10+ Best Books to Read for 22-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 22-year-old on the lookout for your next great read? Whether you're diving into adulthood, kicking off your career, or just looking for a story that resonates with your journey, finding the right book can be a game changer. Our curated list of books to read for 22-year-olds is packed with picks that are perfect for where you're at right now. Keep reading to discover a range of books that are just waiting to be opened by you!

Fun Books to Read for 22-Year-Olds

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The novel revolves around two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who are pitted against each other in a magical competition that takes place at a mysterious, wandering circus that only appears at night. As they fall deeply in love, they must find a way to end the game without sacrificing their love or lives.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mesmerizing and atmospheric read that blends magic with a touching love story, perfect for escaping into another world.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love fantasy with a dash of romance and mystery.

• Normal People by Sally Rooney
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Marianne and Connell from their high school days in a small Irish town to their undergraduate years at Trinity College. The book explores the complexities of their relationship as they navigate personal and family issues, social dynamics, and their own psychological barriers.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a raw and realistic look at young love and the social pressures that can influence personal identity. It’s particularly resonant for young adults figuring out their place in the world.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate deep character studies and the intricacies of human relationships.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts Tara Westover'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. It highlights the power of education and the struggle for self-invention.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of perseverance and the pursuit of knowledge, showing the transformative power of education.
  • Perfect for: Anyone who loves a powerful, true story of overcoming adversity and the value of education.

• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Humor
  • Synopsis: This novel is about Rachel Chu, who agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, unaware that he is one of Asia's most eligible bachelors and heir to a massive fortune. Rachel steps into a jet-setting world of opulence and complex social hierarchies.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun, escapist read that offers a peek into a lavish lifestyle, filled with humor and vivid descriptions.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a light, entertaining story that combines romance with a splash of cultural exploration.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: In this book, Manson argues that life's struggles give it meaning, and that the mindless positivity of typical self-help books is neither practical nor helpful. Instead, he suggests better ways to handle challenges by defining what is truly important to us.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a refreshing take on personal development and mental resilience, with a blunt, humorous approach that resonates well with younger readers.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in self-improvement but who is tired of the usual clichés that dominate the genre.

Educational Books to Read for 22-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 societies.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, understanding of cultural and societal evolution, critical thinking about human history
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a compelling overview of human history, combining science, history, and philosophy in a way that is both educational and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the big-picture view of human history and our place in the world.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction, Economics
  • Synopsis: Kahneman introduces the dual-process theory of the mind, explaining the differences between fast, intuitive thinking, and slower, more deliberate thought.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of cognitive biases, decision-making, behavioral economics
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves deep into how we think and make decisions, offering insights that can help improve personal and professional decision-making.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in psychology, decision-making, and improving their cognitive skills.

• The Lean Startup: How Today's Entrepreneurs Use Continuous Innovation to Create Radically Successful Businesses by Eric Ries
  • Genre(s): Business, Entrepreneurship
  • Synopsis: This book provides a scientific approach to creating and managing successful startups in an age when companies need to innovate more than ever.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Entrepreneurial skills, business strategy, innovation management
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical advice and strategies for developing products that customers actually want, using iterative development and validated learning.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and anyone involved in product development and business strategy.

• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology, Business
  • Synopsis: Duhigg explores the science behind why habits exist and how they can be changed, detailing how habits work and how they can be transformed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of habit formation, self-improvement, organizational efficiency
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insightful analysis into the nature of habits in individuals, businesses, and societies, and offers practical advice on how to change them.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to change their habits and understand the patterns in their lives.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Communication, Business
  • Synopsis: Originally published in 1936, this book offers timeless advice on how to be more persuasive and influential in personal and professional relationships.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interpersonal skills, communication, leadership skills
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a classic guide that continues to be relevant today, providing strategies that help people succeed by improving their ability to communicate effectively and empathetically.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to improve their social skills and ability to influence others positively.

