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Recent studies show that more than half of US adults read at or below a sixth-grade level, which can make starting a new hobby feel daunting. These statistics show why finding good books to read for adults is so important for everyone.
That's why we collected the top 27 books that truly speak to you, offering new perspectives or helping you grow. And if you want to turn key ideas from influential leaders like Nelson Mandela, Michelle Obama, and Robert Maurer into daily learning bites, try the Headway app!
You'll get the main insights from top nonfiction titles in under 15 minutes, in both audio and text formats. Join over 50 million users who choose smarter reading with progress tracking and a design recognized by the App Store.
Download the Headway app and start reading smarter today!
Top five must-read books for adults
Here are five outstanding books that every adult should consider reading for personal enrichment and new perspectives:
'We Are Our Brains' by D.F. Swaab
'How to Change' by Katy Milkman
'One Small Step Can Change Your Life' by Robert Maurer
'The Light We Carry' by Michelle Obama
'Conversations With Myself' by Nelson Mandela
The 27 best books to read for adults: From timeless classics to nonfiction bestsellers
This section will guide you through a diverse collection of books suitable for adults. We'll cover a range of genres, from insightful personal development guides to compelling fiction and world-changing nonfiction essentials, ensuring there is something for every reader.
Books for personal growth and mindset
These books focus on helping you understand yourself better, improve your daily habits, and develop a stronger mindset. They offer practical advice and fresh perspectives for anyone looking to grow personally.
1. 'We Are Our Brains' by D.F. Swaab (2010)
Goodreads rating: 4.14/5
The book takes you on a fascinating journey inside the human brain. D.F. Swaab explains how the brain develops from the womb through old age.
You'll learn about how our brain's unique structure shapes different experiences. It simplifies complex science, showing how much our brain influences who we are.
2. 'How to Change' by Katy Milkman (2021)
Goodreads rating: 4.09/5
Katy Milkman helps you understand how to make lasting changes in your life. She shares simple strategies based on research, such as "temptation bundling," which links things you want to do with things you need to do. Milkman's book is a practical guide for anyone aiming to build better habits.
3. 'One Small Step Can Change Your Life' by Robert Maurer (2004)
Goodreads rating: 3.96/5
Kaizen is a philosophy about making small improvements. Rather than aiming for big changes, this book encourages you to take tiny steps toward your goals.
4. 'The High 5 Habit' by Mel Robbins (2021)
Goodreads rating: 3.99/5
Mel Robbins offers a simple tool to build confidence: giving yourself a high five in the mirror every morning. This small action helps retrain your brain to support yourself and build self-love.
Robbins explains the science behind this habit, showing how it can improve your mindset and relationships. It's a quick read that leads to big changes.
5. 'Stop Overthinking' by Nick Trenton (2021)
Goodreads rating: 4.10/5
Do you get caught in endless loops of worry? Nick Trenton's book provides practical ways to calm your mind and take control of your thoughts.
It offers tools to identify triggers and challenge negative patterns. Trenton's guide helps you regain peace and improve your decision-making.
Best fiction and storytelling for adult readers
Fiction can transport you to different worlds and help you understand human experiences. These selections offer compelling stories that entertain and provoke thought.
6. 'The Light We Carry' by Michelle Obama (2022)
Goodreads rating: 4.29/5
In this inspiring memoir, Michelle Obama shares her strategies for staying hopeful during challenging times. She talks about building resilience and fostering genuine connections.
It's a warm, honest read that feels like a conversation with a trusted friend. This book offers wisdom for managing fear and finding strength in community.
7. 'Where the Crawdads Sing' by Delia Owens (2018)
Goodreads rating: 4.4/5
The novel tells the story of Kya, a young girl growing up alone in the marshes of North Carolina. It is a story of survival, nature, and a mysterious murder.
Owens explores themes of isolation and the human connection to the wild. It has become one of the most popular books for adult readers globally.
