10+ Best Books to Read for 23-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Hey there! Navigating your early twenties can be a thrilling and transformative journey, and what better way to enhance this experience than with a great book? If you’re 23 or thereabouts, we’ve curated a fantastic selection of books to read for 23-year-olds, tailored to resonate with where you are in life. Curious about which titles made the list? Keep reading to discover our diverse picks that promise to entertain, enlighten, and inspire.

Fun Books to Read for 23-Year-Olds

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who unknowingly fall in love with each other in a mysterious, wandering circus that only appears at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a spellbinding fantasy that captures the imagination with its rich descriptions and intricate plot. It's a great escape that also touches on themes of love, destiny, and choice.
  • Perfect for: Fans of fantasy and romance who enjoy lush, imaginative settings and star-crossed lovers.

• Normal People by Sally Rooney
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: The book follows Marianne and Connell, two teenagers from a small town in Ireland, as they navigate adulthood and their complex relationship through university and beyond.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers an intimate look at personal growth and relationships in the modern world, with relatable struggles and emotional depth that resonate well with young adults.
  • Perfect for: Readers who appreciate nuanced character development and realistic portrayals of love and personal growth.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • 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.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring story of resilience and the transformative power of education. It also provides a compelling look at the challenges of overcoming family and societal expectations.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in powerful personal stories or those contemplating the value of education and self-determination.

• Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance, Humor
  • Synopsis: When Rachel Chu agrees to spend the summer in Singapore with her boyfriend, Nicholas Young, she anticipates a humble family home and time with the man she hopes to marry. She soon discovers that Nick's home is a palace, and he is one of Asia’s most eligible bachelors.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a fun and lavish look at the opulent lifestyles of the ultra-rich mixed with sharp humor and a heartwarming love story.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a light, entertaining read that combines romance with a peek into a world of unimaginable luxury and wealth.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book challenges conventional self-help advice by emphasizing the importance of finding what is truly important to you and letting go of everything else.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a refreshing perspective on personal development and mental resilience, using blunt honesty and humor. It's particularly appealing for its relatable language and practical advice.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking to navigate the stresses of modern life with a more laid-back, prioritized approach.

Educational Books to Read for 23-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 evolution
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which biology and history have defined human culture and society.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, anthropology, and the societal impacts of science and technology.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction, Economics
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the dual processes that drive the way we think, revealing where we can and cannot trust our intuitions and how we can tap into the benefits of slow thinking.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Decision-making, cognitive psychology, behavioral economics
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides deep insights into the cognitive biases that affect our everyday decisions and behaviors.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking to improve their critical thinking skills and understand the psychological processes behind their decisions.

• 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 new approach to business that's being adopted around the world. It changes the way companies are built and new products are launched.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Business strategy, innovation, product development
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical advice and strategies for managing and growing a startup or an entrepreneurial venture within a larger business.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs and business students looking for actionable strategies to innovate and succeed in the modern business landscape.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Business, Communication
  • Synopsis: This timeless book offers practical advice and techniques for how to communicate more effectively, influence others, and win people over.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Interpersonal skills, communication, leadership
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides enduring strategies for dealing with people, particularly in professional settings, that are as useful today as when they were first written.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to improve their communication skills and personal and professional relationships.

• The Power of Habit: Why We Do What We Do in Life and Business by Charles Duhigg
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help, Business
  • Synopsis: This book explores the science behind why habits exist and how they can be changed, offering insight into how habits work and how they can be transformed.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Habit formation, self-discipline, organizational behavior
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines scientific research with engaging narratives to explain how habits shape our lives and how we can control them to our advantage.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in personal development and organizational efficiency.

Challenging Books to Read for 23-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Satire
  • Synopsis: Set in an alternate reality, the novel explores a variety of characters including those at an elite tennis academy and a nearby substance-abuse recovery center, with a complex narrative structure and a wide range of themes from addiction to entertainment.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its length, extensive endnotes, and complex narrative structure make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers deep insights into modern American life and challenges the reader's endurance and comprehension skills.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a dense, thought-provoking novel that pushes the boundaries of traditional narrative structures.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, the novel follows several characters around the design, production, and dispatch of V-2 rockets by the German military.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot and a huge cast of characters, the novel's narrative can be perplexing with its scientific and metaphysical themes.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a quintessential postmodern work that explores themes of war, technology, and paranoia.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy analyzing and deciphering complex texts that require engagement on multiple intellectual levels.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel details 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: Its stream-of-consciousness technique, complex references, and deep allusions make it one of the most challenging reads in English literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a masterpiece of modern literature that offers rich rewards for those who can navigate its complexities.
  • Perfect for: Literature enthusiasts who appreciate deep literary references and experimental prose.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter love-hate relationships between the Karamazov brothers and their wastrel father, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: The novel's deep philosophical discourse on faith, free will, and morality presents a demanding but rewarding challenge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It delves deeply into questions of ethics and existentialism, offering profound insights into human nature.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in philosophy and classic literature that explores complex human emotions and moral questions.

• Foucault's Pendulum by Umberto Eco
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Mystery, Conspiracy Fiction
  • Synopsis: Three book editors, jokingly, invent their own conspiracy theory. But when the joke starts to take on a life of its own, they find themselves caught up in a conspiracy beyond their control.
  • Why this book is challenging: The dense and intricate plot filled with historical and literary references requires significant intellectual engagement.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a brilliant satire of conspiracy thinking and intellectual vanity, with a rich layer of scholarly content.
  • Perfect for: Readers who love puzzles and narratives that weave together history, literature, and mystery.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're 23 and looking to build or enhance your reading habits, you're in the right place. Developing a consistent reading habit can open up new worlds and ideas, helping you grow personally and professionally. Here are some tailored exercises to help you get the most out of your reading time.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books to read each month or year.
  • How it helps: Gives you a clear target and helps maintain motivation.
  • Tips: Start with manageable goals to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes 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: Provides social interaction and exposes you to diverse perspectives.
  • Tips: Choose a club that reads books from genres you’re interested in.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to track and plan your reading activities.
  • How it helps: Keeps you organized and can provide book recommendations.
  • Tips: Explore apps like Goodreads for community reviews and progress tracking.

• Implement the '50-Page Rule'
  • What it is: Commit to reading the first 50 pages of a book before deciding whether to continue or drop it.
  • How it helps: Ensures you give each book a fair chance without wasting time on books you don’t connect with.
  • Tips: Be patient; some books start slow but become engaging later on.

• 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 and styles.
  • Tips: Regularly switch between fiction and non-fiction to keep things interesting.

• Schedule Daily Reading Time
  • What it is: Block out a specific time each day dedicated solely to reading.
  • How it helps: Helps form a habit and ensures you read regularly.
  • Tips: Even just 20 minutes a day can make a big difference!

These exercises are designed to fit into your lifestyle and help you build lasting reading habits. Whether you're looking to escape into new worlds, learn new skills, or just relax, these tips will help you make the most of your reading time. Happy reading!