Summary: In today’s article, I have compiled 20 of the best books for women in their 20s that offer valuable lessons on navigating life’s challenges. Here are my top 3 picks:
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Books for women in their 20s often feature stories that feel personal and relatable, offering fresh perspectives and opportunities for growth during this pivotal time. They dive into themes like self-discovery, career struggles, relationships, and dealing with the ups and downs of life. Reading these books can be a source of guidance, comfort, and inspiration, helping women navigate the challenges of adulthood while feeling more connected and empowered as they figure out their path forward.
TOP 20: Best Books for Women in Their 20s
- The Defining Decade by Meg Jay
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert
- The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
- The Confidence Code by Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
- Normal People by Sally Rooney
- Educated by Tara Westover
- Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
- Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
- Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
- We Should All Be Feminists by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
1. The Defining Decade
- Author: Meg Jay
- About: Explores how the choices made in your 20s impact your life, covering relationships, career, and personal identity.
- Style of writing: Informative, research-based, motivational
- Length: ~70,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Provides a sense of urgency and purpose, encouraging reflection on the importance of the 20s.
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
- Why read it: A wake-up call for anyone unsure of how to make the most of their 20s, with clear practical advice.
2. Untamed
- Author: Glennon Doyle
- About: A memoir about reclaiming personal power and living authentically, breaking free from societal constraints.
- Style of writing: Poetic, heartfelt, passionate
- Length: ~60,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Deeply empowering and liberating, leaving a lasting impression on living unapologetically.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For inspiration to embrace your true self and live freely, regardless of societal norms.
3. You Are a Badass
- Author: Jen Sincero
- About: A self-help book full of motivational advice, focusing on changing your mindset and overcoming self-doubt.
- Style of writing: Fun, witty, informal
- Length: ~50,000 words
- Year written: 2013
- Emotional impact: Energizing and empowering, it motivates you to take action.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A go-to for boosting confidence and motivation to pursue personal goals and dreams.
4. Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear
- Author: Elizabeth Gilbert
- About: Explores how to live a more creative, fulfilling life without being held back by fear.
- Style of writing: Thoughtful, inspiring, warm
- Length: ~70,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Inspires creativity and encourages you to embrace your passions despite fear.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you feel stuck or fear you're not living up to your creative potential.
5. The Midnight Library
- Author: Matt Haig
- About: Nora Seed explores different lives she could’ve lived by visiting the Midnight Library, reflecting on her choices.
- Style of writing: Light, imaginative, reflective
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2020
- Emotional impact: Thought-provoking, offering comfort to those dealing with regrets or “what-ifs.”
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A beautiful exploration of the choices we make and the value of life, even when uncertain.
6. The Confidence Code
- Author: Katty Kay and Claire Shipman
- About: A research-based exploration into the science of confidence, especially for women.
- Style of writing: Analytical, practical, empowering
- Length: ~75,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Boosts confidence, making you rethink how you perceive your abilities.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: To understand and cultivate confidence in both personal and professional life.
7. Normal People
- Author: Sally Rooney
- About: Follows Connell and Marianne’s relationship from high school to adulthood, exploring love and friendship.
- Style of writing: Introspective, nuanced, conversational
- Length: ~100,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Deeply emotional, leaving you reflecting on the complexities of relationships.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A moving exploration of intimacy, identity, and the connections that shape us.
8. Educated
- Author: Tara Westover
- About: A memoir about Tara’s journey from growing up in a strict, survivalist family to earning a PhD at Cambridge.
- Style of writing: Raw, honest, thought-provoking
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Gripping and deeply emotional, leaving a lasting impact on resilience and the power of education.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: An inspiring story of self-liberation and the transformative power of learning.
9. Girl, Wash Your Face
- Author: Rachel Hollis
- About: Motivational advice on overcoming negative self-talk and personal setbacks to take charge of your life.
- Style of writing: Direct, conversational, humorous
- Length: ~60,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Empowering and encouraging, it pushes you to take responsibility for your happiness.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For a no-nonsense approach to self-improvement and personal growth.
10. The Four Agreements
- Author: Don Miguel Ruiz
- About: A spiritual guide based on ancient Toltec wisdom outlining four key principles to live by for a more fulfilling life.
