Best Books to Read in Your 20s: The Ultimate Adult Guide
Listen up, young guns. Your 20s are a wild ride – a rollercoaster of independence, career exploration, and figuring out who you truly are. And sometimes you might feel lost in the adulting shuffle. We get it, we’ve all been there.
But don’t worry, we’ve got your back! Think of us as your older (maybe even cool) sibling who’s already been there and done that.
And what we’ve learned while growing up is: Knowledge is power, and reading is fundamental.
That’s why we at Blinkist have picked the most relevant reads for you youngsters. With this book list, you’ll be equipped for anything life throws at you, and you will be ready to conquer your 20s like a total boss.
The Best Books to Read in Your 20s
The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
The Defining Decade
- 22 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:Meg Jay, a renowned clinical psychologist and author specializing in human development.
This is not your typical self-help guide, Jay pulls from years of research and experience to explain why your 20s are critical for setting yourself up for future success. Learn how to make the most of this time for career development, personal growth, and even finding love.
The Courage Habit by Kate Swoboda
The Courage Habit
- 21 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:Kate Swoboda, a career coach and motivational speaker known for her empowering approach.
Feeling stuck or like you’re playing life on mute? This self-help book will light a fire under your awesome self. Swoboda gives you the tools to slay your fears, silence that inner critic, and finally chase those crazy dreams.
And what if you could complement the insights from The Defining Decade with a practical routine that supercharges your mornings and, by extension, your entire day?
Meet the concept of the “5 AM Club,” a morning routine that has garnered a massive following for its promise to enhance productivity, happiness, and overall success. If you want to learn more about this early morning routine, check outThousands Swear By The “5 AM Club” Morning Routine: I Gave It A Go.
Your Turn by Julie Lythcott-Haims
Your Turn
- 31 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:Julie Lythcott-Haims, a former dean of freshmen and parent educator with a unique perspective on navigating adulthood.
Adulthood comes with freedom, but also a whole lot of “wait, what am I supposed to do now?” Lythcott-Haims cracks the code on navigating this confusing stage. Learn to manage your finances, build strong relationships, and become the thriving adult you were meant to be.
Going Solo by Eric Klinenberg
Going Solo
- 11 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:Eric Klinenberg, a sociologist who explores the surprising benefits of non-traditional living arrangements.
Thinking about ditching the roommates and flying solo? This personal development book celebrates the surprising upsides of living alone. From self-reliance to a surprisingly vibrant social life (yes, really!), Klinenberg shows you how to rock the solo living scene.
The Career Playbook by James M. Citrin
The Career Playbook
- 16 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:James M. Citrin, a career consultant and author with extensive experience coaching graduates and young professionals.
The job hunt can feel like a competitive battleground. Citrin arms you with a battle plan: proven strategies for landing your dream job and thriving in the professional jungle. Learn how to write a killer resume, ace job interviews, and navigate office politics.
How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
How to Make People Like You in 90 Seconds or Less
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:Nicholas Boothman, a communication expert and author who focuses on building strong relationships.
Building strong relationships is key to success in life (and avoiding those awkward office lunches). Boothman spills the secrets of making a positive first impression and fostering genuine connections. Learn how to network effectively, build rapport with colleagues, and navigate social situations with confidence.
Are you ready to turn those awkward silences into opportunities, transform chance encounters into fruitful relationships, and make every room (virtual or otherwise) your stage? Then better check out our networking series and best start with this one here:How to Network: The Best Networking Tips For Beginners In 2024.
The Financial Diet by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage
The Financial Diet
- 19 min reading time
- audio version available
The Authors:Chelsea Fagan andLauren Ver Hage, certified financial educators and founders of The Financial Diet, a popular personal finance platform.
Does your bank account cry every time you open it? This beginner-friendly guide will help you ditch the ramen noodle diet and build healthy financial habits. Learn how to manage debt, create a budget, save for the future, and take control of your financial destiny.
Me, Myself and Us by Brian R. Little
Me, Myself and Us
- 15 min reading time
- audio version available
The Author:Brian R. Little, a psychologist and professor who studies personality and its impact on human behavior.
Ever wonder why you do the things you do? This is a great book to read in your 20s because it dives deep into the science of personality, showing you how it shapes your choices, relationships, and overall well-being. Gain valuable insights into who you are and how to leverage your personality traits to live a fulfilling life.
Deeper Dating by Ken Page
Deeper Dating
- 18 min reading time
- audio version available
Author:Ken Page, a renowned psychotherapist and expert on healthy relationships and podcast host.
Deeper Dating isn’t about the superficial games of attraction. Page provides a roadmap to genuine connection and lasting love (yes, that’s a thing). Learn how to identify compatible partners, cultivate self-awareness, and build fulfilling, intimate relationships.
But wait, there’s more! Just when you thought you were getting the hang of this whole “healthy relationship” thing, we’ve got another gem for you. Check out12 Important Relationship Rules We All Should Follow.
Because, let’s face it, love isn’t just about finding the right person; it’s also about being the right partner. This article dives into the nitty-gritty of setting boundaries and creating safe spaces.
Conclusion: Your 20s Don’t Have to Be Overwhelming
Your 20s are a time of incredible growth, exploration, and yes, sometimes even confusion. But with the right guidance, you can navigate these years with confidence and purpose.
The titles on our list of the best books to read in your 20s offer great insights from experts across various fields, empowering you to take charge of your career, finances, relationships, and overall well-being.
Don’t let the challenges of adulting hold you back. Learn from leading authors like Meg Jay and Ken Page to unlock your full potential and crush your 20s.
In Blinkist’s curated reading list, 10 Books for Your 20s, you will find all of today’s reads in concise 15-minute summaries, allowing you to grasp the key ideas of each book and then decide whether to read the whole book or dive into the next one.
And as we are committed to giving you a head start on an amazing life filled with love and prosperity, we will offer you a free week with access to all the books you should read in your 20s and over 7,000 titles more. Click here and live your 20s like a boss:
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Meet Chris, an accomplished bilingual copywriter who excels at simplifying complex topics and making them a feast for your brain. When he’s not crafting copy in German or English, you’ll find him chasing his dream of a barefoot life on the beach with stacks of exciting books.
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