20 Meaningful & Life-Changing Books You Should Read in Your 20s

Are you in your 20s? Being in your 20s comes with great challenges:

• Finding your true calling in life
• Learning to advance your small talk beyond, “How’s the weather?”
• That feeling of wanting to just grow up… only to realize you hate being an “adult.”

Despite facing these challenges, there were certain books that completely changed my outlook in life for the better.

These are the 20 life-changing books that stuck with me. Let’s dive in!

What is a Life-Changing Book?

A life-changing book challenges your current way of thinking or offers deep insight that leaves you contemplating for days. Life-changing books shake you to your core, latch on, and influence your behavior for years to come.

I found that the best life-changing books have 3 components:

• Thought-provoking: Does the book make you question your current life- or world-view? Does it compel you to make changes in your life?
• Resonance: How well does the book resonate with you? Is it written in a way that’s engaging and meaningful to you?
• Hidden Nuggets: Often, the best life-changing books contain hidden gems that can only be revealed after you’ve reread them.

Here are my top 20 life-changing books that fulfill these 3 criteria. Starting with…

Strengthsfinder 2.0 by Tom Rath

Goodreads score: 3.94

Do you know what you’re good at? This is a great book to read to know your basic strengths. Strengthsfinder helps you find out exactly what you’re good at and what to do with your strengths.

This book gives you ideas for action and working with others who have these strengths. Excellent to take with others or as a remote team!

Key Takeaways:

• There are 34 strengths, and each person has 5 key strengths they are good at.
• Instead of fixing our weaknesses, focus on capitalizing our strengths to maximize potential.

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman

Goodreads Score: 4.25

Did you know every person has one major love language? Their love language determines how they prefer to feel loved. It can be either:

• Physical touch
• Receiving gifts
• Quality time
• Words of affirmation
• Acts of service

I loved this book so much that I even put it in my best-selling book, Captivate. I LOVE this book because it helps you identify how you want to receive love. I also know everyone in my life’s love language so I show them the love they want!

Key Takeaways:

1. Most romance in relationships only lasts for 2 years.
2. You can use your partner’s love language to do things that make them feel loved.

The Molecule of More: How a Single Chemical in Your Brain Drives Love, Sex, and Creativity—and Will Determine the Fate of the Human Race by Daniel Z. Lieberman & Michael E. Long

Goodreads score: 4.22

If you want to know how you work, this one is incredibly helpful. I love dopamine, and most people will know it as the pleasure or happiness chemical. But there’s so much more to it… 

This book talks about exactly how motivation and achievement works in a scientific perspective.

Key Takeaways:

• Dopamine controls our levels of passion and willpower.
• Nothing is ever enough for dopamine—winning, feeling good, and drugs all lead you wanting more.
• Dopamine doesn’t care about the means. It only cares about attaining the result.

Why Men Don’t Listen and Women Can’t Read Maps: How We’re Different and What to Do About It by Allan & Barbara Pease

Goodreads Score: 3.77

I picked this book up from my mother’s nightstand (more like stole it), and WOW did it change my views! This book accurately describes why:

• Men can’t find the mayonnaise in the refrigerator, but women can
• Why women are bad at driving at night
• Why men are good with maps and women often turn them upside-down
• Why women are great talkers and can multitask, while men often grunt and need focus

And wow, did I understand my father, brother, and husband a lot more. It also helped me communicate with the precious women in my life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Women have a wider peripheral vision that allows them to “scan” their surroundings, while men have tunnel vision.
2. Men can detach themselves from their problems, while women can’t stop thinking about them and analyzing them.
3. When talking to a man, keep it simple.
4. If a woman is talking a lot, it’s a good sign she likes you.

Emotional Intelligence: Why It Can Matter More Than IQ by Daniel Goleman

Goodreads score: 4.02

Do you know your intelligence type? Emotional intelligence is key to not only forming successful relationships but controlling your own, too. This book was the gateway that taught me all about emotion management. And yes, you CAN develop these skills!

Key Takeaways:

• Our mind reacts to present situations based on our past experiences, and can be irrational if situations change.
• People with high emotional intelligence are more successful and more resilient to stress.
• Work on emotional intelligence by changing your inner dialogue and mirroring body language.

Hello, Fears: Crush Your Comfort Zone and Become Who You’re Meant to Be by Michelle Poler

Goodreads Score: 4.78

My dear friend, Michelle Poler, wrote this amazing little book that is basically the remedy to all your fears. From the beautiful layout of the book, to the colorful pictures and helpful infographics, Hello Fears captivated me right from the beginning. 

This book is also super interactive (you get to write in it) and feels more than just reading words on paper. If you’re in need of some inspiration, what’s stopping you? See how Michelle conquered her own fears and how you can, too. Feel free to also check out Michelle’s TEDx talk:

Key Takeaways:

1. We take our time for granted, so we should say “yes” to the things that we truly want.
2. Write down your own definition of success, not according to society.
3. Fear of the unknown often leads us to believe we don’t like things.
4. Let go of control to truly cherish the moment and go from autopilot to living fully.

Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari

Goodreads score: 4.42

This one’s not exactly brief, but well-worth it! Have you ever wondered about what humans went through to get to where we are today? This book is literally History 101 in 443 pages—without the extra fluff. Yuval does an excellent job of summarizing the most important beliefs, technologies, and advances, starting off before we could even think and ending the book with what will happen in the future.

Key Takeaways:

• Large, complex communities of Homo sapiens 70,000 years ago allowed them to invent hunting tools and use language, allowing them to hunt, have common understanding, and explore the world.
• The agricultural revolution allowed huge population increases and allowed us to settle down in one area.
• Scientific advances are now helping the Gilgamesh Project, the scientific quest to achieve eternal human life.

The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss

Goodreads Score: 3.89

The 4-Hour Workweek is one of the most popular books ever… This book taught me to ditch the conventional and has saved me countless hours of work.

Tim Ferriss describes the 4-hour work week as a lifestyle of freedom, where mini-retirements are taken and there’s no need to go to the office anymore. And if you think it’s not possible, think again! We are now in a day and age where remote work is more popular than ever.

I’ve literally saved countless hours (and dollars) every week by applying the principles I learned in this book, such as the Pareto principle and product-testing.

Key Takeaways:

1. 80% of the results are often accomplished by 20% of the effort.
2. Establish credibility and find a “muse,” or your best idea that can make money.
3. Test your muse by seeing if people will buy your idea first before going all-out.
4. Go with a bold promise of your product to gain customer loyalty and confidence.

Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

Goodreads Score: 4.20

Influence is one of the best psychology books ever written, period. First published in 1984, it has since sold 3 million+ copies and has been translated into 30 languages. The book contains various psychological strategies that great persuaders use, and Robert even takes up jobs as a car salesman and waiter to demonstrate these strategies in-person.

If you’re an entrepreneur, salesperson, marketer, or want to influence people in any way, I highly recommend giving this book a read.

Key Takeaways:

1. People feel obligated to reciprocate “favors.” A good strategy is to give something before asking in return.
2. In negotiations, ask a very high amount, then retreat back to what you really want.
3. When something is hard to get, we want it even more.
4. We value something more if it is harder to achieve.

Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig

Goodreads Score: 3.77

Nope, you don’t have to know a thing about motorcycle maintenance—or even know how to ride one—to scrape some valuable tidbits from this book. Robert bridges the scientific train of thought in the Western world with the Zen-like spiritual mind of the East, creating a magical, thought-provoking book that aims to help you live a richer, more balanced life.

Key Takeaways:

1. Classically minded people classify and divide things they perceive in the world, creating order out of chaos.
2. Romantics admire the complexities and live in the chaos of it.
3. The approach of “Quality” combines both and strives for balance.

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Goodreads Score: 4.13

This book is an absolute must for dystopian fans and is about a society that has no pain, fear, or hatred. Sounds amazing, right? Except it’s not—everyone is essentially the same, overly-polite, and there’s no choice. Spouses and jobs are even picked for everyone!

The main character, an 11-year old boy named Jonas, is chosen as the “Receiver of Memory,” where he receives both good AND bad memories… and this is where he realizes how bland and stale this “perfect” society is. Armed with this new knowledge, Jonas sets out to create change and bring back the human experience.

Key Takeaways:

1. Both good and bad must coexist in order to have a fulfilling life, and there is no true happiness if there is nothing to compare it to.
2. Emotions are extremely valuable, and should be let free.
3. In life, we have to make choices. We may not know the result of our choices, but the freedom to make choices is infinitely better than having things chosen for us.

The Obstacle Is the Way by Ryan Holiday

Goodreads Score: 4.16

If you’re a fan of Stoic philosophy, you’ll love this book. The Obstacle Is the Way focuses on ancient Greek principles and uses many examples of Greek philosophers to explain key Stoic ideas and how they apply in the modern world.

Key Takeaways:

1. The biggest hurdle to our obstacles is our uncontrolled emotional responses to them.
2. Change your perspective to transform obstacles into your advantage.
3. Consistent, disciplined action leads to effective results.
4. Having more important goals to focus on pushes us past our self-imposed limits.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

Goodreads score: 3.84

Does what you own “spark joy”? Or is it sitting in your closet, collecting dust?

This book was recommended to me by a dear friend, and it did not disappoint. This book is more than just cleaning. It’s more than just simplifying your life. It’s a whole philosophy, packaged in a way that makes you excited about cleaning up.

You’ll start to see your possessions in a totally different light.

Key Takeaways:

• Visualize your ideal lifestyle and living space, and keep the things that fit in. Discard the rest; don’t even reuse them.
• Ask yourself if current possessions fulfill your future self or your past self. Don’t hoard items in others’ living space—only give away items (especially sentimental ones) to family or friends if they add value to their lives.
• Tidying can take a long time. Even months. Take as much time as you need, and you’ll see an impact that lasts forever.

