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10 Best Books for Women in Their 30s

By Dear Media | December 23, 2024

Girl, when you hit the big 3-0, it sorta comes with a bit of an existential crisis. Suddenly, all those carefree days of your 20s feel like a distant memory, and you find yourself at the beginning of a new chapter filled with all sorts of grown-up responsibilities and expectations. But you know what? The more you lean into this thrilling, transformative decade, the more you realize that 30 is the new 20 (or something like that).

On the upside, with all your experience, in your thirties you’ve become more confident, more self-aware, and more focused on what really matters. You’ve traded in those wild nights around town for cozy nights in, curled up with a good book. And, let’s not forget the joy of having your life somewhat together. . .at least more than you did in your twenties. Am I right, ladies?

And, if you’re struggling to navigate this new phase of life, we have just the thing! Sometimes, the best way to tackle life’s curveballs is by diving into a good book. Books have become my ride-or-die companions, offering invaluable insights, practical tips, and a healthy dose of inspiration whenever you need it. Whether you’re on a mission to cultivate better habits, deepen your self-awareness, or just find some much-needed escapism, there’s a book out there for you.

That’s why we’ve rounded up the top books to read in your 30s. From personal growth classics to the latest genre-bending page-turners, these literary gems are guaranteed to enrich your mind, empower your soul, and maybe even change the trajectory of your life. Crazy, huh?

So grab your coziest blanket, pour yourself a glass of vino, and get ready to level up life in your 30s!

Get the Fuck Out of the Sun by Lauryn Evarts Bosstick

Once you hit 30, your priorities totally change. And now, you’re probably kicking yourself for all those summers spent sun-tanning now that you’ve learned the damage that does to your skin. If you’re in your 30s and looking for a practical, yet fun and accessible guide to preventative skincare, The Skinny Confidential’s Get the F*ck Out of the Sun by lifestyle guru Lauryn Evarts Bosstick is a must-read. Bosstick dives into all your skincare questions from essential nightly routines to the importance of sunscreen with a voice that feels like chatting with a friend over mimosas.

Featuring product recommendations, beauty tool tips, and Bosstick’s personal experiences with treatments like fillers, Botox, and cryotherapy, this book is a skincare bible for the DIY generation. Bosstick also interviews other top influencers, skin doctors, and experts to provide real-deal insider secrets, making this a go-to resource for preventative skincare with a signature Skinny Confidential twist.

And, in classic infomercial style but, wait, there’s more! Lauryn also came out with a companion podcast for her must-read book! It’s a totally bingeable mini series all about beauty and skincare. Like the book, it’s called Get the F*ck Out of the Sun. You can also find all the AMAZING products (and more) referenced in the book at The Skinny Confidential shop.

Atomic Habits by James Clear

If you’re looking to level up your life in your 30s, Atomic Habits by James Clear is an absolute must-read. This bestselling book offers a proven framework for building sustainable, life-changing habits, whether you’re trying to be more productive, improve your health, or simply create a more fulfilling daily routine.

Clear’s insights on the power of small, incremental changes will empower you to stop sabotaging your progress and finally achieve those big goals you’ve been dreaming of. Harnessing the power of habit formation is a game-changer in your 30s, and this book is the ultimate playbook.

For more tips and tools on creating better habits, listen to How to Improve Your Habits and Be More Consistent and How to Establish Million-Dollar Habits from Balanced Black Girl. After that, go ahead and buy yourself her “In My Successful Era” tee, because that’s what’s coming your way, babe.

The Comfort Book by Matt Haig

Turning 30 can bring up a lot of complex emotions excitement, uncertainty, nostalgia, and even a touch of existential dread. In The Comfort Book, bestselling author Matt Haig offers a soothing balm for the unsettled soul.

Part memoir, part self-help guide, this collection of thoughtful reflections, hilarious anecdotes, and practical advice covers everything from managing anxiety to finding meaning in life’s ebbs and flows. With Haig’s trademark warmth and vulnerability, this book will quickly become your new BFF as you navigate the joys and challenges of your 30s.

Navigating Your 20’s & 30’s, Finding Purpose & Passion, & Never Giving Up is a great episode of the Him & Her Podcast that goes well with this book, and prepares you to bring the best out of your thirties in every sense imaginable.

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

For the woman in her 30s who is ready to shed societal expectations and step into her full, unapologetic, powerful self, look no further than Glennon Doyle’s transformative memoir, Untamed. In this New York Times bestseller, Doyle shares her journey of uncovering her true self, letting go of limiting beliefs, and embracing the wild, sacred part of herself that had been suppressed for so long. Brimming with raw honesty, fierce wisdom, and zero interest in playing a by anyone else’s rules, “Untamed” is basically your permission slip to live life on your own terms, sis.

Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Look, as women, our 30s are hard. We often find ourselves stretched thin, juggling the demands of work, relationships, and personal responsibilities. In Burnout, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski drop some serious insights, helping you learn to manage the all-too-common experience of burnout.

Drawing on the latest research in psychology, neuroscience, and biology, the Nagoskis offer concrete strategies for identifying the root causes of burnout, as well as practical tools for replenishing our depleted physical and emotional reserves. If you’re feeling perpetually overwhelmed and on the verge of a total meltdown, this book is a must-read!

