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

Hey there! Are you in your twenties and looking for your next great read? You're in the right place! Our curated list of Must Read Books for 20-Year--olds is packed with titles that resonate with where you're at in life—whether you're navigating new beginnings, exploring identity, or just looking for a fantastic escape. Keep reading to discover a range of books that are perfect for this exciting time of your life!

Fun Must Read Books for 20-Year-Olds

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the heart-wrenching story of Hazel Grace Lancaster, a teenage girl with cancer, and Augustus Waters, a boy she meets at a cancer support group. Their journey is both touching and profound as they explore life and love.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles deep themes such as mortality and the meaning of life, which are especially resonant for young adults contemplating their place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who appreciate emotional depth in stories and those dealing with or interested in themes of illness and existential questions.

• Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Romance, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in 1960s Tokyo, the novel follows Toru Watanabe, who reminisces about his days as a college student living in Japan, dealing with love, loss, and the passage into adulthood.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful melancholy and the intense emotions of growing up, making it a compelling read for young adults exploring their own identities.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy introspective and emotionally rich narratives, as well as those interested in different cultures.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: The story follows Cath, a freshman in college, as she struggles with her identity, her love for fanfiction, and the challenges of stepping out of her comfort zone when her twin sister Wren decides they should lead separate lives at university.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a fun and relatable look at the trials of fitting in and finding one's own path, perfect for 20-year-olds facing similar transitions.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who love writing, fan culture, or anyone feeling a bit out of place and looking for a character to relate to.

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: This epistolary novel takes us through the life of Charlie, an introverted and observant teenager, as he navigates the complexities of high school, family drama, and new friendships.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its honest portrayal of mental health, adolescence, and the search for identity resonates strongly with young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who feel like outsiders or those who appreciate stories about mental health and personal growth.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: Harari explores the history of humankind from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century, focusing on key revolutions that shaped our societies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a thought-provoking overview of human history and our species' impact on the earth, ideal for young adults curious about the past and our future.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in history, science, and philosophical questions about humanity and our role in the world.

Educational Must Read Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-Fiction, Economics
  • Synopsis: This book delves into the two systems of thought that drive the way we make choices: System 1, fast and intuitive; and System 2, slow and deliberate.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, cognitive psychology, critical thinking, understanding biases
  • Why we recommend this book: Kahneman's insights help readers understand the intricacies of human thought and decision-making processes, which are crucial for personal and professional development.
  • Perfect for: Young adults interested in psychology, economics, and improving their decision-making skills.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of the author who, kept out of school, educates herself, eventually earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Resilience, self-education, understanding diverse backgrounds
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a testament to the power of education and the pursuit of knowledge, even under the most challenging circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Readers who value education, personal growth, and inspiring stories of resilience.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • Genre(s): Self-Help, Business, Communication
  • Synopsis: Originally published in 1936, this book offers timeless advice on how to make people like you, win people over to your way of thinking, and change people without arousing resentment.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interpersonal skills, communication, leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical advice that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published, helping readers improve both their personal and professional relationships.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to enhance their social skills, leadership capabilities, and ability to influence others.

• The Lean Startup by Eric Ries
  • Genre(s): Business, Entrepreneurship
  • Synopsis: This book introduces a new approach to business that's being adopted around the world. It changes the way companies are built and new products are launched.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Entrepreneurial skills, product development, business strategy
  • Why we recommend this book: Ries outlines a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies need to innovate more than ever.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in the startup ecosystem and innovative business practices.

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
  • Synopsis: Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding personality types, self-awareness, workplace dynamics
  • Why we recommend this book: It gives a voice to introverts, offering valuable insights into how they can harness their strengths in a predominantly extroverted world.
  • Perfect for: Introverts looking for validation and strategies to thrive, and extroverts who want to understand their quieter peers.

Challenging Must Read Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: This expansive novel intertwines several plots, primarily focusing on a dysfunctional family running a tennis academy and a nearby substance abuse recovery center, exploring themes of addiction, entertainment, and the meaning of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex narrative structure, extensive endnotes, and deep philosophical undertones make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It pushes the boundaries of traditional narrative and challenges readers to consider profound questions about personal identity and societal values.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a dense, intellectually stimulating experience and those interested in contemporary American literature.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: The novel follows the experiences of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus through Dublin on a single day in June 1904, employing a myriad of styles to explore the inner thoughts and interactions of its characters.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its stream-of-consciousness writing style and deep allusions to classical mythology and modernist and contemporary themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering readers a revolutionary narrative approach and rich layers of meaning to uncover.
  • Perfect for: Literature students and those who appreciate linguistic experimentation and classical literature references.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: Set during and after World War II, the novel explores the design, production, and dispatch of V-2 rockets by the German military, and features a large ensemble of characters, from engineers to spies to occultists.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its narrative is known for its complexity, with a non-linear timeline, a plethora of characters, and a blending of historical facts with speculative and esoteric theories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a critical exploration of technology, power, and war, offering insights into the impact of military innovations on humanity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy complex narratives and are interested in history, technology, and psychology.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophy, Fiction, Crime
  • Synopsis: This philosophical novel revolves around the moral struggles and ethical debates among four brothers and their father in 19th century Russia, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and the nature of justice.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical discussions about God, free will, and morality, intertwined with a dense and intricate plot.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and morality, challenging readers to reflect on their own beliefs and ethical standings.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in philosophy, theology, and classic Russian literature.

• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Western, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel narrates the brutal adventures of a teenage runaway known only as "the Kid," who becomes involved with a notorious gang of Indian-hunters in the 1850s, led by the enigmatic and violent Judge Holden.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its stark, violent depiction of the American West and its dense, poetic prose.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a visceral exploration of the themes of violence and survival, offering a stark reflection on the darker aspects of human nature and American history.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate dark, powerful narratives and are interested in American history and literature.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your twenties and looking to dive into some great books, developing solid reading habits is key to getting the most out of your reading experience. Here are some exercises to help you build those habits, ensuring that you not only enjoy reading but also retain and reflect on what you learn.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages you want to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and provides a clear target to aim for.
  • Tips: Start with realistic goals and gradually challenge yourself as you progress.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your ability to focus.
  • Tips: Ensure your reading space is comfortable and has good lighting.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a club that reads a variety of genres to broaden your horizons.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize an app to track your reading habits and discover new books.
  • How it helps: Keeps your reading list organized and easily accessible.
  • Tips: Explore apps that offer summaries, reviews, and reading challenges.

• Read at the Same Time Every Day
  • What it is: Schedule a regular daily time slot dedicated to reading.
  • How it helps: Helps form a lasting reading habit by integrating it into your daily routine.
  • Tips: Morning or bedtime are popular choices, but choose a time that suits your lifestyle.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Spend a few minutes thinking about or discussing the book after you finish reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and memory retention.
  • Tips: Consider jotting down your thoughts or discussing them with a friend.

By incorporating these exercises into your daily routine, you'll not only improve your reading skills but also make reading a more integral and enjoyable part of your life. Happy reading!