By Fatou Balde
While many people claim to not be into reading, we like to think that those people just haven’t found the right book to curl up with. While we agree that nothing is better than Netflix, a great read can reduce stress and help you learn something new. So before you’re truly adulting (30 is the new 20, right?), check out these classic books!
1. I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou
While it was published in 1969, Maya Angelou’s personal coming-of-age story still stands as one of the best autobiographies you could read.
2. I am Malala: The Story of the Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
After surviving her attack, this young activist started an international movement and won the 2014 Nobel Peace Prize.
3. The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls
Walls’ memoir depicts her childhood raised by dysfunctional and neglecting parents, and her eventual decision to leave.
4. Wild by Cheryl Strayed
Before it was a movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Wild was the true story of a young woman tackling loss and the PCT trail.
5. Hunger: A Memoir of (My) Body by Roxanne Gay
Confronting society’s issues with her plus-size body, Gay isn’t looking for pity, just understanding.
6. Bad Girls Throughout History: 100 Remarkable Women Who Changed the World by Ann Shen
You’ll buy it for its illustrations, you’ll keep it for the amazing inspiration it gives you.
7. You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
This self-help book is sarcastic, funny, and just what you might need to hear.
8. How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book may be old but its lessons still stand, even more so today.
9. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
Manson focuses less on being positive and more on embracing the scary and uncomfortable parts of life.
10. The Little Book of Hygge by Meik Wiking
Having spent years studying what makes Denmark the happiest country in the world, Wiking shares his insights in this book.
11. You Do You by Sarah Knight
Recommended for people-pleasers and perfectionists.
12. Designing Your Life by Bill Burnett & Dave Evans
Looking to regain some control in your life? These Silicon Valley designers will teach you how to design a life you’ll love.
13. The Atlas of Beauty: Women of the World in 500 Portraits by Mihaela Noroc
Take a break from Instagram and lose yourself in this visual collection of beauty as seen around the world.
14. Humans of New York by Brandon Stanton
Based on his popular blog, Stanton mixes his photography with the heartwarming and sometimes painful stories of New Yorkers.
15. National Geographic: The Photographs by Leah Bendavid-Val
Immerse yourself in the magazine’s most memorable photography of the past 25 years, along with anecdotes from the photographers.
16. The Polaroid Book by Barbara Hitchcock
This book showcases more than 400 amateur individual photos taken with a Polaroid.
17. Destinations of a Lifetime: 225 of the World’s Most Amazing Places by National Geographic
Another National Geographic pick, this book showcases the most breathtaking vacation destinations along with information for future travelers.
18. 1000 Record Covers by Michael Ochs
Featuring album art from the ’60s to the ’90s, this book acts as a gallery for record covers and is sure to make you feel a little nostalgic.
19. Ask a Manager by Alison Green
From workplace gossip to holiday parties, this book is the guide to navigating the workplace.
20. Lean In by Sheryl Sandberg
This Facebook COO shares her insight after years in the workplace. Recommended for recently-graduated vinas.
21. Mistakes I Made at Work by Jessica Bacal
Everybody makes mistakes—and the influential women in this book share what they’ve learned from them.
22. The Kinfolk Entrepreneur by Nathan Williams
Perfect for aspiring entrepreneurs, this book showcases individuals from different industries and different countries.
23. In The Company of Women: Inspiration and Advice from over 100 Makers, Artists and Entrepreneurs by Grace Bonney
Featuring over 100 women in creative fields, this book is inspiration for any vina with a passion.
24. Little Black Book: A Toolkit for Working Women by Otegha Uwagba
This travel size handbook is perfect if you’re looking for quick, no-nonsense advice.
25. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This coming-of-age story depicts serious issues like racism, yet still manages to warm your heart.
26. The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
We love Leonardo DiCaprio, but this story of love and deception in 1920s America is much better read than watched.
27. 1984 by George Orwell
“Big Brother is watching” will forever be an iconic line with this dystopian novel.
28. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
The love story between Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy is not only iconic, it’s charming and hilarious.
29. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini
Get ready to cry with this beautiful story of friendship, betrayal and redemption spanning several years and set in Afghanistan.
30. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
Following a young shepherd’s journey to find a treasure, this story is one that will stay with you for a long time.
How many of these books have you read and loved? If you’re looking for a friend to talk books with or to start a book club, download Hey! VINA and join the Lit Lovers community!
Originally published at vinazine.com