Welcome to my detailed list of the top books for introverts!
If you’re an introverted book lover like me, you know the anguish of not having anything good to read. A lack of good books can be especially painful during lazy summer days, when all you want to do is sit in the shade and swim through the pages of a great book. Ay, but there’s a rub.
It’s hard to know what to read. We all have our own taste when it comes to books. No matter what your personal palate for literature, I think you’ll get a lot out of the books for introverts I recommend here. So, let’s dive in, shall we?
Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength
By Laurie Helgoe
Of all the books for introverts, Introvert Power is definitely my favorite. It’s written with such compassion, and color you’ll want to drink up every word. At nearly 300 pages, it’s also comprehensive. Here’s just a little taste of what you’ll find in Introvert Power:
“As an introvert, you can be your own best friend or your worst enemy. The good news is we generally like our own company, a quality that extroverts often envy. We find comfort in solitude and know how to soothe ourselves. Even our willingness to look at ourselves critically is often helpful.”
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
By Susan Cain
This book has been a game changer for countless introverts all over the world. It served as a major catalyst for the introvert revolution, which continues to gain speed to this day. In Quiet, former Wall Street lawyer Susan Cain creates a strong case for introversion, and all the strengths that come with it. Here is one of my favorite quotes from Quiet:
“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some, it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamplit desk. Use your natural powers — of persistence, concentration, and insight — to do work you love and work that matters. Solve problems. make art, think deeply.”
The Irresistible Introvert: Harness The Power of Quiet Charisma in a Loud World
By Michaela Chung
I may be introverted, but I never said I was modest! Please excuse the sneaky book plug, but I really do believe that my book baby The Irresistible Introvert will inspire you to embrace and express your introversion in new and fulfilling ways. This book is packed with insights, stories, and practical steps to develop charisma, confidence, and self-love in your own introverted way. Here’s a little sample from The Irresistible Introvert, which is available most places books are sold:
“Sometimes, we do want to take a little road trip into extrovert territory. But we would like to be able to pick and choose our extroverted endeavors. Ideally, we would approach life like a buffet, helping ourselves to a small side of meet and greet, a healthy dollop of deep thought, and a sprinkling of social fluff. No one would judge or criticize what we put on our plate. They would let us have our slice of solitude, and eat it too. This is not how it goes for most introverts. Instead, we are deemed inferior the moment we navigate away from the extrovert’s definition of normal.”
The Highly Sensitive Person
By Elaine Aron
Not all introverts are highly sensitive, BUT about 70% of HSPs are introverts. This makes the HSP/introvert combination surprisingly common. In this treasure of a book, Aron offers practical tools and insights for surviving and thriving as an HSP. The below quote from The Highly Sensitive Person will probably have you nodding your head in agreement:
“We are a package deal, however. Our trait of sensitivity means we will also be cautious, inward, needing extra time alone. Because people without the trait (the majority) do not understand that, they see us as timid, shy, weak, or that greatest sin of all, unsociable. Fearing these labels, we try to be like others. But that leads to our becoming overaroused and distressed. Then that gets us labeled neurotic or crazy, first by others and then by ourselves.”
The Awakened Introvert:Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World
By Dr. Arnie Kozak
Have you noticed that mindfulness is all the rage nowadays? For good reason. Mindfulness, and other zen practices, are a great way for introverts to cultivate and conserve energy. They’re also the perfect solution for introverts who overthink. Both workbook, and guide, The Awakened Introvert offers clear steps to manage your energy, navigate social landscapes, and achieve happiness in your own introverted way. Here’s just a snippet of the amazing insights you’ll find in the book:
“The ultimate introvert coping skill is to become fascinated with the extrovert. If you can bring interest to your perception, it will replace aversion. You can treat the extroverts in your life with awe, curiosity, and even a bit of envy – ‘How do they do that!'”
