10+ Best Fiction Books for 20-Year-Olds w/ Exercises (2024)

Are you in your twenties and on the hunt for a captivating read? You're in luck! Our latest roundup focuses on the best fiction books for 20-year-olds, tailored to pique your interest and match your dynamic lifestyle. Whether you're looking for an escape into new worlds or a reflection of your own experiences, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our top picks of fiction books that are just perfect for your age group!

Fun Fiction Books for 20-Year-Olds

• The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • Synopsis: This novel follows Hazel Grace Lancaster, a sixteen-year-old cancer patient who meets and falls in love with Gus Waters, a similarly afflicted teen from her cancer support group.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a touching and humorous exploration of love and life that resonates deeply with young adults, encouraging them to appreciate the beauty and tragedy of our fleeting existence.
  • Perfect for: Young adults who enjoy emotional, thought-provoking stories and those dealing with their own personal challenges.

• Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami
  • Genre(s): Romance, Coming-of-Age
  • Synopsis: Toru Watanabe recalls his days as a college student in Tokyo. Through his reminiscences, we see him develop relationships with two very different women—Naoko and Midori.
  • Why we recommend this book: It captures the essence of youth and the struggle to maintain emotional and psychological sanity in the face of life's challenges. Perfect for diving into complex emotional landscapes and existential questions.
  • Perfect for: Readers who are introspective and enjoy deep, emotional narratives with strong character development.

• Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance, Contemporary
  • Synopsis: Cath is a Simon Snow fan. Okay, the whole world is a Simon Snow fan, but for Cath, being a fan is her life. The story explores her struggle with leaving home for college, stepping out of her comfort zone, and creating a new life.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a heartwarming and relatable story about growing up and finding your own voice while navigating the challenges of young adulthood.
  • Perfect for: Young readers who are perhaps starting college themselves and can relate to the challenges of balancing fandom and personal growth.

• Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
  • Genre(s): Science Fiction, Adventure, Dystopian
  • Synopsis: In the year 2045, the real world is a harsh place. The only time Wade Watts really feels alive is when he's jacked into the virtual utopia known as the OASIS. Wade’s devoted his life to studying the puzzles hidden within this digital world.
  • Why we recommend this book: It combines thrilling escapism with a nostalgia trip for fans of 1980s pop culture, making it a fun and engaging read.
  • Perfect for: Gamers, geeks, and anyone who loves a good treasure hunt story mixed with futuristic elements.

• Eleanor & Park by Rainbow Rowell
  • Genre(s): Young Adult, Romance
  • 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's a beautifully written tale about first love and the struggles of teenage life that will tug at the heartstrings of anyone who remembers their own first love.
  • Perfect for: Readers who enjoy sweet, heartfelt romances and stories about overcoming social and familial challenges.

Educational Fiction Books for 20-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 the history of humans, offering insightful analyses that challenge our understanding of human cultures and societies.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in history, anthropology, and the factors that influence human society and behavior.

• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
  • Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure, Spirituality
  • Synopsis: This novel follows the journey of an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Personal development, understanding of spiritual quests, realization of one’s own capabilities
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a transformative narrative that combines magic, dreams, and the importance of following one’s heart.
  • Perfect for: Anyone on a personal growth journey or those seeking a story that explores the philosophy of pursuing one’s dreams.

• The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot
  • Genre(s): Biography, Science, History
  • Synopsis: This book tells the story of Henrietta Lacks, whose cells were taken without her knowledge in 1951, and how they became one of the most important tools in medicine, vital for developing the polio vaccine, cloning, gene mapping, and more.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical judgement, scientific literacy, understanding of medical and research history
  • Why we recommend this book: It addresses important ethical questions in scientific research and the impact of those practices on individuals and their families.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in science, ethics, and history, or those who enjoy stories that blend personal narrative with scientific discovery.

• 1984 by George Orwell
  • Genre(s): Dystopian, Political Fiction
  • Synopsis: Set in a totalitarian future, George Orwell's novel follows Winston Smith, a man trapped in a society that demands absolute conformity and loyalty to the Party led by Big Brother.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Political awareness, critical thinking, understanding of surveillance and authoritarianism
  • Why we recommend this book: It’s a powerful cautionary tale about the dangers of totalitarianism and the loss of personal freedoms.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in politics, history, and the exploration of dystopian societies.

