51 Must-Read Motivational Books for 20-Year-Olds

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Your early 20s are an exciting and transformative time. You’re stepping into the real world, making significant changes in your personal and professional life, and discovering who you truly are. As you navigate through this defining decade, books can be your best friends, offering words of wisdom, personal growth, and motivation. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of motivational books for 20 year-olds that will help you start living your best life, develop good habits, and find your own way in the modern world.

I have two 20-year-old children, and I’m always encouraging them to read. Why? Books provide a gateway to knowledge. The right books can help expand one’s horizons and expose them to diverse perspectives and ideas. Books stimulate critical thinking, honing the ability to analyze, question, and form well-rounded opinions.

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Why should you read motivational books?

New York Post states that people should consider investing in a motivational, self-help book. I can attest to the right book helping you put things in perspective and encouraging you to get your life together. There are numerous benefits of reading books.  Here are a few:

• Inspiration and Positivity: Books can uplift and inspire readers. They often share stories of individuals who have overcome challenges and achieved success, instilling a sense of hope and positivity.
• Goal setting: Reading can help individuals set clear goals and develop strategies to achieve them. Some books provide practical advice and actionable steps to move closer to one’s aspirations.
• Self-Improvement: Motivational books encourage self-reflection and personal development. You can gain insight into areas like confidence-building, time management, and communication skills from books. Readers can become the best versions of themselves with help from the right book.
• Resilience: Life is full of ups and downs, and motivational books teach resilience by showing how others have bounced back from setbacks. They emphasize the importance of perseverance and a growth mindset.
• Enhanced Mental health: Many motivational books touch on topics related to mental health and well-being. They offer coping strategies, stress management techniques, and ways to build emotional intelligence.
• Expanded Horizons: Motivational books expose readers to diverse perspectives and life experiences. This broadens their horizons and encourages empathy and understanding for others.
• Increased Confidence: Reading about others’ success stories and the strategies they used can boost one’s confidence in their ability to achieve their own goals.
• Motivation for Change: Whether it’s making healthier lifestyle choices, pursuing a new career, or building better relationships, motivational books provide the motivation and guidance needed to make positive changes.
• Time Well Spent: Reading motivational books is a constructive use of leisure time. Instead of passively consuming entertainment, readers engage in activities that can lead to personal growth and transformation.
• Long-Term Impact: The lessons learned from motivational books can have a lasting impact on one’s life. They serve as a source of wisdom and inspiration that can be revisited whenever needed.

What are some great books for folks in their 20s?

1. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear: Start with this modern classic on habit formation. James Clear’s book will teach you how small changes in your everyday life can lead to significant improvements in your personal development.
2. “How to Win Friends and Influence People” by Dale Carnegie: Learn the art of building meaningful relationships and influencing people positively. This timeless classic offers practical advice for social success.
3. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki: Delve into personal finance and discover the stark differences between “Poor Dad” and “Rich Dad.” This book will provide a clear idea of financial literacy and wealth building.
4. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen R. Covey: Explore the habits that successful individuals possess and how they can be applied to your own life. Covey’s insights offer a roadmap to a good life and career success.
5. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson: Challenge conventional thinking and embrace a different perspective on personal development. Manson’s no-nonsense approach to happiness and success is refreshing.
6. “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay: For those in their early 20s, this book offers valuable advice on making the most of this critical period in your life. Jay, a clinical psychologist, provides practical guidance for personal growth and career change.
7. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor Frankl: Explore the profound insights of a Holocaust survivor. Frankl’s journey through Nazi concentration camps will inspire you to find meaning in adversity.
8. “Wild” by Cheryl Strayed: Join Cheryl Strayed on her journey of self-discovery as she hikes the Pacific Crest Trail. This real-life adventure tale encourages you to step out of your comfort zone and start living.
9. “Year of Yes” by Shonda Rhimes: Follow Shonda Rhimes as she embarks on a year of saying “yes” to new experiences. This New York Times bestseller will motivate you to embrace fresh starts and take control of your life.
10. “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert: Unleash your creativity with this beautiful book on inspiration and creativity. Gilbert’s insights will empower you to pursue your passions fearlessly.
11. “The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain:If you’re an introvert, this book will celebrate your own person. Cain explores the strengths of introverts in a society that often values extroversion.
12. “Rising Strong” by Brené Brown: Discover the power of vulnerability and resilience. Brown’s book will help you navigate life’s challenges and come out stronger on the other side.
13. “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss: Explore the possibilities of work-life balance and location independence. Ferriss shares strategies for achieving more while working less.
14. “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey: Get your personal finances in order with this practical guide. Ramsey provides actionable steps to help you achieve financial freedom.
15. “Emotional Intelligence” by Daniel Goleman: Learn how emotional intelligence can impact your personal and professional life. Goleman’s insights will help you navigate relationships with greater understanding.
16. “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown: Embrace your imperfections and find your own way in life. Brown’s book encourages self-compassion and authenticity.
17. “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell: Explore the stories of successful individuals and discover what sets them apart. Gladwell’s book will inspire you to pursue your own path to success.
18. “Girl, Wash Your Face” by Rachel Hollis: Hollis shares her own experiences and offers practical advice for women in their 20s. This book is a reminder that you are capable of achieving your dreams.
19. “Tiny Beautiful Things” by Cheryl Strayed: In this collection of real-life stories and advice, Strayed provides insights into love, life, and everything in between.
20. “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman: Understand the different ways people give and receive love. Chapman’s book can improve your relationships and overall happiness.

