Normal People
Author: Sally Rooney
Irish author Sally Rooney struck a chord with young readers through her intimate exploration of love, identity and vulnerability. Normal People charts the complex relationship between Marianne and Connell, navigating the fragile intersections of mental health, social class, and communication in early adulthood.
Gen Z connects to Sally’s sharp, minimalist prose and emotionally raw storytelling. The book’s appeal lies in its authenticity – no dramatic overtones, no formulaic romance. Instead, it reflects the nuanced reality of young love and friendship in a socially aware, tech-saturated world. Rooney’s work encourages readers to reflect on self-worth, interpersonal dynamics, and the often-unspoken weight of mental health challenges.
The Hate U Give
Author: Angie Thomas
Angie Thomas’ groundbreaking novel has become more than just a story; it’s a movement. Inspired by the Black Lives Matter movement, The Hate U Give follows Starr Carter, a young girl navigating the chasm between her neighbourhood and the private school she attends, grappling with systemic racism after witnessing police violence.
Gen Z readers are drawn to Angie’ unapologetic confrontation of social injustice. The book challenges its audience to examine privilege, amplify marginalised voices, and engage with activism. Its cultural relevance, combined with a compelling coming-of-age narrative, makes it essential reading for a generation attuned to inequality and committed to change.
Educated
Author: Tara Westover
Memoirs resonate with Gen Z because they humanise struggle and triumph in a way statistics cannot. Tara Westover’s Educated chronicles her journey from a strict, survivalist household in rural Idaho to earning a PhD at Cambridge University. It is a testament to the transformative power of education and self-determination.
The book speaks directly to Gen Z’s appetite for personal empowerment, resilience, and critical thinking. Tara’s narrative encourages questioning inherited beliefs, valuing knowledge, and carving one’s own path – a philosophy that aligns with a generation redefining success on its own terms.
The Midnight Library
Author: Matt Haig
Matt Haig’s The Midnight Library taps into existential curiosity and the search for meaning – themes that resonate deeply with Gen Z navigating uncertain futures. The protagonist, Nora Seed, discovers a library between life and death, where each book represents an alternative life she could have lived.
Gen Z readers are captivated by the blend of fantasy, philosophy, and introspection. The novel explores regret, choice, and self-compassion, urging readers to confront their anxieties while embracing the possibilities within their own lives. In a time when social pressure and comparison are constant, The Midnight Library offers a reminder that the paths we haven’t taken do not define our worth.
This Book Is Anti-Racist
Author: Tiffany Jewell
Knowledge is power, and for Gen Z, that power comes from both stories and facts. Tiffany Jewell’s This Book Is Anti-Racist serves as an accessible, practical guide to understanding and dismantling racism. Through exercises, reflections, and clear explanations, the book equips young readers to interrogate privilege, recognise systemic inequities, and act with intention.
Its interactive approach resonates with Gen Z’s preference for participatory learning and social responsibility. It’s not a book to be passively read – it’s one to engage with, discuss, and apply, making it a vital toolkit for the socially conscious generation.
