Before I turned 21, the only thing I had really prepared myself for was the fact that I would probably experience a hangover for the first time. Nobody really brought up the fact that while yes, you can go to bars now, chances are you won’t because of all the crazy responsibilities of adulthood suddenly welcoming you at this age. Having some practical advice nearby, aka books to guide you when you’re lost and frustrated, can be a lifesaver right now. I’m sure you’ve read plenty of books that have helped prepare you for multiple stages of your life, but in case you need a few more right now, I’ve got just what you need.
At 21, you may be graduating college, starting your career, paying off student loans, living on your own for the first time, or something else entirely, and either way, it can be pretty overwhelming. Don’t get me wrong, it’s an exciting time to start becoming an “adult.” sometimes it will seem complicated, other times exciting, and sometimes it will be downright confusing. now is the time in your life when you will question yourself more, dreaming of new goals and taking steps towards the life you want. having a little help along the way will go a long way, so keep books by your side as often as possible.
You are reading: Good books for 21 year old woman
From books that will help you gain self-confidence to inspiring fictional witch tales and much more, here are 10 books every 21-year-old needs to read right now:
1. the beauty myth of naomi wolf
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There are still millions of ways the world tries to tell young women that they are not pretty enough, that they are too confident, that they are this or that. As you take your first steps toward adulthood, let this book help you accept yourself.
2. a visit from jennifer egan’s thug squad
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egan’s uniquely written novel embraces interchangeable narratives: one from bennie, an aging punk rock artist, and another from sasha, bennie’s troubled assistant. Both perspectives dissect the music scene, the glory and darkness of New York City, and the ongoing chase to stay forever young. As Bennie and Sasha age, their lives are transformed in ways they never saw coming, and it’s a humbling reminder that change is constant.
3. practical magic by alice hoffman
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I’ve been a fan of Hoffman since high school, but it wasn’t until later that I read his fairy tale novel, Practical Magic. If you haven’t seen the film adaptation (which is exceptionally well done), here’s the synopsis: The story follows two sisters, Sally and Gillian Owens, who are orphaned at a young age and raised by their eccentric aunts. Coming from a family of wizards and witches, they are seen as unlucky in their town, and as they get older, more bad luck befalls them. so why should you read this at 21? it’s about understanding yourself, appreciating family, and accepting the craziness that life throws at you.
4. you’re rude by jen sincere
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You’re 21, which means you could be getting ready to drop out of school, start a job you don’t plan to leave, or travel until you figure out what to do. Wherever you are at the moment, you might as well be doubting yourself. there’s a never-ending list of things that could be holding you back from making that big change you want, and it’s important to address them as soon as possible. Honest asks you to take a good look at how you perceive yourself and compare those perceptions to how you’d like to see yourself. she will give you the push (or push) you need to get where you want to be in life.
5. fangirl by rainbow rowell
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In Fangirl, readers meet Cath, a girl obsessed with the fictional character from the book Simon Snow. In her freshman year of college, her twin, Wren, decides she doesn’t want to share a room, but Cath isn’t ready to let her sister go…or Simon Snow. she is forced to step out of her comfort zone and into a world where she may be forced to make friends, push her boundaries…and fall in love with her. this is the book for 21-year-olds who need a little help coming to terms with change.
6. the bell jar by sylvia plath
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if you haven’t read the bell jar yet, do it now. Sylvia Plath explores that stressful time of “firsts”: first becoming an adult, first getting a job, first noticing the world around you in different ways. This is not a happy-go-lucky novel, but it beautifully and painfully describes the emotional rollercoaster many experience in their 20s.
7. someday, someday, maybe by lauren graham
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franny banks gave herself three years to make her acting dreams come true. The deadline is near her, and all she has to show for it is a waitressing job and an apartment in Brooklyn. she can’t decide if she will run out of motivation or money first, but she still dreams of doing something important with her life. This is a charming and funny book by Lauren Graham of Gilmore Girl that will resonate with any 21-year-old with big, wild dreams.
8. mr. 24 hour gloom bookstore by robin sloan
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Successful web designer and recent college graduate Clay Jannon is forced to take a job at a bookstore when the Great Recession hits. On this fantastic journey of self-discovery, Clay discovers the true meaning of Mr. the 24-hour gloomy bookstore… and the true meaning of the world around it.
9. the interesting thing about meg wolitzer
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Do you remember going to summer camp and making pacts, friendships and promises for life? what’s interesting is the story of six teenagers who become inseparable at an art camp. as time passes, their paths begin to veer off course. they quickly learn that what was important and praised during childhood probably won’t work in adulthood. this book will remind you to cherish the moment and keep pursuing your talents.
10. never have i ever: my life (so far) without a date by katie heaney
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katie heaney’s hilarious and relatable memoir dives into the complicated mess of dating in the early twenties. Katie has a college degree, a fun group of friends and more, but she struggles to find love. well, she has a hard time even having a second date. This book is an important lesson is to not have it all figured out and learn to be alone.
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