7 Books You Need To Read In Your Early 20s

Trying to navigate your place in the world can be difficult and daunting especially in your twenties.

You find yourself caught in a limbo between your beloved childhood and the new uncertain future that awaits you. Thankfully, some of our favourite books and novels communicate the things we are feeling.

Remember, the passage of time doesn’t have to be scary if you just embrace the uncertainty and trust that what’s meant for you won’t pass you, you will be just fine!

Here are 7 books that perfectly articulate those feelings.

Everything I Know About Love – Dolly Alderton

This humorous and heartbreaking book was a bestselling memoir internationally and discusses all the tribes and tribulations of growing up.

Written by the amazing Dolly Alderton, this memoir dives into her love life, finding a job, getting drunk, her admiration for her best friends and everything else in between – it’s a fantastic memoir about realising that you are enough.

The Seven Year Slip – Ashley Poston

The Seven Year Slip follows the life of Clementine West, when she inherits a magical apartment from her late aunt and slips seven years back in time to meet a man during her time travelling adventures.

As she deals with grief and the complexities of love she teaches us lessons of self discovery and staying true to oneself.

Normal People – Sally Rooney

In case you are somehow unaware, Normal People follows the complex relationship between two characters, Connell and Marianne, while they attend the same secondary school and college together.

While they are believed to be on opposite ends of the social status, they begin an intense secret affair. Throughout the novel, they weave in and out of each other’s lives through the exploration of sex, power and desire to love and be loved.

Cleopatra and Frankenstein – Coco Mellors

This debut novel by Coco Mellors explores the whirlwind romance between Cleo and Frank after an impulsive marriage. The story discusses love, mental health and the complexities of their marriage, highlighting the impact on themselves and those around them.

It offers a glimpse into a marriage affected by alcoholism and mental illness and is told through multiple narratives. This contemporary romance novel is an important one and overall captures the ups and downs of life.

All The Bright Places – Jennifer Niven

This gorgeous novel centres around Finch, a boy obsessed with death, and Violet, a girl with survivor’s guilt. The two form an unlikely friendship which eventually blossoms into a romantic relationship.

The novel deals with teen suicide, young love, and everything in between. The screen adaptation starring Elle Fanning and Justice Smith is a spectacular one and is a must-watch after this must-read.

The Adult – Bronwyn Fischer

This story follows eighteen year old Natalie as she begins university, leaving behind her beloved hometown and all her friends as she struggles to become someone in this new world.

This gripping coming of age story about an all consuming love affair between a college freshman and an older woman is a must read this summer.

The Rachel Incident – Caroline O Donohue

This novel follows Rachel, a woman in her early 20s who begins working in a bookstore with James, who soon becomes her best friend amidst the backdrop of the financial crisis in Cork city.

Things gets complicated when Rachel develops feelings for her married professor, leading to significant personal challenges. This story explores themes of love, ambition, and self identity and is a nostalgic coming of age story, set in Ireland in the early 2000s.

Words by Edel Hickey