10+ Best Adulting Books for 18-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Stepping into adulthood at 18 can feel like a daunting leap, right? Well, fear not! We’ve rounded up a selection of must-read adulting books for 18-year-olds that promise to guide you through the maze of grown-up responsibilities and decisions. Whether you’re figuring out finances, cooking, or just how to manage your time, these books are your go-to resource. Keep reading to discover our curated lists of adulting books tailored just for you!

Fun Adulting Books for 18-Year-Olds

• Adulting: How to Become a Grown-up in 468 Easy(ish) Steps by Kelly Williams Brown
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Humor
  • Synopsis: This book offers a series of practical, humorous advice on how to navigate the often turbulent waters of adulthood, covering everything from managing finances to handling relationships.
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down the daunting tasks of adulthood into manageable, relatable steps, making the journey seem less intimidating and more achievable.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking for a lighthearted yet practical guide to starting their adult life.

• The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter—And How to Make the Most of Them Now by Meg Jay
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: This book emphasizes the importance of one's twenties in personal and professional development, using the latest scientific findings and real-life stories.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides valuable insights and actionable advice that can help shape one's future significantly during a critical developmental period.
  • Perfect for: Individuals in their late teens and early twenties who want to understand the significance of this decade and make proactive decisions.

• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Lifestyle
  • Synopsis: Marie Kondo introduces her KonMari Method, focusing on decluttering and organizing your space by keeping only those things that "spark joy."
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages a minimalist approach to possessions, which can lead to a clearer mind and a more organized life, essential for young adults setting up their first homes.
  • Perfect for: Those who feel overwhelmed by clutter and are looking to simplify their living spaces and their lives.

• How to Cook Everything: The Basics by Mark Bittman
  • Genre(s): Cookbook, Educational
  • Synopsis: This book covers fundamental cooking techniques and recipes, providing essential kitchen wisdom that every young adult should know.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive guide that not only teaches how to cook but also explains the whys behind the methods, making cooking more approachable and enjoyable.
  • Perfect for: Beginners in the kitchen who want to build a solid foundation in cooking basics and become more self-sufficient.

• You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: This book delivers a series of inspiring and humorous essays aimed at helping readers overcome their self-imposed limitations and start achieving their goals.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with empowering affirmations and actionable advice that can help boost confidence and foster a positive mindset in young adults.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who needs a motivational boost and desires to embrace their potential fully.

Educational Adulting Books for 18-Year-Olds

• Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World by Admiral William H. McRaven
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Motivational
  • Synopsis: Based on a commencement speech that went viral, this book shares the author's insights from Navy SEAL training and how these lessons can help overcome challenges in everyday life.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Leadership skills, personal discipline, resilience
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers simple, practical advice that is both inspiring and easy to apply to daily life, encouraging readers to see the value in small, consistent efforts.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking for straightforward life strategies and anyone interested in military disciplines as life metaphors.

• The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner's Guide to Getting Good with Money by Chelsea Fagan
  • Genre(s): Personal Finance, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This book provides a comprehensive guide to personal finance tailored for beginners, covering everything from budgeting and investing to adjusting your lifestyle according to your financial situation.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Financial literacy, budgeting, investing
  • Why we recommend this book: It breaks down complex financial concepts into understandable and relatable advice, making it an excellent resource for young adults starting to manage their own money.
  • Perfect for: Those who are new to managing money and want to build a solid financial foundation early in adulthood.

• Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: This book explores the power of small habits and how they contribute to greater success and fulfillment.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Habit formation, self-improvement, productivity
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides actionable strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.
  • Perfect for: Individuals looking to transform their lives through the power of habits, whether in personal life or career.

• What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles
  • Genre(s): Career Development, Self-help
  • Synopsis: This classic career guide is updated annually to provide the latest information on job market trends, resume tips, and strategies for finding meaningful work.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Career planning, job search strategies, resume writing
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a comprehensive and up-to-date resource that helps readers not only find a job but also discover a career that fits their passion and skills.
  • Perfect for: Job seekers and career changers, especially those entering the workforce for the first time or those looking to shift careers.

