Many say that the 20s are the best decade of our lives. This age is considered as a time to try various things to form characters and think long-term desires.
As someone who is also still in his early 20s, I realize that to “truly live,” there is still much inspiration needed to be able to learn and develop. And the book is one that can be a guide in this matter.
As with experience, there are always things that can be learned from books. However, what usually becomes a problem is how to choose the book. Of the many books that are worth reading in this world, how do you choose the right book? Come on, see some of the options.
White Teeth – Zadie Smith
This novel tells the history of several families who lived in 1975 in London, which has always been a multicultural city. Smith’s narration addresses aspects of identity, which include religion, race, and sexuality, both in the private and public sphere. White Teeth has a style that is light and sassy, but also philosophical and profound at the same time. Smith’s debut novel can be an inspiration for anyone, especially those in their 20s, especially seeing Smith, who released this novel when he was only 24 years old.
Americanah – Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Reading Americanah, you will get a picture of life in Nigeria, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Despite having a time frame of the 2000s, everything experienced and carried out by the characters is strongly influenced by the historical background of the three countries. The persistence of the main character from Nigeria to the United States for continuing education also provides encouragement and inspiration for those of you who plan to experience in other cities or countries. Through his plot, Adichie also discussed various issues such as race and racism, identity, cultural criticism, and romance.
Wild – Cheryl Strayed
In this book, you will read about loss, disappointment, and ultimately the ability to forgive and heal yourself. This Cheryl Strayed memoir tells of self-discovery when he was hiking alone 1,100 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail. Also mentioned is a flashback of Strayed’s life before he began the journey. This book is perfect for those of you who need alone time to recover from a problem or try to find out which version of yourself is most comfortable. Traveling alone does help, and Wild can give you extra enthusiasm and motivation.
A Subtle Art of Not Giving an F * CK – Mark Manson
Maybe you are tired of being constantly told that the key to happiness is to think positively and be among people with positive energy. Well, Manson gives you a different view: not everything has to be responded to positively. This book will make you realize that you can be healthier and happier by not carelessly wasting energy (including “positive energy”). Reading this book also allows you to look back on life experiences so far and sometimes even makes you feel “slapped” by the real that argued Manson.
The Little Prince – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Critics say this surrealist book is one of the best French literary works in the last century. De Saint-Exupéry illustrates the childhood of his characters full of happiness, sadness, and curiosity. This book was originally marketed for children. However, various interpretations, which were then carried out by psychologists and academic literature, show that this book is not only suitable for children. They argued that to grow into a mentally healthy adult, a person needed to integrate childhood into his adult life.
