Turning 26 this year made me realise that my twenties are already halfway through—a thought that’s both exciting and terrifying. Like many, I often feel unsure and far from having life figured out. Since my teenage years, I’ve grappled with the tension between what I truly want and what others expect of me. This internal battle has pushed me to explore countless podcasts, films, and books in search of clarity. Yet, the truth is, your twenties are meant to be a beautiful mess—a whirlwind of trial, error, and self-discovery.
If you’re in your twenties or about to embark on this transformative decade, this article is here to guide you. Here, you’ll find a curated list of the 30 books to read in your 20s for women navigating this decade. Whether you’re looking for practical advice or heartfelt stories, these reads cover it all—finances, friendships, love, self-worth, and everything in between. They’re my go-to recommendations to help make sense of these turbulent but pivotal years.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you). It’s one of the ways I can keep producing free resources and guides for my readers. Thank you for your support! Refer to the Disclosure Policy for more details.
Finance Books to Read In Your 20s
If there’s one topic you should read and learn about in your twenties, it’s financial literacy. Books on money management, investing, and personal finance can provide practical strategies, from budgeting and saving to understanding credit and building wealth. Reading these early not only helps avoid common money mistakes but also sets the foundation for long-term financial confidence. Whether you’re curious about investing basics, mastering your spending habits, or understanding the psychology of money, diving into financial literacy now can pay dividends for years to come. Here’s a list of finance books to read in your 20s.
Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)
Tori Dunlap’s Financial Feminist is a must-read for anyone in their twenties looking to take control of their financial future.
The book isn’t just about budgeting or investing—it’s an empowering guide that addresses the unique challenges women face with money, from the gendered wealth gap to societal stereotypes. With practical exercises, journaling prompts, and expert insights, it teaches you how to manage debt, invest wisely, and spend with intention—all while creating the freedom to live life on your terms. Reading it in your twenties gives you the tools to build financial confidence early, so you can make money work for you, not the other way around.
“We live in a patriarchal world—a system that aids and abets inequality. In this system that has gatekept financial information and tools from marginalized groups, it is an act of protest to be financially independent. It is an act of protest to overcome negative beliefs about money in order to save, pay off debt, invest, and find fulfilling work. It is an act of protest to prioritize rest instead of hustle, abundance rather than scarcity, and generosity in place of stockpiling. In a world that actively works to keep us playing small, it is an act of protest to be stable, content, and powerful.”
– Tori Dunlap
Good With Money by Emma Edwards
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A practical, funny and relatable guide that won’t make you feel bad about your finances or tell you to cut out everything you enjoy.
Your twenties are the perfect time to develop healthy financial habits, and Good With Money by Emma Edwards is the ultimate guide to taking control of your finances. Written with an approachable and relatable tone, Edwards simplifies budgeting, saving, and money management while addressing the emotional side of financial well-being. This book empowers you to make confident financial decisions, setting you up for a secure and stress-free future.
“We’re told our worth lies solely in how we look. It serves the patriarchy well for us to outsource our self-worth to a jeans size or a number of wrinkles, because these standards are keeping us distracted, and keeping us spending.”
– Emma edwards
Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
An easy-to-read guide to start investing with theory and practical examples.
Girls That Invest by Simran Kaur is the perfect guide for women in their twenties who want to take charge of their financial futures. This book breaks down the world of investing in a way that feels approachable, empowering, and practical, making it ideal for those just starting out. Kaur highlights the importance of building wealth early and offers simple, actionable advice that helps you understand the basics of investing, regardless of your prior knowledge. For women in their twenties, this is the perfect time to begin investing, and Girls That Invest offers the confidence and tools you need to make smart, informed decisions. By reading this book, you’ll not only start laying the foundation for financial independence but also challenge the common misconception that investing is too complex or out of reach. It’s a must-read for anyone ready to take control of their money and secure their financial future.
“The truth is, thinking that investing is too hard is a popular myth that holds most of us back from getting started.”
