Entering your 30s can be a time of great transition and growth. To help navigate this decade of change, literature can provide a valuable source of guidance and inspiration. This collection of 32 books, ranging from memoirs to contemporary fiction, offers a diverse array of perspectives on what it means to be in your third decade of life.
Readers can expect to find stories about love, family, work, and self-discovery, all of which are sure to resonate with those going through this transformative period. Whether seeking relatable experiences or entirely new world views, these books are sure to deepen your understanding of what it means to be in your 30s.
A Year Without a Name by Cyrus Dunham
Cyrus Dunham’s memoir delves into the complexities of trans identity, exploring themes of objectification, self-branding, and the search for meaning. With clear-eyed prose and vivid character descriptions, Dunham’s writing is both lyrical and insightful.
I Feel Bad About My Neck by Nora Ephron
Nora Ephron’s book of essays delves into the various aspects of aging, including menopause, empty nesting, gray hair, and dealing with wrinkles on the neck. The book is an honest and humorous take on the experiences of older women. Ephron, known for her work in film, provides a candid and insightful look at the realities of aging. Through her writing, she captures the essence of womanhood in the later stages of life.
In the Dream House by Carmen Maria Machado
- Memoir by Carmen Maria Machado
- Recounts an abusive relationship in her 20s
- Offers insight and analysis gained in her 30s
- Formally inventive and full of discernment
What is Often Overlooked in Discussions About Fat by Aubrey Gordon
Aubrey Gordon’s book delves into the intersection of body positivity and social justice. She argues that anti-fat cultural biases contribute to systematic oppression that affects people of all body types.
The book aims to raise awareness of how these biases impact individuals and society as a whole. By analyzing the cultural norms surrounding body image, Gordon hopes to encourage greater understanding and acceptance of diverse body types.
Dear Girls by Ali Wong
In her memoir Dear Girls, comedian Ali Wong writes a heartfelt letter to her two daughters. She shares personal stories about her life, including embarrassing mistakes she made in her teens, twenties, and early thirties.
Despite the crude humor and graphic descriptions of bodily functions, there are moments of tenderness throughout the book. Wong’s honesty and vulnerability make for a compelling read that will have readers laughing and crying in equal measure.
Goodbye Vitamin by Rachel Khong
Goodbye, Vitamin is a novel that explores the life of a woman in her thirties whose life hasn’t gone as she expected. The story begins with Ruth returning home to care for her father, who has been recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease.
The book takes readers on a journey as Ruth navigates the challenges of caring for her father while he has always been the one to care for her. The novel is a mix of humor, pain, and heartbreak, making it a compelling read.
Big Friendship by Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman
Aminatou Sow and Ann Friedman, both writers and podcasters, explore the concept of friendship in their book, “Big Friendship.” The book uses the trajectory of their own friendship as a backdrop to delve into the importance of friendship in people’s lives.
The duo also examine why society tends to prioritize other relationships over friendships, despite the fact that friendships can be a foundational part of people’s lives. Through research and personal anecdotes, Sow and Friedman provide insights on what it means to be a friend and how to know when it’s time to walk away.
Invisible Man by Ralph Ellison
Invisible Man, a National Book Award-winning novel, tells the story of an unnamed Black man’s struggle to find his place in the world. Its themes of feeling lost, searching for direction, and trying to establish oneself in the world are all common anxieties for people in their thirties. The novel is considered to be one of the most important books of the last century.
Honey Girl by Morgan Rogers
Grace Porter, a newly graduated astronomy PhD, is struggling to find her place in life. She decides to marry a stranger in Las Vegas, hoping it will help her find direction. However, waking up the next morning, she realizes that it hasn’t solved her problems.
The novel follows Grace on her journey of self-discovery, as she navigates her anxiety, microaggressions in her field, and a strained relationship with her father. Honey Girl is a poignant exploration of the complexities of adulthood, relationships, and identity.
Maybe in Another Life by Taylor Jenkins Reid
In Maybe in Another Life, Taylor Jenkins Reid explores the concept of the butterfly effect through the story of Hannah, a 29-year-old woman who faces a life-altering decision after a night out with friends. The novel is divided into alternating chapters that follow the two different paths Hannah’s life could take based on her decision.
Jenkins Reid’s writing style allows readers to experience both timelines simultaneously and witness the consequences of each choice. The novel raises important questions about fate, destiny, and the power of choice. By exploring the parallel universes that result from Hannah’s decision, Jenkins Reid highlights the significance of even the smallest choices in shaping our lives.
If I Never Met You by Mhairi McFarlane
In “If I Never Met You” by Mhairi McFarlane, Laurie, a 36-year-old attorney, is blindsided when her partner of 18 years ends their relationship out of the blue. To make matters worse, her ex works in the same office, and his new girlfriend is pregnant.
In an effort to avoid the office gossip and move on, Laurie makes a deal with Jamie, the office playboy, to start a fake relationship online. However, as they continue to play their parts, Laurie and Jamie begin to realize that their feelings for each other might not be entirely fake.
The novel explores themes of heartbreak, betrayal, and the complexities of modern relationships. McFarlane’s writing is witty and engaging, and readers will find themselves rooting for Laurie and Jamie as they navigate their fake relationship and the challenges that come with it. Overall, “If I Never Met You” is a satisfying and entertaining read that will leave readers feeling hopeful about the power of love and the possibility of second chances.
How to Do Nothing by Jenny Odell
Jenny Odell’s book, How to Do Nothing, challenges the idea that productivity and busyness are the keys to success. Instead, she encourages readers to embrace the art of doing nothing and reclaim their attention from the constant distractions of technology and social media. Through personal anecdotes and research, Odell argues that by disconnecting from the digital world, we can reconnect with our surroundings and ultimately lead more fulfilling lives.
