30 Books to Read Before You’re 30
I remember seeing one of these lists in the good old days of Tumblr and Pinterest and thinking “I’ve got some time.” HA! That time has more than swooshed by and now I’m 31 (gross) and apparently now qualified to write this list. I know for a fact that there are tons of lists like this out there, but most (in my opinion) are shaped around self-improvement, classics, business savvy, biographies, etc. Well, my theme for this list is just “What I Liked”. These are books I read (mostly) before I was thirty and feel you should read at some point in life—before you blow out the thirty candles or not.
Setting Reading Goals
I appreciate that the primary goal of lists like this is to set a reading goal. As we all know, I am not the most reliable role model for meeting reading goals, but I do know that it’s nice to have a guide. When I’m standing there staring at my shelves and Goodreads list and don’t know what to pick up next, it’s nice to have a loose goal to guide me.
I also love using something like a reading list tracker for your year to keep an analogue list of books you read and your star rating. These can also double as bookmarks which would be fun to see it travel with you from book to book.
At the end of the day, you can use a 30 Books to Read Before You’re 30 list to keep you on track, inspire you, and stand as a goal (even if you’re only days away from being thirty).
30 Books to Read Before You’re 30
I might be sad that I’ve finally breached my thirties, but I did enjoy every minute of reading these books that got me there. And I hope you do, too.
Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
Starting off strong, I sincerely believe everyone (especially women) should know Jane Eyre before they meet anyone else.
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien
I know this is technically three books, but I recommend getting yourself on this journey well before your thirties. Middle Earth never disappoints.
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
A beautifully written fantasy, The Starless Sea will stay with you for a while and inspire some magic in your life.
Persuasion by Jane Austen
To be loved and to love, sincerely, with your whole heart. Persuasion is about understanding your own heart and mind and finding the person who sees you fully in every way possible.
A Room with a View by E.M. Forster
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
I’m not even sure what it is about this book, but I’m obsessed. If I weren’t so nervous about my TBR, I would be rereading A Room with a View this year.
The Ardent Swarm by Yamen Manai
A snapshot of history when the world is slowly being turned upside down and the humble bees, as well as their keeper, are threatened by outside forces. If you’re looking for a book about a unique time period and place, The Ardent Swarm should be next for you.
Galileo’s Daughter by Dava Sobel
Galileo’s daughter all but faded into the background and shadow of her father and history. But, through her letters, lovingly saved by Galileo, we know her and she is the hero we didn’t know we needed.
Endurance by Alfred Lansing
Did you know other things happened at the same time as World War I? Because war books tend to dominate our historical reading lists, it’s a breath of fresh air to see what else was going on. You’ll never have a greater appreciation for your nice warm bed than when you’re reading Endurance. These men were amazing.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
Another unique time and place, Demon Copperhead takes us into the heartbreaking world of addiction, abandonment, and small-town America drug experiments.
The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George
A little heartbreak, a little forgiveness, and a lot of beautiful prose build this story into something I haven’t been able to fully walk away from.
Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín
When a young Irish immigrant is sent away to America, she’s forced to redefine what—and who—home is. You’ll love the sweet love story that’s threaded through her discovery of self.
The White Pill by Michael Malice
Humanity is amazing; even in our darkest days, we find ways to survive, thrive, and fight the evil encroaching on our freedoms. This book takes a look at the glimmers of hope during the 20th century—infamously one of the most turbulent centuries.
So, Anyway… by John Cleese
Read the story of this legend of comedy. From his boyhood through his iconic work, you’ll read this book in his voice, and enjoy John Cleese’s small beginnings.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
The classic cautionary tale of Dorian Gray and his devious pursuits is a quick read. Definitely compelling with a dramatic end, this book has spurred many conversations about morality, pride, and hedonism.
The Abolition of Man by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis gives us, as a society, a scathing review. We have built “men without chests” and it’s starting to show—even back then.
Hamlet by William Shakespeare
One of the only Shakespeare plays I’ve read. I found Hamlet very approachable and interesting, so now I’ve slowly gathered other plays to keep Shakespeare on my TBR.
A Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
I know this is technically a children’s series, but I genuinely enjoyed the few I read. They are intelligently written as though children are smart, which is refreshing for kids books. Adults will love A Series of Unfortunate Events, too!
Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
This fantastic dark fantasy really ticks a few boxes for me. It’s weird, fun, and based in London! As a side note, I’d love to see the animation studio Laika adapt Neverwhere in their unique style.
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
Shady Characters by Keith Houston
Shady Characters is probably one of my favorite historical books. You don’t really think about punctuation and where it comes from. It all seems so random. But the history of the marks we use every day is actually really cool.
Sin and Syntax by Constance Hale
To break the rules, you must first know them. Sin and Syntax gives endless examples of all the ways the best art and writing has bent the rules of grammar to leave its mark on history.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
Often overshadowed by 1984, Brave New World was a lot more impactful for me. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I do think it’s a must-read.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Gulags devastated generations of Russians and contributed to the deaths of millions. Ivan’s story sheds light on these death camps and what it takes to survive.
The Importance of Being Ernest by Oscar Wilde
This play has a special place in my heart. I helped direct a staging when I was in middle school, and have read it many times as a result. It’s fun and funny and a quick jump into the mind of Oscar Wilde.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
I’m pretty sure I’ve raved about this book many times and it truly deserves it. A wonderful mash up of Shakespeare and mystery, If We Were Villains makes a great fall read.
True Grit by Charles Portis
One of the best Westerns out there, this short read really pulls you in. Follow a young girl as she seeks revenge, and then enjoy both movie adaptations that more than did the book justice
All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
I found it hard not to love All the Light We Cannot See. Not only is it beautifully written, but the characters are so vibrant and you find yourself really hoping for nothing but happy endings, no matter how unlikely it feels.
PC: Elaine Atherholt, austenetc.com
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
I couldn’t do this list without including a Sherlock Holmes mystery. Though all of his adventures are good, The Hound of the Baskervilles is much longer and fleshes out the background of the characters and landscape. Plus it’s just a great mystery.
The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd
The Secret Life of Bees is a book that really feels like home. You’ll cry, but it’s worth it.
The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway
The last of my unique time, unique place picks, The Cellist of Sarajevo brings you into the war-torn city and the devastation the citizens endured.
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
The last book on this list is a little goal for myself. I haven’t read The Count of Monte Cristo yet, but I’m so excited to. Hopefully that will happen this year as I turn 32, but better late than never.
Turning 30 with 30 Books
Three decades and so many books! I’m always amazed at how many books I’ve read over the years and how they’ve shaped me as a person. Some I come back to and others I just let live in the part of my life in which they originally found me. As I wade my way through the next thirty years, I hope to find even more books that inspire me.
Have a book you think everyone should read? Let me know!
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