You may have heard of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI), an assessment that classifies people into 16 different personality types based on how they prefer to perceive the world and make decisions. I’m an INFJ, which means I am introverted, intuitive, feeling, and judging.
It’s a pretty rare combination, making up only 1.5% of the population and it seems to be on the rise with each new generation.
Scientists don’t know why this is happening, but some psychologists speculate that social media and its easy communication means fewer people are introverts out of necessity because they can’t meet people face-to-face anyway.
However it happened, being an introvert in a generation where extroversion is often celebrated can feel lonely sometimes.
As someone who spends most of my time alone or with small groups of friends (or just my cat), here are 10 books that helped me realize what gifts introversion brings to society—and yes, there’s a book about cats.
| Takeaways |
|---|
| 1. Reading books tailored for introverts can provide validation and a sense of understanding. |
| 2. Books can offer valuable insights and guidance for introverts to navigate the world. |
| 3. Explore titles like “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” and “The Introvert’s Way” for a deeper understanding of introversion. |
| 4. Books focusing on personal growth can help introverts embrace their unique qualities. |
| 5. Online platforms like Goodreads and Book Riot offer more book recommendations for introverts. |
| 6. Reading can help introverts recognize and embrace their strengths. |
| 7. Find solace, inspiration, and connection in the stories of introverted characters. |
| 8. Learn from experts in the field to enhance self-acceptance and personal growth as an introvert. |
| 9. Reading communities and bookstores are great resources for discovering introvert-focused literature. |
| 10. Embrace your introversion and recognize the value you bring to the world. |
1. ‘The Perks Of Being a Wallflower,’ By Stephen Chbosky
- You are a wallflower, and you are struggling.
- Your first year of high school is an overwhelming experience, and it’s not getting any easier.
- You want to find friends who understand what it means to be young, but don’t know where or how to start.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower is the book for you! The story follows Charlie as he begins high school while also dealing with his parents’ divorce, meeting Sam (who becomes one of Charlie’s closest friends).
Falling in love with Sam’s older sister Ginny (a girl who has also been through some tough times), and learns how to live with himself after discovering that a family friend was molesting him throughout his childhood.
The story is written in an epistolary form with letters that Charlie writes about his experiences but if you haven’t read anything like this before I promise it won’t feel intimidating at all!
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2. ‘Lolita,’ By Vladimir Nabokov
Lolita is a novel by Vladimir Nabokov. I would argue that Lolita is one of the most important books to read if you are an introvert, especially if you are a woman.
The main character, Humbert Humbert, is an older man who becomes obsessed with 12-year-old Dolores Haze after he becomes her stepfather and moves into her home in New England.
While this might sound like a fairly straightforward plotline for any crime novel or horror movie (and it could have been), Lolita goes deeper than that and uses its characters’ inner lives as its focal point.
By exploring the inner lives of these characters especially Lolita the reader experiences their perspectives on everything from love and sex to death, family relationships, and even infidelity.
The language that Nabokov uses throughout his work has been praised for decades now as being some of the most beautiful prose ever written in modern literature but also for its ability to convey complex emotions about the human experience through simple descriptions; for example:
“Lolita, the light of my life,” he said tenderly…
3. ‘The Catcher In The Rye,’ By J.D. Salinger
‘The Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D. Salinger is a coming-of-age story about a teenager who is struggling with his identity, not fitting in, and looking for someone to hold on to.
The main character Holden Caulfield is a loner and doesn’t understand why he can’t connect with others like him.
This book explores the struggles of growing up, being different from others, finding one’s place in society, and dealing with life’s disappointments.
This novel still holds relevance today as it explores many themes that are relevant today: depression, suicide attempts, mental health issues such as schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, etc., bullying (both online & offline), school shootings
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4. ‘The Little Prince,’ By Antoine De Saint-Exupéry
There’s a lot to love about this book. For one, it’s very poetic, and poetic language is calming to introverts. Also, Saint-Exupéry was an aviator who flew reconnaissance missions in World War II and was shot down over the Libyan desert in July 1944.
He shared a birthday with Charles Lindbergh, who became famous for being the first person to fly from New York City to Paris solo in 1927.
In 1940 The Little Prince was published with eighty lithographs by Marie Laurencin (1885–1956).
The story has been translated into 300 languages and dialects; there are more than 200 million copies of the book around the world. It has been described as “anti-materialist”, which means that it does not promote materialism or consumerism (buying things).
The novella’s opening lines indicate that it is set on Earth: “I have had friends not many.”
5. ‘Crime And Punishment,’ By Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Many people would consider this one of the greatest novels ever written.
It’s about the psychological development of Raskolnikov, a poor ex-student in Saint Petersburg who formulates and executes a plan to kill an unscrupulous pawnbroker for her cash, and who then goes through a period of mental turmoil.
He confesses his crime to Sonya Marmeladov, a prostitute with genuine feelings for him, but insists that he doesn’t deserve punishment because he was simply acting under his own will.
The story explores themes such as morality versus personal responsibility; it’s also quite violent so don’t let that scare you away!
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6. ‘A Heartbreaking Work Of Staggering Genius,’ By Dave Eggers
Eggers’s memoir is a witty, touching, and very entertaining read. It’s also probably the most honest book I’ve ever read. Eggers doesn’t hold back when talking about his life as a young adult, from his thoughts on love to his observations of family and friends.
You’ll laugh out loud at some of Eggers’ hilarious stories, but you’ll also find yourself emotionally invested in his story as he grows up dealing with an alcoholic father and coping with tragedy after tragedy (including losing both parents).
In other words: this book will make you cry. It’s also wise beyond its years it was published when Eggers was just 24 years old and has something important to say about what it means to be a person in this world today.
