10+ Best Books for 21-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Are you or someone you know turning the big 2-1? It’s a time full of new experiences and big decisions, and what better companion than a book to guide and entertain? Our curated selection of books for 21-year-olds caters to the unique journey of early adulthood. Keep reading to discover various lists of books that promise to inspire, challenge, and entertain. Whether you're looking for a bit of wisdom, an escape, or just a good laugh, we’ve got you covered. Let's dive in!

Fun Books for 21-Year-Olds

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel is about a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who unknowingly fall in love with each other in an enchanted circus that only operates at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mesmerizing and beautifully written fantasy that captures the imagination, perfect for escaping into a magical world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love vivid descriptions and a romantic storyline amidst a fantastical setting.

• Normal People by Sally Rooney
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: This book tracks the complex friendship and relationship between two teenagers, Connell and Marianne, as they navigate adulthood from their final days in school to their undergraduate years at Trinity College.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a sharp and intimate look at the complexities of love and friendship, resonating with young adults navigating similar life transitions.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy realistic, character-driven stories about personal growth and relationships.

• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopia
  • Synopsis: In a dystopian 2045, Wade Watts escapes from his bleak surroundings by logging into OASIS, a globally networked virtual utopia where users can lead idyllic alternate lives. When the game's billionaire founder dies, he offers his fortune as the prize in an Easter egg hunt within OASIS, sparking a contest that grips the entire world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a thrilling adventure filled with 80s pop culture references, appealing to both gamers and fans of retro culture.
  • Perfect for: Gamers, sci-fi enthusiasts, and anyone who loves a good treasure hunt.

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and solitary woman who develops an unlikely friendship with a coworker, which leads her to confront her painful past and open her heart to new experiences.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching narrative that combines humor with serious themes of mental health and personal recovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for stories of personal transformation and resilience.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: A counterintuitive approach to living a good life, Mark Manson's book emphasizes the importance of knowing what to care about—and what not to—in order to find true happiness.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers blunt, honest advice mixed with raw humor, ideal for young adults figuring out their priorities.
  • Perfect for: Anyone feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures and in need of a straightforward perspective on life.

Educational Books for 21-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, focusing on why humans have dominated the planet.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of human evolution, critical thinking about society and cultures
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep and thought-provoking look at the forces that have shaped human history, written in an engaging and accessible style.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, anthropology, and the societal impacts of science and technology.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of a woman born to survivalists in the mountains of Idaho who, kept out of school, educates herself enough to escape her turbulent upbringing and earn a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of education's impact, resilience, self-motivation
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring tale of perseverance and the transformative power of education, showing how one can rise above difficult circumstances.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who values education and stories of personal triumph over adversity.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction, Economics
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores how two systems in the mind - the fast, intuitive, and emotional; and the slow, deliberative, and logical - shape our judgments and decisions.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, critical thinking, understanding of cognitive biases
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into how we think and make choices, which can improve personal and professional decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in psychology, behavioral economics, and improving their thinking processes.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Business, Communication
  • Synopsis: First published in 1936, this book offers timeless advice on how to be successful in personal and professional relationships through understanding and influencing human behavior.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interpersonal skills, communication, leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It's packed with practical advice that has stood the test of time, helping readers improve their ability to influence others positively.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to enhance their social skills and personal and professional relationships.

• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
  • Genre(s): Business, Entrepreneurship, Management
  • Synopsis: This book introduces a systematic, scientific approach for creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies need to innovate more than ever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Entrepreneurial skills, product development, business strategy
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a clear framework for startup success that encourages continuous innovation and efficient use of resources.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and business owners looking to adopt a modern approach to building and scaling a business.

Challenging Books for 21-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This complex novel intertwines several plot lines revolving around a halfway house and a tennis academy, exploring themes of addiction, entertainment, and the pursuit of happiness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative's structure is non-linear, featuring extensive footnotes, which creates a demanding reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep insights into modern American life and challenges readers to reflect on personal and societal issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a cerebral challenge and those interested in postmodern novels.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodern
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the novel follows the complex interactions of a vast array of characters, centered around the design and dispatch of V-2 rockets by the German military.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its narrative is known for its complexity, depth, and the use of advanced scientific and mathematical concepts.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a critically acclaimed masterpiece that offers a unique blend of historical detail, scientific exploration, and literary experimentation.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and readers who appreciate deep, intellectual engagement with their reading material.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This landmark work chronicles the peripatetic appointments and encounters of Leopold Bloom in Dublin in the course of an ordinary day, 16 June 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel employs a range of literary styles and allusions, stream-of-consciousness technique, and rich characterizations, making it one of the most challenging reads in English literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of the mundane that offers rich rewards for those willing to delve into its depths.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are up for a significant literary challenge and have an interest in revolutionary narrative techniques.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter feud between the Karamazov brothers after they are left by the sudden death of their father, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical discussions on ethics, the existence of God, and the nature of free will.
  • Why we recommend this book: This book offers a deep, philosophical inquiry into the nature of good and evil, along with a gripping narrative.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in philosophy, theology, and classic Russian literature.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War, Philosophy
  • Synopsis: This epic novel tells the story of Russian society during the Napoleonic Era and is renowned for its complex characters and sweeping narrative.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its vast array of characters (over 500) and intricate historical detail require considerable commitment and attention from the reader.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines historical breadth with intense personal stories, providing a profound exploration of humanity and society.
  • Perfect for: History enthusiasts and readers who enjoy epic narratives that offer both intellectual and emotional engagement.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 21 and looking to dive deeper into the world of books, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some simple yet effective exercises to help you build and maintain these habits. Whether you're squeezing reading into a busy schedule or looking for ways to enhance your understanding, these tips are for you!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books you want to read over a set period.
  • How it helps: Provides clear targets and motivates you to read regularly.
  • Tips: Start with achievable goals, like one book per month.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and enhances focus.
  • 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: Choose a club that reads books in genres you enjoy or want to explore.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to track and plan your reading.
  • How it helps: Keeps you organized and can remind you to make time for reading.
  • Tips: Apps like Goodreads or Bookly can help you set goals and track progress.

• 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 perspectives.
  • Tips: Every third book, try something out of your usual reading preference.

• Implement a Reading Routine
  • What it is: Dedicate a regular time each day or week exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a lasting habit and ensures consistent reading.
  • Tips: Mornings or bedtime are popular choices for many.

• Discuss What You Read
  • What it is: Share insights and discuss books with friends or through online platforms.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention.
  • Tips: Try starting a blog or join online forums and social media groups focused on books.

Wrapping up, remember that the key to building and maintaining good reading habits at 21—or at any age—is consistency and enjoyment. Use these exercises as a guide to tailor your reading habits to fit your lifestyle and interests. Happy reading!