As an avid reader, a believer in living by example, and a proud supporter of the power of literature, I have been moved and transformed by the power of these authors, and I truly believe that reading their work has supported my journey into finding myself. Although they are sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes heart-wrenching, and always remarkable, I urge every 20-something to take a chance and read these incredible works, because it will help you to understand yourself, the world around you, the sheer challenge of becoming an adult, and that you don’t have to go through that journey without an example to follow (or avoid like the plague).

1. "The Importance of Being Earnest" by Oscar Wilde

Ok, this one isn’t actually a book; it’s a play, but read it in it’s scripted form, like I did, and it could positively change your life. With it’s witty charm, fast-paced plot, and refreshing opposition to the complexities of modern life, this book reminds us that the best of relationships can come out of adversity, and that fate is always around to kick our butts.

2. "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius

"Waste no more time arguing about what a good man should be. Be one.” This and more gems from the personal writings of the great Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius in one of the most influential series of writings in all of time.

3. "Anna Karenina" by Leo Tolstoy

I would be remiss if I did not put at least one of Tolstoy's novels on this list. Tolstoy is my all-time favorite author, and his charismatic voice weaves a story of love, duty, history, and gender roles that will make you reevaluate your own contribution to society.

4. "This is Where I Leave You" by Jonathan Tropper

I finished this book in a day and a half while sitting on the beach at a family vacation, mostly because of the quirky intricacies of the Altman family, a dysfunctional family of non-practicing Jews who are called back to their mother's house when their father passes. The father's final wish was that all of his children, no matter how crazy and conflicting their lives may be, come together to sit shiva in honor of his death.

5. "The Ruling Class" by Peter Barnes

Peter Barnes' comedic masterpiece tells the story of the 14th Earl of Gurney, who believes he is the Messiah. Heavy stuff, for sure, but it will give you a lot of perspective on your personal beliefs, and is a hilarious commentary on the selfish nature of society that endures into present day.

6. "The Age of Innocence" by Edith Wharton

This was first novel by a woman to ever win the Pulitzer prize, and the most gripping commentary I have ever read on life, especially for women, in the 1800's. Reading this book taught me about recognizing just how far society has come, but also made me realize that when it comes to falling in love, stress is universal.

7. "Howl and Other Poems" by Allen Ginsburg

The first time I read "Howl," Allen Ginsburg's controversial masterpiece, I cried. I lamented for the struggle of one man in a cruel world that tears down the misunderstood, because I realized that the world Ginsburg was speaking of was our own.

8. "The Diary of a Young Girl" by Anne Frank

If you didn't have to read this book in middle school when we were first learning about World War II, I urge you to read it now or read it again. The story of little Anne isn't a mystery, and it isn't a happy one, but it is a monument to the tragedies of the past, and a reminder that we cannot let history repeat itself.

9. "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac

The Beat Generation of writers were the original rebels with a cause, revolting against literary constraints in the 50's and 60's, and Kerouac's novel is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful examples of their message. Kerouac explores the ideas of love, lust, travel, duty, and society all in one beautiful journey, an incredible personal retelling of his lifelong adventures.

10. "The Year of Living Biblically" by A.J. Jacobs

One of the only non-fiction books on this list is the harrowing account of A.J. Jacobs, who put aside his customs for one year, with a wife and child in his midst, to live the Bible exactly as it was originally intended. The most innovative part of his adventure is his own religious beliefs. Although born into a Jewish family, Jacobs is indifferent to religion, therefore offering a fresh perspective on religion, and serving as the catalyst for the reader to analyze their own beliefs from a new perspective. This is essential for the 20-something who is trying to find his or herself, and explore their own views of religion.

11. "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath

The semi-autobiographical tale of the author, told from the perspective of a young girl and her spiral into deep depression. It's an important read for every twenty-something because of the universal truth that is the increasing rate of depression in the modern age, providing proof for those that struggle with depression that they are not alone.

12. "Possession" by A.S. Byatt

This is probably the least well-known book on my list, and again, one of my favorites. "Possession" is one of the most inventive and universal love stories that I have ever read, and seamlessly integrates history, poetry, scholarly pursuits, and attraction into the story of two sets of lovers, a pair of Victorian poets, and the scholars that are investigating their lives.

13. "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings" by Maya Angelou

This book is an institution in itself, and if you haven't read it, get yourself on Amazon right now and order it for yourself. Angelou, who is considered to be one of the most influential poets of the modern world, weaves the autobiography with rich thematic elements that make the writing seem almost fictional. Angelou uses her autobiography to delve into the ideas of identity, female roles, sexual assault, and ever literature itself.

14. "The Picture of Dorian Grey" by Oscar Wilde

"Dorian Grey" is yet another social commentary from the master of satire that was Oscar Wilde. Dorian Grey, the subject of a full-length painting by an artist who is infatuated with his beauty, is vain to the core, and sells his soul for the opportunity to never age. This commentary on the selfish nature and image-centric society is important for all young adults of the Millennial generation.

15. "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg

This is my other non-fiction piece, mostly because Sandberg's writing is so encouraging and a perfect example of what a twenty-something, particularly a woman, needs to do to succeed in the male-dominated business industry.

16. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" or
17. "Love in the Time of Cholera" by Gabriel Garcia Marquez

You may have already read "Love in the Time of Cholera," and if you have, read "One Hundred Years of Solitude," another Garcia Marquez masterpiece, commenting on society through the protection on personal commentary coming from a complete outsiders impression on the big time life.

18. "Bossypants" by Tina Fey

Although most of us know her well from her time on SNL and as an impressive comedian and actress, Tina Fey's writing takes my appreciation for her to a knew level, as she seamlessly weaves her thoughts in this book and offers advice, truth, and support to whoever needs it.

19. "Beloved" by Toni Morrison

This is another jarring depiction of slavery, the Civil War, and a frightening picture that unfortunately was the reality for the characters in this story. This book is an important window into the past, and another key to preventing history from repeating.

20. "The Handmaid's Tale" by Margaret Atwood

The final book that I have is a tale of a future society, one which relegates their women to simply being baby-makers, and it is an important commentary on the direction that a misogynistic society could take us, and a wake up call for all the people who think that oppression is obsolete.