Rather than focusing on a tired romantic arc, Attenberg’s novel explores the complexities of growing up—or not—as we meander through adulthood. How do you give happiness a chance in your single status? But it turns out there is quantifiable data that suggests this changes as we age. 3. Helpful. The Unbearable Lightness of Being by Milan Kundera. Need help figuring out your love life, your career, your body, or your mind? "You realize how quickly and drastically you're willing to drop your standards when you try anything on your own." Shonda knew she had to embrace the challenge: for one year, she would say YES to everything that scared her. Paperback. Not in like a finding happiness, giving back to the world, being grateful for what you have sort of way. Being Single in Your 20s 20 Pros and Cons of Being Single in Your 20s. Here are 14 reasons why you should cheer up and celebrate your life in your 20s even if you’re single. This is your time to experiment with all the types you could never see yourself being serious with. Confidence. There’s nothing better than a story of a bad-ass hiker braving the wilderness and her internal demons on a tenacious expedition of self-discovery. If you feel like your 20s aren’t complete without a partner by your side, then you may be forgetting a couple of things… #1 You can focus on your career. Follow Frodo Baggins and his trustworthy friend Samwise Gamgee and learn about friendship, loyalty, dedication to a good cause, and many other manly virtues. Women generally have the upper hand when it comes to dating in your 20s. “Single” is an opportunity to live life on your own terms and not apologize.” ― Mandy Hale, The Single Woman: Life, Love, and a Dash of Sass 235 likes Pretty great. The world is ready for you, and every unique thing you have to contribute! You’ll have more freedom. This is a book about exploring your sexuality and figuring it all out as you grow into your adult self. There are books out there on every aspect of the male experience from practical skills like carving a turkey and dressing well to sociological studies on what it means to be a man in history and modern society to more poetic examinations of the male experience. CALM DOWN! Luna In the land of the Five Hundred Kingdoms, 19-year-old Elena Klovis lives at the mercy of her cruel stepmother and stepsisters. Amazon This book was named "the single best work of American fiction published in the last twenty-five years" by The New York Times for a reason. This book, her second, describes everything from dating a White House staffer to getting dumped by a friend. The best part? Self-help books are a booming industry, especially for young women who seem to think that their lives are falling apart at the seams. Attenberg’s latest novel focuses on Andrea Bern, a dynamic and complicated artist, sister, daughter, and drinker. When I was 20, I think I had, like, one friend who was in a relationship. In fact, most of us are somewhat deluded about ourselves. However, there are a lot of advantages to being single, whether it’s by choice, preference, or circumstance. The 20 Best Books to Read in Your 20s 1. In a great show of self-respect and personal dignity, she elected to end it rather than tolerate being less than fully embraced.” Find The Wisdom of a Broken Heart at Amazon for $14.83, Barnes & Noble for $15.27, Indiebound, or your local library. Your initial reaction to the title of this article may have been a combination of pity and sadness—it’s not your fault. Breadcrumb Trail Links. Over the course of more than 100 interviews, Traister examines the sexual, economic, and emotional lives of women in the 21st century, as well as historical figures who helped pave the way.