Here are the 10 books that every young adult should read before they turn 30. Reading books offers a great escape from the stresses of everyday life and expands one’s knowledge and worldview, and these books offer a great starting point. The list includes classics such as To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. It also includes thought-provoking works such as 1984 by George Orwell and The Art of War by Sun Tzu, as well as powerful memoirs such as The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. These books offer valuable insights into the human condition, leadership, teamwork, strategy, and much more.
10 Books Every Young Adult Should Read Before Turning 30
In today’s fast-paced world, young adults have very little time to immerse themselves in reading. However, reading books offers a great escape from the stresses of everyday life and expands one’s knowledge and worldview. Everything from historical fiction to self-help can be found in a good book. Here are 10 books that every young adult should read before they turn 30:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This book is a classic and for good reason. It explores issues of race, class, and justice through the eyes of six-year-old Scout Finch. Her father, Atticus, defends a black man in a small Alabama town during the 1930s. Scout must confront the harsh realities of society and learn to empathize with those who face discrimination firsthand.
2. 1984 by George Orwell
This novel is a dystopian masterpiece that warns against the rise of totalitarianism. The book takes place in a bleak future where the government controls everything from citizens’ thoughts to their actions. The protagonist, Winston, rebels against the system, only to realize that rebellion is futile.
3. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
This novel is a coming-of-age story that follows the journey of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who feels alienated from society. The book deals with themes of innocence, adolescence, and integrity.
4. The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
The Bell Jar is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the protagonist Esther Greenwood’s struggles with mental illness. The book offers a powerful portrayal of depression and the struggles of a young woman coming of age in the 1950s.
5. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
The Alchemist is a short philosophical novel that has been read by millions across the world. The book follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of finding treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Through his travels, he learns valuable life lessons about following one’s dreams.
6. The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank
The Diary of a Young Girl is the powerful and emotional diary of a young Jewish girl hiding from the Nazis during World War II. The book serves as a reminder of the atrocities of the war and the resilience of humanity in the face of persecution.
7. The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
The Lord of the Rings is a fantasy trilogy that tells the story of a hobbit named Frodo tasked with destroying a powerful ring that could destroy the world. The book explores themes of friendship, sacrifice, and the battle between good and evil.
8. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
This is a classic romance novel set in the Georgian era. It explores themes of class, gender, and love through the story of Elizabeth Bennet, a young woman trying to secure her future in a society that values status over everything else.
9. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
This is a comic science fiction novel that has become a cult classic. The story follows the journey of Arthur Dent and his friend, Ford Prefect, as they travel through space in search of the meaning of life. The book is packed with humor and wit.
10. The Art of War by Sun Tzu
The Art of War is a military strategy book written by Sun Tzu during the 5th century BC. Despite its age, the book offers valuable insights into leadership, teamwork, and strategy that are useful even today. Whether one is a businessman or a politician, this book offers great advice on how to achieve success.
Conclusion
Whether one is looking for a classic novel that explores the human condition, a science fiction book that provides thought-provoking insights into the future, or a self-help book that offers practical advice, these ten books are a great starting point. By reading these books before the age of 30, one can become more knowledgeable, empathetic, and self-aware. Happy reading!