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

Are you on the hunt for your next great read? If you're in your twenties, finding the right book can be a game-changer. Whether you're navigating the early stages of adulthood or just looking for a captivating escape, our list of popular books for 20-year-olds has something for everyone. Curious to see which books made the cut? Keep reading to discover our top picks that are perfect for your current chapter in life!

Fun Popular 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 and Augustus Waters, two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and embark on a journey of love, life, and loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching exploration of love and mortality that also offers humor and poignant insights into the human condition, making it a compelling read for young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate emotional depth and stories that tackle real-life challenges.

• Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Toru Watanabe, who recalls his days as a college student in Tokyo. Through his memories, we see his relationships with two very different women—Naoko and Midori.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful melancholy and the intense emotions of young love and loss, resonating well with the existential queries of young adults.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy introspective narratives and exploring complex human emotions.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is about a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who unknowingly fall in love with each other in an enchanted circus that only opens at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its magical realism and captivating visual imagery make it a mesmerizing read that encourages imagination and creativity.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy lovers and anyone who enjoys a good love story wrapped in layers of enchantment.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Cath is a Simon Snow fan and a real-life fangirl who must learn to navigate her own life as she starts college, dealing with her twin sister growing apart, her mother’s absence, and the challenges of her writing ambitions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a relatable story that captures the trials of moving into adulthood and the solace found in fandoms and writing, perfect for those in their formative years.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who are also dealing with big changes in their lives and those who love fan fiction.

• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In the year 2045, Wade Watts escapes from his bleak surroundings by logging into OASIS, a globally networked virtual utopia where users can lead idyllic alternate lives. When the game’s billionaire founder dies, he offers his fortune as the prize in an elaborate treasure hunt. Wade joins the contest and finds himself facing off against corporate foes who will go to any lengths to get the money.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines '80s nostalgia with futuristic technology, making it an exciting and engaging read that also comments on the increasing influence of virtual reality on our lives.
  • Perfect for: Gamers and anyone who loves a good adventure mixed with a bit of pop culture nostalgia.

Educational Popular Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book provides a compelling overview of the history of our species, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, understanding of human evolution and societal development
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into the forces that have shaped human history, making complex concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, anthropology, and the factors that influence human society.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of the author who grows up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho but eventually escapes to learn about the wider world through education.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of personal resilience, insight into the impact of education, emotional intelligence
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a testament to the power of education and the strength it takes to change one’s life.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of overcoming adversity and self-discovery.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive our thoughts: System 1, fast and emotional; and System 2, slower and more logical.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, cognitive psychology, behavioral economics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into how our minds work and how we can make better decisions.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to understand more about human behavior and thought processes.

• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
  • Genre(s): Business, Entrepreneurship, Management
  • 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: It offers actionable advice and a novel framework for managing and launching a startup effectively.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone interested in innovation and business management.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-Help, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This book challenges conventional self-help advice by emphasizing the importance of finding what you truly care about and letting go of everything else.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Stress management, life philosophy, personal values
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s refreshingly honest and cuts through the clichés of the self-help industry, offering straightforward and pragmatic advice.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a no-nonsense approach to personal development and those questioning societal norms about success.

Challenging Popular Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality, the novel intertwines several complex stories, focusing primarily on a tennis academy and a substance-abuse recovery center. It explores themes of addiction, entertainment, and the meaning of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its length, extensive footnotes, and complex narrative structure make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a deep dive into modern American life and offers a profound critique of contemporary society and its obsessions.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a dense, intellectual challenge and those interested in postmodern novels.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodern
  • Synopsis: Set during and after World War II, the novel follows a sprawling cast of characters as they attempt to uncover the secrets of a mysterious rocket-propulsion technology.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot and dense prose, the book incorporates advanced scientific concepts and a wide range of highbrow cultural references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a challenging reading experience that rewards perseverance with insights into technology, war, and human behavior.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and science enthusiasts who enjoy decoding complex narratives.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel details the peripatetic events in the lives of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus through the streets of Dublin on a single day, June 16, 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its stream-of-consciousness technique, dense allusions, and non-linear narrative structure make it notoriously difficult to understand.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterpiece of modern literature that offers rich rewards for those willing to tackle its complexity.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate literary innovation and are looking for a deep, immersive dive into early 20th-century Dublin.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov family and explores deep philosophical questions about God, free will, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book's exploration of philosophy, ethics, and theology requires significant contemplation and intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into human nature and the moral dilemmas that shape our lives.
  • Perfect for: Philosophy enthusiasts and readers who enjoy psychological depth and ethical debates in their literary choices.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War Novel
  • Synopsis: This epic novel chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the eyes of five aristocratic families.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its vast array of characters and detailed depiction of Russian society and history can be daunting.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical detail with deep philosophical inquiry, offering a panoramic view of human life and enduring themes of war and peace.
  • Perfect for: History lovers and those who are drawn to epic stories that capture the complexities of human society.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your twenties, diving into the world of books can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. To make the most of your reading experience, here are some simple exercises designed to develop solid reading habits. Whether you're a voracious reader or just getting started, these tips will help you enhance your reading skills and enjoyment.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month or year.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and provides a clear target to hit.
  • Tips: Start with a manageable goal and gradually increase it.

• 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.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s 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: Exposes you to diverse perspectives and enhances comprehension.
  • Tips: Choose a club that reads books from genres you enjoy or want to explore.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to read ebooks or listen to audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Allows reading on-the-go and integrates reading into a busy schedule.
  • Tips: Explore apps that offer features like bookmarking and note-taking.

• Read Broadly
  • What it is: Make a conscious effort to read books from various genres and authors.
  • How it helps: Broadens your understanding and appreciation of different narratives.
  • Tips: Regularly switch between fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and other genres.

• Implement a Reading Routine
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day or week exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Helps form a habit and ensures consistent reading.
  • Tips: Try reading at the same time every day, like before bed or during morning commutes.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take time to think about the book’s themes, characters, and your reaction.
  • How it helps: Enhances understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Consider discussing the book with friends or writing a short review.

• Limit Electronic Distractions
  • What it is: Turn off electronic devices or notifications while reading.
  • How it helps: Helps maintain concentration and increases immersion in the book.
  • Tips: Use airplane mode or a different device dedicated solely to reading.

Incorporating these exercises into your routine can transform reading from a casual activity into a rich and rewarding habit. Start small, maybe with one or two exercises, and gradually build up as you become more comfortable. Happy reading!