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

Are you a 20-year-old on the lookout for a read that's as insightful as it is inspiring? Look no further! Our curated selection of nonfiction books for 20-year-olds is tailored just for you, offering a blend of perspectives and wisdom that resonate with your unique stage of life. Whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, understand the world better, or just find some serious motivation, we've got you covered. Keep reading to discover our various lists of nonfiction books that are perfect for young adults like yourself. Ready to dive in?

Fun Nonfiction Books for 20-Year-Olds

• 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 a compelling testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of education. It's especially relatable and inspiring for young adults carving out their own paths.
  • Perfect for: Readers interested in personal growth and overcoming adversity.

• The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Psychology
  • Synopsis: A counterintuitive guide to living a better life by caring less about more things, focusing instead on what truly matters.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a fresh perspective on personal values and mental health, using humor and blunt honesty that resonates well with the younger generation.
  • Perfect for: Young adults looking to streamline their concerns and focus on what's truly important in life.

• Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari
  • Genre(s): History, Science
  • Synopsis: This book offers a sweeping narrative of the history of humankind, from the emergence of Homo sapiens in the Stone Age up to the twenty-first century.
  • Why we recommend this book: It encourages critical thinking about the development of societies and our roles within them, which is crucial for young adults forming their worldviews.
  • Perfect for: Curious minds interested in understanding the big picture of human history and its impact on our present and future.

• How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
  • Genre(s): Self-help, Business
  • Synopsis: A timeless self-help guide that teaches the fundamentals of interpersonal skills, effective communication, and leadership.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers practical advice that can help young adults navigate personal and professional relationships more effectively.
  • Perfect for: Anyone looking to improve their social skills and influence in both their personal and professional lives.

• Becoming by Michelle Obama
  • Genre(s): Memoir, Inspirational
  • Synopsis: This memoir describes the personal and professional life of Michelle Obama, focusing on her experiences and reflections throughout her journey from her childhood in Chicago to her years as First Lady.
  • Why we recommend this book: It's an empowering read that provides valuable insights into resilience and self-discovery.
  • Perfect for: Readers looking for inspiration and a role model in personal development and public service.

Educational Nonfiction Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think by Hans Rosling
  • Genre(s): Nonfiction, Science, Economics
  • Synopsis: Hans Rosling identifies the

Challenging Nonfiction Books for 20-Year-Olds

• Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies by Jared Diamond
  • Genre(s): History, Geography, Sociology
  • Synopsis: This book explores how environmental and geographical factors have shaped the modern world and contributed to disparities in power among different human societies.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book covers a broad range of topics from biology to history and geography, requiring readers to think critically about complex interactions.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides a comprehensive explanation of historical human development that challenges conventional views, encouraging readers to think deeply about the factors that influence societal success.
  • Perfect for: History buffs and anyone interested in understanding the underlying factors that shape our world.

• The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined by Steven Pinker
  • Genre(s): Psychology, History, Sociology
  • Synopsis: Pinker argues that, contrary to popular belief, violence has been in decline over long stretches of history, and he explores the reasons behind this decline.
  • Why this book is challenging: It challenges preconceived notions about the state of the world through extensive statistical analysis and historical data interpretation.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a hopeful perspective on the progress of humanity, backed by rigorous analysis, which can be enlightening and uplifting for young readers.
  • Perfect for: Optimists and skeptics alike, and those interested in psychology and history.

• Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
  • Genre(s): Psychology, Economics, Cognitive Science
  • Synopsis: Kahneman discusses how two systems in the human mind — intuition and deliberation — shape our judgments and decisions.
  • Why this book is challenging: The book delves into cognitive psychology with in-depth research and complex concepts about human reasoning.
  • Why we recommend this book: It provides insights into the human mind that can improve decision-making and critical thinking skills.
  • Perfect for: Students, professionals, and anyone interested in the mechanics of human thought.

• The Gene: An Intimate History by Siddhartha Mukherjee
  • Genre(s): Science, History, Biology
  • Synopsis: Mukherjee narrates the history of genetic research from Aristotle to CRISPR, weaving in his own family’s struggle with genetic disease.
  • Why this book is challenging: It covers complex scientific concepts and ethical dilemmas, requiring a robust understanding of biology and philosophy.
  • Why we recommend this book: It enhances understanding of genetics and its implications for the future, making it relevant and thought-provoking.
  • Perfect for: Science enthusiasts and those curious about the ethical challenges of genetic engineering.

• Capital in the Twenty-First Century by Thomas Piketty
  • Genre(s): Economics, Sociology
  • Synopsis: Piketty analyzes wealth concentration and distribution over the past 250 years and discusses the economic forces that drive inequality.
  • Why this book is challenging: It involves complex economic theories and extensive data analysis, presenting a deep dive into global economics.
  • Why we recommend this book: It offers a critical look at economic inequality, providing a solid foundation for understanding global economic policies.
  • Perfect for: Economics students and young professionals interested in understanding and addressing economic disparities.

Exercises to Develop a Good Reading Habit

Hey there! If you're in your twenties and diving into nonfiction books, you're on a fantastic journey of growth and learning. To make the most out of your reading, here are some exercises that can help you develop solid reading habits. These simple practices will not only enhance your understanding but also make reading a more integral part of your daily life.

• Set Specific Reading Goals
  • What it is: Decide on a number of books you want to read each month or year.
  • How it helps: Keeps you motivated and focused on a tangible target.
  • Tips: Choose realistic goals and track your progress to stay motivated.

• Summarize Each Chapter
  • What it is: Write a short summary of each chapter after you finish reading it.
  • How it helps: Enhances comprehension and retention of the material.
  • Tips: Keep your summaries brief and to the point; this can be a quick bullet-point list.

• Join a Reading Group
  • What it is: Participate in or start a book club with friends or online communities.
  • How it helps: Provides diverse perspectives and deeper understanding of the material.
  • Tips: Try to engage in discussions regularly to get the most out of the experience.

• Read Aloud
  • What it is: Practice reading sections of the book out loud.
  • How it helps: Improves focus, memory, and articulation.
  • Tips: Choose a quiet place and read aloud for at least a few minutes each day.

• Teach What You Learn
  • What it is: Explain the concepts you read about to someone else.
  • How it helps: Teaching is one of the best ways to solidify your understanding and recall.
  • Tips: Use simple language and examples to explain complex ideas.

• Take Digital Detox Breaks
  • What it is: Allocate specific times when you disconnect from all digital devices to read.
  • How it helps: Reduces distractions and increases your concentration and enjoyment of reading.
  • Tips: Start with short breaks and gradually increase the time spent away from digital screens.

Incorporating these exercises into your reading routine will not only enhance your enjoyment and understanding of nonfiction books but also help you build lifelong habits that can extend to other areas of your life. Give them a try and see how much more engaging and productive your reading sessions can become! Happy reading!