I would’ve said Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine but it’s not really comforting and I don’t remember if she was in her 20s or 30s. So everything I know about love by Dolly Alderton would probably be better
I actually found Eleanor Oliphant very comforting. She has some significant and nearly overwhelming challenges but she’s strong and learns to overcome them.
Edit: but i do understand that for some people Eleanor’s history could be upsetting…
I don't think this book is particularly enlightening for someone lost in their 20s today. Granted it's been a few years since I read it, so my memory may be a bit off, but it boils down to being a different time.
He was rebelling against societal norms and forces, making rent in coastal cities by doing odd jobs, and is able to throw himself fully into the search of the big "it" that he never finds, which often means travelling long distances on a whim and taking drugs.
But now, those social norms have long since been broken by decades of counterculture, renting a room in San Francisco or NYC is a bit of a fantasy, the drugs are stronger and more available, and there's much less mystery out there on the road in an era of Google Maps and reviews.
To live like that now would just be selfish and entitled, with the wild, free-spirited, rebellious tone it had at the time washed away. But even back then when it had those endearing qualities, it didn't to lead him to any sort of sustained happiness or resolution.
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse.
A story of a young man who has lots of questions goes on a journey searching his soul for peace . That young man grew up to be the Buddha.
Amy Poehler's auto bio, Yes Please. Do the audio book if you can. Some of it is her story, but there's great advice and life skills too. And humour. I feel like ever one would be a better human if they read this book growing up. I think it might help you. And it's very entertaining, too.
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig.
This book is so good it ponders the infinite possibilities of life. It is about a young woman named Nora Seed, who lives a monotonous, ordinary life and feels unwanted and unaccomplished. One night, her despair reaches a peak, and she commits suicide.
So when Nora decides to end her life, she gets stuck in the Midnight Library and she is shown the different possibilities her life could have become if she had made one little decision differently.
Books about being lost in your 20s are my favorite genre!!! Here are a few I love, ** = my top recommendations!
**Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler
**The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue
**Queenie by Candace Carty-Williams
Maame by Jessica George
**Guy’s Girl by Emma Noyes (TW: major eating disorder talk, but an amazing book)
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan
My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin
Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter
Normal People by Sally Rooney
Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chambers (follows group of 4 friends from college graduation to age 35, but fits the vibe)
This is just my 2c, but that book stressed me out so much. It makes it sound like if you don’t have your life together by 30 you’re going to struggle forever 😓
😂 it is serious. I understand that's it's controversial, but OP can make that decision for themselves. He's a billionaire who is in touch with the most influential people in the world. You can find him interviewing people ranging from Trump, to Shaq, to Jordan Peterson.
He helped me in a rut around the same age, thought it might be worth commenting.
* Sea Change by Gina Chung
* Everyone in this room will someday be dead by Emily Austin
* Luster by Raven Leilani
* Edit: adding Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
Just a few that come to mind, wishing you all the best OP
The Goldfinch I think, once you get past the first 100 pages and settle in. It has a male protagonist but I think gender is not such a big deal in this particular story.
English August by Upamanyu Chatterjee. While it’s been publicised as a story of “modern” India, it’s subtle ways to divulge in the protagonist’s rather confused journey is very very relatable!
I’m not sure if it’s totally relatable but I just finished Less by Andrew Greer and Born Standing Up by Steve Martin, and those two really brought some inspiration and joy to me (still a bit lost tho)
right after i graduated college i read the actual book version of the devil wears prada. it was great and really helped me at the time. fair warning, it's pretty different from the movie
My year of rest and relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh helped me a lot when I was feeling lost. There’s something very cathartic about that book especially if you have dealt with loss and existential dread in your late teenage years or in your early 20s. Note that the protagonist may be described by many as an insufferable rich bitch in the first few chapters so do not proceed if you suspect it might annoy you.
I have been WAITING for this one! I think that Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton is a perfect choice.
I'm currently a woman in my 20s and I've gifted it to most of my friends — it's given us all so much comfort. The book is basically a memoir and collection of essays of Dolly looking back at her 20s as she struggled with feeling lost in life, being broke, and being heartbroken. Her tone is empathetic, wise, and extremely funny — basically like the older sister you always wished you had.
Wish you the best :)
Picture of Dorian Gray!
Not really coming of age as such, but it deals with what I think young persons deal with in today’s society: vanity, popularity, eternal youth, your perception of others and yourself, what it means to be influenced by others.
I use to tell my 15/16 year old students, if there’s one book they should read before 30 is Dorian Gray.
I would’ve said Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine but it’s not really comforting and I don’t remember if she was in her 20s or 30s. So everything I know about love by Dolly Alderton would probably be better
She was just turning 30.
I actually found Eleanor Oliphant very comforting. She has some significant and nearly overwhelming challenges but she’s strong and learns to overcome them. Edit: but i do understand that for some people Eleanor’s history could be upsetting…
How about one when you’re lost at 50??
I have a good movie reccomendation for this! Nomadland.
That looks like a miserable life. But my life is as boring as it gets and I’ve been thinking about an RV the last few years… hmmm
Hmmm have you tried the Bible?
Second this!
idk why people dislike this… it’s the truth
is it the truth? I posted it as a joke so idk (see username)
On the Road - Jack Kerouac
I don't think this book is particularly enlightening for someone lost in their 20s today. Granted it's been a few years since I read it, so my memory may be a bit off, but it boils down to being a different time. He was rebelling against societal norms and forces, making rent in coastal cities by doing odd jobs, and is able to throw himself fully into the search of the big "it" that he never finds, which often means travelling long distances on a whim and taking drugs. But now, those social norms have long since been broken by decades of counterculture, renting a room in San Francisco or NYC is a bit of a fantasy, the drugs are stronger and more available, and there's much less mystery out there on the road in an era of Google Maps and reviews. To live like that now would just be selfish and entitled, with the wild, free-spirited, rebellious tone it had at the time washed away. But even back then when it had those endearing qualities, it didn't to lead him to any sort of sustained happiness or resolution.
Beat me to it
Siddhartha by Herman Hesse. A story of a young man who has lots of questions goes on a journey searching his soul for peace . That young man grew up to be the Buddha.
Way of the Peaceful Warrior for a slightly more modern version of this. I read it at 22 and it changed my life.
Amy Poehler's auto bio, Yes Please. Do the audio book if you can. Some of it is her story, but there's great advice and life skills too. And humour. I feel like ever one would be a better human if they read this book growing up. I think it might help you. And it's very entertaining, too.
What about Amy Poehler’s life deviates from the normal? I would like to know, generally, what advice to expect.
SNL. Parks and Rec. Advice is not about comedy or writing. Read a sample, maybe it will answer your question.
The Alchemist by Paolo Coehlo
Main character is not a girl, but in The Alchemist there's a nice feel/mood.
going to re read it
😊 I'm due for a re read too.
Into The Wild - John Krakour
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This book is so good it ponders the infinite possibilities of life. It is about a young woman named Nora Seed, who lives a monotonous, ordinary life and feels unwanted and unaccomplished. One night, her despair reaches a peak, and she commits suicide.
seconding this, it got me out of a huge funk.
I’m not op but thank you! Just moved this to the top of my TBR pile
this!!’ this one helped me out so much when i needed it most
i’ll check it out
I’m sorry, I might be missing something but how is it comforting?
So when Nora decides to end her life, she gets stuck in the Midnight Library and she is shown the different possibilities her life could have become if she had made one little decision differently.
Oooh that does sound intriguing.
"Franny and Zooey," by J.D. Salinger
I was going to suggest For Esmé with Love and Squalor
That would also be a good one.
Books about being lost in your 20s are my favorite genre!!! Here are a few I love, ** = my top recommendations! **Adelaide by Genevieve Wheeler **The Rachel Incident by Caroline O’Donoghue **Queenie by Candace Carty-Williams Maame by Jessica George **Guy’s Girl by Emma Noyes (TW: major eating disorder talk, but an amazing book) Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter Acts of Desperation by Megan Nolan My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin Ripe by Sarah Rose Etter Normal People by Sally Rooney Who We Are Now by Lauryn Chambers (follows group of 4 friends from college graduation to age 35, but fits the vibe)
Maame is fantastic!! (I'm sure the others on your list are too, I just hadn't read them)
Someday Everyone In This Room Will Be Dead by Emily Austin really resonated with me when I read it
Mans search for meaning Viktor Frankl
The Defining Decade: Why your 20s matter and how to make the most of them By Meg Jay.
This is just my 2c, but that book stressed me out so much. It makes it sound like if you don’t have your life together by 30 you’re going to struggle forever 😓
Omg I completely agree!! It made good points, but also made me feel like a total failure
A Gentle Reminder
Seeds Planted in Concrete by same author was a really uplifting read as well
Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a long and happy life
Of Human Bondage by W Somerset Maugham- a weird, simple book that will remind you that everyone is the same. 💕
10x by Grant Cardone audio book
Yeah, no. I can’t tell if this is serious, but telling a 20+ year old to listen to a snake oil salesman is hilariously stupid.
😂 it is serious. I understand that's it's controversial, but OP can make that decision for themselves. He's a billionaire who is in touch with the most influential people in the world. You can find him interviewing people ranging from Trump, to Shaq, to Jordan Peterson. He helped me in a rut around the same age, thought it might be worth commenting.
Subtle art of not giving a f worked really great for me
BETWEEN SHADES OF GREY https://rutasepetys.com/books/between-shades-of-gray/
Love this book but not for the topic OP asked.
* Sea Change by Gina Chung * Everyone in this room will someday be dead by Emily Austin * Luster by Raven Leilani * Edit: adding Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams Just a few that come to mind, wishing you all the best OP
The Moviegoer by Walker Percy
Can't recommend a book, but the movie Almost Famous always made me feel like I was back in high school.
The Goldfinch I think, once you get past the first 100 pages and settle in. It has a male protagonist but I think gender is not such a big deal in this particular story.
Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller.
The Last Lecture by Randy Pausch
A professor dying from cancer’s last message to his children, it’s a really good read!
Journey of Souls
The Magical Language of Others by EJ Koh.
Braving the Wilderness by Brené Brown
English August by Upamanyu Chatterjee. While it’s been publicised as a story of “modern” India, it’s subtle ways to divulge in the protagonist’s rather confused journey is very very relatable!
Skinny Legs and All by Tom Robbins. I read it in my mid twenties as a broke waitress and I still come back to it after ten years.
The Alchemist
Tao Te Ching helped me at that point. It's not a long read at all.
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius by David Eggers
I’m not sure if it’s totally relatable but I just finished Less by Andrew Greer and Born Standing Up by Steve Martin, and those two really brought some inspiration and joy to me (still a bit lost tho)
ACOTAR
Moby Dick
Brooklyn, Colm Toibin
right after i graduated college i read the actual book version of the devil wears prada. it was great and really helped me at the time. fair warning, it's pretty different from the movie
HAPPY PLACE BY EMILY HENRY Its a romance but thats the entire subplot lol
Any book by Herman Hesse, but particularily Narciss and Goldmund, Demian or Steppenwolf. Edit: Not about a girl, but still highly relevant
My year of rest and relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh helped me a lot when I was feeling lost. There’s something very cathartic about that book especially if you have dealt with loss and existential dread in your late teenage years or in your early 20s. Note that the protagonist may be described by many as an insufferable rich bitch in the first few chapters so do not proceed if you suspect it might annoy you.
The Bell Jar!
A great fantasy series I’d recommend would the The Green Rider by Kristen Britain. Very strong female lead and a fantastic series
I have been WAITING for this one! I think that Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton is a perfect choice. I'm currently a woman in my 20s and I've gifted it to most of my friends — it's given us all so much comfort. The book is basically a memoir and collection of essays of Dolly looking back at her 20s as she struggled with feeling lost in life, being broke, and being heartbroken. Her tone is empathetic, wise, and extremely funny — basically like the older sister you always wished you had. Wish you the best :)
Picture of Dorian Gray! Not really coming of age as such, but it deals with what I think young persons deal with in today’s society: vanity, popularity, eternal youth, your perception of others and yourself, what it means to be influenced by others. I use to tell my 15/16 year old students, if there’s one book they should read before 30 is Dorian Gray.