10 Must-Read Books About Finding Yourself in Your 20s and 30s

In your 20s and 30s, the journey of self-discovery can be both thrilling and daunting. Whether you’re navigating the complexities of early adulthood, exploring your passions, or seeking fulfillment in your career and relationships, books can serve as invaluable guides along the way. Here, we’ve curated a list of must-read books specifically tailored to women in their 20s and 30s, each offering insights, inspiration, and wisdom to help you navigate this transformative time in your life. These are the best books about finding yourself:

Start your transformative journey with these must-read books about finding yourself 

10 Must-Read Books About Finding Yourself

“The Defining Decade: Why Your Twenties Matter and How to Make the Most of Them” by Meg Jay

In this insightful book, clinical psychologist Meg Jay explores the importance of the 20s in shaping one’s future. With a blend of research, case studies, and real-life anecdotes, Jay delves into key themes such as career, relationships, and personal development. Through practical advice and strategies, she empowers readers to make the most of this pivotal decade and set the foundation for a fulfilling life.

• Main Themes: The importance of the 20s in shaping one’s future, career development, relationships, and personal growth.
• Who Would Like It: Young adults in their 20s seeking guidance on navigating early adulthood, setting goals, and making the most of their formative years.
• Who Should Avoid It: Those who prefer books focused solely on career or personal development may find the broad scope of topics covered less appealing.

This book explores themes such as careers, relationships, and personal development

“Girl, Stop Apologizing: A Shame-Free Plan for Embracing and Achieving Your Goals” by Rachel Hollis

Rachel Hollis empowers women to pursue their ambitions unapologetically in this empowering read. Through personal anecdotes and actionable advice, she addresses common obstacles like self-doubt, fear of failure, and societal expectations. Hollis encourages readers to cultivate confidence, resilience, and a growth mindset as they strive to achieve their goals and live life on their own terms.

• Main Themes: Overcoming self-doubt, pursuing goals fearlessly, empowerment, and personal growth.
• Who Would Like It: Women looking for motivational guidance and practical strategies to overcome obstacles and achieve their ambitions.
• Who Should Avoid It: Readers who are not receptive to self-help or motivational books may find the tone and message repetitive or overly simplistic.

This book explores self-doubt, fear of failure, and societal expectations

“Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, Her Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed” by Lori Gottlieb

In this compelling memoir, therapist Lori Gottlieb takes readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth through therapy. With honesty, humor, and vulnerability, Gottlieb shares her experiences as both a therapist and a client, revealing universal truths about human connection, resilience, and the power of therapy to heal and transform lives.

• Main Themes: Therapy, self-discovery, resilience, human connection, mental health.
• Who Would Like It: Individuals interested in mental health, therapy, and personal narratives that offer insights into the human experience.
• Who Should Avoid It: Readers sensitive to discussions of mental health or uncomfortable with candid portrayals of therapy sessions may find this book challenging.

This book explores themes like human connection, resilience, and the power of therapy

“Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In the Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes

In this candid memoir, television producer and writer Shonda Rhimes chronicles her year-long experiment of saying “yes” to life. Through humorous anecdotes and insightful reflections, Rhimes explores themes of courage, authenticity, and self-discovery. She inspires readers to embrace new experiences, step out of their comfort zones, and live life with passion and purpose.

• Main Themes: Saying yes to life, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, personal growth, authenticity.
• Who Would Like It: Fans of Shonda Rhimes, individuals seeking inspiration to embrace new experiences and live boldly.
• Who Should Avoid It: Those who prefer practical advice over anecdotal storytelling may find the book lacking in actionable strategies.

The book delves into courage, authenticity, and self-discovery

“Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear” by Elizabeth Gilbert

Bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert invites readers to unleash their creativity and embrace a life of passion and purpose in this inspiring book. Through anecdotes, insights, and practical advice, Gilbert explores how to overcome creative blocks, self-doubt, and perfectionism. She encourages readers to cultivate curiosity, courage, and resilience as they pursue their creative passions and live a fulfilling life.

• Main Themes: Creativity, overcoming fear and self-doubt, inspiration, living a fulfilling life.
• Who Would Like It: Creatives, artists, and anyone looking to tap into their creative potential and pursue their passions.
• Who Should Avoid It: Readers who are not interested in creativity or self-help may find the book’s message too abstract or whimsical.