8. 'The Midnight Library' by Matt Haig (2020)
Goodreads rating: 4.0/5
The story follows Nora, who finds herself in a library between life and death. Each book in the library allows her to try another life she could have lived.
It's a beautiful exploration of regret and finding what makes life worth it. This fiction pick helps readers appreciate the life they have.
Books that reshape your worldview
Sometimes, a single book can pull back the curtain on the world and change the way you see everything. These powerful titles challenge the stories we tell ourselves about society and history, helping you feel more connected to the human experience. They are designed to spark a fire in your mind and provide a deeper connection to the people and places around you.
9. 'Conversations With Myself' by Nelson Mandela (2010)
Goodreads rating: 4.54/5
This book offers a rare look into Nelson Mandela's mind through his personal writings. It reveals his thoughts during his long imprisonment and his journey to becoming a global icon. You get to see his struggles and his commitment to justice.
10. 'Between the World and Me' by Ta-Nehisi Coates (2015)
Goodreads rating: 4.20/5
Ta-Nehisi Coates writes a deeply personal letter to his son about race in America. He explores the history and reality of racial inequality with raw honesty.
This book is a crucial read for anyone wanting to see the impact of race on identity. It's a challenging yet essential work that reshapes how readers see the world.
Nonfiction essentials for life and work
Life doesn't come with a manual, but these nonfiction books offer practical knowledge on how to live it. They cover topics from psychology and business books to habits and personal effectiveness, helping you improve your professional life.
11. 'The Mental Toughness Handbook' by Damon Zahariades (2020)
Goodreads rating: 4.02/5
Damon Zahariades provides clear strategies to build mental toughness. This book helps you manage stress and stay focused on your goals. It's about developing resilience to handle life's challenges.
12. 'Ways of Seeing' by John Berger (1972)
Goodreads rating: 4.23/5
John Berger's classic book changes how you look at art and images. He argues that the way we see things is shaped by culture and power. Through essays and images, he helps you question common assumptions about beauty and advertising.
13. 'How to Live' by Derek Sivers (2021)
Goodreads rating: 4.13/5
Derek Sivers offers 27 different philosophies on how to live a good life. Instead of telling you one right way, he presents various viewpoints.
Each chapter is a short, thought-provoking essay. It's a great book for reflection and finding your own path toward personal development.
Genre flex: Sci-fi, award winners, beach reads, and more
Finding your favorite books often means exploring different genres. Whether you love a fast-paced sci-fi adventure or a moving coming-of-age story, this curated list matches multiple interests.
From a new novel by a New York Times bestselling author to timeless classics, there is plenty to add to your wishlist.
Sci-fi and science fiction favorites
14. 'Dune' by Frank Herbert (1965)
Goodreads rating: 4.27/5
This science fiction epic is a must-read for any fan of the genre. Herbert weaves political intrigue and survival on a desert planet into one of the best books of the 20th century.
15. 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir (2021)
Goodreads rating: 4.51/5
A thought-provoking new novel about a man who wakes up on a spaceship with no memory; it's a perfect pick for those reading sci-fi for the first time.
Bestsellers and award winners
16. 'Babel' by R.F. Kuang (2022)
Goodreads rating: 4.25/5
This award winner and book-of-the-year nominee is a deep look at language and colonialism. It's an award-winning historical fantasy featured by NPR.
17. 'Fourth Wing' by Rebecca Yarros (2023)
Goodreads rating: 4.61/5
A massive hit and a GMA Book Club favorite. This first book in a series features dragons and high-stakes romance.
Beach reads and emotional stories
18. 'People We Meet on Vacation' by Emily Henry (2021)
Goodreads rating: 3.93/5
This novel is a perfect beach read. The New York Times bestselling author tells a story that feels like a warm hug.
19. 'The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo' by Taylor Jenkins Reid (2017)
Goodreads rating: 4.42/5
This Reese's Book Club pick follows the glamorous and tragic life of a Hollywood icon.
