Must-Read Books for Women in Their 20s: 14+ Books That Changed My Life

Reading has always been a big part of my life. Since I was a kid, I’ve had my nose in all types of books. However, once I hit my 20s, I truly began to understand the power of reading. Being in your 20s is hard. You are living a whole new life, and it can be tough figuring out everything on your own. Like what do I know about love and finances? Nothing! But the good news is that other people have also gone through this. And these wonderful people have written books about it. Thank God, this means we don’t have to go through navigating our 20s all alone. If you too are feeling a little lost and nervous, like I was a couple of years ago, then you are in the right place. I’ve compiled a list of the must-read books for women in their 20s to help you out, as these titles really changed my life. Here, you will find different titles exploring subjects like navigating relationships, finances, love, work, and mental health.

There are so many amazing books to add to your bookcase

Why Reading in Your 20s is Essential

Reading is important at any age. However, reading in your 20s is a game-changer. This is a confusing time. I don’t know about you, but I feel that my 20s are all about figuring things out and I find that books can really help with that. They can offer new insights into relationships, careers, mental health, and personal growth. All things that we need to navigate this pivotal decade in our lives. According to Oprah Winfrey, talk show host, author, and icon, books can provide us with endless knowledge and inspiration by opening up new worlds and perspectives for us. Whether you prefer reading fiction, sci-fi, or nonfiction, reading has many benefits. It keeps your mind active, teaches you new skills, and can even help you relax and unwind. So, if you want to improve your understanding of both yourself and others, it’s important to delve into different stories.

Reading helps you understand yourself and others

Must-Read Books for Women in Their 20s

“Wild” by Cheryl Strayed

Cheryl Strayed’s 2012 memoir Wild made millions of women go on a journey to find themselves in the most unexpected places. At 22 years old, Cheryl felt like she was going nowhere. Her mother had passed away, and her own relationship was in trouble. Four years later, with no prior hiking experience or training, she decided to hike the Pacific Trail – from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to Washington State. Completely on her own. On the adventure, Cheryl has to come to terms not only with the physical challenges of the hike, but also with the emotional challenges of her mother’s death, her divorce, and other problems. If you enjoy reading about self-discovery, this is the perfect inspirational book for you to give a chance to!

The cover of the international bestseller “Wild”

The perfect read for women obsessed with adventure

“Everything I Know About Love” by Dolly Alderton

Dolly Alderton has become one of the world’s most popular millennials. Her columns and podcast, The High Low, became a favorite of many millennial women who were trying to figure their lives out. Her memoir, Everything I Know About Love, is a reflection on her late teens and twenties. I absolutely love this book. Moreover, this book follows her friendships, opportunities relationships, heartbreaks, and failures. Full of embarrassing personal stories, funny jokes, and advice to cope with difficult times, it is a comforting and heart-warming read. It is a nice reminder that no matter what it is you are currently going through, there is always someone who knows exactly how you feel.

The cover of the international bestseller “Everything I Know About Love”

The perfect book about a woman’s life 

“Little Black Book” by Otegha Uwagba

Little Black Book is a career advice book for young women. It’s the perfect book for any bookcase. This bestseller will tell you everything you need to know about public speaking and maximizing your productivity. Aside from nine chapters on finances, building your brand, and finding a healthy work-life balance, the book also features a very handy Q&A section, complete with quotes from famous successful people.

The Sunday Times bestseller cover of “Little Black Book”

A good read for the working ladies

“Almost Adulting” by Arden Rose

This perfect coming-of-age read was written by one of my favorite social media influencer and lifestyle vlogger Arden Rose. She explores topics such as making friends on the internet in a safe way, overcoming insecurities, flirting with love interests in a way that makes them think you’re cool, and being in healthy relationships. Almost Adulting is the perfect almost guide to your 20s as a woman!

The official cover of the book “Almost Adulting”

A light and easy read for young women

“How to Break Up With Fast Fashion” by Lauren Bravo

For those of you who are struggling with unnecessary clothes shopping and fashion guilt, journalist Lauren Bravo is here to help. Her book, How to Break Up With Fast Fashion, explores her story and how she quit buying fast fashion for an entire year. Everything started one New Year’s Eve and the ASOS clothing app. This book gives insight into the clothing and textile industry and gives advice for those times when you are just craving a shopping spree.

The official cover of “How to Break Up With Fast Fashion”

The author and journalist Lauren Bravo

“Girlboss” by Sophia Amoruso

This book is the story of Sophia- a girl who used to dabble in petty theft that later landed a spot on Forbes’ list of the Richest Self-Made Women. Sophia Amoruso shares a first-person account of her story, business decisions, the founding of the Nasty Gal clothing brand. A great motivational book on everything you need to know about entrepreneurship.

