5 Inspiring Books Every Successful 20-Something Needs to Read

Millennials are lazy.

We are self-obsessed, entitled, and care way too much about our likes on Instagram. The image above captures our generation perfectly. At least, that’s what the media keeps saying.

But the media is dead wrong.

Beneath the surface of millennial culture, I’ve witnessed an unbelievable drive for meaning and purpose. A drive to tell good stories, listen to good stories—and most of all—live a good story.

We’re the generation that revolutionized modern media with Snapchat, stood up for equal rights with Malala, and is affecting real, actionable change in society.

So where do 20-somethings turn to for inspiration and meaning? They aren't reading cheesy self-help books. They don't want to read the "top 10 ways to become a billionaire.”

They want something real. Something honest. Something personal. 

They want books written by real people, who have lived real experiences, who have something meaningful to share. Below are the most 5 wildly inspiring memoirs that every 20-something needs to read.

###

1. Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor E. Frankl

Viktor Frankl lived through the Holocaust and survived imprisonment at Auschwitz. He was brutalized, belittled, and confined to a life that is inhumane by every standard imaginable. Yet through it all, he never lost what mattered most: meaning. If you want to fundamentally shift how you think about your life and your priorities—and if you want to learn how to live a life of deeper meaning—you have to read this book. It has sold over 12 million copies and success coach Tony Robbins says it's the #1 book he recommends to anyone wanting to better their lives.

 2) Boy Meets Depression by Kevin Breel

Kevin Breel has one of the most compelling stories you’ll ever read. As a kid, he grew up in a home that was chaotic with dysfunction and addiction. As an early teenager, he struggled with depression and thoughts of suicide. And for years, he kept it a secret. Then finally, he reached rock bottom, wrote a suicide note, and planned to take his own life. What happens next changed his life... and can possibly have the same effect on you. A must read.

3) The Promise of a Pencil by Adam Braun

Adam Braun captures the restless voice within every 20-something and clearly explains how to craft your life into a story worth telling. His true tale of turning $25 into more than 200 schools around the world will inspire you beyond belief, and each chapter is titled with an actionable, guiding step to create your own life of success and significance. You simply cannot read this book and look at your life the same way after you turn the last page.

4) I Am Malala by Malala Yousafzai

Malala is one of the most influential millennials in the world. She shifted how the world views women and what opportunities they should have. Her fight for an equal society, where no one gender is given more respect than the other, is truly awe-inspiring. This book is a must read for anyone who has ever wondered: how can I really make a change in the world?

5) Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert

The movie adaption of the book doesn't do it justice. This book is about adventure, taking chances, and following your own path even when everyone tells you you're crazy. Plus, perhaps more than any other book on this list, Elizabeth Gilbert’s writing style has a way of making you fall in love with her story. She is one of the most likeable and entertaining narrators you may ever come across. If you want to read a book with life-changing realizations, while also having fun along the way, this one is for you.

###

All of these books are unique, but they share this in common: no matter what obstacle you're facing, or what hurdle is in front of you, there is always something you can do.

As Viktor Frankl said: "When you can't change your circumstances, you are challenged to change yourself.”

 So leave a comment below. Which book has most impacted your life? Which one helped you along your journey? And do you agree that every successful 20-something should read these books?

==============================

Named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" list, Alex Banayan is the author of a highly anticipated business book being released by Crown Publishers (Random House, Inc.). The book chronicles his five-year quest to track down Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, Warren Buffett, Steven Spielberg, and a dozen more of the world's most successful people to uncover the secrets to how they launched their careers.

To get exclusive content from the book and the latest from Alex's adventures, click here to join his Inner Circle email community. (link here)

==============================