Introverts in the Church: Finding Our Place in an Extroverted Culture
By Adam S. McHugh
Okay, so this one might not be applicable to every introvert. But it is a must-read for introverts who are active in a Christian church. Having once been a devout Christian myself (I was heavily involved in a large Pentecostal church in high school), I know what a lifesaver this book will be for many Christian introverts out there. McHugh’s words offer a kind of redemption to any introvert who has ever felt marginalized by extrovert-biased church culture. The below quote from Introverts in the Church makes me want to cheer “amen!”.
“Introverted seekers need introverted evangelists. It’s not that extroverts can’t communicate the gospel, either verbally or nonverbally, in ways that introverts find appealing, it’s that introverted seekers need to know and see that it’s possible to lead the Christian life as themselves. It’s imperative for them to understand that becoming a Christian is not tantamount with becoming an extrovert.”
Communication Toolkit For Introverts
By Patricia Weber
This book is a real treasure for any introvert who wants to improve their communication skills, particularly at work. Weber addresses all the situations that would normally make introverts feel uncomfortable, including presentations, networking, negotiating, and selling. Each chapter begins with a self-assessment and then goes on to offer practical, research-based strategies to master important communication skills . Here is a quote from the Communication Toolkit For Introverts:
“Your greatest power in communicating lies in your awareness of the how and what of differences. Once we are aware of how an extrovert communicates differently to an introvert, we can either make a conscious choice to modify our style to be more like theirs or accept those differences.”
The Introvert’s Way: Living a Quiet Life in a Noisy World
By Sophia Dembling
No list of books for introverts would be complete without The Introvert’s Way. This little book shatters misconceptions about introversion and offers validation for quieter personalities. If you enjoy Dembling’s tongue-and-cheek articles on The Introvert’s Corner on the Psychology Today website, you’ll love The Introvert’s Way. I think the below quote from the book is spot-on. Would you agree?
“One of the risks of being quiet is that the other people can fill your silence with their own interpretation: You’re bored. You’re depressed. You’re shy. You’re stuck up. You’re judgemental. When others can’t read us, they write their own story—not always one we choose or that’s true to who we are.”
The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World
By Marti Olsen Laney
This is one of the best books for introverts interested in exploring their inner workings, or for extroverts who want to understand us better. The Introvert Advantage addresses all the key areas of introvert life, including relationships, socializing, parenting, and work. Olsen also illustrates how biochemistry is the reason for many of the differences between introverts and extroverts. Here’s a quote from the parenting chapter in The Introvert Advantage:
“Introverted children may not be as demonstrative as extroverted children. They love and value you, but they may not talk about it as much. Accept your temperament and your child’s. They can’t be changed. Both of you have wonderful qualities to contribute to your family and to the world.”
Personality Plus: How To Understand Others by Understanding Yourself
By Florence Littauer
Personality Plus isn’t a book for introverts per se. But if you love learning about yourself (which most introverts do), this book will both entertain, and enlighten you. Littauer describes the four main personality types (Popular Sanguine, Powerful Choleric, Perfect Melancholy, or Peaceful Phlegmatic), and how to determine your dominant type. In addition to helping you understand yourself, it will also give you insight into the personalities of people you work and live with. The below quote from Personality Plus summarizes the four types well:
“God made each one of us different, so we could function in our own roles. He made some of us to be feet—to move, administer, to accomplish, like Powerful Choleric. He made some of us to be minds—to think deeply, to feel, to write, like Perfect Melancholy. He made some of us to be hands—to serve, to smooth, to soothe, like Peaceful Phlegmatic. He made some of us to be mouths—to talk, to teach, to encourage, like Popular Sanguine.”
I hope you found something that you fancy in my list of books for introverts. Please feel free to share some of your favorite introvert books in the comments below.