7. ‘I Capture The Castle,’ By Dodie Smith
Although the main character, Cassandra Mortmain, is quite different from you, she does share some qualities with your generation. She’s an introvert and not very self-confident.
She also writes a journal in which she records her life and thoughts and that makes her a kindred spirit to many millennials.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you feel understood while also being entertaining and relatable, then “I Capture The Castle” is the perfect choice for your next read.
Although set in London during World War II (1939-1945), this coming of age story follows the ups and downs of an awkward young girl as she enters adulthood:
Falling in love with her brother’s best friend; experiencing first crushes; caring for elderly relatives; dealing with financial hardship; wandering through foreign lands…
Dodie Smith’s writing style has been called “nearly impossible to resist.” We think that if you’re going through a rough time in life right now (and who isn’t?), then picking up this classic novel could be just what you need!
8. ‘A Separate Peace,’ By John Knowles
The plot: In his own words, John Knowles wrote “A Separate Peace” because he “wanted to write a novel about the war and its impact on American youth.”
Set on an idyllic New England campus in 1942, the story follows Gene Forrester’s tumultuous relationship with his friend Phineas (Phi), who is popular but also mentally unstable.
After a traumatic accident during their freshman year at college leaves one of them paralyzed, they must each confront their dark pasts as they try to rebuild their friendship.
Characters: As you get into your reading, pay attention to how these characters grow from self-absorbed children into thoughtful adults by the end of this novel.
Watch for how each character’s worldview changes throughout events and how that impacts how they interact with others around them it will show you how introverts tend to become more comfortable around extroverts over time!
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9. ‘Breakfast At Tiffany’s By Truman Capote
This classic novel, which was later adapted into a film starring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard, tells the story of a young woman who escapes her rural beginnings in search of love and adventure in New York City.
Holly Golightly is an aspiring actress who lives with her cat at the apartment of her wealthy neighbor, Fred. She hopes that his affection for her might lead to marriage (and money), but their relationship is complicated by his over-attachment and possessiveness.
Holly also has her eye on Paul Varjak, an aspiring writer who lives nearby with his dog, Skippy; they become friends after she helps him get out from under some gambling debts he owes to a local gangster named Doc.
She enjoys spending time with him but isn’t sure if he’s interested in anything more than friendship or even if she wants something more than friendship from him.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s is written using third-person narration; you see things through Holly’s eyes as she looks back on events that happened when she was much younger right before World War II started up again between Germany and England/France/Italy/Russia etc.
10. “The Bell Jar,” By Sylvia Plath
If you’re an introvert, chances are you’ve felt pressure to “be more social” in your life. If you’ve ever been told by someone else (or even yourself) that you need to be less quiet and more talkative than usual, then this book is for you.
The Bell Jar follows the story of Esther Greenwood a young woman who has been diagnosed with clinical depression after suffering a mental breakdown. In the novel, Esther is trying to regain her identity as she struggles with being an introvert in an extroverted world.
The story is semi-autobiographical; Sylvia Plath based it on her own experiences when she was hospitalized as an 18-year-old college student at Smith College in Massachusetts.
Due to suicidal tendencies brought on by extreme depression and anxiety attacks which were sparked by pressure from peers and professors alike about how she should act around others during social situations.”
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Conclusion
With these top 10 books for introverts, I hope that you can take some time out of your busy life and do something that’s been long neglected reading.
Reading is proven to help us relax and let go of all the stressors in our lives. If we read more, then maybe we can stop worrying so much about the future or what people think about us.
Further Reading
Here are some additional resources and reading materials that you may find helpful:
13 Books Every Introvert Should Have on Their List: Explore this article for a curated selection of books that cater specifically to introverts. Expand your reading list with titles that resonate with your introverted nature.
Best Introvert Books: Discover a comprehensive collection of the best books for introverts. This resource provides a diverse range of literature that explores introversion, personal growth, and understanding oneself better.
10 Life-Changing Books for Introverts: Dive into this curated list of books that have the potential to bring about life-changing insights and inspiration for introverts. Explore new perspectives and discover stories that resonate with your introverted nature.
FAQs
What are some recommended books for introverts?
There are several highly recommended books for introverts, including titles like “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking” by Susan Cain and “The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World” by Sophia Dembling. These books delve into the experiences, strengths, and challenges faced by introverts.
How can books help introverts?
Books can provide introverts with a deep sense of connection and understanding. They offer a quiet escape and a way to explore different perspectives and emotions. Reading can also provide valuable insights and guidance for navigating the world as an introvert and embracing one’s unique qualities.
Are there books that specifically focus on introverted personal growth?
Yes, there are books that specifically focus on introverted personal growth. Titles such as “The Highly Sensitive Person” by Elaine N. Aron and “The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World” by Marti Olsen Laney offer valuable guidance and strategies for personal growth and self-acceptance as an introvert.
Where can I find more book recommendations for introverts?
In addition to the mentioned resources, you can explore online bookstores, reading communities, and book recommendation websites to discover more books tailored for introverts. Goodreads and Book Riot are popular platforms that provide extensive lists and recommendations for introverted readers.
How can books help introverts embrace their strengths?
Books can serve as a source of inspiration and validation for introverts. They often highlight the unique strengths and qualities that introverts possess, empowering individuals to embrace their introversion and recognize the value they bring to the world. Reading stories of introverted characters or learning from expert authors can help introverts feel seen and understood.
Costantine Edward is a digital marketing expert, freelance writer, and entrepreneur who helps people attain financial freedom. I’ve been working in marketing since I was 18 years old and have managed to build a successful career doing what I love.