Linchpin by Seth Godin

Goodreads Score: 3.84

Linchpin challenges you to take your work a step further. Don’t just follow the rules you’re assigned—become truly indispensable. Seth says that linchpins are the essential key players in any great company, and without these players, the company would not be the same.

Does this sound like you? If not, this is the book to read to level up in your career, whether you’re a CEO, manager, or employee. Become a linchpin, and become indispensable.

Key Takeaways:

1. Linchpins pour all their energy and passion into their work.
2. Making great art requires emotional labor, or investing your own emotions into your work.
3. The best artists create and send out their product, despite the fear of criticism.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Goodreads Score: 4.15

Key Takeaways:

1. True liberation and peace are found by living fully in the present moment, free from the confines of past regrets and future anxieties.
2. Identifying too strongly with our thoughts and emotions leads to a state of unconsciousness and suffering, while observing them without judgment brings awareness and transformation.
3. The mind is a tool, but when we let it control our existence, it obscures the true essence of who we are, which is beyond thought.
4. Resistance to what is causes pain, but acceptance of the present moment, regardless of circumstances, leads to inner tranquility.

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon

Goodreads Score: 3.92

Did you know the greatest creators can actually be quite… unoriginal? As a writer myself, I know the struggles of staring at the letters on your keyboard and wanting magical words to appear. But Austin brings forth the idea that good artwork is actually just a mash-up of other pieces of work until finally… you’ve got an “original” piece of art.

If you’ve got a creative block or feel guilty “copying” others’ work, I highly recommend this fun, quirky book. The images and creativity alone are worth picking it up!

Key Takeaways:

1. All art is not completely original; it is influenced by other artists’ work.
2. Have backups that distract your mind, such as hobbies or even dull tasks like doing the dishes.
3. Be creative in your work space. Opt for pen and paper, and personalize it the way you like.
4. Change your environment once in a while. Move away from home at least once to avoid boredom.

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff

Goodreads Score: 4.16

Are you lacking kindness and love in your life? This straightforward book doesn’t only talk compassion—it’s also filled with exercises that you can implement! The exercises are simply amazing, the studies are rock-solid and compelling, and this book changed my outlook on life in a positive way. No preachy, esoteric writing. Just straight science and application.

The only regret I have is not reading it 5 years ago!

Key Takeaways:

1. Self-criticism can make us anxious and stifle our success.
2. Practicing mindfulness will help you solve problems that cause stress.
3. Reminding ourselves of our shared humanity lets us embrace our mistakes and flaws.

You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero

Goodreads Score: 3.95

Think of this book as the only book you’ll ever need for an inspirational boost. In You Are a Badass, Jen uses her humor and inspirational rawness of her writing to motivate readers to take action. Just like the title suggests, her book is very straightforward with a “fun” tone that’s different from other books.

While some people may find this book off-putting with its “Law of Attraction”–based philosophy, there are some golden nuggets in here and many people I personally know have found this book to be life-changing.

Key Takeaways:

1. Do your own thing, despite others’ criticisms or lack of involvement.
2. See yourself as a lifelong learner, instead of a professional, to take more risks and be more playful.
3. Create a new environment, lifestyle, and surround yourself with people who help you achieve your dream.

Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell

Goodreads Score: 4.19

Ahh, the old classic by George Orwell. Almost everyone has read this book, and if you haven’t… this is THE book to read! Another dystopian book, Nineteen Eighty-Four is set in London where the ruling Party sees all. They watch through TV screens, control the language by eliminating rebellious words, and limit all aspects of individualism.

It’s a thought-provoking, powerful book on what life could look like in the future… or, what life looks like right now in some parts of the world. This book reminds us how important our freedom is and how powerful the government is that “controls” us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Language is so important—without the right words, we won’t be able to express our ideas or even think.
2. Distractions can serve to take us away from the big picture and stifle change for the better.
3. If we want change, we must speak and not hold back just to keep the peace.

Ender’s Game by Orson Scott Card

Goodreads Score: 4.30

I’m not usually one to dig into sci-fi, but Ender’s Game (also now a movie) is just so good. It tells the story of a young boy named Ender Wiggin, who is sent to Battle School to one day become a soldier and save humanity from the “Buggers,” an evil alien race.

This book is more than just fiction—it really changed the way I interact with others. Since reading Ender’s Game, I started thinking a lot more strategically. How could I solve this problem in my business in different ways? How do I push past resistance despite the odds? This book teaches valuable lessons to teenagers and adults alike.

Key Takeaways:

1. Every puzzle has a solution. And it might not be that apparent, so it’s critical to think outside the box.
2. Even if you are great or a genius, you might also be lonely. But the world needs great people.
3. Being empathetic is one of the greatest traits you can develop.

What’s your favorite book that didn’t make the list? Leave a comment below and let me know your favorite!