Happy reading to you, Innie Friend! 😉
Xo,
Amazing list Michaela! 🙂 With all due respect to all the books mentioned here, like I said, they are all great, but “The Irresistible Introvert: Harness The Power of Quiet Charisma in a Loud World” is on the winning podium! 🙂 I think that every single Introvert on this planet eagerly, and with pure joy in their heart, awaits the release of your magnificent, and in my opinion, bestseller book tomorrow! 🙂
Thanks Marko! 😀
HI Michaela, these are all great books and there are, of course, many more that will be of interest to your introverted readers. My book The Dynamic Introvert: Leading Quietly with Passion and Purpose focuses on introverts as leaders. It is full of practical tools and tips to help introverts advance in their careers. It may be difficult to believe but for much of the past century introverts were not seen as having leadership potential. Research has since debunked this myth but there is still a need for education and awareness. Cheers!
Here is another great book I read:
Introverts in Love
The Quiet Way to Happily Ever After
By Sophia Dembling
It has really good tips in there for introvert-introvert dating and introvert-extrovert dating.
I learned really good techniques for how to deal with common problems that come up in those types of relationships. As well as pointers on how to attract/look for those types of partners.
Thanks for the great recommendation Flavia! 🙂
I love book ‘Show Your Work’ by Austin Kleon.
10 tips in that book help me to promote myself who hate self promotion.
Thanks for sharing, Dwi!
Nice list! The one I just bought came second. (I fancy that! :-)) But beside the list, don’t be ashamed to be proud of yours. I took you hard work and you seemed very proud of it in a recent mail update. But putting in a list of “best books” feels a bit like bragging, doesn’t it. Well, I don’t think it is. Being proud is not the same as bragging. I know… I often notice it myself. It’s another taboo in everyday society: you can not be proud of something and let it show or it’s often considered negatively. I resist that. I proud person is a beautiful person and they shine like hell. At least, I feel that way when I’m proud of something. No one should never take that away from someone. (Or let it taken away by someone else.) Congratulations Michaela on your achievement! Be proud and shout (it)! 🙂
Thanks David! It is something to be proud of. 🙂
Congrats on the book Michaela, I’m sure it will be a good read and impactful to others. “…when the work you put in is realized, let yourself feel the pride but, always stay humble and kind….” Tim Mcgraw, “Humble and Kind”
Great quote. Thanks for sharing that! 🙂
Hi Michaela, Love the list! I ordered your new book about 5 minutes after I got the email today.
Thank you Edward! I’m so happy you ordered a copy! 🙂
Hi Michaela,congratulations on publishing your first physical book, I always knew you could do it. 🙂 here’s my list of books I’ve read and am reading. Yeah I like books. 🙂
Soultypes: Matching Your Personality and Spiritual Path
by Sandra Krebs Hirsh
Modern Man in Search of a Soul
by C.G. Jung
Self-Care for the Self-Aware: A Guide for Highly Sensitive People, Empaths, Intuitives, and Healers
by Dave Markowitz
Help! I’m Sensitive! 50 Tools for the Sensitive to Help You Thrive and Survive
by Ronni Ann Hall
The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World
by Marti Olsen Laney
The Dark Side of the Light Chasers: Reclaiming Your Power, Creativity, Brilliance and Dreams. by Debbie Ford
Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience
by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment. by Martin E.P. Seligman
Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us. by Daniel H. Pink
Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration
by Ed Catmull
Was That Really Me? How Everyday Stress Brings Out Our Hidden Personality
by Naomi L. Quenk
In the Grip: Understanding Type, Stress, and the Inferior Function. by Naomi L. Quenk
The Highly Sensitive Person in Love: Understanding and Managing Relationships When the World Overwhelms You. by Elaine N. Aron
Our Dreaming Mind. by Robert L. Van De Castle
The Bell Jar. by Sylvia Plath
Man’s Search for Meaning. by Viktor E. Frankl
Type Talk: The 16 Personality Types That Determine How We Live, Love, and Work
by Otto Kroeger
Just Your Type: Create the Relationship You’ve Always Wanted Using the Secrets of Personality Type. by Paul D. Tieger
Please Understand Me II: Temperament, Character, Intelligence by David Keirsey
Do What You Are: Discover the Perfect Career for You Through the Secrets of Personality Type by Paul D. Tieger
What Color Is Your Parachute? 2016: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard N. Bolles
Awaken the Giant within. How to take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny. by Anthony Robbins
When you think you’re not enough. by Daphne Rose Kingma
Difficult conversations, how to discuss what matters most. by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, Sheila Heen
Daring Greatly. by Brene Brown
I thought it was just me, (but it isn’t) by Brene Brown
Gifts of imperfection. by Brene Brown
Non violent communication. by Marshall B. Rosenberg
Dale Carnegie’s Lifetime Plan for Success. by Dale Carnegie
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change
by Stephen R. Covey
Defusing angry people, practical tools for handling bullying, threats and violence. by Kevin Fauteux
Just for the ladies: Loving him without losing you. How to stop disappearing and start being you, seven empowering strategies for better relationships. by Beverly Engel
This is in no way a complete list, I have over 1000 books in my personal library and perhaps hundreds more at my father’s house that I can remember and no I’m not obsessed. What makes people think that? 😛 I just hope that this list helps someone, help change their world and the world for the better one page at a time.