The Midnight Library by Matt Haig

By 30, we’ve all been faced with lots of decisions. But what if you could grab a book off the shelf and see exactly what your life would look like if you DID take that dream job in another city? Well, that’s exactly what happens to Nora Seed in The Midnight Library by Matt Haig. This enchanting read follows Nora Seed, a woman who finds herself in a magical library that allows her to explore the parallel lives she could have lived if she had made different choices.

As Nora navigates these alternate realities, she gradually comes to a deeper understanding of herself and what truly matters most in life. With its blend of wistful imagination and insightful reflections on the human experience, this book is a poignant reminder that it’s never too late to change the trajectory of your life something we all need to hear sometimes.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab

As you enter your 30s, learning to set healthy boundaries becomes increasingly crucial for your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. In Set Boundaries, Find Peace, therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab offers a roadmap for doing just that.

Through practical exercises and relatable examples, Tawwab empowers readers to identify their needs, communicate their limits, and protect their energy from the draining demands of others. Whether you’re struggling with saying no, asserting your preferences, or reclaiming your time, this book will equip you with the tools to create the calm, balanced life you deserve.

After you’re done reading, jump into some of the best Dear Media podcasts on leadership including The Dream Bigger Podcast and The Career Contessa!

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

Looking for something lighter? Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston is a charming and witty romance about Alex Claremont-Diaz, the First Son of the United States, and Prince Henry of Wales, who start off as rivals but gradually fall in love after being forced into a fake friendship to repair diplomatic relations (who doesn’t LOVE a little enemies to lovers?).

The novel explores themes of love, identity, and the challenges of balancing public duty with personal desires perfect for us 30-somethings also struggling to create that work/life balance. The writing is playful, heartfelt, and full of sharp dialogue, making it both a fun and emotionally resonant read. So much so that it’s earned a spot on the Redheads Book Club podcast, so be sure to check out their related episodes to dive even deeper!

In Five Years by Rebecca Serle

Another Redheads Book Club hit, In Five Years follows Dannie Kohan, a successful New York lawyer with a life meticulously planned out. One evening, after a proposal from her boyfriend, Dannie falls asleep and has a vivid dream of herself five years in the future living a completely different life one that she never expected. Upon waking, Dannie dismisses this dream only to find it to begin coming true, leading her to question everything she knows about love, life, and the choices she’s made.

This is a perfect read for those in their 30s navigating the complexities of relationships, career, and personal growth. With its thoughtful exploration of destiny, second chances, and the unexpected turns life can take, In Five Years will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered: “What if?”

Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson

By 30, we’ve all lost friends along the way high school besties, college roommates, that girl you met in the bar bathroom you still follow on instagram for some reason. Similarly, in Nothing to See Here, Madison and Lillian haven’t spoken since boarding school. That is, until one day when Madison calls Lillian asking for a favor…to be the caretaker of Madison’s twin stepkids who, oh apparently, spontaneously combust into flames whenever they get agitated.

A darkly funny read, Nothing to See Here explores the complex feelings of adulthood, friendship, and motherhood with such tenderness and wit “you’re laughing so hard you don’t even realize that you’ve suddenly caught fire.” Taffy Brodesser-Akner. And, while you’re reading, be sure to check out the accompanying podcast episodes from the Redheads Book Club (what can we saythey have good picks)!

You can also check out our roundup of the best podcasts for women in their 30s. Here are some of the highlighted episodes that are sure to put you in the best headspace for this wonderful phase of your life:

As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of our 30s, reading books can be an invaluable tool for personal growth, self-discovery, and just plain old entertainment, honey. Whether you’re looking to cultivate healthier habits, deepen your emotional intelligence, or simply escape into a good story, the right books can provide a much-needed boost during this transformative decade.

For starters, reading can be a powerful way to hone your self-awareness and strengthen your emotional intelligence. Books like Atomic Habits, Burnout, and Set Boundaries, Find Peace offer insights and strategies for better understanding yourself, managing your energy and emotions, and setting boundaries that serve your well-being. By investing in these types of personal development reads you can develop the introspective skills to handle the challenges of your 30s with more grace and resilience, sis.

But it’s not all about self-improvement reading can also be a wonderful source of entertainment, inspiration, and pure escapism. The Midnight Library, The Love Hypothesis, and the Readheads Book Club picks all provide that much-needed respite from the stresses of everyday life, transporting you to imaginative new worlds and reminding you of the transformative power of storytelling.

Plus, reading books written by diverse, marginalized authors can expand your worldview, cultivate empathy, and deepen your understanding of the human experience. Whether you’re diving into the historical drama of The Radium Girls or the unapologetic feminism of Nora Goes Off Script, these literary works have the power to challenge your assumptions, spark meaningful conversations, and perhaps even change the trajectory of your life.

At the end of the day, reading in your 30s is an investment in your overall well-being it nourishes your mind, soothes your soul, and equips you with the tools to navigate this pivotal decade with more clarity, confidence, and joy. So why not grab a cup of coffee, curl up with one of these life-changing books, and let the pages work their magic.

And if you’re looking for even more literary inspiration for your 30s, don’t forget to check out our list of the top emotional intelligence books, as well as our roundup of the best podcasts for women in their 30s. Here are some of the highlighted episodes that are sure to put you in the best headspace for this wonderful phase of your life:

Now, best of luck to you on focusing on what really matters. You’ve got this!

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