11 Books Every Millennial Has Probably Read — Or Should Read
Life is a journey and on this journey, we're all looking to grow and become a better version of ourselves. These books helped me get there. Here are the books that changed my perspective on life — and why you should add them to your TBR pile.
1.Crying In H Mart by Michelle Zauner
What it's about: Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast fame has penned an incredibly moving memoir. The immersive prose connects us to her sense of self, her family, and her life growing up. Ultimately, this memoir centers around her relationship with, and the eventual death of, her mother.
Why you should read this book: It offered an intimate and moving picture of life and a perspective from which many did not come. It will put a stark, grateful emphasis on your relationship with your mother and your cultural upbringing as a whole.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
2.Know My Name by Chanel Miller
What it's about: Previously only known as Emily Doe in the 2015 Brock Turner case, Chanel Miller burst into the public as 100% herself — and an incredible writer at that. In this novel, as she recounts, relives, and reconciles with a terrible event that redirects her life, she also comes to realize her own resilience. Chanel put her entire heart into Know My Name. She writes with such beauty and gumption that it's impossible to put this book down.
Why you should read this book: *TW* Chanel Miller deserves all the praise and all the love for her moving depiction of her life before, during, and after her harrowing trial. I can see how it can bring a lot of people together as they continue to navigate the trauma of rape.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
3.Everything I Know About Love by Dolly Alderton
What it's about: This moving memoir follows the life of the spirited and witty Dolly Alderton, formally known as the former Sunday Times columnist, dispensing frank, heartfelt advice to readers everywhere. This book is an expanded version of the voice we've all come to love. Dolly takes us through her ups, downs, and everything in between in this beautiful portrayal of life, and the changes we encounter as we grow up.
Why you should read this book: It rings so true. I read this book at a pivotal moment in my life, and it offered a really kind, humorous perspective to turn to as I contemplated myself. It's a fantastic read that offers an insightful look into human nature that I think many, specifically those considered millenials, will enjoy and relate to.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
4.One Day We'll All Be Dead and None of This Will Matter by Scaachi Koul
What it's about: Scaachi Koul has crafted a humorous, insightful, and spectacular series of prose in this wonderful collection of essays. She has stories to tell and tell she does — coming from a beautiful perspective of growing up as the daughter of Indian immigrants as she adjusts to Western culture.
Why you should read this book: One Day...This Will Matter is a collection you'll want to return to again and again. It always manages to make me laugh and explores a larger cultural commentary — and offers a poignant context behind the author's pertinent stories. Her writing is focused, and sharp, and yet, it also keeps you guessing.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
5.All About Love: New Visions by bell hooks
What it's about: bell hooks explores the very idea of love in all its forms in this masterful novel. From what it means to her specifically, to what it means on a larger world stage, to how we're impacted by the very first mention of love as we grow up.
Why you should read this book: bell hooks is a scholar, cultural critic, feminist, and author that steps deep into your soul and stays there. You should read this book because it's important to understand what love means (and doesn't mean) to you. Also getting to spend any amount of time with bell hooks' writing is special and should be celebrated.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
6.I Miss You When I Blink by Mary Laura Philpott
What it's about: Mary Laura Philpott had everything going for her. Her life was seemingly perfect as a modern-day adult, and yet, she was deeply unhappy. In this dazzling memoir, she explores those why's and comes to question everything...including what makes her happy.
Why you should read this book: In a way, it feels like we're all trying to complete an endless to-do list we format in our minds, and this collection of essays reminds us to throw that idea away and just be. Millennials will definitely relate to the expansive array of topics Philpott writes honestly about — from embracing creativity to wrestling with your planned future to understanding imperfections are a part of life.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
7.Someone Like You by Sarah Dessen
What it's about: Hailey and Scarlette have been best friends since the beginning. When Scarlette's boyfriend dies, and she learns that she's pregnant, it's time for shy, timid Hailey to step up and be there for her BFF.
Why you should read this book: Read this book if you want to learn about female friendships. Give this book to your daughter, your younger sister, or whoever you think of. Read this one because it will remind you of a lazy summer's day in the best way. Yes, I'm being nostalgic because Sarah Dessen was the author that first inspired my young adult loving heart.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
8.A Very Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi
What it's about: Shirin is a Muslim teenager in America. It's 2002, and people are still reeling from the year before. As Shirin navigates a new school, family problems, and the art of becoming herself, she's also entrenched in daily degrading comments and intense politics due to her race, religion, and decision to wear a hijab.
Why you should read this book: Tahereh Mafi is a prolific, remarkable author and in A Very Large Expanse of Sea, she creates a witty main character and a narrative voice that explores societal biases, Islamophobia, and cultural commentary post 9/11. She infuses these serious, often upsetting topics and presents them alongside the pains of growing up, the promise of a sparkly romance, and of course, breakdancing.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
9.Turtles All The Way Down by John Green
What it's about: Aza Holmes is doing her best, despite what her mind tells her. Her fearless best friend, Daisy, wants to pursue the disappearance of a fugitive billionaire, Russell Pickett, and as they embark on an adventure, it also means she grows to understand Pickett's son, Davis, and her own spiraling mental health.
Why you should read this book: It creates a striking portrait of mental illness, particularly OCD, in a way that feels raw and real to readers. Even if you don't enter into this book understanding OCD, you'll leave with such a deeper knowledge presented in a compelling narrative form.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
10.Love Is A Mixtape: Life, Loss and One Song At A Time by Rob Sheffield
What it's about: Imagine you meet the love of your life, spend seven blissful years together, and then...they die. This moving memoir explores just what happens after that. It actually happened to Rob Sheffield, and he put it down in writing. Set against their mutual love of mixtapes, Love Is A Mixtape feels almost too intimate of a look into grief, remembering, love, and memory.
Why you should read this book: Because Rob Sheffield is a gifted writer worth noting on your journey through life. Plus, if you enjoy music by any means, this book celebrates that to its core.
11.What If This Were Enough by Heather Havrilesky
What it's about: A sharp collection of essays, What If This Were Enough? explores what it means to understand our wants and desires (materialistic, personal, and the like). Expanded from the initial Ask Polly publications, Heather Havrilesky offers critical, essential advice on why we strive for certain products, how to let go of perfection, and why we want to chase after the next best thing in the first place.
Why you should read this book: If you've ever thought about your product consumption or focused on materialism in today's world. This collection explores that along with similar topical themes. This book is also sure to make you laugh...which is always a plus.
Get it from Bookshop or your local bookstore via Indiebound here.
