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Best Books to Read in Your 20s

Dive into a curated collection of the best books to navigate your 20s, featuring life-shaping classics and modern must-reads from various respected sources, ranked for their frequent recommendations.

Recommendations from 18 articles, Barack Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, Selena Gomez and 193 others.
31 books on the list
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The Defining Decade book cover
The Defining Decade
Why Your Twenties Matter--And How to Make the Most of Them Now
Meg Jay - 2012-04-17
Goodreads Rating
Discover why your twenties are the most defining decade of adulthood in this thought-provoking read. Dr. Meg Jay, clinical psychologist, challenges the misconceptions and hype around the twentysomething years, using science and personal stories to show how this time can shape your future. With insights on work, relationships, personality, social networks, identity, and brain development, The Defining Decade is a compelling guide to getting the most out of this critical stage of life.
The Alchemist book cover
The Alchemist
25th Anniversary Edition
Paulo Coelho - 2014-04-15 (first published in 1988)
Goodreads Rating
Embark on a transformative journey with the tale of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who sets out from Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of buried treasure, only to discover the true wealth lies within. Paulo Coelho weaves a powerful and inspiring story full of wisdom and humanity, reminding readers of the importance of following our dreams and listening to our hearts.
Think and Grow Rich book cover
Think and Grow Rich
Napoleon Hill - 2016-04-01 (first published in 1937)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the secrets to success with this timeless classic. Uncover the principles behind some of the most influential figures of the 20th century, including Henry Ford and John D. Rockefeller. This practical book will transform your life with its magical formula for success, found in its 15 chapters. Learn the three basic principles from Napoleon Hill: all success starts with an idea, thoughts require action, and positive thinking leads to positive results.
Thinking, Fast and Slow book cover
Thinking, Fast and Slow
Daniel Kahneman - 2011-10-25
Goodreads Rating
Explore the inner workings of the mind in this groundbreaking book that explains the two systems that drive the way we think. System 1 is fast, emotional, and intuitive while System 2 is slower, more analytical, and logical. Discover the benefits and drawbacks of both systems and learn how to tap into the benefits of slow thinking. With practical insights into decision-making in both our personal and professional lives, this book is a must-read for anyone looking to guard against mental pitfalls and gain a deeper understanding of the way we think.
Big Magic book cover
Big Magic
Creative Living Beyond Fear
Elizabeth Gilbert - 2015-09-22
Goodreads Rating
This inspiring book delves into the mysterious nature of inspiration and encourages readers to embrace curiosity while letting go of needless suffering. With a balance of spirituality and pragmatism, the author shows us how to pursue our passions and face our fears. Big Magic is perfect for anyone looking to tap into their creativity and infuse their lives with more mindfulness and passion.
Atomic Habits book cover
Atomic Habits
An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
James Clear - 2018-10-16
Goodreads Rating
Discover a proven framework for improving every day with Atomic Habits. Written by one of the world’s foremost experts in habit formation, James Clear, this instant New York Times bestseller offers practical strategies on how to form good habits, break bad ones, and master the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results. Drawing on biology, psychology, and neuroscience, Clear distills complex topics into simple behaviors that can be easily applied to daily life and work. Whether you want to overcome a lack of motivation, design your environment for success, or simply achieve your goals, Atomic Habits will reshape the way you think about progress and give you the tools you need to transform your habits.
The Four Agreements book cover
The Four Agreements
A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom
Don Miguel Ruiz - 2001-01-15 (first published in 1997)
Goodreads Rating
Transform your life with The Four Agreements, a powerful code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom. Discover the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. This New York Times bestseller has sold over 6.5 million copies in the U.S. alone, and has been translated into 40 languages worldwide. Oprah Winfrey, Deepak Chopra, and other spiritual leaders praise the book's simple yet powerful message, making it a must-read for anyone seeking true happiness and love.
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies book cover
Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies
And Other Rituals to Fix Your Life, from Someone Who's Been There
Tara Schuster - 2020-02-18
Goodreads Rating
Self-love through humor and honesty: a former TV exec shares her hard-earned lessons on overcoming anxiety, shame, and depression, and becoming a "ninja of self-love." From simple daily rituals to identifying self-limiting beliefs, this candid, addictively readable guide is a practical tool for anyone learning to love themselves in a non-cheesy way.
How to Win Friends and Influence People book cover
How to Win Friends and Influence People
Updated For the Next Generation of Leaders
Dale Carnegie, Robert Petkoff, Donna Dale Carnegie, Simon & Schuster Audio - 1998-01-01 (first published in 1936)
Goodreads Rating
Discover the secrets to effective communication, building relationships, and achieving success in Dale Carnegie's timeless bestseller, How to Win Friends and Influence People. This updated edition, carefully restored and edited by Dale's daughter, Donna, offers readers priceless material from the original 1936 text. With practical advice and engaging storytelling, Carnegie teaches readers how to make people like them, increase their influence, and navigate any social situation. Learn from one of history's most influential motivational guides and transform your personal and professional life.
Wild book cover
Wild
A Journey from Lost to Found
Cheryl Strayed - 2012-03-20
Goodreads Rating
A woman who has lost everything decides to walk 1,100 miles of the west coast of America alone. With no experience in long-distance hiking, she sets out to piece together a life that has crumbled in the wake of her mother's death.
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Start with Why by Simon Sinek
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg
Essentialism by Greg McKeown
Educated by Tara Westover
Tiny Beautiful Things by Cheryl Strayed
How to Be a Person in the World by Heather Havrilesky
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi
The Year of Magical Thinking by Joan Didion
Broke Millennial by Erin Lowry
The Book of Moods by Lauren Martin
Quiet by Susan Cain
Single, Dating, Engaged, Married by Ben Stuart
Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins
1984 by George Orwell
The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor
Fates and Furies by Lauren Groff