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[Culture](/luxegen/culture)

 /  14 March 2025  

#  15 Motivational Books Everyone Should Read In Their 20s  


Your 20s are a transformative decade – a time to figure out who you are and what you want. But it’s not always smooth sailing. Between career moves, relationships and personal growth, it can all feel a bit overwhelming. That’s where a good book with useful insights can help – from boundary-setting bibles to manifesting magic, here some suggestions for your reading list…  


ByEleanor Magill

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[ Save To My Favourites ](/user/login?destination=/markdownify/node/45425)

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 



 

 

 

 


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## BEST FOR UNLEARNING OUTDATED BELIEFS &amp; EMBRACING YOUR WORTH 



#### Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given 



 

This feminist manifesto is perfect for anyone tired of people-pleasing. Florence Given tackles beauty standards, toxic relationships and the societal pressure to be ‘likeable’ – all with fierce honesty and fun illustrations.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3FqSHPh)



  

 

 

 



 

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## BEST FOR MASTERING DAILY ROUTINES &amp; ACHIEVING YOUR GOALS 



#### Atomic Habits by James Clear 



 

If you’re feeling stuck or unproductive, this is your blueprint for change. James Clear reveals how small, consistent habits – not huge, life-altering decisions – are what truly shape success.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/4iJcGHd)



  

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## BEST FOR HEALING PAST WOUNDS &amp; RECLAIMING YOUR POWER 



#### How to Do the Work by Dr Nicole LePera 



 

In *How To Do The Work*, Dr. LePera dives into the emotional baggage we carry from childhood and explains how it shapes our adult lives. If you’re ready to heal, set boundaries and prioritise yourself, this book is a game-changer.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/4hyuGTD)



  

 

 

 



 

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## BEST FOR OVERCOMING SELF-SABOTAGE &amp; EMBRACING GROWTH 



#### The Mountain Is You by Brianna Wiest 



 

This book is all about breaking free from the cycles of self-doubt and fear that hold you back. In it, Brianna Wiest explains how to transform your mindset and build the life you deserve – one small, intentional step at a time.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/41L5pQf)



  

 

 

 



 

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## BEST FOR MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR 20S 



#### The Defining Decade by Dr. Meg Jay 



 

Forget the idea that your 20s are a ‘throwaway’ decade. Dr Meg Jay explains why the choices you make now – in love, work and self-discovery – will set the foundation for your future.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3DBW3ym)



  

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## BEST FOR BREAKING FREE FROM EXPECTATIONS &amp; LIVING AUTHENTICALLY 



#### Untamed by Glennon Doyle 



 

Part memoir, part self-help book, *Untamed* inspires women to let go of the ‘good girl’ narrative and embrace their true selves. Glennon Doyle's powerful words will encourage you to create a life driven by your own desires – not society's rules.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3FnikAx)



  

 

 

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## BEST FOR COMFORT, CLARITY &amp; NAVIGATING LIFE’S TOUGH MOMENTS 



#### Open When… by Dr. Julie Smith 



 

From the bestselling author of *Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before?,* think of this book as your emotional toolkit for when life feels overwhelming – be it familial, friendships or heartbreak. It’s a heartfelt guide filled with practical advice and wisdom, and the perfect pick-me-up for when you need it most.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/4bKkCWs)



  

 

 

 



 

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## BEST FOR TAPPING INTO CREATIVITY &amp; CHASING YOUR DREAMS 



#### Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert 



 

Feeling uninspired? Elizabeth Gilbert’s *Big Magic* is a love letter to creativity. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur or simply someone who craves a more imaginative life, this book encourages you to embrace fear and follow curiosity.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3FlDq26)



  

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## BEST FOR CELEBRATING IDENTITY, FRIENDSHIP &amp; WOMANHOOD 



#### For Brown Girls With Sharp Edges And Tender Hearts by Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodrguez 



 

This beautifully written book captures the lives of young women of colour growing up in Queens, New York – exploring the push-pull of culture, identity and dreams. It is a poignant, powerful read for anyone seeking to embrace their roots while carving their own path.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3R3aG0H)



  

 

 

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## BEST FOR A MENTAL RESET &amp; FRESH PERSPECTIVES 



#### 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think by Brianna Wiest 



 

Another Brianna Wiest gem, this collection of essays will challenge your outlook on life, love and personal growth. Digestible and easy to dip in and out of, it’s the kind of book you can pick up anytime you need a motivational boost.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/43FQSIh)



  

 

 

 



 

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## BEST FOR MANIFESTING POSITIVITY &amp; SELF-LOVE 



#### Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King 



 

Vex King blends spiritual wisdom with practical advice, showing how to shift your mindset, raise your vibrations and attract the life you want. It’s a go-to for anyone interested in manifestation and positive thinking.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3DrOJp8)



  

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## BEST FOR BUILDING CONFIDENCE &amp; FINDING HAPPINESS WITHIN 



#### The Self-Love Experiment by Shannon Kaiser 



 

If you're struggling with self-doubt or comparison, Shannon Kaiser's journey to self-love is the reminder you need. She lays out practical exercises to help you build confidence and start treating yourself like your own best friend.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3FzyKpq)



  

 

 

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## BEST FOR BOLD CONFIDENCE &amp; UNSTOPPABLE MOTIVATION 



#### You Are A Badass by Jen Sincero 



 

Funny, direct and wildly motivational – Jen Sincero’s classic is perfect for anyone who needs a reminder of their own power. It’s all about stepping out of your comfort zone, smashing self-doubt and creating a life you truly love.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/3Fm5ItD)



  

 

 

 



 

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## BEST FOR NAVIGATING LOVE, FRIENDSHIP &amp; GROWING PAINS 



#### Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton 



 

A witty, raw and relatable memoir that dives into the messiness of life in your 20s – from heartbreaks to career confusion – Dolly Alderton's honest reflections will remind you that you’re not alone in the chaos and that self-love and the love of platonic friendships is just as important as romantic relationships.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/41MpZzO)



  

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## BEST FOR LIFE ADVICE FROM A SUCCESSFUL WOMAN WHO’S BEEN THERE 



#### If In Doubt, Wash Your Hair by Anya Hindmarch 



 

Part motivational guide, part practical life advice, fashion designer Anya Hindmarch shares the lessons she’s learned about confidence, resilience and balancing ambition with self-care. It has practical and workable tips on managing everyday stresses to the bigger moments in your life and explains why, sometimes, seemingly small actions – like washing your hair – can be remarkably healing.

*Available at* [AMAZON.CO.UK](https://amzn.to/4bKgmWS)



  

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

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