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
Lori Gottlieb’s book, “Maybe You Should Talk to Someone,” follows her journey of self-discovery after her long-term boyfriend unexpectedly ends their relationship. With the help of her therapist, Wendell, Gottlieb navigates her emotional turmoil and gains new insights into herself.
The book also weaves in stories of Gottlieb’s own patients, highlighting the importance of seeking help and talking to someone. It serves as a reminder that even therapists need therapy and that everyone can benefit from seeking support.
How to Fail at Flirting by Denise Williams
Naya’s experience with Jake in “The Comfort Zone” shows that there are some common mistakes that people make when trying to flirt. Here are some tips on how to avoid them:
- Don’t be too aggressive or pushy. Let the conversation flow naturally and don’t force anything.
- Don’t try too hard to impress the other person. Be yourself and let your personality shine through.
- Don’t talk about your ex or past relationships. This can make the other person feel uncomfortable and turn them off.
- Don’t be too self-deprecating or negative. Confidence is attractive, so try to stay positive and upbeat.
- Don’t ignore the other person’s boundaries or signals. Pay attention to their body language and verbal cues to make sure they are comfortable.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase your chances of success when flirting with someone new.
The Second Sex by Simone de Beauvoir
Simone de Beauvoir’s 1949 book, The Second Sex, was a pioneering work in the field of feminism. The book delves into topics such as gender, sexuality, and identity, and argues that women have been historically oppressed by men.
The book was a powerful critique of the patriarchal society of the time and has since become a seminal work in feminist literature. Despite being written over 70 years ago, the book’s themes and ideas remain relevant and continue to influence feminist discourse today.
Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon
Days of Afrekete by Asali Solomon is a modern retelling of the classic novel, Mrs. Dalloway. The story follows Liselle Belmont, who is preparing to host a dinner party for her husband’s supporters after his unsuccessful bid for state legislature.
Throughout the novel, Belmont reflects on her past and her college love, Selena Octave. The book explores the theme of time and how unfinished business from our youth can continue to affect us. Solomon’s writing style is engaging and thought-provoking, making Days of Afrekete a must-read for fans of literary fiction.
Mistakes I Made at Work by Jessica Bacal
In her book Mistakes I Made at Work, Jessica Bacal interviews 25 accomplished women who share their biggest professional blunders. The book includes stories from Cheryl Strayed, Kim Gordon, and Anna Holmes, among others.
These women’s experiences serve as a reminder that everyone makes mistakes and that it’s important to learn from them. The book also highlights the fact that work is just one aspect of life and that there’s more to life than what happens in the office.
Sabrina & Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine
Kali Fajardo-Anstine’s Sabrina & Corina is a powerful book that delves into the experiences of Latinas and Indigenous women in the American West. Despite its short length of 224 pages, the book explores a wide range of themes such as sisterhood, generational trauma, mother-daughter relationships, and the challenges of growing up. Fajardo-Anstine’s stories are a poignant reminder of the complexities and richness of women’s lives.
Bad Behavior by Mary Gaitskill
Mary Gaitskill’s Bad Behavior is a timeless classic that explores the themes of desire, longing, and obsession in a raw and thought-provoking manner. The stories are both erotic and terrifying, making it an excellent choice for those looking for a naughty read. Furthermore, the book’s meaning evolves over time, making it a great option for rereading.
The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Nina Hill, a bookstore employee, leads a well-organized life with her daily planner, work, and trivia games. However, her life takes an unexpected turn when she discovers that she has a family she never knew existed, and her trivia rival starts showing interest in her. Nina is faced with a decision to either stick to her perfectly planned but predictable life or take a chance and step out of her comfort zone.
We Have Always Been Here by Samra Habib
Samra Habib’s coming out story is far from linear. As a Pakistani refugee in Canada, she faced numerous challenges including xenophobia, an arranged marriage, and poverty. Despite these obstacles, she was able to reclaim her queerness and find self-discovery as she grew older.
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
Evvie Drake Starts Over is a novel by Linda Holmes that revolves around the story of a recently widowed woman named Evvie Drake. After the death of her husband, Evvie’s life has been at a standstill, and she has been unable to confront her past.
However, things change when former professional baseball player Dean Tenney moves into her spare apartment, and the two develop an unexpected friendship. As they work through their issues together, the question arises whether they can overcome their past and come together or not.
In Five Years by Rebecca Serle
In Five Years is a novel by Rebecca Serle that follows the story of Dannie Kohan, a successful lawyer who wakes up five years into the future and realizes that nothing in her life resembles her present.
The book explores the themes of fate and control as Dannie becomes determined to change her future after spending an hour in this strange new universe. The story presents a thought-provoking narrative that challenges readers to consider the extent of their control over their destiny.
We’re Going to Need More Wine by Gabrielle Union
In her memoir, Gabrielle Union recounts her own coming-of-age story, discussing topics ranging from high school drama to her role as an activist for racial equality, feminism, and ending sexual violence. Union’s path to activism was not one she anticipated, but her passionate storytelling in We’re Going to Need More Wine sheds light on the importance of speaking out on these issues.
Summary
Books for women in their 30s offer a diverse range of genres, including romance, self-help, and fiction. These books provide relatable characters and stories that resonate with the challenges and experiences of women in their 30s.
Popular titles include “Big Magic” by Elizabeth Gilbert, “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins, and “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. These books offer women in their 30s a chance to escape, learn, and grow through the power of literature.