Classic and modern must-reads
20. 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen (1813)
Goodreads rating: 4.28/5
A timeless, award-winning classic that remains a top favorite book choice for many.
21. 'The Shining' by Stephen King (1977)
Goodreads rating: 4.26/5
A masterclass in horror from a legendary author. Stephen King delivers a story you won't forget.
22. 'The Perks of Being a Wallflower' by Stephen Chbosky (1999)
Goodreads rating: 4.23/5
This classic young-adult coming-of-age story connects with readers of all ages.
23. 'Funny Story' by Emily Henry (2024)
Goodreads rating: 4.38/5
The latest novel from the queen of romance. Check out a book review to see why fans are obsessed.
24. 'The Demon of Unrest' by Erik Larson (2024)
Goodreads rating: 4.41/5
One of the top new books in nonfiction. It tells a true story about the months leading up to the Civil War.
25. 'Anansi Boys' by Neil Gaiman (2005)
Goodreads rating: 4.02/5
A mix of mythology and humor that works as a great audiobook or graphic novel if you find the illustrated version.
26. 'Dear Ijeawele' by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie (2017)
Goodreads rating: 4.47/5
A short story collection, or rather a long essay, that serves as a powerful guide for modern life.
27. 'Becoming' by Michelle Obama (2018)
Goodreads rating: 4.47/5
An Oprah favorite and a must-read memoir about growth and identity.
How to choose the right book when you're a grown-up
Choosing your next book can be fun. Consider your mood: Do you want something uplifting or entertaining? Think about your goal: Are you reading for relaxation or to learn something new?
Also, factor in the time you have. If your time is limited, 15-minute summaries might be a better fit.
For relaxation, pick a light fiction novel. For self-improvement, look for psychology books for beginners or motivational books for men. If you want to learn about leadership, try the best leadership books.
If you are unsure, try our free tool to help you decide what to read next.
Build your reading habit as an adult with Headway book summaries
Building a reading habit is easier than you think. First, choose good books for adults to read. Next, schedule short reading times into your day. Then, absorb the key points through book summaries. Finally, reflect on what you've learned and how it applies to your life.
The Headway app makes this workflow smooth. You get unlimited access to thousands of book summaries, allowing you to sample many new titles. Our mobile app provides takeaways in both audio and text formats. This flexibility means that you can listen to audiobook versions on your commute or read on your Android or iOS device.
Download the Headway app and get personalized recommendations every day!
FAQs
What books should every adult read?
Every adult benefits from books that broaden perspectives and offer practical wisdom. Titles like 'How to Change' for habit-building, 'We Are Our Brains' for self-understanding, and 'Conversations With Myself' for historical insight are excellent starting points. These books provide foundational knowledge for personal growth and lasting success.
What is the most life-changing book to read?
A life-changing book is subjective, but many find 'One Small Step Can Change Your Life' profoundly impactful for its simple approach to achieving goals. Books that offer new ways of thinking, like 'The Light We Carry' by Michelle Obama, can also significantly alter a person's outlook and daily actions.
How should I pick a book to read?
To pick a book, consider your current mood, what you hope to gain, and how much time you have. If you need inspiration, explore bestsellers or award winners. For learning, look into nonfiction books on topics like psychology or business. Headway's personalized recommendations can also help you choose.
What nonfiction book should I read?
For an excellent nonfiction read, consider 'Stop Overthinking' to manage stress or 'The Mental Toughness Handbook' to build resilience. If you're interested in broader social topics, 'Between the World and Me' offers deep insights. Headway book summaries can help you sample these options quickly before buying.
Can books improve my memory?
Yes, reading keeps your brain active and can help improve memory. Following plots, remembering characters, and recalling information all exercise your memory. Reviewing information in book summaries can also help you remember what you learn.
What kind of books do most people read?
Most people like a mix of genres, such as fiction for fun and nonfiction for learning. Popular picks include self-help for personal growth, thrillers for excitement, and historical fiction for great stories. Book summary services like Headway feature bestsellers from all these categories.