Explore the topics of creative blocks, self-doubt, and perfectionism

“In the Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists, and Entrepreneurs” by Grace Bonney

This empowering book features interviews with over 100 diverse women who have found success on their own terms. Through their stories and advice, readers gain insights into resilience, perseverance, and authenticity. “In the Company of Women” inspires readers to pursue their passions, embrace their uniqueness, and create a life and career they love.

• Main Themes: Female entrepreneurship, creativity, empowerment, resilience, diversity.
• Who Would Like It: Aspiring entrepreneurs, artists, and creatives seeking inspiration and advice from successful women.
• Who Should Avoid It: Those uninterested in entrepreneurship or personal anecdotes may find the book repetitive due to its interview format.

Learn more about topics like resilience, perseverance, and authenticity

“Bossypants” by Tina Fey

In her witty and irreverent memoir, comedian Tina Fey shares her journey from aspiring comedian to Hollywood trailblazer. With humor and insight, Fey explores themes of ambition, resilience, and finding one’s voice. Through anecdotes and reflections, she inspires readers to embrace their quirks, take risks, and pursue their dreams with confidence and humor.

• Main Themes: Comedy, career, feminism, navigating male-dominated industries, self-acceptance.
• Who Would Like It: Fans of Tina Fey, comedy enthusiasts, women in male-dominated fields looking for humor and inspiration.
• Who Should Avoid It: Readers who do not enjoy humor or are looking for a more serious exploration of career and feminism may not appreciate the book’s lighthearted tone.

This book explores topics like ambition, resilience, and finding one’s voice

“The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun” by Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin embarks on a year-long experiment to improve her life and cultivate happiness in this thought-provoking book. Through practical insights and strategies, Rubin shares how small changes and intentional living can lead to greater happiness and fulfillment. “The Happiness Project” inspires readers to embark on their own journey of self-discovery and create a life they love.

• Main Themes: Happiness, self-improvement, habits, gratitude, mindfulness.
• Who Would Like It: Individuals interested in personal development, happiness, and practical strategies for leading a more fulfilling life.
• Who Should Avoid It: Readers who prefer scientific or academic approaches to happiness may find the book’s anecdotal nature less compelling.

A book that is all about self-discovery and intentional living

“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle

Glennon Doyle invites readers to reclaim their true selves and live authentically in this powerful memoir. With raw honesty and vulnerability, Doyle shares her journey of self-discovery and liberation from societal expectations. “Untamed” inspires readers to embrace their wild, untamed nature, break free from the cages of perfectionism and people-pleasing, and live boldly and unapologetically.

• Main Themes: Authenticity, liberation, self-discovery, feminism, breaking societal norms.
• Who Would Like It: Women seeking inspiration to embrace their true selves, challenge societal expectations, and live authentically.
• Who Should Avoid It: Readers who prefer traditional memoirs or are uncomfortable with discussions of feminism and social justice may find the book polarizing.

This best-seller explores topics like self-discovery and liberation from societal expectation

“Lean In: Women, Work, and the Will to Lead” by Sheryl Sandberg

Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg examines gender equality in the workplace and offers a call to action for women to pursue their ambitions in this empowering book. Through research, anecdotes, and practical advice, Sandberg addresses common challenges faced by women in the workplace and provides strategies for overcoming obstacles and achieving professional success. “Lean In” empowers women to lean into their careers, negotiate for what they deserve, and strive for leadership roles with confidence and conviction.

• Main Themes: Gender equality, leadership, career advancement, empowerment, work-life balance.
• Who Would Like It: Women in the workforce, aspiring leaders, and those interested in gender dynamics and workplace culture.
• Who Should Avoid It: Critics of corporate feminism or readers seeking a more intersectional approach to gender and leadership may find the book lacking in diversity and inclusivity.

If you are a woman in the workplace, you need to read this book

Conclusion

These 10 must-read books about finding yourself offer invaluable insights, inspiration, and wisdom for women in their 20s and 30s seeking to navigate the journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Whether you’re exploring your passions, pursuing your goals, or seeking fulfillment in your career and relationships, these transformative reads will empower you to embrace your true self, live authentically, and create a life you love. So, curl up with a cozy blanket, brew a cup of tea, and dive into these empowering books—they just might change your life. books about finding yourself

Now you know which are the best books about finding yourself!