If your 20s are all about discovering who you are, your 30s are about rediscovering that truth. It feels ceremonial to start a new decade in life. It’s a time to reflect and decide if this is really what you want from life, and what better way to accompany this journey than with some thought-provoking and enlightening books? Entering a new decade in life feels like being given a clean slate, a chance to let yourself live the life you truly desire, whether that be in your work, your relationships, or your hobbies.
Pros and Cons of Reading When You Are in Your 30s
In our busy lives, we sometimes find it hard to start reading the kind of literature we are going to talk about below. There are both sides to reading literature when you are 30.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Reading promotes empathy and understanding, increases knowledge, broadens viewpoints, and aids in personal growth and development. | Adulthood’s sometimes hectic schedules and obligations can make it difficult to find time for pastimes like reading. |
| Regular reading improves mental agility by enhancing cognitive skills, including creativity, problem-solving, and critical thinking. | When people spend too much time reading, they may have fewer social contacts, which might make them feel lonely. |
| Reading a good book offers a way to unwind, refresh the mind, and practice self-care while providing an escape from the stresses of everyday life. | Reading requires setting aside time from other pursuits like interacting with friends and family or engaging in hobbies. |
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho and Becoming by Michelle Obama
The Alchemist is a novel about pursuing your goals and creating your legend. You follow the adventures of a young child who travels the world as a shepherd and fulfils his purpose. Along the way, he faces difficulties and forges bonds that will forever alter his life. As you follow Santiago’s adventures and learn from his story, you’ll be inspired to listen to your heart and pursue your true passions.
Michelle Obama chronicles the story of a young girl born in Chicago in the book “Becoming,” taking us along as she develops and goes through her formative years. It describes how a woman found her voice in a patriarchal environment and emerged brave and self-assured. She writes about the awkwardness of being a woman with many accomplishments who is only known because of her relationship with a strong male.
For those in their 30s, the following four extraordinary life stories provide fresh perspectives and valuable lessons:
- The Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank;
- Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow;
- Educated by Tara Westover;
- The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks by Rebecca Skloot.
Sapiens: a Brief History of Humankind and Man’s Search for Meaning
Sapiens blends history and science to reevaluate conventional narratives, linking historical trends with current issues and studying individual events from the perspective of broader concepts. Topics covered in the book range from exploring the role developing humans have played in the global ecosystem to chronicling the emergence of empires.
Viktor Frankl chronicles his World War II experiences as a prisoner of a Nazi concentration camp in his 1946 book “Man’s Search for Meaning.” He also describes his psychotherapeutic approach, which involved choosing a worthwhile goal for one’s life and then vividly visualizing the achievement of that goal.
Quiet: the Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking and Educated
If you’re an introvert or your partner is, then you need to read “Quiet” by Susan Cain. She provides insights into the potential of introverts in a world that constantly undermines them. This book talks about stereotypes and provides the readers with a fresh perspective on the advantages of quiet introspection.
In Educated, Westover emphasizes the value of education in broadening one’s horizons as she describes how she overcame her survivalist Mormon family to attend college. She explains how she transitioned from living alone in the Idaho highlands to completing a history Ph.D. study at Cambridge University.
Thinking, Fast and Slow and the Power of Now
Two systems in your brain are continually vying for control of your behaviour and actions, as demonstrated in “Thinking Fast and Slow.” The book also explains the numerous ways in which this leads to mistakes in memory, judgement, and decision-making, as well as what you can do to fix them.
“The Power of Now” demonstrates that every minute you waste stressing about the future or lamenting the past is time lost since the only place you can fully live is in the present or the now. As a result, the book provides concrete advice on how to begin living each minute as it happens.
The Four Agreements and the Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck
To demonstrate how we have been domesticated since birth, how these internal, guiding rules injure us, and what we can do to break them and substitute them with a new set of agreements with ourselves, “The Four Agreements” draw on the rich legacy of the Toltecs, a historical, indigenous people of Mexico.
The unconventional self-help book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson questions received wisdom and implores readers to give priority to what really matters. Find out what it is that you want out of life, and solely concentrate on that.
After reading Mark Manson’s book “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck,” you should focus on developing practical skills that will give you power in your 30s. You can successfully navigate life’s challenges and foster personal growth with the aid of these crucial skills. Here are five skills to develop during this transformative decade:
- Financial Literacy: Understand personal finance and investing;
- Emotional Intelligence: Manage emotions and build strong relationships;
- Time Management: Prioritise tasks and optimize productivity;
- Communication: Enhance verbal and written communication skills;
- Critical Thinking: Sharpen analytical reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
The Happiness Project, Daring Greatly and the Lean Startup
Gretchen Rubin documented her year-long project to discover what truly makes people happy. She focused on allowing people to follow their own preferences. Her discovery was that most people found joy in making other people happy. “The Happiness Project” will teach you how to alter your life without actually modifying your life.
One of her three New York Times best-sellers describes how vulnerability is the root of all emotions, including good ones like love, joy, and passion, as well as negative ones like fear, anxiety, and shame. “Daring Greatly” involves having the strength to accept ourselves with all our flaws and worries.
“The Lean Startup” gives business owners and prospective entrepreneurs a semi-scientific, practical method for developing a company through the use of validation, identifying a lucrative business model, and developing a growth engine.
The War of Art, Essentialism: the Disciplined Pursuit of Less, the Tipping Point, and Wild
“The War of Art” identifies the delaying forces at work and pulls the rug from under the feet of all artists, business people, and creatives who devote more time fighting the opposition against work than genuinely working.
Greg McKeown’s “Essentialism” promotes the methodical pursuit of less in a culture that frequently rewards activity and multitasking. McKeown provides methods for getting rid of unnecessary tasks, giving priority to what matters, and leading a more purposeful life.
Malcolm Gladwell explores the social epidemic phenomenon in “The Tipping Point” and what makes concepts and fads spread quickly. This book offers fascinating insights into the dynamics of social change, the power of influence, and the function of connectors, mavens, and salespeople.
In her autobiography, “Wild,” Cheryl Strayed describes her life-changing solo walk along the Pacific Crest Trail. This inspiring tale of adventure and self-discovery encourages more women to seek adventures, embrace challenges, step outside their comfort zones, and find strength within themselves.
The Power of Habit, and Siddhartha
Charles Duhigg explores the science of habit formation and how habits shape our lives in “The Power of Habit.” Duhigg empowers readers to make positive changes and develop new habits that are consistent with their goals and aspirations by helping them understand the cues, routines, and rewards that motivate their behaviours.
Hermann Hesse’s book “Siddhartha” chronicles the title character’s search for wisdom and a higher purpose in life. This philosophical masterpiece, which is set in ancient India, explores the pursuit of inner wisdom, spirituality, and themes related to self-discovery. “Siddhartha” challenges readers to consider their journeys and the common search for meaning.