Your 20s should be a time of eye opening experiences that will change your perspective. Sometimes they come in the form of adventures, other times they come in the form of books. These are the books that will prepare you for the last few years of your 20s and bring you new knowledge of yourself and the world around you.
Eat Pray Love - Elizabeth Gilbert
Haven’t been on that special travel adventure yet? Love Italy? Just went through a breakup? Are you a spiritual person? Eat Pray Love is an inspiring tale of a woman trying to find herself. After you’re done, read up on what Elizabeth Gilbert has been doing so far - it’s just as inspiring as the book.
Important quote: “This is a good sign, having a broken heart. It means we have tried for something.”
Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race - Reni Eddo-Lodge
Your 20s should be about opening your mind and exposing it to subjects you might not necessarily be comfortable with. Reni presents historical facts on racism in Britain as well as the UK. If you’re confused about anything regarding racism and would love to learn more about its history, I highly recommend this book.
Important quote: “The mess we are living in is a deliberate one. If it was created by people, it can be dismantled by people, and it can be rebuilt in a way that serves all, rather than a selfish, hoarding few.”
The Diary of Anne Frank - Anne Frank
This is one of those books we all had to read in high school - but do you remember it? Did you actually read it? Anne Frank’s diary is one of the most chilling reads you’ll have as an adult. Expose yourself to her world in the most sincere and unapologetic way.
Important quote: "What is done cannot be undone, but one can prevent it happening again.”
The Little Prince - Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Sometimes re-reading childhood books makes us see things differently - and out of all the books you’ve read as a child, this is the one you have to reread. It’s a reminder to always keep a child-like curiosity as you grow older and wiser.
Important quote: “All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”
The Year of Magical Thinking - Joan Didion
As you’re approaching 30s, you’ll probably experience at least one death of someone close to you. The book is full of memorable quotes and it reflects on life, death, and marriage in the most beautiful and realistic way.
Important quote: “Grief turns out to be a place none of us know until we reach it. We anticipate (we know) that someone close to us could die, but we do not look beyond the few days or weeks that immediately follow such an imagined death.”
Finding Me by Michelle Knight
Hope by Amanda Berry and Gina DeJesus
Sometimes life will make you go through horrible things. These two books should be read individually and consecutively. They tell the stories of three women who were held captive for over a decade in a house just a few minutes from their homes. It’s a horrifying tale, but a must-read in order to get an eye-opening perspective on the terrible ordeal of victims of kidnapping.
Important quote: “In order to get past something terrible, sometimes you have to walk through the pain, not around it.”
Letters to a Young Poet - Rainer Maria Rilke
It might sound crazy, but I first came across this book while watching Sister Act 2. The book, made of ten letters, will give inspiration to those that aren’t sure what to do with their lives. While many of us found ourselves in our 20s, there are still plenty of people out there who have no idea who they are and what their life mission is. This is the book that will push you in the right direction.
Important quote: “If, when you wake up in the morning, you can think of nothing but writing . . . then you are a writer.”
That's our list of the books you have to read before you turn 30. What's yours? Let us know in the comments!
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