If you’ve never thought there was a word for not wanting to make small talk, for always wanting to skip the party, and just be yourself and be by yourself most of the time, then congratulations, you’re most likely in the right place, looking for books for introverts.
I’ve always gravitated toward activities that didn’t require me to be in a crowd or (the pure torture) promote myself. I figured this was just me being me, and for some time it was easy to ignore the snide comments of people around me, but then I started stumbling on op-eds and podcasts preaching about how introverts need to “speak up more” and “leave their comfort zones.” blah blah blah. That was when I actually started to wonder if being an introvert meant missing out on something important.
And then, one day, I stumbled upon this meme and saved it to the archive of “unforgettables” in my brain.
Now, one of the (many) perks of being an introvert is that a good number of us love to read. Science probably has a theory about why we love getting lost in pages instead of conversations, but I’m not here to nerd out over that.
I am here to share a curated list of must-read books for introverts. These are the reads that can help us better embrace who we are, gain confidence, understand that we’re not broken, just wired differently, and even tackle that social anxiety thing we’d rather not talk about.
Many of the works here are self-help books, psychology, and maybe something a bit more personal; I’ve got you covered. Oh, and for my fiction lovers, don’t worry, I didn’t forget you.
But enough talking, let’s go into the list.
1. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain
Quiet by Susan Cain | Cover Image via Goodreads
If you’ve ever felt out of place in a world that seems to reward loudness and extroversion, Susan Cain’s Quiet is the best book on introversion. In it, you’ll learn how society shifted from valuing character to worshipping personality, pushing an “extrovert ideal” that often sidelines introverts. You’ll also learn that some of the most brilliant minds in history were introverts, why the world undervalues introverts, and how we can reclaim our quiet power with our creativity, depth, and a way of thinking that’s often overlooked. She uses research from psychology, neuroscience, and even evolution to back it up.
2. The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney
The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney | Cover Image via Goodreads
If you loved Susan Cain’s bestselling Quiet, you’ll definitely love Marti Olsen’s The Introvert Advantage. This book gives you the practical strategies you need to thrive as an introvert in an extroverted world. Marti Olsen breaks down the science behind introversion and shares super practical tips for handling relationships, work, and social settings without draining yourself in the process.
3. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron | Cover Image via Goodreads
Many introverts are also highly sensitive, something I didn’t even know had a name (HSP, or Highly Sensitive Personality) until I came across this book. Elaine Aron’s The Highly Sensitive Person breaks down what it means to have a sensitive nervous system (in simpler terms, feeling things deeply and picking up on stuff most people miss) and how to turn that sensitivity into a strength, rather than seeing it as a flaw. Even if you’re not an introvert, this book will help you understand and appreciate sensitive people better. So if you’ve ever been called “too sensitive,” this one’s for you.
4. How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety by Ellen Hendriksen
How to Be Yourself by Ellen Hendriksen | Cover Image via Goodreads
One thing many introverts don’t like to talk about enough is social anxiety. I’d tag this one of the best social anxiety self-help books, because Ellen Hendriksen gives a compassionate guide to overcoming it, practically and in a relatable way.
5. Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers | Cover Image via Goodreads
What are you scared of, and how is it keeping you stuck? Everyone has different fears, and I think this will resonate well with introverts. In Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway, Susan Jeffers doesn’t talk about how you can force yourself to be bold or fearless but about how you can understand your fears and manage them so they don’t control your life. It’s a perfect read for introverts looking to step outside their comfort zones (at your own pace, of course, not because extroverts say so.)
Bonus Picks!
6. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky | Cover Image via Goodreads
For my fiction lovers, The Perks of Being a Wallflower is set in the early ’90s and follows Charlie, the protagonist, as he starts his freshman year of high school in a Pittsburgh suburb. Through his letters, you’ll see him wrestle with the ups and downs of being an introverted teen trying to go through life, family, friendships, and everything in between. He’s shy, thoughtful, and observant; basically the introvert we can all relate to, and he will surely feel like your new best friend by the time you’ve finished reading. And if the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because of the 2012 movie adaptation, where Emma Watson (Hermione from the Harry Potter series) played Sam, one of Charlie’s closest friends.
7. Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Purple Hibiscus by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie | Cover Image via CNA
This list wouldn’t feel complete without adding an African book, especially since I’m African myself. Purple Hibiscus is a beautiful novel by Chimamanda Adichie, and one story full of introverted characters; Kambili, Jaja, and Mama. But what I love about Purple Hibiscus is watching these characters shed the shadow of introversion that Papa cast on them.
Kambili, the narrator starts off shy, obedient, and almost invisible under her father’s strict rule. But as the story unfolds, she begins to come into her own. Same goes for Jaja, who begins to stand up for what he believes in. And Mama, who seems subdued at first, but shows a resilience that quietly influences the family’s transformation.
Which of these Books for Introverts Speak to You?
I hope at least one of these books resonates with you because each has a unique perspective on what it means to be an introvert. So, which one are you picking up first? Are there any other books for introverts you think should’ve made the list? Let me know in the comments! Thanks for reading, and feel free to share with a fellow introvert!
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Obiahu Joy Toochukwu