There is no other feeling comparable to finishing a book that you have invested time into. You shut it, look around and realize that the world around you has not changed but the one in your head and in that book, has. It’s hard to make time to read with busy schedules, events, and classes, but reading has many perks. It can prevent Alzheimer’s, teach you new things, be an act of therapy, and boost your analytical thinking. Some great ways to incorporate reading into your schedule is during your commute, before bed, while waiting for appointments and during travel.

Here are some top books to read in your 20’s. Get to it!

1. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist offers several powerful life lessons. It follows the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy that is on a journey to discover his “personal legend”. Along the way, he meets several key people that help direct him on his journey, to within.

2. Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand

This novel is tremendous in scope, consisting of many parts and the panorama of human life. Atlas Shrugged is a philosophical revolution that will allow you to discover the true moral roots of man.

3. The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

In this heartbreaking and revolting story, a lifelong friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father’s servant, it follows love, betrayal, sacrifice and redemption. The focal point lies within ethnic, religious, and political tensions of the dying years of the Afghan monarchy. For you a thousand times over, Hassan.

4. How Will You Measure Your Life? by Clayton M. Christensen

This book is full of inspiration and wisdom and serves as a guide for students, professionals, and parents for a path of fulfillment in life. Along the way, Christensen poses a series of questions, answering them using lessons from some of the world’s largest businesses and personal experiences

5. The Stranger by Albert Camus

Think human life may have no meaning? Then this book is for you. Originally published in French, this novel follows an ordinary man that is drawn to a senseless murder on an Algerian beach. Underlying is Camus’ philosophy of “absurdity”, humanity’s futile attempt to find rational order where none exists.

6. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey

Boring self-help book, I think not. This book presents several principles for solving personal and professional problems, using insights and anecdotes. Putting these principles into practice will surely This book continues to stay relevant and answer some of life’s questions that continue to protrude over time.

7. Life of Pi by Yann Martel

“If there’s only one nation in the sky, shouldn’t all passports be valid for it?” In this novel, the protagonist, Pi, explores issues of spirituality and practicality from an early age. If you’ve seen the movie, I encourage you to go back and read the book. In three parts, this follows the story of a boy that is shipwrecked with a hyena, a zebra, an orangutan and an adult tiger.

8. #GIRLBOSS by Sophia Amoruso

At seventeen years old, Sophia Amoruso decided to forgo continuing higher education to pursue a life of hitchhiking, dumpster diving, and petty thievery. Now, she is the Founder, CEO, and Creative Director of Nasty Gal, an e-tailer of awesome and vintage clothing. She offers straight talk about being a strong woman, making your voice heard and doing meaningful work. She writes, “I have three pieces of advice I want you to remember: Don’t ever grow up. Don’t become a bore. Don’t let The Man get to you. OK? Cool. Then let’s do this.” This read is great for a  train commute.