– simran kaur
Interested in building financial independence?
Looking for an app that makes long-term investing in ETFs, shares, and funds? Join Pearler today! Sign up through my referral link and start growing your investments smarter and faster. Using my referral link, you can get a $10 Pearler credit.
Books to Read In Your 20s If You’re Feeling Lost
If you’re searching for media that resonates while navigating your twenties, check out this full post packed with recommendations—from insightful articles and comfort films to books and videos—to help you feel seen, inspired, and less alone.
I Didn’t Know I Needed This by Eli Rallo
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A practical, funny, and relatable guide that won’t make you feel judged for your dating mishaps.
Your twenties are the perfect time to figure out what you want from love, life, and yourself, and I Didn’t Know I Needed This by Eli Rallo is the ultimate guide to navigating modern dating with confidence. Written with a candid and humorous voice, Rallo shares her own adventures, missteps, and rules for dating—from first flirts and risky DMs to heartbreak and self-love—while giving actionable advice on setting boundaries, communicating your needs, and enjoying the ride. This book empowers you to embrace your twenties fully, fall in love with yourself, and approach relationships with both honesty and joy.
“You don’t miss them, you miss the feeling they gave you.”
– Eli Rallo
The Lonely Stories, Edited by Natalie Eve Garrett
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A thoughtful, poignant, and relatable collection that won’t make you feel pressured to be “always busy” or socially perfect.
Your twenties are the perfect time to explore your own identity and learn to embrace solitude, and The Lonely Stories, edited by Natalie Eve Garrett, is the ultimate guide to understanding the joys and struggles of being alone. Featuring essays from 22 acclaimed writers—including Lev Grossman, Jhumpa Lahiri, Lena Dunham, Jesmyn Ward, Yiyun Li, and Anthony Doerr—this collection explores heartbreak, humour, longing, and self-discovery. From reflections on loss and displacement to the quiet pleasures of solitude, these essays offer affirmation, insight, and comfort, reminding you that being alone doesn’t mean being lonely, and that your experiences are both valid and shared.
“It was an enormous relief to not want anything from anyone, to not worry about whether I could persuade anyone to love me.”
Helena Fitzgerald
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
Recommended for those who have experienced loss, are in their healing process, or are looking for that spark.
Before I Let Go by Kennedy Ryan is an emotional and beautifully crafted novel that speaks to the complexities of love, loss, and healing, making it an essential read for women in their twenties. The story follows the journey of Yasmen and Josiah, who navigate the painful yet transformative process of finding their way back to each other after a heartbreaking separation. Ryan’s writing is raw and deeply resonant, capturing the highs and lows of relationships with such authenticity that readers can’t help but reflect on their own experiences. For women in their twenties, Before I Let Go offers valuable lessons about resilience, self-worth, and the importance of forgiveness—both of others and oneself. This book encourages you to understand that letting go doesn’t mean giving up and that sometimes, the most powerful form of growth comes from embracing vulnerability and learning to love again.
“Then she laughed and I wondered if this—finding someone you can laugh with when everything hurts—was the stuff happily ever afters were made of.”
– Kennedy ryan
Happy Place by Emily Henry
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A heartfelt, witty, and deeply relatable story that won’t shy away from the messy realities of love, friendship, and growing up.
Your twenties are the perfect time to explore relationships, self-discovery, and the complexities of adult friendships, and Happy Place by Emily Henry is the ultimate guide to feeling all the feels. Following Harriet and Wyn, a couple navigating a breakup while sharing their friend group’s cherished Maine cottage, the novel dives into love, loss, miscommunication, and the journey back to each other. Alternating between past and present timelines, Henry masterfully portrays the highs and lows of romantic connection, the bonds of chosen family, and the bittersweet evolution of friendships. This book will leave you reflecting on love, vulnerability, and the messy, beautiful process of growing into yourself, proving that even heartbreak and missteps can shape a meaningful, joyful life.
