Books are often our first taste at the world around us. From a young age we are given books about fantasies and it is where we first lose ourselves. There are about 12 books that young women should read in particular before they hit the age of 20. They are thoughtful, intelligent and sometimes random books, but they prepare women for the future and also gets them out of their own world and into the lives of others.

1. A Thousand Splendid Suns

This book chronicles the last thirty years of Afghan history through the eyes of two women. It is a story of family, friendship, faith, and the salvation to be found in love in a changing world. It has twists and turns, heartbreak and and self-sacrifice. It is a beautiful story that keeps you on edge.

2. Perks of Being a Wallflower

Though the movie is a classic, nothing can beat turning the pages of this beloved novel. Charlie is always on the sidelines until two seniors show him the way. It is a story of friendship, self-discovery and much more.

3. Speak

This haunting story is about a high school freshman who refused to speak after she was sexually assaulted at a party. Her friends shun her, her parents don't notice and the only place she feels safe is when she is painting. The story shows how raising your voice and telling your story matters.

4. Harry Potter Series

If you haven't read this magical books, do yourself a favor and jump in now. Besides the fantasical world, the story teaches life lessons on love, family and friendship. Follow Harry, Hermione and Ron on their adventures and you are sure to find magic in the pages and in your life.

5. Pride and Prejudice

It is always good to read a classic and Pride and Prejudice is probably one of the best classic book out there for women. It is empowering and true. The protagonist Jane is a stubborn, head strong girl. When she meets the tall, dark stranger Mr. Darcy her world and everything she knew changes. It deals with more than just love. It deals with manners, upbringing, morality, education, and marriage in 18th century England.

6. Fangirl

If you have ever loved a book, show, actor, or anything so much that it took over your life then this book is perfect for you. Cath is a Simon Snow fan like the rest of the world, but for Cath Simon Snow got her through tough times. Now she is leaving for college and about to start her life. The question is: can she leave her fandom behind?

7. Any "American Girl" Book

American Girl books can teach a young woman about history, her body and her feelings all while putting it in to terms that she can understand (and without scaring her). Whether it is their box sets on girls through out history or books on how to style hair, these books are a rite of passage for any young girl.

8. I am Malala

Every woman should have someone they look up to. It could be their mother, Michelle Obama or their favorite actress. This story of of Malala can show young women that standing up for what you believe in can change the world. It can also give them someone to aspire to be like.

10. The Bell Jar

We all feel like we are going insane sometimes, this modern classic puts this feeling into words. Esther is brilliant, beautiful, enormously talented, and successful. Esther's insanity becomes completely real and even rational.

11. The Glass Castle

Jeannette Walls memoir is hauntingly beautiful. She grew up with parents whose ideals and stubborn nonconformity were both their curse and their salvation. Her father was an absent, drunk. Her mother was oblivious to what was going on around her. Walls is not just that she had the guts and tenacity and intelligence to get out, but that she describes her parents with such deep affection and generosity. It is a story of family and unconditional love.

12. To Kill a Mockingbird

You might have read it in middle school, but this classic American novel is different when you read it on your own terms. This one doesn't need an explanation. Just re-read it again.