As an English Major, I am exposed to a variety of literature from English classics such as Charlotte Bronte's 'Jane Eyre' to the belletristic works of Alice Walker, Toni Morrison and Richard Wright. Outside of class I love to curl up with a good book and indulge in it from cover to cover. Since we are nearing the last month of the semester I've decided to look up some new books that would be great for summer reads. I have created a phenomenal list of books by amazing women and authors. Here are the top 20 books every woman should read in her 20s:

1. Maya Angelou- Letter to my Daughter

In this novel, Maya Angelou tells about her life experiences to letters to her daughter. Although Maya Angelou only had a son, these letters are dedicated to the daughters who read her novels, interact with her on a daily basis and our favorite celebrities who have all looked up to Mother Maya throughout her years. This touching novel allows us to feel just a little closer to the mother,aunt, godmother, grandmother, and big sister we see in Maya Angelou.

2. Sula- Toni Morrison

The perfect book if you are looking for the unique sistergirl bond. Toni Morrison tells the story of Nel Wright and Sula Peace who go through the ups and downs of life.

3. Meridian- Alice Walker

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/meridian-alice-wal...

4. Lean In- Sheryl Sandberg

In this book, Sheryl Sandburg gives women the push we all need entering into the work world. She gives us the push to not limit yourself, to not be afraid to lead and to know that we can do it all. The book is a must have for young women because it encourages them to lean in and to knock down all the obstacles while doing it.

5. Americanah- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

A powerful love story that explores the politics of race, gender and the love for their native country. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie tells the story of Ifemelu and Obinze and shows how their personal becomes political as they go through their love journey while remaining to the native country.

6. Women of Brewster Place- Gloria Naylor

Seven stories that tell the story of each women living in Brewster Place. Naylor takes her readers through the unique experiences of these women as they deal with love, death, sexuality, difference, the class system and each other.

7.Babylon Sisters- Pearl Cleage

The perfect novel that explores sisterhood and all that comes along with it.

8.The New Jim Crow- Michelle Alexander

With the sudden increase of women in jail particularly black women, The New Jim Crow is a must read that will educate you on the prison system and the effects it has on society. Michelle Alexander reveals to us the grave reality that we are living in.

9. Speaking Truth to Power- Anita Hill

To the world Anita Hill was the woman who divided the nation along with Clarence Thomas in the Thomas-Hill hearings. To me and many others she was and remains a strong, relentless advocate who came out and spoke her truth regardless of that divide. In her first book, Speaking Truth to Power, Anita Hill takes us on the journey throughout the hearings all while speaking her truth.

10. Sisters of the Yam- bell hooks

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sisters-of-the-yam...

11. When Chickenheads Come Home to Roost- Joan Morgan

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/when-chickenheads-...

12. Maud Martha- Gwendolyn Brooks

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/maud-martha-gwendo...

13. Brown Girl, Brownstones- Paule Marshall

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/brown-girl-brownst...

14. The Coldest Winter Ever- Sistah Souljah

A true coming of age story, Sister Souljah tells the story of Winter as she lives the ghetto experience.

15. The Twelve Tribes of Hattie- Ayana Mathis

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-twelve-tribes-...

16. Some Sing, Some Cry: A Novel - Ntozake Shange and Ifa Bayeza

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/some-sing-some-cry...

17. Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches- Audre Lorde

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sister-outsider-au...

18. Silver Sparrow- Tayari Jones

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/silver-sparrow-tay...

19.Sister Citizen- Melissa Harris Perry

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/sister-citizen-mel...

20.Their Eyes Were Watching God- Zora Neale Hurston

Zora Neale Hurston tells the truimphant story of Janie Sparks. All in one she exposes Janie to us through her three different lifestyles. Hurston introduces vernacular language to tell the story of the woman who refused to let heartbreak and life's putdowns fail her.

Each of these books will spark something inside of you. These books and these authors tell the experience of women and what we face every day. From love, joy and family to death, hurt and sadness this collection is a must-have for young women in their 20s because it is a guide. In it holds what we need and these books were made just for us. After all these novels are for women, by women.