“I imagined them all thinking it was worth it. Telling me how much they loved me. All my life, when I thought of my future, that was what I pictured. Not a career. The things I thought would come with it. Happiness, love, safety. And that dream had been enough for a long time. What was school if not a chance to earn your worth? To prove, again and again, that you were measurably good. One more deal I struck with a disinterested universe: If I’m good enough, I’ll be happy. I’ll be loved. I’ll be safe.”
– Emily Henry
Download my Ultimate Notion Reading Template
Save time by using my reading notion template to help you track, reflect and get the most out of your reading. Perfect for keeping all your reading lists, notes, and insights in one place.
Features:
- 📚 Reading Tracker: Keep a record of all books you’ve read, are currently reading, and want to read.
- ✍️ Notes & Highlights: Capture key takeaways, quotes, and personal reflections for every book.
- ⭐ Rating & Review System: Rate books and write mini-reviews to remember your favourites.
- 🔖 Categorisation & Tags: Organise by genre, author, mood, or priority.
- 🎨 Customizable & Aesthetic Layout: Personalise the look and feel to match your style.
You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A witty, heartfelt, and nostalgic story that perfectly captures the highs and lows of friendship, love, and growing up.
Your twenties are the perfect time to explore the bonds that shape you, and You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry is the ultimate guide to understanding the messy, beautiful journey of connection over time. Following Poppy and Alex across twelve summers, the novel traces their evolution from antagonists to inseparable friends, capturing unforgettable moments, shared adventures, and the complicated emotions that come with deep relationships. With humour, heart, and a bittersweet sense of longing, Henry explores the delicate balance between friendship and love, showing how one last trip can redefine everything. This book reminds readers that some connections are worth holding onto, no matter how unpredictable life—and love—can be.
“But most of us are too scared to even ask what we want, in case we can’t have it.”
– Emily henry
The Space Between By Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A witty, candid, and deeply relatable look at the highs and lows of navigating early adulthood.
The Space Between by Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald is the ultimate companion for anyone figuring out life in that confusing, exhilarating limbo. Drawing from their own experiences and their hit podcast Shameless, the authors share candid reflections on heartbreak, mental health, career setbacks, friendships, and self-discovery. Brimming with humour, vulnerability, and sharp insight, this book reminds readers that while adulthood may feel messy and uncertain, there’s magic to be found in the journey and sometimes the best lessons happen in the space between.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A thought-provoking, emotional, and deeply reflective story that asks what it truly means to live a meaningful life.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig explores the idea that every choice we make opens a door to a different life. When Nora Seed finds herself in a library between life and death, she is given the chance to undo her regrets and explore the lives she could have lived. Through this journey, the novel confronts themes of depression, self-worth, and the pressure of “what ifs,” while also celebrating the beauty and absurdity of being alive. Haig’s writing is both poignant and illuminating, encouraging readers to consider what makes life worth living, to release the burden of regrets, and to find meaning in the life they are actually living.
“If you aim to be something you are not, you will always fail. Aim to be you. Aim to look and act and think like you. Aim to be the truest version of you. Embrace that you-ness. Endorse it. Love it. Work hard at it. And don’t give a second thought when people mock it or ridicule it. Most gossip is envy in disguise.”
– Matt Haig
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A profoundly moving, lyrical, and deeply personal memoir that explores identity, grief, and the bonds that shape us.
Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner is an unforgettable journey through loss, culture, and self-discovery. Zauner reflects on growing up as a mixed-race Korean-American, navigating a complicated relationship with her mother, and coming to terms with her mother’s terminal illness. Through intimate stories, vivid descriptions of Korean food, and reflections on family, culture, and belonging, she captures the quiet power of love, memory, and tradition. This memoir is as heartbreaking as it is beautiful, offering readers a chance to reflect on their own connections, identity, and the moments we often take for granted, leaving a lasting emotional impact long after the final page.
“I remember these things clearly because that was how my mother loved you, not through white lies and constant verbal affirmation, but in subtle observations of what brought you joy, pocketed away to make you feel comforted and cared for without even realizing it.”