These motivational books for 20-year-olds cover a wide range of topics, from personal development and finance to resilience and creativity. Each one offers valuable insights and practical advice to help you grow, thrive, and start living your best life. Whether you’re in your early 20s or embarking on a career change, these books have the power to inspire and guide you on your journey of personal growth and self-discovery. So, pick up your next book and let it be your companion as you navigate the exciting and transformative years ahead. As Joan Didion once said, “We tell ourselves stories in order to live,” and these amazing books are here to help you craft your own inspiring narrative.

What are some good books about money for young adults?

Financial literacy is crucial for young adults, and there are several excellent books that offer valuable insights into managing money, budgeting, investing, and building wealth. Here are some good books about money for young adults:

1. “Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki: This classic book explores the differences in mindset and financial strategies between the author’s “Rich Dad” and “Poor Dad.” It emphasizes the importance of financial education and investing.
2. “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey: Dave Ramsey provides a step-by-step plan for getting out of debt, building an emergency fund, and achieving financial freedom. It’s a practical guide to managing money and achieving financial security.
3. “Your Money or Your Life” by Vicki Robin and Joe Dominguez: This book focuses on achieving financial independence and rethinking your relationship with money. It offers a nine-step program to transform your finances and life.
4. “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” by Ramit Sethi: Ramit Sethi provides a comprehensive guide to automating your finances, investing wisely, and building wealth over time. It’s a practical and actionable book for young adults.
5. “The Millionaire Next Door” by Thomas J. Stanley and William D. Danko: This book explores the habits and lifestyles of everyday millionaires. It emphasizes the importance of frugality, budgeting, and investing for long-term wealth.
6. “The Richest Man in Babylon” by George S. Clason: Written in the form of parables set in ancient Babylon, this book imparts timeless financial wisdom. It covers topics like saving, investing, and managing debt.
7. “Broke Millennial” by Erin Lowry: Geared toward millennials, this book addresses common financial challenges faced by young adults. It offers practical advice on budgeting, saving, and investing.
8. “The Index Card” by Helaine Olen and Harold Pollack: This is a great book that distills essential financial advice onto a single index card. It covers key principles like saving for retirement, paying off debt, and investing in low-cost index funds.
9. “The Automatic Millionaire” by David Bach: David Bach presents a simple and automated approach to building wealth. He emphasizes the power of consistent saving and investing over time.
10. “Financial Freedom: A Proven Path to All the Money You Will Ever Need” by Grant Sabatier: Grant Sabatier shares his journey to financial independence at a young age. He offers practical advice on saving, investing, and achieving financial freedom.
11. “The Simple Path to Wealth” by JL Collins: This book simplifies the concept of investing and explains the importance of index fund investing and financial independence. It’s an excellent resource for beginners.
12. “Women with Money” by Jean Chatzky: Geared toward young women, this book provides advice on budgeting, investing, and building financial security. It addresses unique financial challenges that women may face.
13. “The Broke and Beautiful Life” by Stefanie O’Connell: Stefanie O’Connell shares her personal finance journey, offering practical advice on how to live well while managing money responsibly. It’s particularly helpful for those on a tight budget.
14. “Get a Financial Life: Personal Finance in Your Twenties and Thirties” by Beth Kobliner: A comprehensive guide that covers everything from budgeting and paying off student loans to investing and planning for retirement, designed specifically for young adults.
15. “The Money Book for the Young, Fabulous & Broke” by Suze Orman: Suze Orman provides practical advice for young adults dealing with student loans, credit card debt, and other financial challenges. It emphasizes the importance of making smart money choices early in life.
16. “The Financial Diet: A Total Beginner’s Guide to Getting Good with Money” by Chelsea Fagan and Lauren Ver Hage: This book combines personal finance advice with lifestyle tips, making it accessible and relatable for young adults looking to improve their financial situation.
17. “Invested: How Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger Taught Me to Master My Mind, My Emotions, and My Money” by Danielle Town: Investing, with a focus on long-term, value-based strategies is the topic of this wonderful book inspired by Warren Buffett.
18. “Millennial Money Makeover: Escape Debt, Save for Your Future, and Live the Rich Life Now” by Conor Richardson: This book provides a step-by-step plan for millennials to get out of debt, build an emergency fund, and invest for the future.
19. “The One-Page Financial Plan: A Simple Way to Be Smart About Your Money” by Carl Richards: This book helps young adults create a clear and concise financial plan that aligns with their values and goals.

