Your 20s are a mix of excitement, confusion, and a lot of learning experiences. You’re figuring out your career, relationships, and what truly matters to you. It’s also the decade of firsts: first serious job, first big heartbreak, first time realizing that rent is way too high.

Books can be a great companion and even guide to get through this time in your life. There’s a book for every scenario and situation. There’s a book for you if you’re looking for personal growth, career advice, relationship insights, or just a great story to get lost in.

The hard part is just finding that book that perfectly matches what you’re looking for or going through.

That’s why we put together a list of 17 books for women in their 20s for you. This list has a little bit of everything: timeless classics as well as modern book trends.

1. Classic Fiction Every Woman Should Read
2. Memoirs That Will Inspire You
3. Books on Personal Growth & Success
4. Books on Love, Dating & Relationships
5. Books on Self-Care & Mental Well-Being
6. Fiction That Feels Like a Must-Read
7. Find the Right Book for This Chapter of Your Life

Classic Fiction Every Woman Should Read

Some books never go out of style. These stories explore love, independence, resilience, and ambition…things every woman in her 20s can relate to.

	1. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen Jane Austen’s classic is about love, self-respect, and knowing your worth is just as relevant today as it was when it was written.
	2. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë A powerful story about finding your independence and standing up for yourself, even when it’s hard.
	3. Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell A sweeping novel about survival, ambition, and making tough choices. Scarlett O’Hara is flawed, but her determination is undeniable.

For more timeless reads, check out best old romance books of all time, best historical fiction books and some of the top books of American classic literature that still resonate today.

Memoirs That Will Inspire You

Sometimes, the best way to get through your 20s is to learn from those who’ve been there before. These memoirs contain powerful lessons on resilience, identity, and personal growth.

	4. Crying in H Mart by Michelle Zauner This is a heartfelt story about family, loss, and finding identity through food and culture.
	5. Educated by Tara Westover A gripping memoir about growing up in an isolated survivalist family and the power of education to change your life.
	6. Finding Me by Viola Davis Viola Davis’s deeply personal journey through struggle, success, and self-discovery.

For further inspiration, consider exploring the 25 best biographies of all time to gain insights from remarkable lives.

Books on Personal Growth & Success

Your 20s are the perfect time to start building habits that will shape your future. These books for women in their 20s come with practical advice on becoming the best version of yourself.

	7. Atomic Habits by James Clear James Clear breaks down how small daily habits can lead to big life changes.
	8. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie A must-read book for women in their 20s for improving communication, networking, and building meaningful relationships.

For more inspiration on personal development, check out leadership books for women, books that will make you rich and best how to get rich books to help you build your fortune.

Books on Love, Dating & Relationships

Dating in your 20s can be exciting, frustrating, and everything in between. These books can give you some insights into relationships, emotional intelligence, and self-protection.

	9. The Gift of Fear by Gavin de Becker A great read on trusting your instincts and staying safe in relationships and everyday life.
	10. Why Does He Do That? by Lundy Bancroft This book for women in their 20s might explain some of the controlling or toxic behaviors that can occur in relationships.
	11. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton A candid and often hilarious take on friendships, dating, and growing up.
	12. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman If you’re in a romantic relationship (or even in a friendship), understanding the five love languages can help you strengthen your connections.

Additionally, consider exploring a curated list of psychology books to deepen your understanding of human behavior and connections.

Books on Self-Care & Mental Well-Being

Your 20s come with a lot of changes. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is just as important as career and relationship success. These books provide valuable insights into self-care and healing.

	13. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk An eye-opening look into how trauma affects the mind and body (and how healing is possible).
	14. Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Schuster A refreshing and relatable take on self-care, personal growth, and learning to treat yourself with kindness.
	15. I Might Regret This by Abbi Jacobson A collection of essays on love, loneliness, and taking risks.

Discover the power of self-love and empowerment through our recommended books about self-love and top 10 imposter syndrome books, designed to inspire and uplift your spirit.

Fiction That Feels Like a Must-Read

Some books just hit differently in your 20s. This might be because they challenge societal norms or maybe because make you feel seen. Here are two such books that are worth reading:

	16. Untamed by Glennon Doyle An inspiring read about breaking free from expectations and living life on your own terms.
	17. If I Had Your Face by Frances Cha A thought-provoking novel about beauty, ambition, and the challenges of modern womanhood.

 Find the Right Book for This Chapter of Your Life

Your 20s are about making new experiences and figuring out what kind of life you want to create. The right books will make this time of your life even more exciting and meaningful.

You can’t go wrong with any of the books for women in their 20s on this list, but if you’re not sure where to start, think about what you need most right now.

Are you looking for motivation, relationship advice, or just a great story to get lost in? Either way, there’s a book out there for you that you’ll love (and chances are, it’s one of the books for women in their 20s on this list).

If you’re in the mood for something different, consider diving into college romance books for a mix of love and self-discovery, exploring the best books for young adults for inspiring coming-of-age stories, or checking out Christian books for young adults for faith-driven guidance. You might also enjoy books for Black women that celebrate identity, empowerment, and unique experiences.