– Michelle Zauner
The Panic Years: Dates, Doubts, and the Mother of All Decisions by Nell Frizzell
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A candid and thought-provoking look at the pressures women face in deciding if and when to have children.
The Panic Years by Nell Frizzell is a raw and relatable exploration of the anxieties that surface between the ages of twenty-five and forty, when decisions about work, relationships, and life can feel dominated by the question of whether to have a baby. With honesty, humour, and insight, Frizzell shares her own experiences while opening a broader conversation about societal expectations, personal choice, and the often unspoken fears surrounding motherhood. This book offers comfort, validation, and clarity for anyone navigating this uniquely stressful period, reminding readers that they are not alone in their panic or uncertainty.
“Throughout my twenties and into my thirties, I tried desperately to appear casual and carefree, believing that any hint at my true, complicated desires—in my case, for love, commitment, independence, a successful career, and ultimately a baby too—would render me single forever. I silenced myself, because I thought it made me more attractive”
– Nell Frizzell
Books to Read in Your 20s for Personal Development
A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A raw, unflinching, and thought-provoking novel that explores loneliness, longing, and the search for meaning.
A Lonely Girl Is a Dangerous Thing by Jessie Tu follows Jena Chung, a former violin prodigy navigating the emptiness of early adulthood through her music, relationships, and impulsive choices. Detached yet deeply human, Jena’s journey confronts the pain of chronic loneliness, the pressures of family and ambition, and the unpredictability of life when dreams shift or vanish. With a fearless and original voice, Tu captures the awkwardness, confusion, and quiet desperation of trying to find your place in the world, offering readers a sobering reflection on connection, desire, and the small moments that make life meaningful.
Conversations on Love by Natasha Lunn
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)
A thoughtful, insightful, and deeply moving exploration of love in all its forms.
Conversations on Love examines the many ways love shapes our lives—from romantic relationships and friendships to grief, loss, and self-acceptance. Combining her own experiences with interviews from writers, thinkers, and cultural figures like Alain de Botton, Dolly Alderton, Roxane Gay, and Candice Carty-Williams, Lunn offers a nuanced look at how we find, sustain, and survive love. This book encourages readers to broaden their understanding of love beyond fantasy and expectation, embrace vulnerability, nurture meaningful connections, and live authentically. Profoundly empathetic and beautifully written, it provides space to reflect on our own relationships, making it a resonant and transformative read for anyone seeking to understand love more fully.
“As I grew older, I learnt that the expectation that someone will save you from who you are, or from what you have or don’t have, is a fallacy. Expecting someone to fill in a hole that’s within you? That’s expecting too much of any one person. That’s not your friend’s job or your partner’s job. That’s your job.”
– Natasha Lunn
A Gentle Reminder by Bianca Sparacino
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)
A soothing, heartfelt, and uplifting collection that offers comfort when life feels overwhelming.
Through reflective and compassionate prose, Sparacino provides encouragement to heal, grow, and embrace the messiness and beauty of being human. This book serves as a quiet companion, reminding readers that it’s okay to feel deeply, to stay soft, and to keep going even when life feels uncertain. Perfect for anyone seeking reassurance, reflection, or a gentle nudge toward hope and self-compassion.
“Forgive yourself for the way you held yourself back because you didn’t believe in your own potential, because you didn’t believe in your capacity to take up space.”
– Bianca Sparacino
101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)
An insightful collection designed to challenge your perspective and spark personal growth.
101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think brings together her most compelling writing on topics like pursuing purpose over passion, embracing negative thinking, understanding daily routines, and recognising cognitive biases that shape how we see our lives. Each short, digestible essay encourages reflection and actionable change, making complex ideas accessible and relevant. While some sections feel repetitive toward the end, the concise chapters and practical guidance make it an interesting read for mental clarity, self-awareness, and personal development—perfect for anyone looking to rethink their habits, mindset, and approach to life.
