20 of the most influential books to read in your 20s
A few weeks ago I turned 29, and most birthdays I am lucky enough to be gifted a books or two.
This year I stopped and thought about all the books I’ve read over the years, and contemplated which ones have inspired me, and which ones have impacted the way I see the world.
So I wanted to compile a list; 20 of the most influential books that shaped my 20s.*
I’ve left spot number 20 free — free for you to fill in.
Please send me your thoughts, what are some of the best books you read in your 20s.
What one book do you recommend I read before I hit the big 30.
Disclaimer, I may have slightly cheated and included a few extras books.
1. Sapiens; Yuval Noah Harari
[For about 2 years] every morning, without fail, I would see someone reading this book on my commute to work on the tube in London. Eventually, I caved and bought a copy. And I’m so glad I did. This was one of the books that changed the way I viewed meat-eating (and climate change) — I’ve gone on to read his other books too but this stands out for me as I book I would ALWAYS recommend to anyone to read.
2. A Short History of Nearly Everything; Bill Bryson
Bill Bryson is an incredible writer. This book may not be for everyone, but Bill has an incredible way of writing that makes the science of history, or history of science, tangible and fun to read — a topic I’m genuinely interested in anyway but if you’re looking for a book that covers everything in a nice digestible way, then this is it.
3. Prisoners of Geography; Tim Marshall
A gift from my sister and I cannot thank her enough for introducing me to Tim Marshall. A brilliant book (and series),
4(a). Project Drawdown; Paul Hawken
4(b). There is no Planet B; Mike Berners-Lee
5. Start with WHY; Simon Sinek
6. Rebel Ideas; Matthew Syed
7(a). The End of Bias; Jessica Nordell
7(b). Talking to Strangers; Malcolm Gladwell
8. Invisible Women; Caroline Criado-Perez
9. Mindf*ck; Christopher Wylie
10. Morality; Jonathan Sacks
11. Small Great Things; Jodi Picoult
12. Why I’m no Longer Talking to White People About Race; Reni Eddo-Lodge
13. Born a Crime; Trevor Noah
14. Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life; Emily Nagoski
15. Midnight Library — and other books by Matt Haig
16. My Sh*t Therapist: & Other Mental Health Stories; Michelle Thomas
17. Regensis; George Monbiot
18. Climate Change is Racist. Race, Privilege and the Struggle for Climate Justice; Jeremy Williams
19. A Little life; Hanya Yanagihara
20…
This is your space to fill
What book inspired or shaped your 20s?
What’s your ultimate suggestion of a book that everyone should read before they turn 30.