“In every person, exists a world, full of rich diverse unique experience, in each of us exists a world uncharted, unexplored, unknown to the self and to others, waiting to be found and explored and understood, to be known, sometimes romantic, sensual, passionate and rough is the journey through each world, through our own and through the exploration of other worlds we create connection, transcending both time and space, harmonizing our galaxy of life, expanding without limit our understanding of the universe as it was meant to be understood, one world at a time, documenting our travels, findings, and experience for generations to come. To lose just one person, means to lose a world” Jacques Joyeaux
Thanks a lot!
Hi Michaela, here’s an update since you’re reading some new books.
I’m currently reading books on the enneagram, studying enneagram 2s right now, they’re a bit of a puzzle, even if they are the most common type for females. Males can be twos too, yet it’s less common. Anyway, here’s what I’m reading…..
Sex, love and your personality, by Mona Coates and Judith Searle
Sex and the enneagram, by Ann Gadd
The complete enneagram, by Beatrice Chestnut, PhD.
Character and Neurosis, by Claudio Naranjo, M.D.
The path between us, by Suzanne Stabile
From Stuckness to growth, by Ruth and Yechezkel Madanes
The enneagram in love and work, By Helen Palmer
If you see that I didn’t mention Riso and Hudson, it’s because they sugar coat the types and also use names to describe the types. What this does is create a false narrative, and could idealize or traumatize the types. Using just numbers like many of the other authors do, and helps things stay in context and remain objective.
About me: 8w9 sp/sx 835 tri-type (The solution master) INTJ
If you want to understand yourself on a deeper level, the nuances of your personality are found in the sub-types. The books above cover them in detail all the good, bad and ugly, and do offer opportunities for personal growth.
Blind spots in our personality are the things that prevent us from truly knowing growth, it’s the truth we avoid in our passion and motivation of our unique makeup that creates an illusion of growth, not actually growth. The truth hurts for a reason, it’s hard to face ourselves especially the ugly side. Introspection can be really hard, it’s often easier to point fingers, or see others as flawed and ignore our own, regardless if we’re introverts or not.
I hope this helps.
What an awesome title- “The Irresistible Introvert”! I can’t wait to read it!
I really connected with a book called ‘Quiet Impact’ by Sylvia Loehken.
Had me down to a tee…
I love “The Introvert Advantage”. It is one of the rare books which has been written by an Introvert. This I believe is a must-have qualities and she knows what we Introvert want.
It is my reference. Thanks for the other books that look interesting too. Can you guide me about which of the other books have been written by Introvert Person.
Best Regards,
James
Hey ! I loved the list of books you recommended and I am pretty sure I am going to read them all. Thanks 🙂
One book I really liked (and this is for kids and adults) is “I’m Not Weird, I’m Just Quiet”.
“A Party of One: The Loners’ Manifesto” by Anneli Rufus
This book was my wake up call telling me I wasn’t the only Introvert in the world! I was mesmerized by Anneli’s story! I have read it numerous times and usually after I finish reading the book I want to read it again!
Great book!
“Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, translated by Gregory Hays.