“The worst happened, and then it passed. You lost the person you thought you couldn’t live without and then you kept living. You lost your job then found another one. You began to realize that “safety” isn’t in certainty—but in faith that you can simply keep going.”
– Brianna Wiest
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)
A profoundly moving, heartfelt, and transformative collection of advice on life, love, and being human.
Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice from Dear Sugar compiles the best of her Dear Sugar columns, offering wisdom, honesty, humour, and compassion for the challenges we all face. Through letters from people of all backgrounds seeking guidance, Strayed provides advice grounded in her own experiences, making readers feel seen, understood, and less alone. This book reveals that sometimes it’s the small, seemingly insignificant moments—the “tiny beautiful things”—that leave the biggest impact on our lives. Raw, relatable, and deeply empathetic, it’s a life-altering read that encourages reflection, healing, and gratitude.
“Most things will be okay eventually, but not everything will be. Sometimes you’ll put up a good fight and lose. Sometimes you’ll hold on really hard and realize there is no choice but to let go. Acceptance is a small, quiet room.”
– Cheryl Strayed
The Idiot by Elif Batuman
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AUS)
A sharp, witty, and beautifully observant coming-of-age novel about self-discovery, intellect, and first love.
The Idiot by Elif Batuman follows 18-year-old Harvard freshman Selin, the daughter of Turkish immigrants, as she navigates the confounding, exhilarating world of college life in 1995. From enrolling in unfamiliar classes to forming a tense, peculiar friendship with Ivan, a slightly older Hungarian student, Selin’s experiences highlight the awkward, sometimes absurd realities of growing up. Batuman captures the confusion, naivety, and self-consciousness of youth with humour, subtle sarcasm, and a keen eye for detail. This novel is a brilliant exploration of identity, intellectual curiosity, and the peculiar exhilaration of unrequited love, blending moments of heartbreak, awkwardness, and laugh-out-loud wit into a story that is as charming as it is insightful.
“It can be really exasperating to look back at your past. What’s the matter with you? I want to ask her, my younger self, shaking her shoulder. If I did that, she would probably cry. Maybe I would cry, too.”
Elif Batuman
Writers & Lovers by Lily King
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A heartfelt, introspective, and beautifully written novel about ambition, love, and self-discovery.
Writers & Lovers follows Casey, a young writer in her twenties struggling to find her voice while navigating the uncertainties of early adulthood. After the death of her mother, Casey faces personal and professional obstacles, balancing creative ambition with the desire for meaningful relationships. King captures the self-doubt, resilience, and messy beauty of figuring out life, making this novel a deeply relatable story for anyone trying to carve their own path. For readers in their twenties, Writers & Lovers is a poignant reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out, and that the journey of discovering who you are can be as important as the destination.
“I squat there and think about how you get trained early on as a woman to perceive how others are perceiving you, at the great expense of what you yourself are feeling about them. Sometimes you mix the two up in a terrible tangle that’s hard to unravel.”
– Lily King
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A deeply moving, witty, and unflinchingly honest novel about mental health, love, and self-discovery.
Sorrow and Bliss follows Martha, a woman in her twenties, grappling with her mental health and the effects it has on her relationships, including her marriage to Patrick. Through Martha’s journey, Mason explores identity, belonging, and the challenges of understanding oneself in a world that often feels overwhelming. The novel offers a candid and compassionate look at the messy realities of life, reminding readers that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. With its mix of humour, heartbreak, and emotional insight, Sorrow and Bliss is a poignant story for anyone navigating personal growth, relationships, and the pursuit of self-acceptance.
“Everything is broken and messed up and completely fine. That is what life is. It’s only the ratios that change. usually on their own.”
Meg Mason
Bite Back by Hannah Ferguson
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A digestible and inspiring teaching on what it is to simply exist in today’s society.