What are some books about relationships for 20 year-olds?

Navigating relationships is an important part of young adulthood, and there are several insightful books that can help young adults understand and improve their relationships with others. Here are some good books about relationships for young adults:

1. “The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman: This book explores the concept of love languages and how understanding your partner’s and your own can enhance your relationship. It’s valuable for both romantic and non-romantic relationships.
2. “Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find – and Keep – Love” by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller: This selection delves into the psychology of attachment styles in adult relationships, helping readers understand their own attachment style and how it affects their relationships.
3. “Modern Romance” by Aziz Ansari: Comedian Aziz Ansari teams up with sociologist Eric Klinenberg to explore the complexities of modern dating and relationships, blending humor with research.
4. “Men Are from Mars, Women Are from Venus” by John Gray: A classic that explores the differences in communication and behavior between men and women, offering insights into how to bridge the gap in understanding.
5. “The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work” by John Gottman and Nan Silver: While primarily focused on marriage, this book offers valuable insights into building healthy relationships, including communication, conflict resolution, and emotional connection.
6. “Why We Can’t Sleep: Women’s New Midlife Crisis” by Ada Calhoun: This book examines the challenges that women in their 30s and 40s face and how they impact relationships, both romantic and platonic.
7. “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown: While not solely about relationships, this book explores vulnerability and shame, which are essential aspects of forming strong and meaningful connections with others.
8. “The Friendship Formula” by Caroline Millington: Focused on building and maintaining friendships, this book offers advice on nurturing platonic relationships, something vital for young adults.
9. “He’s Just Not That Into You” by Greg Behrendt and Liz Tuccillo: A candid look at dating and relationships, this book offers straightforward advice for deciphering mixed signals and recognizing when someone isn’t genuinely interested.
10. “The Art of Communicating” by Thich Nhat Hanh: This book provides insights into mindful communication, which can greatly improve all types of relationships, from romantic to familial to friendships.
11. “Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High” by Al Switzler, Joseph Grenny, and Ron McMillan: A practical guide to having difficult conversations and resolving conflicts constructively, a valuable skill in any relationship.
12. “Attached at the Heart: Eight Proven Parenting Principles for Raising Connected and Compassionate Children” by Barbara Nicholson and Lysa Parker: While primarily about parenting, this book also discusses attachment principles that can be applied to all relationships.

FAQs about books for 20 year-olds

Why should 20-year-olds read books?

Reading books enhances knowledge, critical thinking, and empathy. It can provide guidance for navigating the challenges of early adulthood and inspire personal growth.

What types of books are recommended for 20-year-olds?

Recommendations vary based on individual interests, but genres like self-help, motivational, coming-of-age, fiction, and non-fiction are popular choices.

Are there any self-help books specifically for 20-year-olds?

Yes, there are self-help books tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of people in their 20s, such as “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay.

What are some motivational books for 20-year-olds looking to find their career path?

Books like “The Start-up of You” by Reid Hoffman and Ben Casnocha or “Lean In” by Sheryl Sandberg offer career guidance and inspiration.

How can I find books that resonate with my interests and goals?

Utilize book recommendation websites, seek suggestions from friends and mentors, and explore bookstores or libraries with curated sections for young adults.

Are audiobooks a good alternative for busy 20-year-olds?

Yes, audiobooks provide flexibility for those with a hectic schedule, allowing them to listen to books during commutes or workouts.

What are some books that address mental health and well-being for 20-year-olds?

Books like “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson and “The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown delve into topics related to mental health and self-acceptance.

Are there any books that help with managing finances and budgeting for 20-year-olds?

“Rich Dad Poor Dad” by Robert Kiyosaki and “The Total Money Makeover” by Dave Ramsey offer valuable financial advice for young adults.

How can I develop a reading habit as a 20-year-old with a busy lifestyle?

Start with short reading sessions each day, set reading goals, and create a comfortable reading environment to establish a consistent habit.

What are some book clubs or online communities for 20-year-olds to discuss books and share recommendations?

Websites like Goodreads, local book clubs, or social media groups often provide platforms for book discussions and recommendations.

Can reading books help 20-year-olds with personal growth and self-discovery?

Absolutely. Books offer insights, stories, and wisdom that can aid in personal growth, self-reflection, and a deeper understanding of oneself.

Are there any books that address the challenges of transitioning from high school to college or the workforce?

Books like “The Freshman Survival Guide” by Nora Bradbury-Haehl and “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay tackle these transitional challenges.

How can 20-year-olds balance reading with their other responsibilities and activities?

Prioritize reading by setting aside dedicated time, incorporating it into daily routines, and choosing books that genuinely interest you.

Are there any books that focus on time management and productivity for 20-year-olds?

“Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “The 4-Hour Workweek” by Tim Ferriss provide valuable insights into time management and productivity.