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
  • Genre(s): Fiction, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel is set in the Deep South and follows young Scout Finch and her brother, Jem, as they witness their father, attorney Atticus Finch, defend a black man unjustly accused of a terrible crime.
  • Skills and subjects this book improves: Ethical reasoning, empathy, racial and social justice awareness
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a profound commentary on morality and the human condition, with a strong message about the importance of fighting for justice.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a classic that delves into deep moral questions and portrays the challenges of standing up against racial injustice.

Challenging Fiction Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Infinite Jest by David Foster Wallace
  • Genre(s): Literary Fiction, Postmodern
  • Synopsis: This expansive novel centers around an eclectic cast of characters, including a young tennis prodigy and various residents of a halfway house, all tied together by the pursuit of a mysterious and addictive film.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its nonlinear narrative structure, extensive endnotes, and complex themes make it a demanding read.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a deep dive into themes of entertainment, addiction, and the complexities of human experience.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a dense, intellectually stimulating challenge.

• Gravity's Rainbow by Thomas Pynchon
  • Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Postmodern
  • Synopsis: Set during World War II, the novel follows several characters, primarily Tyrone Slothrop, whose seemingly random erections predict German V-2 rocket strikes, and explores the impact of technology and paranoia on society.
  • Why this book is challenging: Known for its complex plot, myriad characters, and scientific and philosophical references.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a critically acclaimed masterpiece that challenges readers to think about history, technology, and destiny.
  • Perfect for: Those who appreciate intricate narratives and deep, theoretical discussions.

• Ulysses by James Joyce
  • Genre(s): Modernist
  • 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, dense allusions, and shifting narrative styles make it one of the most challenging reads in English literature.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a revolutionary work that transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary, offering rich insights into the minutiae of everyday life.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in the exploration of human consciousness and modernist literature.

• The Brothers Karamazov by Fyodor Dostoevsky
  • Genre(s): Philosophical Novel, Crime Fiction
  • Synopsis: This novel revolves around the bitter feud between the Karamazov brothers after their father’s murder, exploring themes of faith, doubt, and morality.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its deep philosophical discourse and complex characters demand intellectual engagement and reflection.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers profound insights into ethical debates and human psychology.
  • Perfect for: Those who enjoy deep philosophical questions woven into rich narratives.

• Blood Meridian by Cormac McCarthy
  • Genre(s): Western, Historical Fiction
  • Synopsis: The story follows a teenager referred to only as "the Kid," with the bulk of the text devoted to his experiences with the Glanton gang, a historical group of scalp hunters who massacred Native Americans and others in the United States–Mexico borderlands in 1849 and 1850.
  • Why this book is challenging: Its violent content and McCarthy’s unique, sparse dialogues and descriptive passages create a challenging reading experience.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's a powerful examination of violence and the human condition.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for a gritty, intense narrative that challenges moral perceptions.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your twenties and diving into the world of fiction books, you might be looking for ways to make the most out of your reading experience. Developing good reading habits can not only enhance your enjoyment but also deepen your understanding of the books you read. Here are some exercises designed just for you to help cultivate these habits:

• 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 provides a clear target to aim for.
  • Tips: Start with realistic goals, perhaps a book a month, and adjust as you go.

• Create a Dedicated Reading Space
  • What it is: Designate a specific area in your home for reading.
  • How it helps: Minimizes distractions and enhances your focus.
  • Tips: Make sure it’s comfortable, well-lit, and away from noise.

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

• Use a Reading App
  • What it is: Utilize technology to track and plan your reading activities.
  • How it helps: Helps organize your reading list and keeps you engaged.
  • Tips: Apps like Goodreads or Bookly can track your reading progress and recommend books.

• Practice Speed Reading Techniques
  • What it is: Learn and apply methods to increase your reading speed.
  • How it helps: Allows you to consume more content in less time.
  • Tips: Start with simple techniques like minimizing subvocalization and expanding eye span.

• Reflect on What You Read
  • What it is: Take time to think deeply about the book’s content after finishing it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention.
  • Tips: Write a brief summary or discuss the book with a friend.

• Alternate Between Genres
  • What it is: Switch between different types of fiction to keep your reading experience fresh.
  • How it helps: Prevents reading fatigue and broadens your literary horizons.
  • Tips: If you just read a science fiction novel, try a historical fiction or a mystery next.

These exercises are tailored to help you build and maintain strong reading habits that will last a lifetime. Remember, the key is consistency and finding joy in the process. Happy reading!