Essential Reads for Women in Their 20s

_{Photo by Thought Catalog on Pexels.com}

The Defining Decade

by Meg Jay, PhD

Published in 2012 by Dr. Meg Jay, a Clinical Psychologist and Associate Professor of Human Development at the University of Virginia, this book focuses on the crucial decade between your twenties and thirties.

Dr. Jay argues that this period is the defining phase of your life, with choices made during this time profoundly shaping your future. This may seem daunting, but she tells real life stories of her clients and students, illustrating how to connect your interests to careers and concrete life goals. Each chapter begins with engaging quotes and concludes with key takeaways.

If you’re feeling lost after college, unsure of your career aspirations, this book provides invaluable tools to navigate your journey toward adulthood.

Link to Buy

Everything I Know About Love

by Dolly Alderton

Everything I Know About Love,” published in 2018, is a memoir by British journalist Dolly Alderton. In this international bestseller, the author humorously and sometimes poignantly chronicles her experiences navigating her 20s. The memoir delves into the journey of becoming older, exploring the complexities of friendships, career paths, loss, and love. Alderton skillfully blends personal anecdotes, satirical reflections, and a mix of lists and recipes to craft a compelling narrative that immerses readers in the shared experience of navigating the uncertainties of one’s 20s. The book offers numerous insights into the values and experiences that characterize this transformative period of life.

Link to Buy

Bossypants

by Tina Fey

Bossypants is an autobiographical book written by by the highly acclaimed American comedian, Tina Fey. As the writer of Mean Girls, Fey brings her signature wit to this memoir, which not only reached the pinnacle of The New York Times Best Seller list but also maintained its position for five consecutive weeks after its release. The book unfolds as a journey through the joys and challenges of Tina Fey’s life, chronicling her experiences from childhood to adulthood and navigating the intricacies of her eccentric family. It provides insight into her early jobs, her time on SNL and 30 Rock, and her initiation into the world of comedy, the book narrates the tale of a young woman’s ascent to success. Its inspirational narrative resonates particularly with women facing the challenges of their 20s, encouraging them to persevere and climb from the bottom to achieve success.

Link to Buy

My Body

by Emily Ratajkowski

Emily Ratajkowski, recognized as a prominent model and actress, stands as an engaged political progressive, a formidable entrepreneur, and a global social media phenomenon. Her work, “My Body,” instantly ascended to the New York Times Bestseller list.

“My Body” serves as a personal exploration of feminism, sexuality, and power. It delves into the complex dynamics of how women are treated by men and the rationalizations women make for accepting such treatment. The essays chronicle pivotal moments from Ratajkowski’s life, examining the culture’s fetishization of girls and female beauty, and its simultaneous fascination with and disdain for women’s sexuality. The narrative also ventures into the nuanced space between consent and abuse.

This book speaks directly to women, particularly young women in their teens and 20s, offering insights into navigating a patriarchal society. It addresses the challenges women face and provides guidance on how to continue growing into success despite society’s unconscious or conscious tendency to view them solely as objects to touch—a mere body.

Link to Buy

What I Wish I knew When I Was 20

by Tina Seelig

In her role as the leader of the Stanford Technology Ventures Program, Tina Seelig is dedicated to assisting her students in navigating the challenging transition from academia to the professional world. She reveals concrete skills and enduring insights that extend beyond the classroom, offering a wealth of provocative stories, inspirational guidance with humility and humor. Within this book, readers encounter compelling examples of real life individuals who defy expectations and question assumptions, extending from her students to globally recognized individuals. Seelig challenges conventional norms and introduces a fresh example for unlocking our potential. The book explores cultivating a healthy disregard for the impossible, bouncing back from failures, and recognizing that many challenges conceal remarkable opportunities.

Link to Buy

TNT Design Hub