Reaching your twenties is an important milestone. This decade represents increased responsibilities as individuals typically learn to function as adults when they enter their twenties.
Numerous books can help a person to learn more about themselves and the world around them.
These books are the perfect addition to your reading list when you are in your twenties, as they will help you during the transformational process of becoming an adult.
Such a Fun Age is the best-selling debut novel of Kiley Reid. This striking novel focuses on the life of Alix Chamberlain and covers themes such as race and class.
When her black babysitter is confronted by a police officer and accused of kidnapping a white baby, Alix aims to make amends.
When Alix and Emira work together, they soon find out new things about themselves. It provides a unique perspective on privilege.
Focusing on characters in their twenties, Such a Fun Age offers sensational social commentary that readers in their twenties will appreciate.
Pros
This is a complex novel that offers a refreshing perspective.
The social commentary on race and privilege is handled well.
Cons
Many readers have found the ending to be somewhat lackluster.
Though most of the books in this list are fiction, The Defining Decade is a fantastic non-fiction book that will be incredibly useful to people in their twenties.
In this text, Meg Jay explores the erasure of the twenties and how this decade has become filled with misinformation.
Using science and research, Jay then informs people about how they can ensure that they make the most of their twenties.
Pros
The book is loaded with helpful advice.
This is an informative book that is a must-read for twenty-somethings.
Cons
The advice is not always applicable to all readers.
From the imagination of Kathy Wang, Imposter Syndrome tells the story of two women in the workforce.
This satirical writer focuses on two women who feel like imposters.
Given the prevalence of the psychological experience called imposter syndrome in a person’s 20s, many people in this age bracket will connect with this novel.
Julia Lerner is a major player in Silicon Valley and the COO of Tangerine. However, she is secretly a Russian spy.
Meanwhile, Alice Lu is a lowly analyst who may be the person to expose Julia’s misdeeds.
Pros
This is a hilarious read.
Wang offers great character development.
Cons
Many plot points are intentionally implausible, which may irritate some readers.
If you’re searching for a fun read, you can’t go wrong with the brilliant Bridget Jones’s Diary. This entertaining novel by Helen Fielding is sure to have you laughing out loud.
The book tells the tale of Bridget Jones, a woman in her thirties who is living in London.
This narrative tells the struggles that she faces in a year of her life, including the romantic difficulties that she faces.
Though Bridget is in her thirties, many of the events that occur are incredibly relevant to people in their twenties.
Next, The Group by Mary McCarthy is a New York Times Best Seller. The book centers around eight close friends and how their lives diverge after they graduate.
This is a phenomenon that many people experience when they reach their twenties.
These educated and privileged women then encounter different challenges in their lives, many of which are tied to sexism.
Thanks to its feminist themes, The Group is especially popular among women in their twenties.
At the heart of this book is the theme of adult friendships, to which many readers can relate.
Pros
The book tackles important themes, such as sexism, love, and social class.
Many of the characters are surprisingly self-aware.
The narrative remains relevant despite its publication date of 1963.
Last but not least, Daisy Jones & The Six is an indulgent bestseller from the imagination of Taylor Jenkins Reid.
In this dynamic book, Reid explores the tumultuous world of the music industry during the 1970s.
The book depicts the relationship between adored singer Daisy Jones and the rock band known as The Six.
There is an electrifying chemistry between the breezy Daisy and the brooding lead singer of the band, Billy Dunne, which threatens to tear the band apart.
With protagonists in their twenties and a focus on the impact of a partying lifestyle, Daisy Jones & The Six is beloved by people in this age range.
Pros
Reid has a skill for creating likable yet flawed characters.
Told in the form of interviews, this book is extremely digestible.
Some of the band members are not well-fleshed out.
Final Thoughts
The twenties are a formative decade in which a person develops a more independent identity and enters the adult world.
As a result, many readers will want to read books that explore this contradictory decade of increased freedom and responsibility.
If you are in your twenties, it is recommended that you give these brilliant books a shot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 25 Too Late To Start Reading?
No, it is never too late to pick up a book and start becoming an avid reader. The truth is that some people don’t develop a passion for reading until they are a little older.
Can You Read Young Adult Books In Your 20s?
Yes, you can read books aimed at young adults in your twenties. Though these books are designed for a younger audience, you can still enjoy their themes and narratives when you are a few years older.
Noah Burton works as a Librarian full time, and is a blogger in his spare time. His goal is to write compelling recommendations for all of the most popular books he can find, from science fiction to romance.
With a passion for books, a drive to find new reads to get stuck into, and a love for sharing book recommendations with others, Noah can help you find the next novel for your bucket list.
