narratives and those interested in the impact of technology on society.

• Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Psychological Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Rodion Raskolnikov, a destitute and desperate former student, who believes he is superior and entitled to commit crimes. After murdering a pawnbroker, he wrestles with guilt, paranoia, and the moral dilemmas his actions have produced.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, understanding complex characters, critical analysis of philosophical concepts
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the struggles of morality and redemption, and the psychological turmoil of its protagonist provides profound insights into human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep philosophical questions and exploring complex psychological landscapes.

• Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
  • Genre(s): Gothic Novel, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Jane Eyre, an orphaned girl who becomes a governess and falls in love with her employer, Mr. Rochester. Dark secrets and emotional struggles mark their complex relationship.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Emotional intelligence, resilience, feminist perspectives, and literary analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It's celebrated for its exploration of classism, sexuality, and the inner life of a strong, complex woman.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate strong, complex female protagonists and a mix of romance with gothic elements.

• Animal Farm by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Political Satire, Allegorical Novella
  • Synopsis: This allegory depicts a group of farm animals who revolt against their human farmer, hoping to create a society where the animals can be equal, free, and happy. Ultimately, the new regime becomes just as oppressive as the old.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Political awareness, allegorical and satirical analysis, understanding of historical contexts
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a powerful satire on totalitarianism and social injustice, using the allegory of an animal rebellion to explore complex political ideas in a simplified form.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in politics, history, and those who enjoy satirical critiques of societal structures.

• The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Fiction, Gothic Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Dorian Gray, a man who remains forever young and beautiful while a portrait of himself ages and displays the effects of his corrupt and hedonistic lifestyle.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Aesthetic and philosophical critique, understanding of morality and vanity, appreciation for beautiful but complex prose
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into themes of vanity, moral duplicity, and the nature of beauty, offering a sharp critique of the superficiality of society.
  • Perfect for: Those fascinated by aesthetics and ethics, and fans of eloquent, provocative prose.

Challenging Classic Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Moby-Dick by Herman Melville
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Sea Story, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: This epic tale narrates the obsessive quest of Captain Ahab, who seeks vengeance against a gigantic white sperm whale named Moby Dick, who on a previous voyage destroyed Ahab's ship and severed his leg at the knee.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative is dense with complex themes, including fate and free will, and is interspersed with detailed descriptions of whaling and philosophical asides.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of obsession, humanity, and the natural world, offering readers a deep dive into one of the most studied novels in American literature.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate a challenging read and are interested in American literature and themes of obsession and revenge.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in Dublin on a single day in 1904, the novel follows Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus as they go about their daily affairs, offering a stream of consciousness narrative that captures a wide range of techniques, styles, and tones.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its rich complexity and expansive use of stream of consciousness, the book demands significant attention to detail and an understanding of its historical, literary, and cultural allusions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides an unparalleled literary experience, challenging the reader's perceptions of what a novel can do with its innovative narrative techniques and deep human insights.
  • Perfect for: Literary enthusiasts who are looking for a deep and rewarding challenge and those interested in the heights of modernist literature.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Philosophical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This sweeping narrative details the French invasion of Russia through the eyes of five aristocratic families and offers a panorama of Russian society during the Napoleonic Era.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its sheer scale, with a vast cast of characters and an intricate blend of historical detail and philosophical discussion, makes it a monumental read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterful saga that combines historical depth with intense personal stories, providing both a significant educational experience and profound personal insights.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy historical depth, philosophical exploration, and epic tales of love and war.

• In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust
  • Genre(s): Modernist Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This multi-volume novel explores the themes of memory, time, and art through the narrator's experiences in late 19th and early 20th century France.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its length, intricate sentences, and exploration of complex themes like memory and desire, this work demands considerable commitment and contemplation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into how our experiences shape our perceptions of time and memory, providing a deep, reflective reading experience.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in a detailed, introspective examination of life and the impact of memory on our understanding of the past.

• Finnegans Wake by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Experimental Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This complex work uses a unique language to narrate the story of an ordinary Dublin family in a way that mimics the flow of a dream, challenging traditional narrative forms.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its experimental use of language and a non-linear narrative structure make it one of the most difficult works in the English language.
  • Why we recommend this book: It pushes the boundaries of what literature can achieve in terms of narrative form and linguistic experimentation.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are looking for an extreme literary challenge and those interested in how language can be used to mimic the logic of dreams.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! Diving into classic books can be a thrilling journey into the past, but sometimes it's hard to keep up with that hefty tome of Shakespeare or Tolstoy. If you're in your twenties and trying to build better reading habits with classic literature, here are some exercises designed just for you. They'll help you get the most out of your reading experience and maybe even have a little fun along the way!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters to read each day.
  • How it helps: Keeps you consistent and helps in completing the book without feeling overwhelmed.
  • Tips: Start with small, manageable goals and gradually increase them.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Provides motivation to read and helps deepen understanding through discussion.
  • Tips: Look for clubs that focus on or are open to discussing classic literature.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances focus on reading.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Use a Dictionary
  • What it is: Keep a dictionary handy while reading to look up unfamiliar words.
  • How it helps: Enhances vocabulary and understanding of the text.
  • Tips: Consider using a dictionary app on your phone for convenience.

• Reflect on Each Chapter
  • What it is: Take a few minutes to summarize and reflect on each chapter after reading.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and comprehension of the material.
  • Tips: Write these reflections in a notebook or discuss them with a friend.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Read the book out loud instead of silently.
  • How it helps: Improves pronunciation and can make complex texts more understandable.
  • Tips: Try different accents or intonations for fun and to keep it interesting.

• Schedule Reading Times
  • What it is: Set specific times of the day for reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine and ensures you make time for reading daily.
  • Tips: Early morning or before bed are popular times that might work for you.

These exercises aren't just tasks; they're stepping stones to making classic literature a meaningful part of your life. Whether you're deciphering the old English of "Beowulf" or wandering the streets of Paris with Hugo, these tips can help you stay on track, enjoy the process, and maybe even inspire a lifelong love for the classics. So grab that book, find a cozy corner, and start your journey into the rich landscapes of classic literature today! Happy reading!