10+ Best Books to Read for 19-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you on the lookout for the perfect books to read for 19-year-olds? Whether you're diving into adulthood or searching for that next great read, finding books that resonate can be a game changer. From tales that challenge your worldview to stories that feel like they’re written just for you, we’ve curated a diverse selection to keep your pages turning. Keep reading to discover our top picks for books to read for 19-year-olds, and find your next favorite book today!

Fun Books to Read for 19-Year-Olds

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the heart-wrenching yet hopeful 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's emotionally resonant and speaks directly to the fears and hopes of young adults. The book manages to be both humorous and touching, providing a balanced view on life and loss.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking for a meaningful story that combines romance with deeper existential questions.

• Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
  • Genre(s): Coming-of-Age, Romance, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel follows Toru Watanabe, who looks back on his days as a college student living in Tokyo. Through his relationships with two very different women, he navigates the various trials of young love and loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youthful melancholy and the poignant complexities of growing up. Murakami’s reflective and lyrical style makes it a captivating read for introspective young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy deep emotional narratives and exploring themes of nostalgia and melancholy.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Contemporary, Romance
  • Synopsis: Cath Avery arrives at college only to struggle with leaving her family and her comfort zone behind. As she navigates the challenges of freshman year, she learns about the joys and pains of growing up.
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a relatable story about transitioning into adulthood and finding one's own voice. The character-driven narrative is engaging and offers a comforting reflection on personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Young adults experiencing or about to experience their own life transitions, and fans of stories with a blend of humor and heartfelt moments.

• Looking for Alaska by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Coming-of-Age, Drama
  • Synopsis: Miles "Pudge" Halter attends Culver Creek boarding school in search of his own "Great Perhaps." There, he meets Alaska Young, and his life takes a dramatic turn, thrusting him into a labyrinth of love, mystery, and loss.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles profound themes such as grief, love, and the quest for meaning. The book is both thought-provoking and deeply affecting, perfect for young adults pondering life’s big questions.
  • Perfect for: Teens and young adults who appreciate stories that challenge them emotionally and intellectually.

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Drama
  • Synopsis: Set over the course of one school year in 1986, this is the story of two star-crossed misfits—smart enough to know that first love almost never lasts, but brave and desperate enough to try.
  • Why we recommend this book: It beautifully captures the highs and lows of first love and the outside forces that can impact young relationships. The characters are realistically flawed and relatable.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are nostalgic for the 1980s or anyone who enjoys a sweet, heartfelt romance.

Educational Books to Read for 19-Year-Olds

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book explores 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 human existence.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Critical thinking, historical knowledge, understanding of human evolution and societal development
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling overview of human history, packed with insightful analysis and thought-provoking theories that challenge conventional wisdom.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in the big-picture view of human history and its impact on the world today.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: A memoir recounting the author's journey from growing up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal education to earning a PhD from Cambridge University.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of self-education, resilience, critical thinking about family and education
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring testament to the power of education and the strength it takes to change one's life trajectory.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in powerful personal stories and the transformative power of education.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-Fiction, Self-Help
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the dual processes that drive the way we think, showing how our thinking is divided into two systems: one fast and emotional, the other slow and logical.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cognitive biases, decision-making, psychological analysis
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves into how our minds work, offering valuable insights into human psychology that can improve decision-making and critical thinking.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in psychology and improving their cognitive and decision-making skills.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks and the immortal cell line, known as HeLa, that came from Lacks' cancer cells without her knowledge in 1951.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical judgment, scientific literacy, historical context of medical research
  • Why we recommend this book: It highlights important ethical issues in scientific research and the impact of HeLa cells on medical advances, while also telling a deeply personal story.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are interested in the intersection of science, ethics, and human stories.

• Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell
  • Genre(s): Non-Fiction, Psychology, Sociology
  • Synopsis: Gladwell examines the factors that contribute to high levels of success, arguing that successful people are not self-made but instead have had unique opportunities and cultural legacies that allow them to learn and work hard.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of success dynamics, cultural awareness, statistical thinking
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a new perspective on how success is achieved, emphasizing the importance of background and contextual influences over individual traits.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring leaders and anyone interested in the sociology of success and the elements that contribute to it.

Challenging Books to Read for 19-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: The novel is set in an alternate reality where the U.S., Canada, and Mexico form a superstate. It intertwines several plots, including a junior tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center, focusing on themes of addiction and the pursuit of happiness.
  • Why this book is challenging: The narrative structure is complex with extensive footnotes, non-linear timeline, and a broad scope of themes and characters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound exploration of modern society's complexities and challenges, offering deep insights into human behavior and societal issues.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a dense, intellectually stimulating experience.

• 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 quest to uncover the secret of a mysterious device (the "Schwarzgerät") that is to be installed in a German V-2 rocket.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its narrative is known for its complexity, with a sprawling cast of characters and a blend of scientific and metaphysical ideas.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a challenging read that rewards perseverance with a deeper understanding of mid-20th-century history, technology, and paranoia.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those who enjoy tackling complex novels that require and reward deep thought and analysis.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: This landmark novel details the events of one day in Dublin—June 16, 1904—as experienced by its characters, primarily Leopold Bloom, Stephen Dedalus, and Molly Bloom.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its stream-of-consciousness writing style and deep literary allusions, the book demands significant intellectual engagement and familiarity with Western literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering rich insights into the thoughts and motivations of its characters, as well as themes of identity and belonging.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in a deep dive into literary style and experimentation.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime, Drama
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov family, including the pious Alyosha, the intellectual Ivan, and the passionate Dmitri, as they navigate faith, doubt, and the complexities of life.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves into deep philosophical discussions on ethics, the existence of God, and the nature of human freedom.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a profound philosophical and psychological exploration that tackles timeless questions about morality and human existence.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy philosophical debates and deep psychological character studies.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Philosophy, War
  • Synopsis: This epic novel narrates the French invasion of Russia through the eyes of five aristocratic families and provides a broad panorama of Russian society during the Napoleonic era.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its sheer length, numerous characters, and the integration of historical detail with fictional narrative require significant commitment and concentration.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers not only a historical account but also philosophical insights and a detailed study of 19th-century Russian society.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate historical depth in their reading and are not daunted by the challenge of a lengthy narrative.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 19 and looking to dive deeper into the world of books, developing good reading habits is key. Here are some exercises that can help you get the most out of your reading sessions. These aren't just about reading more, but reading better.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on what you want to achieve with your reading.
  • How it helps: Gives you a clear direction and helps measure your progress.
  • Tips: Start with small, achievable goals like reading one book a month.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Establish a specific spot at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances focus and turns reading into a special activity.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and free from distractions.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Participate in a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Exposes you to diverse perspectives and motivates you to read regularly.
  • Tips: If you can't find a local club, look for virtual communities online.

• 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 narratives.
  • Tips: Challenge yourself with a genre or author you haven’t tried before every few months.

• Use Technology Wisely
  • What it is: Utilize apps and devices that can enhance your reading experience.
  • How it helps: Makes reading more accessible and can help track your reading habits.
  • Tips: Try audiobooks for times when sitting down to read isn't feasible.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take time to think about the book after finishing it.
  • How it helps: Deepens understanding and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Write a brief summary or discuss the book with a friend.

• Limit Distractions
  • What it is: Reduce interruptions while you’re reading.
  • How it helps: Helps you get more immersed in the book.
  • Tips: Put your phone on silent or use an app blocker during your reading time.

Incorporating these exercises into your routine can transform your reading experience from just flipping pages to truly engaging with the content. Remember, the goal is to enjoy and learn as much as you can from each book. Happy reading!