The Best Books Every Woman Should Read In Her 20’s
If you’re anything like me, you probably have a list of books you’ve been wanting to read for years but never got round to, and the list simply extends itself with the passing of each year. The beauty of a book is that it can shape your world views and even go on to define elements of your very existence. The books we choose to read while we are young will remain with us as we grow older, and there are some which should be read by all young women! I’ve compiled together a list of 8 books of varying genres which every woman should read in her twenties, from poetry, to autobiographies, to good old-fashioned prose fiction for best books!
‘Milk and Honey’ By Rupi Kaur
Rupi Kaur has grown into an ambassador for young women all around the world. Her career as a poet began on Instagram and her work quickly grew into a self-published best-seller. Her first collection of poems, titled ‘Milk and Honey’, deals with her confrontation with pain and its many forms, as well as the eventual healing which comes afterwards. She explores important themes such as love, heartache, abuse and femininity, in a manner which is so honest and raw, accompanying each poem with delicate illustrations which truly bring her words to life. If you’re looking for empowerment, Rupi Kaur is the one! Her second book ‘The Sun and Her Flowers’ is also an unmissable read!
‘I Am Malala’ by Malala Yousafzai
After fighting for her right to education growing up in Pakistan, Malala Yousafzai came face to face with a near-death experience at the tender age of 15, at the hands of the Taliban. The youngest ever recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, Malala’s memoir shows her and her family’s struggle for justice in a world where only sons are generally valued. In her fight for education and freedom of speech, Malala has earned her status as a global representative for both female and human rights. This book is a must-read for every woman in her twenties, proving that some things which we may take for granted truly are worth fighting for.
‘The Bell Jar’ by Sylvia Plath
Whether or not you already read it in your teens, ‘The Bell Jar’ is a book which can be revisited again and again, and depicts the perfect story to relate to in your twenties. The plot follows the young protagonist’s descent into insanity with such an intense representation that the reader is automatically drawn in to the character’s increasingly dark and haunting world. Beginning as a story about a young girl who moves to New York with extensive hopes and aspirations, this classic is essential for any young woman looking for an honestly gripping and at many times relatable story for best books.
‘Persuasion’ by Jane Austen
‘Persuasion’ was Jane Austen’s final completed novel, and deals with her oldest protagonist yet, Anne Elliot, at 27-years-old and still single. This tale is a love story which follows the concept of seemingly lost opportunities as a result of persuasion by outside parties, followed by the hope of a second chance as old and new worlds suddenly collide. Austen’s humour and intelligent satire are shown at their prime in this classic novel which should not be missed, showing that regrets about love can perhaps be reversed after all.
‘White Teeth’ by Zadie Smith
Critically acclaimed modern best seller ‘White Teeth’ was released by Zadie Smith in 2001, who has been praised for her unique writing style and generous humour. The novel deals with friendship, love and war, in the setting of three different families and three separate cultures over three generations. Worshiped equally by both readers and critics, this is another essential book to add to the list for all women in their twenties!
‘Love In The Time of Cholera’ by Gabriel García Márquez
One of the most compelling love stories of the 20th century, ‘Love in the Time of Cholera’ follows the journey of a character who falls victim to an unrequited love which he simply cannot shake, not even as an elderly man. Set on the Caribbean Coast of Colombia, the story deals with the past and the present, in a time where love letters were the basis of any epic romance. Márquez can easily warm the heart of even the non-romantics, and this is one of his best books which is a key read for any woman in her twenties!
Girl, Interrupted by Susanna Kaysen
‘Girl, Interrupted’ is a memoir written by Susanna Kaysen based on her own experience of being in a psychiatric ward as a teenager. The author provides vivid recollections of what she lived during this time, from her fellow patients to the ward staff who she came across while being treated for depression. The autobiographical story portrayed causes us to question the fine line that exists between sanity and insanity, and how we can really differentiate one from the other when such a spectrum exists. A must-read for all young women today, dealing with some harsh realities which many will undoubtedly find relatable for best books.
I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
This autobiography by Maya Angelou about her childhood growing up in Southern America deals with the themes of abandonment, abuse and discrimination, and the lasting effect they can have on a person’s being. In spite of her hardship, the author shows resilience in her belief that pain can be overcome by the beautiful things in life. Be inspired by Angelou’s empowering story of self-growth and appreciation, essential reading for all young women still finding their feet for best books.
So, how many have you already read?
Which of these best books are you going to read? Let us know.
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