On a quest to find what books for young adults to read that will change your life? Or perhaps, to find the best books for life lessons? If you’re asking yourself what books should you read as a 20 year old, teenager, or twenty something… this is the article for you.

These are 10 must-read books about adulting, which in a way can be viewed as self-help books for young adults.

Gone are the days of texting momma or poppa bear when something comes up that you’re not prepared for. With these books in your toolbox, there won’t be anything that you’re not prepared for.

Life may catch you off guard, but it doesn’t have to catch you like a deer in headlights.

So if you’re looking to get your life together as a young adult, read on.

1. 101 Secrets For Your Twenties

This book is an expansion of the blog post “21 Secrets for Your 20s” that accumulated nearly a million readers in 190 countries. 101 Secrets for Your Twenties will encourage, inspire, prompt a plethora of LOLs, and kick-start your life forward. With its witty, honest, and hilarious wisdom-stuffed pearls, there’s no way you won’t rock life in your twenties.

Get this self help book for young adults here.

2. Irrational Kindness: The Crazy Pursuit of an Extraordinary Life

“Irrational” is the most positive, inspiring, and empowering way to be. Being irrational has to do with thinking outside the box―way outside.

It has to do with viewing life as a journey and still being willing to reverse the route, shake things up, or flip the map upside down. Irrational Kindness serves as a harmonious reminder that one’s hopes and dreams do not have to be derailed by anything.

Throughout its pages, Kevin provides the inspiration everyone needs to favor understanding over being understood. And prioritize kindness―toward themselves as well as others―over everything.

Get this self help book for young adults here.

3. Adulting 101: #Wisdom4Life

Adulting 101 is a clever, practical, and timely guide that shows how to:

• Find a job and be wildly successful at work
• -Buy the items you need as an adult (apartment, car, insurance)
• Set goals, prioritize, and get work done
• Communicate professionally and effectively
• Learn money management and how to save and invest wisely
• Navigate personal and professional relationships
• Avoid the common mistakes of being out on your own
• And much, much more

Get this self help book for young adults here.

4. Adulting 101 Book 2: #liveyourbestlife

Adulting 101 Book 2: #liveyourbestlife is a personal growth book that provides you with a clear vision of what a healthy adult looks like. It equips you with the necessary tools to begin a meaningful adulthood, and offers critical resources to fulfill your purpose. With relatable stories, relevant research, and input from trusted mental health professionals, this book will help you:

• assess yourself honestly
• implement lasting, healthy habits
• develop social awareness and emotional and cultural intelligence
• cultivate grit and resilience
• identify signs of anxiety, depression, and loneliness and gain coping skills

5. The Girls’ Guide to Conquering Life: How to Ace an Interview, Change a Tire, Talk to a Guy, and 97 Other Skills You Need to Thrive

Coauthors Erica and Jonathan Catherman offer this collection of step-by-step instructions on 100 things girls need to succeed, including how to

• introduce yourself
• change a flat tire
• respectfully break up with a guy
• leave a tip
• apply for a job
• ask for a promotion
• behave during a police stop
• create a personal budget
• calculate square footage
• wash your face
• clear a clogged drain
• iron a shirt
• wear a scarf
• shoot a basketball
• sharpen kitchen knives
• and much more

In fact, if it’s in here, it’s an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident women.

Get this self help book for young women here. As I type, this book is on its way to my house. And I’m beyond excited.

6. The Manual to Manhood: How to Cook the Perfect Steak, Change a Tire, Impress a Girl & 97 Other Skills You Need to Survive

This book is for all the guys out there who want to have it all together. Jonathan Catherman offers this collection of one hundred step-by-step instructions on almost everything a guy needs to know, including how to:

• wear cologne correctly
• manage a credit card
• talk to a girl
• plan a date
• write a résumé
• ask for a reference
• clean a bathroom
• throw a football
• change a tire
• behave during a traffic stop
• fold a shirt
• tie a tie
• grill a steak
• clear a sink drain
• find a stud in a wall

In fact, if it’s in here, it’s an important skill or character trait practiced by capable and confident men. 

Get this self help book for young men here.

7. The Infographic Guide to Personal Finance

In The Infographic Guide to Personal Finance, you will learn all the skills you need to make good financial decisions and grow your personal wealth. Full of colorful descriptions organized in an easy-to-read format, this book contains infographics such as:

• Choosing your bank
• Building an emergency fund
• Choosing a financial planner
• Where your money is going
• What not to buy
• Health insurance
• Property insurance
• What federal taxes pay for

Get this personal finances book for young adults here.

8. The Mental Toughness Handbook: A Step-By-Step Guide to Facing Life’s Challenges, Managing Negative Emotions, and Overcoming Adversity with Courage and Poise

Damon Zahariades provides a step-by-step training program for toughening your mind against adversity. You’ll learn how to persevere when life becomes difficult and your circumstances deviate from your plans.

You’ll discover how to handle pressure, control your impulses, and endure the emotional and psychological distress that accompanies misfortune.

Get this self help book for young adults here.

9. The Mental Codes: Overcoming Thoughts that Keep You Stuck in Life

The Mental Codes Technology is more than an interesting subject—it’s actually an experience. As you learn the simple process of reprogramming your thinking to be more in line with what you want and less of what you don’t want, everything in your life changes. This book will teach you how to transform your life from the inside out.

Get this self help book for young adults here.

The Anxiety Check-In: A Guided Journal to Support Your Mental Health

The guided prompts in The Anxiety Check-In ask the simple, honest questions to help sort the thoughts racing through your head. A non-intimidating resource for your mental health, this book will show you how to be happy by covering sections on:

• Wellness
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Self-awareness
• Self-love

With a voice that says, “I get you” and helpful tools to unpack your mental state, this guided journal for women and men will pick you up, stand by your side, and help you feel a little less alone.

Get this self help book for young adults here.

Before you go!

Afraid you’re going to forget these books later on down the road? Feel free to bookmark this page for later.

Who would’ve thought that being a young adult can actually be so… manageable? Hmph. Guess it’s not just a dumpster fire waiting to happen.

Gen Z, I not only see you, but I identify with you. So let’s upgrade our lives together.

To get life-changing advice for young adults right in your inbox, join my email list! We’ll all build our best lives together. I can’t wait to see you over there.

But more importantly, I can’t wait to see the glowing, confident, and woke person you’re bound to become.

Also, keep up with me on Instagram and Pinterest! Make sure you pin or bookmark this page for later reference.

Before you head out, check out 10 boss babe ways to prepare for life after school. Yes, you’ll even learn something if you’ve already graduated.