21 Life-Changing Books for 20-Somethings – The Olden Chapters

Have you ever found yourself asking “why didn’t I learn this in school?” I know I have… plenty of times. Like the first time I filed my own taxes. Or that one time I realized I had no ideas what foods I should be eating in a day. Or what the heck a 401K really is. The list is endless. I am sure it’s the same for you! There isn’t a class on “how to be an adult” or just simply “life” in either high school or college! Instead, we need to take matters into our own hands. Over the last few years, I have stumbled across the most amazing books that have taught me everything (okay, probably not everything… but nearly!) school should have. Lessons in physical health, mental wellbeing, productivity, finances, and so much more. These life-changing books have been so incredibly insightful and I hope you find just as much use out of them! So, without further ado…

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy for more information.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is incredibly important for countless reasons: happiness, living a long life, avoiding illness… Unfortunately, many people are misguided in their health choices due to crazy advertisements and lack of knowledge. Let’s solve that! Here are my top life-changing books on both physical and mental health.

Eat, Drink, and Be Healthy: The Harvard Medical School Guide to Healthy Eating by Walter C. Willett, MD, DrPH: In his book, Dr. Willett covers everything you will ever need to understand nutrition, from how many fruits and veggies you should eat in a day (and what kind…) to the best recipes that can be easily integrated into your life. He only uses hard, scientifically proven facts to back up all of his claims and mentions many popular misconceptions. It is, hands down, the best nutritional guide I have found to date. Check it out HERE.
Furiously Happy: A Funny Book About Horrible Things by Jenny Lawson: As weird as it may sound, this is a hilarious book about struggling with mental health problems. The amazing Jenny Lawson tells her stories about struggling with anxiety and depression in the most comical way possible. It is an absolute must read if you struggle with any type of mental illness, no matter how small or large. Actually, I think everyone should read it. IT IS FANTASTIC! Check it out HERE.
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, MD: This is another great book on mental health, where psychiatrist Dr. Burns covers countless scientifically proven ways to improve your mental health without drugs and lift your sprits immensely. Check it out HERE.
How to Stop Worrying and Start Living: What Other People Think of Me is None of My Business by Simeon Lindstrom: My last health related book is another on mental health, but more focused on everyday stress levels. It takes a different look at everyday stress by investigating what exactly is causing stress in your life. Check it out HERE. Funnily enough, one of my favorite authors, Dale Carnegie, has a book by the same title and I would be remiss to not mention it. I haven’t read it yet but I am sure it is just as fantastic. Also, if you’re looking for some stress management techniques, check out this post.

Next up? Productivity! Another incredibly important aspect in life that isn’t addressed in school, yet plays an instrumental part in our everyday lives, especially in our careers! Many don’t even think about it, while others struggle to accomplish it. Which ever boat your in, these life-changing books will do wonders to your productivity levels and outlook on getting things done!

Now, let’s get into career and finance books. The whole reason we go to school is to land a great job… right?! Then why not give us some great career advice while we are there? I know, seems simple, but most schools (both high schools and colleges) just simply skim the surface of the crazy career world. Don’t worry, my favorite life-changing books on career and finance will cover you.

The Total Money Makeover: A Proven Plan for Financial Fitness by Dave Ramsey: Of course this book makes the top of my favorite career and finance books. If you’ve read it, you know what I mean. If you haven’t, get with the program… This is the ultimate book on personal finances, getting out of debt, and handling the real world as an adult. It is absolutely the ultimate book every adult should read if they want to understand how to budget, invest, get out of debt, retire at a decent age, and so much more. I cannot recommend it enough. Check it out HERE, you won’t regret it!
What Now? The Young Person’s Guide to Choosing the Perfect Career by Nicholas Lore: I can genuinely say that this book drastically changed my life. I read this book from cover to cover and took the career journey Nicholas Lore outlines. It landed me where I am at today: on a path to become a civil engineer. Without this book, I probably would still be wandering around trying to figure out my life’s purpose. If you’re in that same boat, this book is 110% for you. Check it out HERE! If you’re looking for more information on choosing your dream career, check out this post.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie: This absolute best seller and classic career-winning book was written by one of my all time favorite authors, Dale Carnegie. I read this book at least once a year. Each time, I learn something different. Whether you’re getting ready to enter the career world, or already in it, you need this book in your life. It covers countless proven ways to ensure people love you in a time when it is all about who you know, not what you know. Check it out HERE.
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants by Malcolm Gladwell: This fabulous career book changes the way we think about overcoming obstacles and advancing in our careers, even as an underdog. Check it out HERE. Gladwell also has another bestseller called The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference.
#Girlboss by Sophia Amoruso: I am sure you’ve already heard of this best seller (that now has a TV show about it!). If not, let me fill you in. This book is about the life of the author, Sophia Amoruso, who is the founder of the companies Nasty Gal and Girlboss. This book is filled with amazing career advice and inspiration. Check it out HERE.
Secrets of Six-Figure Women: Surprising Strategies to Up Your Earnings and Change Your Life by Barbara Stanny: This book is more than just about the wage gap and career struggles women have been facing for years. It is an inspirational and motivational book that discusses the commonalities between the millions of women currently in the workforce that make six-figures, and how you can too. Check it out HERE.
Nice Girls Don’t Get the Corner Office: Unconscious Mistakes Women Make That Sabotage Their Careers by Lois P. Frankel, PhD: My last, but certainly not least, career book is another woman’s career guide that outlines common mistakes the average woman makes in the workplace, and how to become more successful. Check it out HERE.

My last category in this list of life-changing books covers everything else… from inspirational books to complete adulting guides, I’ve got you covered.

Looking for even more great books to read? Check out these amazing book lists.

And that’s it! My top 21 life-changing books that have given me all the knowledge school didn’t. I hope you have found some great reads to add to your book list and start soon. I promise every single one these life-changing books is completely filled from cover to cover with the essential knowledge you need in your life. Have fun and happy reading!