With the New Year come those annual New Year resolutions to lose that extra weight, do those extra homework problems and extend that extra effort to befriend that girl in your global studies class who seems like a really cool person. For me, my New Year’s resolutions took on a different spin for 2016. I vowed that I would set aside more time for myself: to relax, unwind and reflect. What better way to unwind after a long day than with a good book in bed? The list provided includes books I’ve read, been recommended, and books I am planning to read; all geared toward the 20-something female.
1. “The Bell Jar” by Sylvia Plath:
An introduction into the life of world-famous celebrity, Mindy Kaling; who comically illustrates her life growing up, and her reaction to friendships, break-ups and stardom.
5. “The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle:
A guide to spiritual enlightenment. A self-help book focused on daily stresses, struggles and tribulations. The purpose of this book is to help the reader learn how to look at the present, rather than pining over the past and worrying about the future.
6. “Anthropology of an American Girl A Novel” by Hilary Thayer Hamann:
A semi-autobiographical novel that follows the life of Eveline Auerbach, a woman growing up during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Evaline experiences the trials and tribulations of first love, and the pressures society exerts on women and love.
7. “At The Bottom Of Everything” by Ben Dolnick:
A novel about what it’s like to be young and confused. With such life-like situations, this book is relatable in the fact that it touches on everyday situations revolving around friendships, guilt and tragedy.
8. “My Horizontal Life: A Collection of One-Night Stands” by Chelsea Handler:
9. “Bossysants” by Tina Fey:
An autobiography that recounts actress and comedian Tina Fey’s life – how a nerdy shy girl became a successful figure in the public eye. Fey also touches on what it’s like to be a woman in the comedy world, and her thoughts on everyday issues.
10. “The Opposite of Loneliness Essay and Stories” by Marina Keegan:
Author Marina Keegan tragically passed away in a car accident five days after graduating magna cum laude from Yale University. A collection of short stories and essays was found that in fact depict the thoughts many of us go through at such a pivotal time in our lives.
11. “Paint It Black” by Janet Fitch:
This novel follows around 19-year old Josie Tyrell who has struggled to overcome the tragic and sudden suicide of the love of her life. Tyrell is a run-away struggling to make it in the modeling world, all the while trying to cope with the loss of a loved one.
12. “Fangirl” by Rainbow Rowell:
This novel follows Cath, a freshman in college who is learning how to comprehend and navigate growing up, drifting apart from certain friends and family, and how to find a “happy-medium” between her fictional life surrounding books and the real world.
13. “Yes Please” by Amy Poehler:
Absolutely hilarious comedian and actress Amy Poehler discusses her rise to fame in an honest and “roll on the floor” laughing type of style.
14. “The Art of Asking” by Amanda Palmer:
A novel that discusses the importance of letting other people help us. In a society where looks have become of utmost importance, Palmer urges that asking for help is one of the most important things a person can do.
15. “Not That Kind of Girl” by Lena Dunham:
The producer and star of the HBO show “Girls” discusses how she handled certain real-life situations involving lost romance, bad choices, and making mistakes, in the hopes of offering real-life instances on how these situations can be handled differently.
16. “Don’t Worry, It Gets Worse: One Twenty-Something’s (Mostly Failed) Attempts At Adulthood” by Alida Nugent:
A novel that illustrates Nugent’s transition from college to being jobless, single and living in her parents home as a woman in her early 20’s today.
17. “Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand In The Sun and Be Your Own Person” by Shonda Rhimes:
The incredibly talented creator of popular shows “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Scandal” discuses what it was like to live as an introvert in a career where being an extrovert was everything. Rhimes depicts how saying “Yes” has changed her life for the better.
18. “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion:
Documents Didion’s life after her husband tragically passed away while their daughter was in a coma in the intensive care unit at the hospital, and how she dealt with grief, and identity change.
19. “The Defining Decade” by Meg Jay, PhD:
A scientific look at how the 20’s are a monumental point in a person’s life. Jay discusses how to make choices and come up with ideas to live the life you always wanted.
20. “Exit Here” by Jason Myers:
A novel that follows Travis, a student who has come home after a year away at college. As Travis tries to settle back into his usual routine; partying, and hooking up, he can’t shake the feeling that something is different, this novel follows Travis as he attempts to fix the broken pieces of his life.