- Style of writing: Simple, philosophical, spiritual
- Length: ~30,000 words
- Year written: 1997
- Emotional impact: Calming, encourages self-awareness and inner peace.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you're seeking wisdom to guide your actions and find peace in everyday life.
11. Daring Greatly
- Author: Brené Brown
- About: Explores how embracing vulnerability can lead to greater courage, connection, and creativity.
- Style of writing: Warm, research-based, empathetic
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2012
- Emotional impact: Empowering, it encourages vulnerability as a strength rather than a weakness.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: A must-read for those looking to deepen their relationships and live more courageously.
12. Maybe in Another Life
- Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
- About: A romantic novel about the choices we make and their impact on our futures, particularly around love and destiny.
- Style of writing: Engaging, reflective, romantic
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2015
- Emotional impact: Sweet and bittersweet, making you reflect on the “what-ifs” of life.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For fans of love stories and exploring the consequences of life choices.
13. The Alchemist
- Author: Paulo Coelho
- About: A shepherd named Santiago embarks on a journey to find treasure, learning valuable life lessons along the way.
- Style of writing: Allegorical, spiritual, poetic
- Length: ~60,000 words
- Year written: 1988
- Emotional impact: Inspirational, encouraging readers to follow their dreams and find meaning in the journey.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A timeless story about pursuing your personal legend and the wisdom gained along the way.
14. The Power of Now
- Author: Eckhart Tolle
- About: Focuses on the importance of living in the present moment to achieve inner peace and spiritual awakening.
- Style of writing: Calm, spiritual, philosophical
- Length: ~40,000 words
- Year written: 1997
- Emotional impact: Calming, transformative, helping you shift focus from past regrets or future anxieties.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For spiritual growth and living more fully in the present.
15. Everything I Know About Love
- Author: Dolly Alderton
- About: A memoir exploring love, relationships, and growing up, written with humor and vulnerability.
- Style of writing: Funny, relatable, emotional
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Funny and heartfelt, offering a raw look at the messiness of love and relationships.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For those navigating relationships and the complexities of growing up.
16. Atomic Habits
- Author: James Clear
- About: A practical guide to breaking bad habits and building good ones using scientific principles.
- Style of writing: Practical, motivational, straightforward
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2018
- Emotional impact: Motivating, empowering you to make lasting changes through small actions.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: If you want to develop better habits and improve your life.
17. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo
- Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid
- About: A story of Hollywood icon Evelyn Hugo and the secrets behind her seven marriages.
- Style of writing: Dramatic, engaging, emotional
- Length: ~90,000 words
- Year written: 2017
- Emotional impact: Deeply emotional, exploring fame, love, and regret.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: For those who love dramatic, multi-layered stories with complex characters.
18. Radical Acceptance
- Author: Tara Brach
- About: A guide to embracing imperfections and living with self-compassion.
- Style of writing: Gentle, spiritual, supportive
- Length: ~80,000 words
- Year written: 2003
- Emotional impact: Healing and transformative, promoting self-compassion.
- Difficulty level: Moderate
- Why read it: For those struggling with feelings of unworthiness or seeking a more compassionate approach to life.
19. We Should All Be Feminists
- Author: Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
- About: An essay discussing the need for feminism and how it benefits everyone.
- Style of writing: Direct, clear, persuasive
- Length: ~15,000 words
- Year written: 2014
- Emotional impact: Empowering, with a lasting call for gender equality.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: A concise and impactful look at the importance of feminism in today’s world.
20. The Happiness Project
- Author: Gretchen Rubin
- About: A year-long exploration of ways to increase happiness in daily life through small, actionable changes.
- Style of writing: Practical, insightful, personal
- Length: ~85,000 words
- Year written: 2009
- Emotional impact: Uplifting, offering practical tools for improving happiness.
- Difficulty level: Easy
- Why read it: If you're looking to make small changes that lead to a more fulfilling life.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your 20s are a time of growth and change, and the right books can offer the guidance and motivation you need. The Defining Decade, Untamed, and You Are a Badass are, in my opinion, must-reads for women in this stage of life. Whether you're figuring out how to make the most of these years, learning to embrace who you really are, or building confidence, these books provide practical advice and empowerment to help you take on whatever comes next. They’ve certainly inspired me to grow, take risks, and embrace all the possibilities that lie ahead, and I think they’ll do the same for you.
