Top Books for Young Adults
Many of these books greatly transformed me in my 20s. I hope some of them are able to give you freedom and insight like they did for me. I’ve added links for podcast and short video options if you’re interested in a different format.
Unwanted
THE BEST BOOK on understanding unwanted sexual behavior. This is a must-read for parents to understand their child’s porn use, or their own, for that matter. It is faith-based and very heavy at times.
Daring Greatly
We talk about shame and guilt all the time, but the difference between the two is crucial. True connection and vulnerability are the solution. Super readable, extremely practical.
The Body Keeps the Score
Understand trauma and how it shows up in the body. This is one of the best books to start the journey to resilience. The book has many heavy parts, but is worth the read.
I’m Glad My Mom Died
This is a fast read and a hard story about a child star who carried the weight of her mother’s past hurt. It’s an excellent read to better understand poor family communication, eating disorders, and pressures to perform.
The Defining Decade
An incredible read about the importance of acting versus waiting. Your twenties matter and what you do in them can inform the rest of your life. Super readable with memorable anecdotes.
Breathe: A Guided Journal for Black Men
Men aren’t given permission to feel or think. Use this book as a place to start or continue the journey.
Man’s Search for Meaning
Learning about others’ suffering provides context for ours. This one was likely a school read at some point and it’s worth going back.
Atomic Habits
The number one best book for understanding and implementing habits that will actually change your life.
Podcast
Short Video
Extreme Ownership
Read this if you like a military flavor and want to take ownership over your life. It will help you identify the parts of your world that are in your internal locus of control.
Some of these are affiliate links