8 Mesmerizing Reads for Millennials

And they lived happily ever after…let’s be honest, real life is a lot more complicated, especially if you’re 10 years out of high school and still struggling to find a job, make sense of a relationship (or two), or all of the above. Check out this list of books perfect for anyone who is struggling to grow up when they are already supposed to be grown up!

1. 25 Sense by Lisa Henthorn

Claire Malone moves to New York City in order to gain experience in television writing and hopefully make a name for herself. Simple as that. However, things get a bit more complicated when she gets involved with her boss Sean, who just so happens to be married. Soon enough, Claire finds herself deeply in love with Sean, who has already turned his affections toward the show’s leading actress. Can Claire keep it together and still maintain her career with such an intense secret on her hands? Or is her life already over at 25?

2. Will You Won't You Want Me? by Nora Zevelansky

Marjorie Plum never wanted to peak in high school, but it looks like that must just be the case. After 10 years, the former Queen Bee has officially lost her luster, and is feeling pretty bleak. But suddenly, Marjorie finds herself in the affections of both a questionable childhood crush, and her formerly cranky boss. Being at the top of a love triangle puts Marjorie in a conundrum that forces her to ask the million-dollar-question: who does she want to be?

3. Keep Me Posted by Liza Beazley

Cassie and Sid Sunday are sisters that love each other, but they've never been great at keeping in touch. It doesn't help that their lives have taken completely different paths, with Sid living as an expat life in Singapore and Cassie caring for her children in Manhattan. As an attempt to try something vintage, the sisters begin writing letters to one another, which brings them closer that they've ever been before. But all that blows up when their letters get published on social media, and start accruing fame!

4. Sweetbitter by Stephanie Danler

Tess comes to New York City knowing no one, but somehow manages to land a job as a “backwaiter” at an upscale Manhattan restaurant. In the next year, Tess finds herself propelled into a life of dangerous privilege. As she develops a palate fit for a queen, she gets involved with Tess, a senior server at the restaurant, and Jake, a tatted bartender. Through the trio’s interwoven connection, Tess will learn one of the most painful coming-of-age lessons of all.

5. The Expatriates by Janice Y.K. Lee

Mercy, a recent Columbia grad, is adrift in her life, feeling as if she has no direction. Enter Margaret and Hilary, two unhappy housewives who feel that after all this time, they should have it a lot more together. When the three women collide, they reveal themselves to one another in unexpected ways, finding that no matter how much you’ve “grown up,” there is still plenty more learning to be done.

6. Opportunity Knocks by Alison Sweeney

Alex Cleary has found herself in a never-ending streak of dead-end makeup jobs, and is feeling pretty hopeless. But when the high profile lifestyle mogul Hilary P. notices Alex’s talent, things finally seem to be looking up! She lands a gig on Hilary’s daytime television series, but when she says the wrong thing at the wrong time, she finds herself at the wrath of her new boss. With only 48 hours to repair the damage, will Alex lose her dream job before it’s even begun?

7. Songs of my Selfie: An Anthology of Millennial Stories edited by Constance Renfrow

Who better to write about millennials than millennials? This modern and hilariously refreshing anthology series is composed of stories by edgy new writers who completely capture the plight of millennials today. From unemployed grads drowning in debt, to online relationship addicts, to those battling their parent’s expectations, there’s a story for every kind of millennial out there. It’ll make you laugh, cry, and give you hope for the future.

8. Gonzo Girl by Cheryl Della Pietra

Alley Russo is a recent college grad trying (and semi-failing) to make it in the ruthless world of publishing. Like most before her, she resigns herself to taking an unpaid internship at a magazine, while bartending on Bleecker Street to pay the bills. When she hears about an esteemed writer seeking a new assistant to replace the eight previous ones who quit, Alley thinks that this might be her chance. If only her boss didn’t turn out to be bat-shit crazy….