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Mumbai: Your 20s are a transformative time—a decade of self-discovery, mistakes, triumphs, heartbreaks, and figuring out who you truly are. It’s a time of career changes, friendships evolving, and navigating love in all its forms.
While this period can feel overwhelming, the right book can offer guidance, wisdom, and reassurance that you’re not alone in the chaos. Whether you’re looking for financial empowerment, self-love, or a deep dive into modern womanhood, these eight books are must-reads for every woman in their 20s.

Books every woman should read in her 20s

Here are the books every woman in their 20s needs to read:

1. The Space Between by Michelle Andrews & Zara McDonald

Your 20s are often an awkward in-between phase—too old to be a teenager but too young to feel like a full-fledged adult. Michelle Andrews and Zara McDonald, the creators of the award-winning Shameless podcast, share their personal experiences navigating heartbreak, mental health challenges, career setbacks, and personal growth.

With humour and brutal honesty, they explore the highs and lows of young adulthood, making this book a comforting and relatable read for anyone trying to figure it all out.

2. Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton

Dolly Alderton’s memoir is a raw and relatable account of the rollercoaster ride that is your 20s. She shares her experiences of falling in love, dealing with bad dates, navigating friendships, and realising that sometimes, your best friends are the greatest loves of your life.

Equal parts hilarious and heartbreaking, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever questioned their place in the world and sought comfort in the unpredictability of life.

3. Financial Feminist by Tori Dunlap

Managing money can be daunting, especially when financial literacy isn’t something many women are taught early on. Tori Dunlap breaks down how to take control of your finances and achieve financial independence. This book covers everything from budgeting and investing to overcoming money guilt. Packed with journaling prompts and expert advice, it’s the perfect guide for any woman who wants to build wealth and confidence in her financial future.

4. Buy Yourself the Fcking Lilies* by Tara Schuster

Tara Schuster appeared to have it all together as a successful TV executive, but beneath the surface, she struggled with anxiety, depression, and self-doubt. Her book is a humorous yet deeply insightful look at how she learned to reparent herself and build a life filled with self-love, daily rituals, and self-care.

If you’re looking for a book that will inspire you to treat yourself with the kindness and care you deserve, this one is for you.

5. I Didn’t Know I Needed This by Eli Rallo

Navigating modern dating in your 20s can be a minefield, but Eli Rallo’s debut book provides a fresh and entertaining perspective.

Known as the ‘Gen Z Carrie Bradshaw,’ Rallo shares funny, heartfelt stories from her dating life, along with lessons learned about relationships, self-worth, and embracing singlehood. From dating apps to talking stages, this book is a must-read for anyone trying to make sense of love in today’s world.

6. The Authority Gap by Mary Ann Sieghart

For many women entering the workforce, being underestimated and undervalued is an unfortunate reality. The Authority Gap dives deep into gender bias in professional and personal spaces, exploring why women are often taken less seriously than men.

Journalist Mary Ann Sieghart presents research, interviews with trailblazing women, and practical advice on how to challenge workplace inequality. If you’re a woman looking to make your mark in a male-dominated field, this book is an empowering read.

7. Trick Mirror: Reflections on Self-Delusion by Jia Tolentino

Jia Tolentino’s collection of essays is an insightful and sharp critique of modern life. Covering topics like capitalism, social media culture, and the unrealistic expectations placed on women, Trick Mirror challenges readers to rethink the systems they participate in.

Tolentino’s writing is witty, thought-provoking, and incredibly relevant in today’s world, making this book an essential read for anyone in their 20s trying to navigate their place in society.

8. 101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think by Brianna Wiest

If you’re looking for a book that will shift your mindset and help you grow, this is it. Brianna Wiest’s collection of essays explores deep and powerful topics like embracing discomfort, challenging cognitive biases, and prioritising purpose over passion. This book isn’t just something you read once—it’s one you’ll revisit over and over when you need clarity and motivation.

Your 20s are filled with uncertainty, but they’re also an exciting time of self-discovery and growth. These books offer wisdom, humour, and insight into the many facets of young adulthood, from love and friendships to career and financial independence.

No matter where you are in your journey, each of these reads has something valuable to offer, because sometimes, the best way to figure out life is through the stories and lessons of those who have been there before.