The official cover of the New York Times bestseller “Girlboss”

Sophia is the founder of the clothing brand “Nasty Gal”

“The Ambition Decisions” by Hana Schank and Elizabeth Wallace

This book is an incredible read that is helpful, informative, and life-changing for women in their late twenties. Authors Schank and Wallace interviewed female classmates from their time at Northwestern and then put together this book based on real women’s lives! There are various different categories explored like career, ambition, relationships, marriage, parenting, economics, and more. What is particularly amazing about this book is that it is relatable to women on all sorts of life paths!

The cover of the book “The Ambition Decisions”

“Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance” by Angela Duckworth

In this book, Angela Duckworth explores thematics like the power of passion and perseverance over talent. Grit contains research on and interviews with many high achievers — from CEOs to editors. Reading this book will remind you just how important committing to your passion is and that innate talent is not that important for success.

The official cover of the New York bestseller “Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance”

“Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert

If you want to live a creative and vibrant life, then the book Big Magic needs to be on your reading list! Written by bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert, in this book, you will discover strategies for your creative process, motivation, and big ideas. Moreover, it will teach you how to embrace the things that you love and make you joyful instead of feeling the need to be apologetic.

The official cover of the New York Times bestseller “Big Magic”

Perfect for people craving a colorful and vibrant life

“The Book of Moods” by Lauren Martin

Lauren Martin investigates how we can better accept and honor our true feelings. Rather than shying away from emotional triggers and over-controlling all of our responses. What’s more, she shares how you can prioritize your mental health and daily habits. In addition to personal anecdotes, Lauren Martin includes thoughts from famous people like actress Brie Larson.

The official cover of “The Book of Moods”

If you are struggling with your inner world and peace, then this is the book for you

“The Defining Decade: Why your twenties matter — and how to make the most of them now” by Meg Jay

This book will help you with your relationships, work, and mental wellness. The author is a clinical psychologist who puts together anecdotes from her clients to encourage people to be proactive and not reactive in their life. Your 20s are a time for development, and this book will be there for you every step of the way.

The official cover of the book “The Defining Decade”

Coffee goes best with a good book

“Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar” by Cheryl Strayed

This book is full of so much advice from Cheryl, particularly about relationships, love, and dating. If you are afraid of commitment and breaking up, Cheryl gives valuable advice in her book that is firm but kind. What’s more, she does not sugarcoat anything, but she reassures you that living as your authentic self is the only real path forward, in life! Cheryl uses her experiences as examples that everything turns out okay at the end.

The cover of the book “Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar”

This book is the perfect little teacher on all things about love

“How to Be a Person in the World: Ask Polly’s Guide Through the Paradoxes of Modern Life” by Heather Havrilesky

If you are unfamiliar with the ‘Ask Polly’ column in The Cut, now is your chance to change that. This book will make you nod in agreement, tear up, and want more and more. The book from ‘Polly’—aka writer Heather Havrilesky—will show you how to become your own problem solver, how to process your emotions, and how to build your true self. SO, prepare to tackle any obstacle that life presents after finishing this amazing book.

The official cover of “How to Be a Person in the World”

A good read for any modern young woman

“Eat Pray Love” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Where would we be without mentioning this classic! Eat Pray Love is an inspirational memoir that documents Elizabeth Gilbert’s choice. She decided to leave behind the modern American dream and figure out what she truly wants out of her life. While her journey leads Gilbert across the world and back from Italy to India, the emotional and spiritual discoveries Elizabeth comes across will make you rethink your whole life plan!

The official cover of the New York Times bestseller “Eat Pray Love”

The popular movie starring Julia Roberts is based on this book

“My Body” by Emily Ratajkowski

This is a new book that is a deeply honest investigation of what it means to be a woman in our modern world. It was written by Emily Ratajkowski, an acclaimed model, actress, entrepreneur, global social media phenomenon, and writer. Entering the world of fame at age twenty-one, Ratajkowski sparked both praise and anger with a display of her body as an unapologetic proof of feminist empowerment. All in all, my Body is a profoundly personal exploration of feminism, sexuality, womanhood, and the treatment of women in the industry and online – one of the best books for women in their 20s.

The official cover of  the book “My Body”

Emily and her breakthrough memoir 

These are some of my favorite must-read books for women in their 20s. I hope you found this article useful. These books address a broad spectrum of subjects that are super important and pertinent to us in our twenties. You will find answers to everything from how to manage relationships, comprehend money, to how to learn to love yourself. So, make sure to add these wonderful books to your to-read list.

There is no such thing as having too many books