10+ Best Books to Read for 25-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you a 25-year-old on the lookout for your next great read? You're in the right place! Our curated list of Books to Read for 25-Year-Olds offers a variety of picks that resonate with your life stage and interests. Whether you're into thrilling adventures, heartfelt stories, or thought-provoking insights, we've got something that will catch your eye. Keep reading to discover our top selections tailored just for you!

Fun Books to Read for 25-Year-Olds

• The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story revolves around a magical competition between two young illusionists, Celia and Marco, who unknowingly fall in love with each other in a mysterious, wandering magical circus that appears only at night.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a mesmerizing and imaginative read that blends magic with a touching love story, ideal for sparking a love for fantasy and romance in its readers.
  • Perfect for: Fans of magic, romance, and richly detailed settings.

• Normal People by Sally Rooney
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel explores 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 captures the essence of modern relationships and social dynamics, making it highly relatable for young adults. It's a candid look at intimacy and personal growth.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy realistic, character-driven stories about relationships and personal development.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: A book that uses humor and blunt honesty to convey the message that not everything in life is worth worrying about, focusing instead on what truly matters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a refreshing perspective on personal values and how to approach life's challenges, making it particularly appealing for young adults navigating their way through the complexities of early adulthood.
  • Perfect for: Individuals looking for pragmatic advice on living a contented life and those who appreciate a straightforward, no-nonsense approach.

• Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
  • Genre(s): Contemporary Fiction, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel tells the story of Eleanor Oliphant, a socially awkward and solitary woman who gradually transforms her life after she and a coworker help an elderly man who has fallen on the sidewalk.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and uplifting story that highlights the importance of human connection and personal resilience.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy stories of personal transformation and quirky, endearing characters.

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Philosophy, Adventure
  • Synopsis: This philosophical book follows the journey of a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago who travels from Spain to Egypt in search of a treasure buried in the pyramids.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a simple yet profound narrative that explores themes of destiny, personal dreams, and the importance of listening to one's heart.
  • Perfect for: Dreamers and anyone on a personal quest to find deeper meaning in life.

Educational Books to Read for 25-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 humankind, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century, focusing on why humans have dominated Earth.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Historical knowledge, critical thinking, understanding of human societies
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a thought-provoking exploration of the ways in which biology and history have defined us and enhanced our understanding of what it means to be "human."
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in history, science, and the factors that influence human society.

• Educated by Tara Westover
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Biography
  • Synopsis: This memoir recounts the struggle of the author who grew up in a strict and abusive household in rural Idaho with no formal education, and her journey towards learning and self-discovery.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Understanding of education's impact, resilience, self-sufficiency
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an inspiring testament to the desire for knowledge and the power of education to change lives.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a powerful narrative about overcoming adversity and the value of education.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Non-fiction, Economics
  • Synopsis: Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that drive the way we think, showing how our minds are tripped up by error and prejudice even when we think we are being logical.
  • 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 decision-making and judgment.
  • Perfect for: Anyone interested in psychology, decision-making processes, and understanding how their mind works.

• 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: Entrepreneurial skills, business management, innovation strategies
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical advice and strategies for managing and growing a startup or rejuvenating an established company with innovative methods.
  • Perfect for: Aspiring entrepreneurs, business students, and anyone interested in innovative business practices.

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Self-help, Non-fiction
  • Synopsis: This book champions the introvert's cause, showing how quiet sensitivity can be a hidden strength and how our society undervalues introverts but can greatly benefit from their abilities.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Self-awareness, understanding of personality types, interpersonal relationships
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a profound analysis of how introverts can harness their inner strengths and thrive in a world that often seems biased towards extroverts.
  • Perfect for: Introverts looking for affirmation and extroverts seeking to understand their quieter peers.

Challenging Books to Read for 25-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: This expansive novel centers around an addictive entertainment video and various characters connected to it, including a young tennis prodigy and a recovering addict.
  • Why this book is challenging: The complex narrative structure, extensive footnotes, and its sheer volume make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a deep dive into themes of entertainment, addiction, and personal struggle, offering profound insights into modern life complexities.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a cerebral challenge and those interested in postmodern narratives.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodern
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, the novel explores the design, production, and dispatch of V-2 rockets by the German military, and the efforts of several characters to uncover the secret of a mysterious device that the rockets contain.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear plot, dense passages, and broad scope involving numerous characters and scientific concepts are intellectually demanding.
  • Why we recommend this book: It challenges readers to think critically about history, technology, and human behavior.
  • Perfect for: Enthusiasts of historical and scientific narratives who appreciate complex literary techniques.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist Literature
  • 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: Known for its stream-of-consciousness writing style and deep literary allusions, the book demands significant dedication and literary knowledge.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a landmark in modernist literature, offering rich rewards for those willing to engage deeply with its content.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy exploring complex narratives and experimenting with different styles of prose.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Psychological Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter rivalry between the Karamazov brothers and their troubled relationships, set against the backdrop of 19th-century Russia.
  • Why this book is challenging: It delves deeply into existential questions, ethics, and the human condition, requiring thoughtful contemplation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides profound insights into philosophical and theological debates that are as relevant today as they were when it was written.
  • Perfect for: Those interested in psychology, philosophy, and classic Russian literature.

• War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, War Novel
  • Synopsis: This epic tale chronicles the French invasion of Russia and the impact of the Napoleonic era on Tsarist society through the eyes of five aristocratic families.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its extensive length, large cast of characters, and detailed depiction of 19th-century Russian society and military strategies make it a substantial read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a panoramic view of human life and the forces that shape history, providing timeless observations on war, peace, and philosophy.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and those who appreciate epic stories about societal change and human endurance.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your mid-twenties, you might be juggling work, social life, and maybe even further studies. Finding time to read can be tricky, but it's a fantastic way to relax and learn. Here are some exercises designed to help you develop good reading habits, making sure you're getting the most out of your books!

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide how many books you want to read in a certain period.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and gives a clear target to aim for.
  • Tips: Start with realistic goals, like a book a month, then adjust as you go.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Establish a specific spot at home just for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your focus.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable and has good lighting.

• Join a Book Club
  • What it is: Become a member of a group that reads and discusses books regularly.
  • How it helps: Encourages you to read more and exposes you to different genres and perspectives.
  • Tips: If you can't find a local club, look for virtual groups online.

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to read e-books or listen to audiobooks.
  • How it helps: Allows you to read or listen on the go, fitting reading into a busy schedule.
  • Tips: Apps like Audible or Kindle can be very handy; explore their features.

• 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 that don’t engage you.
  • Tips: Keep an open mind but also respect your reading preferences.

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

• Read Before Bed
  • What it is: Dedicate at least 15-30 minutes to read before going to sleep.
  • How it helps: Helps you unwind and can improve sleep quality.
  • Tips: Choose lighter reading material at night to help ease into sleep.

There you have it! Incorporating these exercises into your daily routine can not only enhance your reading experience but also help you manage your time better. Whether you're diving into fiction, exploring non-fiction, or mixing it up with audiobooks and e-books, the key is to keep it fun and engaging. Happy reading!