mong many societal influences young adults carry with them through their early twenties and beyond is the pressure to stay informed and be considered intellectual. You’ve either just parted ways with your English literature syllabi that included a detailed list of text to buy and read for the class, or you’ve always enjoyed reading from Dr. Seuss to Roald Dahl. Regardless of your past or current opinions, reading will always prove to matter.
Reading is commonly associated with something students have to do, or a better leisure pastime activity rather than watching TV. Studies show us that regularly reading can result in lifelong cognitive and social benefits, including:
- Read better -- reading more causes a more positive, self-reinforcing cycle
- Gain useful knowledge -- regardless of your field of study, the options are limitless with reading
- Get smarter -- readers develop a robust and strong vocabulary naturally as they take in new forms of written knowledge
- Develop better brains -- readers develop teacher cortexes over time, thus providing extra cognitive reserves and improving cognition throughout one’s lifespan
- Develop more empathy -- by broadening your horizon to literal or fictional accounts, you’ll naturally recognize and understand the thoughts and feelings of others
- Have a better and more productive life -- enhancing and keeping up with your literacy will keep you informed and lead to better informed “adult decisions”
Now having learned the vast benefits to reading in your adult life, continue reading this article for some book recommendations we’ve curated for you.
Staying curious, and reading without reason
Get familiar with what classics, non-fiction, mystery, and other genres can govern your adult life.
This iconic novel is best-known for its twist on reality with presentation and definition through the “magical realism genre.” “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is the tale of the Buendia family, taking readers through the ups and downs that come with familial and love affair conflict. This imaginative prose is rich in material and presents a true desire for solitude in life. The text is rich and is not your usual page turner. Instead each page is an opportunity to get immersed in new words and vivid imagery. This book is what all adults need -- a vast contrast to their daily life, or life as a whole.
Strout who is best-known for her wide range of works in literary fiction and descriptive characterization presents a story of Olive who is struggling to not only find herself, but to understand those around her. The setting takes place in the town of Crosby, Maine, following Olive who is a young woman moving through various life changing events that spark moments of surprise and inspiration for readers. This relatable novel must find its way to anyone embarking into their twenties who think they have everything figured out but are quickly finding shelter in their guardian’s house.
This novel is a common one to grace the eyes of high school AP literature students. This back-and-forth battle between anger and heartbreak is a must-read regardless of age. If you’ve read it in high school, then read it again. Hosseini takes readers on a journey that reveals the complexity of class structure in Afghanistan as a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant become friends. The novel is not short of emotion, as it comes with betrayal, redemption, a father’s love, sacrifice, and lies. The conflict is told against the historical tragedies of Afghanistan over the course of thirty years.
“... The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful novel that has become a beloved, one-of-a-kind classic.” -Khaled Hosseini
If you are going to fall down the cliched route of saying you're too busy to read or would rather watch the movie, at least hear this out. American poet, novelist, and short-story writer, Sylvia Plath, is foundational and one who pushed the boundaries when it comes to the genre of confessional poetry. This collection contains everything Plath is celebrated for -- edited, annotated, and introduced by Ted Hughes. The collection not only has range in style, but length. These poems are the breath of fresh air your clouded, adult, and stressed mind is longing for.
If you don’t know Coates from George Polk Award winning, Atlantic cover story, “The Case for Reparations” -- then immerse yourself in “a slave’s story” of death and dying through the narrator and main character, Hiram. The story is unexpected and daring as motherless Hiram discovers a mysterious power that later saves his life. From leaving home, the story takes readers through Virginia's plantations, to guerilla cells, to the dangerous South and the idealized North. “The Water Dancer” is the coming-of-age story all identities need to understand. The story is driven after popular slave narratives of the late 19th century -- a movement in time from boyhood to adulthood, from servitude to freedom.
“Perhaps the most powerful and lasting image in this beautifully executed novel is that of the enslaved – or the Tasked, as Coates prefers to call them – who take their destiny into their own hands.” -The Guardian
If you are looking to add a little bit of edge and excitement to your life, look no further than to “Life of Pi.” The feeling of following a protagonist stuck in a series of high stake, tense moments is the definition of Pi Patel. Patel has a love for stories, and deep knowledge of animal behavior. The story begins as Patel and his family embark on a journey from India to North America aboard a Japanese cargo ship, with their zoo animals. When the ship sinks, quickly leaving Patel alone on a lifeboat with only a hyena, an orangutan, a wounded zebra, and a Bengal tiger. This lost at sea journey poses challenging questions about the definition of reality and trust. Yes, this story has been turned into a movie -- but do I really have to tell you why the book is better?
Chrissy Teigen -- American model, television personality, author, and entrepreneur -- presents a curated package of recipes, calling it her “new edible dairy.” When it comes to your adult life following your favorite celebrity recipes is more desirable than you may think. While getting a glance into how to cook meals deemed worthy by Teigen, you get some personality with different flavors, and humorous accounts like eating onion dip with Teigen’s glam squad. Though not relatable to all, you can’t argue with a good banana bread recipe.
“After two years of parenthood, falling in love with different flavors, and relearning the healing power of comfort food. This book is like Chrissy’s new edible diary: recipes for quick-as-a-snap meals, recipes for lighter, brighter, healthier-ish living, and recipes that, well, are gonna put you to bed, holding your belly. And it will have you hungry for more.” -The Cooking World
Memoir is a genre where you can simply learn more about someone’s life or connect with a lifestyle you’ve been longing. Regardless if you’re trying to find comfort in missed opportunity, or simply looking for entertainment, “Educated” by Westover is a survivalist story. Not many -- or anyone -- can relate to this struggle for self-invention. The story takes place in Idaho, where Westover and her family prepare for the end of the world by hoarding home-canned peaches. The story offers perspective and opportunity to see one’s life over time as family loyalty and grief are put to the test where learning the importance of education is instrumental.
What you’ve been missing by collecting dust on your bookshelf
Reading in your adult life opens doors to the possibility of new connections and relationships.
There’s inspiration all around us. Adulting can easily cloud our vision so that we eventually stop seeking solace in simple pleasures like reading. Regardless of where you are in the world, take the leap to connect with the unknown through written communication. Even if you have deemed yourself well-read, there's different reviews and analysis of text you can get your hands on to challenge yourself.
Reading can also drive social connection. Whether it’s seeking out new bookstores for new collections or renewing your library membership -- reading is most impactful when shared with others. Joining a book club or heading over to a different section of your local bookstore, may just be the key to your new social circle or point of view you’ve been longing for.
Adulting is a period of time that will pass and become more natural. When it comes to reading the options are limitless. It’s up to you what stories you take with you to inspire and govern you. How literal the impact and influence you’ll experience will vary. All you need to find your next great book is an open mind -- don’t ever think you’re done learning.
