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

Are you in your twenties and on the hunt for your next great read? Finding the right books for 20-year-olds can be a game-changer, offering insights and experiences that resonate with your stage of life. Whether you're looking for inspiration, adventure, or a reflection of your own experiences, we've curated a variety of lists just for you. Keep reading to discover our top picks that promise to captivate and inspire.

Fun 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 yet life-affirming story of Hazel Grace Lancaster and Augustus Waters, two teenagers who meet at a cancer support group and embark on a profound journey together.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully mixes humor and tragedy, encouraging readers to reflect on life, love, and the importance of living your best life, despite the circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking for a touching story that's both entertaining and thought-provoking.

• Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
  • Genre(s): Romance, Bildungsroman
  • Synopsis: This novel captures the nostalgic tale of Toru Watanabe, who reminisces about his days as a college student in Tokyo during the 1960s, and his relationships with two very different women.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into themes of grief, loss, and sexuality, all wrapped in Murakami's mesmerizing prose, making it a perfect novel for introspective young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep emotional narratives and exploring complex relationships.

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance
  • Synopsis: The novel revolves around a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who unknowingly fall in love with each other in an enchanted circus that only appears at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: Its magical realism and vivid imagery make it an enchanting read that captures the imagination, ideal for escaping into another world.
  • Perfect for: Fantasy lovers and anyone who appreciates a good love story wrapped in mystery and magic.

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  • Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This philosophical book follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple yet profound tale about the importance of seeking one's own path while being open to life's magical possibilities.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring adventurers and anyone in search of inspiration to follow their dreams.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The story focuses on Cath, a fanfiction writer struggling with her identity and social life in her first year of college, while also dealing with family drama and her own romantic entanglements.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a relatable and charming novel that addresses the challenges and changes that come with growing up and moving out.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who love contemporary stories with realistic characters, especially those who can relate to the introvert's dilemma in social settings.

Educational 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 societies and cultures
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep insights into how humans have shaped the world through culture, science, and society, making complex historical concepts accessible and engaging.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, sociology, and the big questions about what makes us human.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Autobiography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of the author growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho without formal education, and her journey towards learning and self-discovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of education's impact, resilience, self-empowerment
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of education.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate stories of overcoming adversity and those interested in the role of education in personal development.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the different ways our minds work, distinguishing between fast, intuitive thinking, and slower, more deliberate thought.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision making, critical thinking, psychology
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into human psychology and decision-making processes, backed by scientific research.
  • Perfect for: Those intrigued by psychology and the cognitive processes that influence our everyday decisions and beliefs.

• 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 for personal and professional development, offering advice on how to make the most of these formative years.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Career planning, personal development, mental health
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides practical advice and psychological insights that are crucial for young adults in setting the foundation for their future.
  • Perfect for: Twenty-somethings looking to understand the significance of this decade and how to navigate its challenges.

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book explores the undervalued strengths and contributions of introverts in a society that often favors extroversion, advocating for the power of quietness.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-awareness, understanding of personality types, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges societal biases and offers a new perspective on the strengths of introverts, backed by research and real-world examples.
  • Perfect for: Introverts seeking validation and extroverts looking to understand their quieter peers better.

Challenging Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: This sprawling novel intertwines several plot lines, including the stories of a tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center, offering a deep exploration of addiction, entertainment, and the complexities of human experience.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel’s length, extensive endnotes, and complex narrative structure require significant commitment and attention to detail.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cerebral and intricate read that challenges perceptions of society and the self, perfect for readers looking to push their cognitive boundaries.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy dense, thought-provoking literature and are not afraid of a challenge.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows an extensive cast of characters, including soldiers and spies, who are involved in a secret rocket project.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its complex plot, a multitude of characters, and a blend of high science and historical events make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a unique blend of science, history, and literature, providing a rich tapestry that encourages deep thinking and analysis.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and science enthusiasts who love connecting dots across disciplines.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel details the peripatetic appointments and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin over the course of an ordinary day, 16 June 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: Joyce’s stream-of-consciousness writing style, rich allusions, and non-linear narrative demand considerable intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering revolutionary narrative techniques and a profound insight into daily life.
  • Perfect for: Literary enthusiasts who appreciate deep dives into character psyche and complex narratives.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel explores the lives of the troubled Karamazov family, including three brothers and their relationships with their father, culminating in the father’s murder.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel grapples with deep questions of ethics, faith, and the nature of free will, all within a dense and layered narrative.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines a gripping plot with stimulating philosophical debates, making it a compelling read that also offers food for thought.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychology, philosophy, and morality.

• Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Conspiracy Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three book editors, bored with interpreting the manuscripts of aspiring mystics, decide to concoct their own conspiracy for fun, which becomes dangerously real.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel is dense with historical and philosophical references requiring a good deal of prior knowledge or research.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a cerebral and intriguing read that satirizes various theories and, at the same time, offers a captivating historical mystery.
  • Perfect for: Those who love puzzles, history, and literature, and enjoy unraveling complex narratives.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your twenties and looking to build or improve your reading habits, you've come to the right place. Reading can be a fantastic way to explore new ideas, escape into other worlds, and even develop your critical thinking skills. Below are some exercises designed specifically for you to get the most out of your reading experience. Let’s dive in!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month or year.
  • How it helps: Setting goals can provide motivation and a sense of achievement.
  • Tips: Start small and gradually increase your target as you become more comfortable with your reading pace.

• 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 often and exposes you to different perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a club that reads a variety of genres to broaden your horizons.

• Read Broadly
  • What it is: Make a conscious effort to read books from various genres and authors.
  • How it helps: Expands your understanding and appreciation of different literary styles and cultures.
  • Tips: Every month, try to read at least one book that falls outside your usual preferences.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage
  • What it is: Utilize apps and devices designed for reading, like e-readers or audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and convenient, especially on the go.
  • Tips: Explore different apps that allow you to adjust text size, background color, and even listen to books.

• Create a Reading Schedule
  • What it is: Dedicate specific times of the day or week exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Helps form a routine and ensures you regularly fit reading into your busy schedule.
  • Tips: Even if it’s just 20 minutes before bed, having a consistent schedule can significantly enhance your reading habit.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: After finishing a book, spend some time reflecting on the story, themes, and what you learned.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Consider writing a brief summary or discussing the book with a friend to reinforce your understanding.

Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can transform your reading habits and make your literary journey even more enjoyable and fulfilling. Whether you’re reading for pleasure, knowledge, or both, the key is to keep exploring and stay curious. Happy reading!