Freaked out by the idea of being a twenty-something? Let’s talk about it!
Your 20s are a transformative decade, especially for women. It’s a time of self-discovery, career building, and navigating relationships. But how the hell are you supposed to do that?
The right book can act like an older sister, giving you advice you never even knew you needed. Here is a list of the top 15 books for your 20s, specifically when it comes to being a woman. Some more serious, others quite funny, but they all will leave you better than before you started.
15 Books for Your 20s: A Women’s Guide To Finding Herself
“Call It What You Want” by Alissa Derogatis
Call It What You Want: A Novel breaks down the complexities of relationships, identity, and finding one’s path. It follows the journey of a young woman navigating the challenges of adulthood while trying to reconcile her past and future. When you’re looking into books for your 20s, this is a must.
Important Quote: “Sometimes, you have to let go of what you thought your life would be to make room for what it could become.”
Key Takeaway: Embrace change and uncertainty as opportunities for growth and self-discovery.
“Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir” by Dolly Alderton
Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir is beloved by TikTok and women around the world. It captures the highs and lows of friendship, love, and self-discovery in her 20s. It’s a raw and humorous exploration of growing up and finding oneself.
Important Quote: “Nearly everything I know about love I’ve learned in my long-term friendships with women.”
Key Takeaway: Cherish friendships and the lessons they bring, as they are foundational to personal growth and understanding love.
“The Perfectionist’s Guide To Losing Control” by Katherine Morgan Schafler
The Perfectionist’s Guide to Losing Control offers insights into managing perfectionism and finding balance. It provides strategies for achieving peace and power without succumbing to the pressures of perfection. Hello? Exactly what anyone needs in their 20’s.
Important Quote: “Perfectionism is not about being perfect; it’s about the fear of not being good enough.”
Key Takeaway: Embrace imperfections as part of the journey and focus on progress rather than perfection.
“The Woman Destroyed” by Simone de Beauvoir
The Woman Destroyed is a collection of three novellas explores the lives of women facing existential crises. Beauvoir delves into themes of identity, freedom, and the roles of women in society. As a woman in her 20’s trying to navigate life, this is a beautiful reminder of what is important.
Important Quote: “It is frightful not to have a single moment of one’s own.”
Key Takeaway: Recognize and assert your individuality and freedom in the face of societal expectations.
“Romanticize Your Life: 365 Ways to Embrace the Beauty of Every Day” by Harper Celebrate
Romanticize Your Life offers daily tips and inspirations to help women find beauty and joy in everyday moments. It’s a guide to living a more mindful and fulfilling life without being too difficult.
Important Quote: “Every day has the potential to be a masterpiece if you choose to see it that way.”
Key Takeaway: Cultivate a mindset of appreciation and mindfulness to enhance daily life and well-being.
“Well, This Is Exhausting: Essays” by Sophia Benoit
Well, This Is Exhausting is a collection of essays is a witty and candid look at the trials and tribulations of being a woman in her 20s. It covers topics from dating to career struggles with humor and insight.
Important Quote: “Being a woman is exhausting because you’re constantly told you’re not enough while being told you’re too much.”
Key Takeaway: Embrace your complexities and contradictions; they are part of your unique strength and resilience.
“The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine N. Aron
The Highly Sensitive Person: How To Thrive When The World Overwhelms You explores the traits of highly sensitive individuals and provides strategies for thriving in a world that can be overwhelming. It’s a valuable guide for understanding and embracing sensitivity.
Important Quote: “Highly sensitive people are too often perceived as weaklings or damaged goods. To feel intensely is not a symptom of weakness, it is the trademark of the truly alive and compassionate.”
Key Takeaway: Embrace your sensitivity as a strength and learn to navigate the world in a way that honors your needs.
“The Feminine Mystique” by Betty Friedan
The Feminine Mystique is a groundbreaking book explores the dissatisfaction of many housewives in the 1950s and 1960s. It sparked the second-wave feminist movement and remains a vital read for understanding women’s liberation.
Important Quote: “No woman gets an orgasm from shining the kitchen floor.”
Key Takeaway: Challenge societal norms and seek fulfillment beyond traditional roles and expectations.
“Glossy” by Marisa Meltzer
Glossy: Ambition, Beauty, and the Inside Story of Emily Weiss’s Glossier chronicles the rise of Emily Weiss and her colossal beauty brand: Glossier. It provides insights into entrepreneurship, beauty culture, and the impact of social media on modern business. Plus, who doesn’t love the true story of a woman who can do it all?
Important Quote: “The future of beauty is community.”
Key Takeaway: Success in the modern world often comes from building authentic connections and communities.
“French Women Don’t Get Fat” by Mireille Guiliano
When it comes to women in their 20s, diet and body image can take over way more than it should. French Women Don’t Get Fat offers a French perspective on enjoying food and life while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The book emphasizes moderation, pleasure, and mindful eating.
Important Quote: “French women eat with all five senses, allowing less to seem like more.”
Key Takeaway: Balance and mindfulness in eating and living lead to a healthier and more fulfilling life.
“The Age of Magical Overthinking” by Amanda Montell
The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality explores the concept of magical thinking and its impact on modern life. She discusses how irrational beliefs shape our behaviors and perceptions. After all, a lot of your 20s is overcoming your imposter complex.
Important Quote: “To be human is to believe in magic, to some extent.”
Key Takeaway: Understand the role of irrational beliefs in your life and learn to balance them with rational thinking.
“The Rules Do Not Apply” by Ariel Levy
The Rules Do Not Apply: A Memoir is a beautiful exploration of loss, resilience, and redefining one’s path. She shares her experiences of unexpected changes and the search for meaning. Your twenties is all about resilience, so why not gain a little extra inspiration?
Important Quote: “I wanted what we all want: everything.”
Key Takeaway: Life is unpredictable; embrace resilience and adaptability in the face of change.
“All About Love” by Bell Hooks
All About Love: New Visions dives into the concept of love, challenging traditional notions and exploring its various dimensions. She emphasizes the importance of love in personal and social transformation.
Important Quote: “To love well is the task in all meaningful relationships, not just romantic bonds.”
Key Takeaway: Love is a powerful force for personal and collective transformation. Cultivate love in all aspects of your life.
“The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay
Of all the books for your 20s, The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter, is the ultimate classic. It emphasizes the importance of making the most of this decade. Clinical psychologist Meg Jay uses real-life stories and psychological insights to show how small, intentional changes can have a profound impact on your future.
Important Quote: “The future isn’t written in the stars. It’s written in the choices we make and the actions we take.”
Key Takeaway: Your 20s are not a throwaway decade. Make deliberate choices that align with your long-term goals.
“I Didn’t Know I Needed This” by Eli Rallo
TikTok sensation Eli Rallo provides a collection of advice and insights on navigating the complexities of young adulthood. I Didn’t Know I Needed This a heartfelt guide to understanding oneself and finding joy in unexpected places. It’s like her TikTok page, but even better.
Important Quote: “Sometimes the things you didn’t know you needed turn out to be the most important.”
Key Takeaway: Stay open to new experiences and insights; they can lead to unexpected growth and fulfillment.
Books For Your 20s Are All About Finding Yourself
Your 20s are a crucial period for growth and self-discovery. These books offer valuable perspectives and advice tailored for women navigating this transformative decade. Embrace the lessons they provide and explore how they can enrich your journey.
Do you have any favorite books for your 20s? Let me know in the comments! And to keep up with all the latest on the blog check out my recent posts: