10 Books Men Must Read in their 20s
Reading is one of the most essential habits a person can develop, and it’s especially crucial during your 20s. It’s a time of change and growth, and the books you read during this period can shape your worldview, expand your horizons, and guide you through the ups and downs of life. In this blog post, we’ll explore ten books that every man in his 20s should read.
Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a working professional, or just trying to figure out your next steps in life, these books will provide you with invaluable insights, inspiration, and guidance. They cover a range of genres, from classic literature to contemporary memoirs, and touch on themes like identity, purpose, relationships, and societal expectations.

Reading is not only a great way to escape the stresses of daily life, but it can also help you become a more well-rounded and empathetic person. By exposing yourself to different perspectives, cultures, and experiences, you can develop a deeper understanding of the world around you and your place in it.
In the following sections, we’ll discuss the importance of reading in your 20s and explore the ten books that every man in her 20s should read. So, whether you’re an avid reader or just starting to dip your toes into the world of literature, we encourage you to keep an open mind and embrace the transformative power of reading.
Reading is an excellent hobby regardless of age. If you are a men in your 20s looking for hobbies read our ultimate guide by clicking the link.
The Importance of Reading in Your 20s
The 20s are a formative time in a person’s life, marked by new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. At this stage, you may be transitioning from college to your first job, navigating new relationships, or figuring out your purpose in life. Reading can be an excellent tool for navigating these changes and setting yourself up for long-term success.
Advantages of reading at a young age
One of the primary advantages of reading in your 20s is the development of critical thinking skills. By engaging with complex narratives, characters, and ideas, you can sharpen your analytical and problem-solving abilities. Reading also enhances your vocabulary and communication skills, which can be valuable in both personal and professional settings.

How reading can help men in their 20s
Reading can help men in their 20s by offering a wide range of benefits, including personal growth and development, improved cognitive and communication skills, inspiration and motivation, and stress relief. Through reading books on various topics, men in their 20s can expand their knowledge, gain new insights and perspectives, and learn practical skills that can help them in their personal and professional lives. Additionally, reading can provide a mental escape and a way to relax and unwind, improving overall well-being and mental health. By establishing a regular reading habit, men in their 20s can invest in their personal growth and development, leading to a more fulfilling and successful life.
Impact of reading on personal and professional growth
Reading can also have a significant impact on your personal and professional growth. By exposing yourself to new ideas and perspectives, you can develop a broader worldview and a deeper understanding of the world around you. This can be particularly valuable in the workplace, where employers often seek out employees with diverse perspectives and experiences.
Moreover, reading can be a great way to de-stress and recharge after a long day or week. It’s a healthy way to take a break from technology and social media, which can be overwhelming and stressful. Reading can help you develop a healthier work-life balance and maintain a sense of well-being.
In the next section, we’ll dive into the ten books that every man in his 20s should read. These books cover a range of genres and themes, but they all offer valuable insights and perspectives that can help you navigate the challenges of your 20s and beyond.

*Please note that this article contains Amazon affiliate links, which means that if you make a purchase through one of these links, we may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Ten Books Men Must Read in Their 20s
Reading is an essential aspect of personal growth and development. Books can offer valuable insights, perspectives, and inspiration to help us navigate the complexities of life. In our 20s, we are still figuring out who we are, what we want to do, and where we want to go. This is why reading books can be particularly helpful during this time. In this article, we will explore ten books that men in their 20s should read. Each book has a unique message that can help young men in their personal and professional lives.
1. “Green Lights” by Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey’s Green Lights is a memoir about his journey through life and the lessons he learned along the way. The book emphasizes the importance of taking risks and finding joy in life. McConaughey encourages readers to embrace life’s challenges and to make the most of every opportunity. His approach to life can inspire men in their 20s to take chances, explore their interests, and pursue their passions.
5 Reasons to Read Greenlights by Matthew Mcconaughey.
2. “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a timeless classic that tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who goes on a journey to follow his dreams. The book emphasizes the importance of chasing your dreams and never giving up on them. Coelho’s message can inspire men in their 20s to pursue their passions and to have faith in their abilities to achieve their goals.

5 Reasons to Read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
3. “The Motivation Manifesto” by Brendon Burchard
The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard is a powerful book that emphasizes the importance of self-motivation and personal growth. Burchard encourages readers to take control of their lives and to make the most of every opportunity. The book offers practical advice on how to stay motivated, set goals, and overcome obstacles. The Motivation Manifesto can inspire men in their 20s to take charge of their lives and to create a vision for their future.
5 Reasons to Read The Motivation Manifesto: 9 Declarations to Claim Your Personal Power
4. “Extreme Ownership” by Jocko Willink
Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink is a book about leadership and personal responsibility. Willink, a former Navy SEAL, emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of your actions and leading with humility. The book offers practical advice on how to be a better leader, both in personal and professional life. “Extreme Ownership” can inspire men in their 20s to take responsibility for their actions and to lead by example.
5. “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins
Can’t Hurt Me by David Goggins is a memoir about his journey to becoming a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and ultra-endurance athlete. Goggins emphasizes the importance of resilience and mental toughness. He encourages readers to push themselves beyond their limits and to overcome their fears. “Can’t Hurt Me” can inspire men in their 20s to develop mental toughness and to overcome obstacles in their personal and professional lives.
6. “Will” by Will Smith
Will by Will Smith is a memoir that tells the story of his rise to fame and success. The book emphasizes the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. Smith encourages readers to pursue their dreams and to work hard to achieve them. His approach to life can inspire men in their 20s to set goals, work hard, and never give up on their dreams.
7. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson is a self-help book that challenges conventional wisdom about happiness and encourages readers to embrace discomfort and uncertainty. The book offers practical advice on how to prioritize what is truly important in life and how to let go of things that do not matter. “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” can inspire men in their 20s to live a more authentic and meaningful life.
8. “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People” by Stephen Covey
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey is a classic self-help book that emphasizes the importance of personal and interpersonal effectiveness. Covey offers practical advice on how to develop habits that can lead to success in personal and professional life. The book can inspire men in their 20s to take control of their lives and to develop habits that can help them achieve their goals.
9. “Atomic Habits” by James Clear
Atomic Habits by James Clear is a book about the power of small habits and how they can lead to big changes in life. Clear offers practical advice on how to develop habits that can help you achieve your goals. He emphasizes the importance of consistency and how small changes can lead to big results over time. “Atomic Habits” can inspire men in their 20s to develop habits that can lead to success in all areas of life.
10. “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz
The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a book about personal freedom and transformation. The book emphasizes the importance of living a life based on honesty, respect, and kindness. Ruiz offers practical advice on how to break free from limiting beliefs and to live a more authentic and meaningful life. “The Four Agreements” can inspire men in their 20s to let go of negative beliefs and to live a more fulfilling life.
Reading books can be an excellent way to gain new perspectives, learn new skills, and find inspiration. In our 20s, we are still figuring out who we are, what we want to do, and where we want to go. The ten books listed above offer valuable lessons that can help young men navigate the complexities of life. By reading these books, men in their 20s can gain insights and inspiration to help them achieve their goals and live a more fulfilling life.
FAQ

Why is reading in your 20s a good habit?
- Expands your knowledge: Reading can broaden your horizons and expose you to new ideas, cultures, and perspectives. By reading a variety of books, you can expand your knowledge and gain insights into topics that you may not have encountered otherwise.
- Improves your cognitive skills: Reading is a cognitive activity that can improve your memory, concentration, and analytical thinking skills. Reading requires you to process information, make connections between ideas, and draw conclusions based on evidence.
- Enhances your communication skills: Reading can also improve your communication skills. By reading different styles of writing, you can learn how to communicate your ideas more effectively, whether it’s in written or verbal form.
- Provides inspiration: Reading can be a source of inspiration and motivation. By reading about the experiences and successes of others, you can gain inspiration and motivation to pursue your own goals and dreams.
- Helps reduce stress: Reading can also be a great way to reduce stress and unwind after a long day. It provides a mental escape and can help you relax and recharge.
Reading is a great habit to cultivate in your 20s as it can expand your knowledge, improve your cognitive and communication skills, provide inspiration, and help reduce stress. It is an excellent way to invest in yourself and your personal growth.
What genre of books are popular for men in their 20s?
The genre of books that are popular for men in their 20s can vary widely depending on personal interests and preferences. However, here are some genres that tend to be popular:
- Self-improvement and personal development: Many men in their 20s are interested in improving themselves and developing new skills. Books on self-improvement and personal development can offer practical advice on how to do this.
- Business and entrepreneurship: Many men in their 20s are starting their careers or are interested in entrepreneurship. Books on business and entrepreneurship can provide valuable insights into starting and growing a successful business.
- Fiction: Fiction can be a great way to escape and unwind after a long day. Many men in their 20s enjoy reading novels that explore different worlds, characters, and themes.
- Non-fiction: Non-fiction books can offer insights into specific topics that interest men in their 20s, such as politics, history, or science. They can be a great way to learn more about a particular subject and gain new perspectives.
- Biographies and memoirs: Many men in their 20s are interested in reading about the lives and experiences of successful people. Biographies and memoirs can offer valuable lessons and inspiration from real-life stories.
The genre of books that are popular for men in their 20s can vary widely. However, books on self-improvement and personal development, business and entrepreneurship, fiction, non-fiction, and biographies and memoirs tend to be popular choices.

How often should someone in their 20s read?
There is no set rule for how often someone in their 20s should read. The frequency of reading can depend on personal preferences, schedules, and other commitments. However, establishing a regular reading habit can be beneficial.
Some people may choose to set a specific reading goal, such as reading a certain number of books per month or per year. Others may prefer to read whenever they have free time or during a designated time each day.
A good starting point for someone in their 20s who is looking to establish a reading habit is to aim for at least 30 minutes of reading per day. This can be done during a morning or evening routine, during lunch breaks, or before bed. Starting with a manageable goal can help make reading a habit and a regular part of daily life.
Ultimately, the frequency of reading should be determined by individual preferences and circumstances. However, making reading a priority and establishing a regular reading habit can offer numerous benefits for personal growth and development.
If you are unable to get your hand on a physical book, you can read books online for free can be a convenient and cost-effective way to access a wide range of literature.