Bite Back is a fierce and empowering manifesto for women ready to reclaim their voices in a world that often silences them. Through personal anecdotes and cultural critique, Hannah Ferguson challenges societal norms and inspires readers to live authentically and unapologetically. This book is perfect for anyone in their twenties striving to build confidence and challenge the status quo.
Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A guide that encourages women to break free from societal shame and perfectionism to embrace the everyday pleasures and fullness of life.
As you grow older, it’s normal to lose the joys you once experienced in youth. This book reminds and teaches you how to love the little things in life and embrace the deliciousness that exists in each day. With Florence Given’s bold, inspiring voice, Women Living Deliciously offers the courage and permission to step closer to the fully expansive, joyful life you deserve—right now, not later, and not when you’re “perfect.”
The Age of Magical Overthinking by Amanda Irrationality
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
For the anxious girlies, read this for a warm hug. This book provides relief to your thought processes and reintroduces you to the ability to reason with yourself again.
In this book, Irrationality explores the ways in which overthinking and seeking perfection can interfere with our ability to live authentically and make decisions with confidence. With humour and vulnerability, she delves into the habits and patterns of overthinking that many young women experience, offering insights on how to break free from these mental traps. For women in their twenties, The Age of Magical Overthinking is both a relatable and empowering read, reminding you that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and that embracing imperfection is a powerful act of self-acceptance. This book encourages you to trust your intuition, quiet the noise of doubt, and take action with less fear of making mistakes, ultimately empowering you to live more fully in the present.
“I think what I really want is to treat life less like a war. Wouldn’t we have less Imposter Syndrome and fewer actual imposters if we just lowered our standards a bit? Modern productivity dogma encourages us to act fast, and milk our exceptionalism for all it’s worth. Under that kind of pressure, perhaps the truest rebellion is to embrace our ordinariness”
– Amanda Montell
Books to Read in Your 20s about Relationships
Cleopatra and Frankenstein by Coco Mellors
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A beautifully written, emotionally charged, and introspective novel about love, identity, and self-discovery.
This novel follows Cleopatra, a young artist, and Frankenstein, a successful but troubled older man, as they navigate an intense and complicated relationship. As their romance unfolds, they confront ambition, vulnerability, and the challenge of staying true to themselves while connecting with another person. Mellors captures the messy, beautiful process of self-discovery and the ways relationships shape—but do not define—our sense of self. For readers in their twenties, Cleopatra and Frankenstein is a poignant exploration of balancing independence with intimacy and embracing the complexities of love and personal growth.
“People are like this too, you know,” he says eventually. “We break. We put ourselves back together. The cracks are the best part. You don’t have to hide them.”
– coco mellors
Call it What You Want by Alissa Derogatis
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A bold, empowering, and thought-provoking novel about identity, relationships, and self-discovery.
Call It What You Want follows a group of women challenging societal expectations and embracing their individuality. Through their journeys, the novel explores ambition, love, and personal growth, highlighting the importance of defining oneself on one’s own terms. Derogatis captures the struggles and triumphs of forging an authentic life while confronting external pressures. For readers in their twenties, Call It What You Want is a powerful reminder that it’s okay to trust your instincts, prioritise your desires, and embrace the freedom to live life your way.
“You deserve someone who goes out of their way to make it obvious that they want you in their life.”
– Alissa derogatis
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A witty, heartfelt, and deeply relatable exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery.
Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton follows her journey through the highs and lows of relationships—both romantic and platonic—while navigating the chaos of her twenties. Through sharp humour and raw vulnerability, Alderton shares personal anecdotes that illuminate the challenges of growing up, learning to love yourself, and cherishing true friendships. For readers in their twenties, this book is a reminder that it’s okay not to have everything figured out and that embracing mistakes, growth, and triumphs is all part of the journey.
“I would like to pause the story a moment to talk about ‘nothing will change’. I’ve heard it said to me repeatedly by women I love during my twenties when they move in with boyfriends, get engaged, move abroad, get married, get pregnant. ‘Nothing will change.’ It drives me bananas. Everything will change. Everything will change. The love we have for each other stays the same, but the format, the tone, the regularity and the intimacy of our friendship will change for ever.”