Challenging Books to Read for 22-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality, this novel intertwines the lives of residents at a tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center, exploring themes of addiction, entertainment, and the complexities of human experience.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its non-linear narrative structure, extensive endnotes, and dense prose require significant intellectual engagement and perseverance.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a deep dive into modern American life with rich, intricate storytelling that rewards patient and thoughtful readers.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a complex narrative that challenges their reading stamina and intellectual comprehension.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodernism
  • Synopsis: Set during the final months of World War II in Europe, the book follows a sprawling cast of characters, including soldiers, spies, and scientists, who are trying to uncover the secrets of a mysterious rocket-propelled weapon.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot, themes, and a vast array of characters, it demands considerable concentration and effort to connect disparate elements.
  • Why we recommend this book: Offers a unique blend of historical depth, scientific exploration, and philosophical inquiry, all wrapped in Pynchon's distinctive, rich prose.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in a challenging read that combines history, science, and literature.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • Synopsis: This novel details the peripatetic events in the lives of Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus through the streets of Dublin on a single day, June 16, 1904.
  • Why this book is challenging: Renowned for its stream-of-consciousness writing style and deep literary allusions, the book requires active and knowledgeable engagement to fully appreciate its depth.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's considered one of the most important works of modernist literature, offering rich rewards for those willing to delve into its complex narrative and thematic structure.
  • Perfect for: Literature enthusiasts eager to tackle one of the most challenging and influential novels of the 20th century.

• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Western, Historical Fiction, Literary Fiction
  • Synopsis: The narrative follows a teenage runaway known as "The Kid" and his encounters with a violent scalp-hunter named Judge Holden, exploring the brutal realities of the American West.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its stark, dense prose and the depiction of extreme violence challenge the reader's endurance and philosophical views on civilization and savagery.
  • Why we recommend this book: McCarthy’s ability to weave profound philosophical questions into a gripping narrative offers a haunting look at the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in deep philosophical questions and the darker aspects of American history.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the tumultuous lives of the Karamazov family and their complex relationships, culminating in the murder of the patriarch, Fyodor Pavlovich.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's exploration of faith, doubt, and morality interwoven with a deep psychological insight into its characters presents a profound intellectual challenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It tackles large existential questions through the lens of a family drama, offering insights into human nature and the moral struggles of life.
  • Perfect for: Those who are looking to explore deep philosophical and theological debates within the scope of a narrative.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 22 and looking to dive into the world of books, developing a solid reading habit is key. Here are some fun and effective exercises to help you get started. Each one is designed to fit seamlessly into your lifestyle, making reading an enjoyable and integral part of your daily routine.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books or pages to read each week or month.
  • How it helps: Provides a clear target and motivates you to reach it.
  • Tips: Start small to avoid feeling overwhelmed, then gradually increase your goals.

• 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 genres and perspectives.
  • Tips: Look for clubs at your local library, bookstore, or online platforms.

• Read at the Same Time Every Day
  • What it is: Dedicate a specific time each day exclusively for reading.
  • How it helps: Builds a routine, making reading a daily habit.
  • Tips: Morning readers often find it kickstarts their day, while evening readers might enjoy winding down before bed.

• Create a Comfortable Reading Nook
  • What it is: Designate a special spot in your home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Enhances your reading experience and makes it something to look forward to.
  • Tips: Ensure good lighting and a comfy seat, and keep distractions away.

• Use Technology to Your Advantage
  • What it is: Utilize e-readers, audiobooks, or reading apps.
  • How it helps: Allows you to read or listen to books on-the-go and integrates reading into a busy schedule.
  • Tips: Take advantage of features like highlighting and note-taking for a more interactive experience.

• Challenge Yourself With Different Genres
  • What it is: Actively choose books from genres outside your comfort zone.
  • How it helps: Broadens your horizons and enhances your critical thinking skills.
  • Tips: Rotate genres each month to keep things exciting and diverse.

• Keep a Reading Journal
  • What it is: Maintain a journal to note down thoughts and favorite quotes.
  • How it helps: Helps establish a routine and keep track of progress.
  • Tips: Make it a habit of filling out the journal every day.

Wrapping up, these exercises aren't just about reading more books; they're about making reading a meaningful part of your life at 22. Start with one or two exercises, and as you grow more comfortable, incorporate more into your routine. Happy reading!