• 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 truly matters to you and focusing on that.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, stress management, prioritization
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a refreshing take on living a contented life by caring less about more and more about less.
  • Perfect for: Readers tired of the usual self-help cliches and looking for a straightforward, no-nonsense approach to personal development.

Challenging Adulting Books for 18-Year-Olds

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Kahneman introduces the dual processes that drive the way we think: System 1 is fast, intuitive, and emotional; System 2 is slower, more deliberative, and more logical.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book dives deep into cognitive psychology and behavioral economics, presenting complex ideas that require thoughtful consideration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into how decisions are made and the biases that affect our thinking, crucial for making informed choices in adulthood.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology and self-improvement, and anyone looking to understand the complexities of human decision-making.

• Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty
  • Genre(s): Economics, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Piketty analyzes a unique collection of data from twenty countries, ranging as far back as the eighteenth century, to uncover key economic and social patterns.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex economic theories and extensive data analysis that can be dense and difficult to process.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a critical understanding of wealth and income inequality, which are pivotal in shaping modern societies and economies.
  • Perfect for: Economics enthusiasts and anyone interested in understanding the historical dynamics of wealth and its impact on society.

• The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World by Iain McGilchrist
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: McGilchrist explores the differences between the left and right hemispheres of the brain and their impact on Western culture.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into deep philosophical and neuroscientific discussions that require careful interpretation and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fascinating exploration of how brain function affects perception and culture, offering insights that challenge conventional thinking.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in neuroscience and philosophy, and those who enjoy deep dives into how the mind works.

• Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance by Angela Duckworth
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help
  • Synopsis: Duckworth shows that the secret to outstanding achievement is not talent but a special blend of passion and persistence she calls "grit."
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges the traditional notion that talent is the primary route to success, introducing a new paradigm that requires re-evaluating personal growth strategies.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book teaches the importance of perseverance and passion for long-term goals, which is essential for young adults setting out on their career paths.
  • Perfect for: Young professionals and students who are determined to achieve their long-term goals through sustained effort and determination.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): History, Anthropology
  • Synopsis: Harari narrates 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 this book is challenging: It covers a broad range of historical and scientific topics that require connecting complex ideas across disciplines.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a sweeping overview of human history, encouraging a deeper understanding of the forces that have shaped our world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are curious about history, anthropology, and the factors that influence human society and culture.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're diving into the world of adulting books at 18, you're already stepping up your game. To make the most out of your reading experience, here are some exercises designed to develop good reading habits. These will not only help you absorb the valuable life lessons these books offer but also make reading a more integral part of your daily routine.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of pages or chapters you want to read each day or week.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and creates a sense of accomplishment.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home as your reading nook.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and reduces distractions while reading.
  • 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: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: If you can't find a local club, look for virtual clubs or start your own with friends.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers, audiobooks, or reading apps to access books.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and convenient, especially on the go.
  • Tips: Many libraries offer free access to digital books and audiobooks.

• Implement a Reading Routine
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Helps form a habit and ensures you read consistently.
  • Tips: Early morning or before bed are popular times that work for many.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take time after reading to think about the lessons and ideas presented.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and helps apply lessons to real life.
  • Tips: Write down your reflections or discuss them with a friend.

• Read Actively
  • What it is: Engage with the text by taking notes, highlighting, or annotating.
  • How it helps: Improves retention and makes the reading experience more interactive.
  • Tips: Use sticky notes or digital tools if you prefer to keep your books clean.

Wrapping up, incorporating these exercises into your reading routine can greatly enhance your understanding and enjoyment of adulting books. Whether you're learning to manage finances, cook, or simply take on more responsibility, these habits will help you get the most out of your books and your time. So, grab your favorite book, find a comfy spot, and start building those reading muscles!