– Dolly alderton
I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A poignant, deeply emotional, and thought-provoking exploration of love and personal growth.
I Could Live Here Forever by Hanna Halperin follows an intense and flawed relationship, capturing the vulnerability, choices, and complexities that shape love in your twenties. Through a nuanced and realistic portrayal, Halperin examines how relationships influence personal growth and self-understanding. For readers in their twenties, this novel is a powerful reminder of the lessons love teaches us and the ways it helps define who we are.
“There are certain memories I’d never write down or tell anyone. I know what happens when you write things down. They change shape. Some of the feeling goes away. Things on the page are never as rich as they are in your head, as they were in real life.”
Good Material by Dolly Alderton
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
A sharply funny, heartfelt, and exquisitely relatable story about love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Good Material by Dolly Alderton follows Andy, a 35-year-old stand-up comedian, reeling from the breakup of his three-year relationship with Jen. As he navigates the chaos of heartbreak, a stalled career, and the challenges of thirtysomething life in London, Andy clings to understanding why the relationship ended, believing that if he solves the puzzle, Jen might return. Alderton infuses the story with observational humour, poignant insights into romantic power dynamics, and a clever reflection on the ways heartbreak shapes us. With a twist revealing Jen’s perspective, Good Material offers a nuanced, Hornbyesque take on love, friendship, and growing up, making it a thoroughly engaging read for anyone exploring the messy, complicated terrain of adult relationships.
“Be alone, Jen. You know how to be alone without being lonely. Do you know how rare that is? Do you know how much I wish I could do that? It’s a wonderful thing you’ve got going on there.”
– Dolly alderton
You’re Overthinking It: Find Lifelong Love By Being Your True Self by Sabrina Alexis Bendory
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
An insightful guide to understanding love and relationships.
Bendory addresses the challenges of overthinking, repetitive dating patterns, and feeling powerless in love, offering strategies to become your true self and attract the kind of partner who complements you. With actionable advice on recognising red flags, understanding relationship dynamics, and cultivating self-awareness, this book is helpful for anxious or analytical thinkers who want to stop chasing love and start choosing it. It’s a thoughtful, accessible guide for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of modern romance.
Adelaide: A Novel by Genevieve Wheeler
Get the book on Amazon (US) | Get the book on Amazon (AU)
For those who have been in a long situation and put others before themselves.
Adelaide is a tender and introspective story about heartbreak, healing, and the process of finding yourself. This novel captures the raw emotions of navigating love and loss in your twenties while emphasising the importance of self-compassion. It’s a touching reminder that growth often comes from life’s most challenging experiences.
“There are parts of our hearts we give away. Not lend, but sacrifice entirely. And there are some people to whom we give these pieces, knowing we’ll never really get them back.”
– Genevieve Wheeler
Other Resources You Might Find Helpful
- How to make reading feel like comfort instead of a chore
- 15 friends-to-lovers romance books you should add to your reading list
- 10 Autumn Romance Books to Cosy Up With This Season
- 15 Romance Fantasy Books You Should Read This Year
- Books everyone should read at least once in their life
- Media to consume if you’re feeling lost in your twenties
📌 Bookish Resources You Need
📚 Reading Notion Template: Keep your book notes, annotations, and reading stats neatly organised with this interactive Notion template designed just for readers.
📖 E–Reader: Check out the e-reader I use every day—perfect for diving into your TBR list anytime, anywhere.
📊 Tracking App: Easily track your reads and stats with Fable—all in one place. Use my referral link to get $5 credit!
📸 Camera Gear: If you’re curious about the camera gear I’ve used for my photos, find out what’s in my camera bag here.
Found this helpful? 👇🏼
Found this free guide helpful? Support my work so I can produce more free content for you.
📌 Like this post? Pin ‘Books to Read in Your 20s‘ for later!
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.