Interactions with the world can be pretty exhausting. Work, socializing, and interacting with groups can drain us out completely. What we need are some quiet moments of solitude to recharge and be back in the game with renewed energy. And what better way to enrich our me-time than enjoy the company of a GREAT book?!
If you’re an introvert who has a passion for the written word, here are 13 mind-blowing and powerful books for you to enjoy, curled up on your couch.
13 Best Books For Introverts
1. Quiet: The Power Of Introverts In A World That Can’t Stop Talking- By Susan Cain
This book is the holy grail for introverts. An absolute must-read for every person, introvert or not. Well-researched and passionately narrated by Susan Cain, the book will change the way the reader understands introverts, and more importantly, how introverts see themselves. It is enriched with stories of real people, like a witty public speaker who can’t do without some moments of solitude to recharge.
The author discusses the rise of the popularity of the ‘Extrovert‘ in the twentieth century and how introverts can thrive in this culture, where they often feel grossly misunderstood.
Favorite quote: “There’s zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
Related: 17 Signs You Are An Introvert
2. Where’d You Go, Bernadette – By Maria Semple
A witty, juicy, and entirely entertaining read that will touch your heart. When Bernadette Fox, a genius and reclusive architect, disappears before a family trip, her daughter weaves a portrait of her mother using everything from old emails to invoices, revealing a different side of Bernadette hidden from the world. The story is a reminder to every introvert that it’s okay to not fit into society’s notions of a ‘perfect’ personality.
Favorite quote: “That’s right,’ she told the girls. ‘You are bored. And I’m going to let you in on a little secret about life. You think it’s boring now? Well, it only gets more boring. The sooner you learn it’s on you to make life interesting, the better off you’ll be.”
3. Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength- By Laurie Helgoe
If you’re an introvert, then this book will make you feel like there’s someone out there who gets you. That there’s no need to imitate the extroverted culture, rather believe in your own power of reflection and solitude. A psychologist and introvert herself, Laurie Helgoe, says that more than fifty percent of Americans are introverts and explains how introverts can harness their inner power to lead a more productive and satisfying life.
Favorite quote: “I am rarely bored alone; I am often bored in groups and crowds.”
4. Thinking, Fast And Slow- By Daniel Kahneman
Noble Memorial Prize-winning author and psychologist, Daniel Kahneman, takes readers on an engaging tour of the human mind and explains the scientific differences between the workings of an extrovert and introvert brain. An introvert is a slower thinker but also more deliberate and logical, whereas an extrovert is quicker and more intuitive, and emotional. The good news is that there are benefits to both types of thinking.
Favorite quote: “The easiest way to increase happiness is to control your use of time. Can you find more time to do the things you enjoy doing?”
Related: 25 Best Nonfiction Books That Will Change Your Perception Of Reality
5. The Highly Sensitive Person: How To Thrive When The World Overwhelms You- By Elaine N. Aron
If you identify as an introvert who is also a sensitive soul, then this book is going to be an eye-opening and powerful read for you. Backed by in-depth research and scores of interviews, Aron, a psychologist and HSP (Highly Sensitive Person), guides you to have a deeper understanding of yourself so you can create a richer life.
Favorite quote: “I am deeply moved by things. I’d hate to miss the intense joy of that.”
Related: The 8 Types of HSP: What Type Of A Highly Sensitive Person Are You?
6. Walden: Life In The Woods- By Henry David Thoreau
Does the idea of living in the solitude of deep woods sound exciting to you? Then you’re surely an introvert and this is one of the classic books in American literature that you’ll enjoy reading.
Touted as one of the most influential books and a favorite with introvert personalities, Walden, is a documentation of the author’s two-year stay in a secluded cabin amidst the woods. He vividly documented the simplicity of life there, away from the loud and boisterous society.
Favorite quote: “I learned this, at least, by my experiment: that if one advances confidently in the direction of his dreams, and endeavors to live the life which he has imagined, he will meet with a success unexpected in common hours.”
7. The Irresistible Introvert: Harness The Power Of Quiet Charisma In A Loud World- By Michaela Chung
Described as “a great morale-booster for introverts” by the Library Journal, The Irresistible Introvert aims to bust the myth that charisma is a quality only exuded by extroverts. The truth about introverts is that they are actually more confident than extroverts perceive them to be. The book shows introverts a way to express their quiet magnetism and reveal a more authentic self.
Favorite quote: “It is such a rare thing in this world to find someone who is not constantly trying to impress someone, be liked, or fill empty airspace with mindless chatter. A person who is completely, unapologetically okay with who they are and what they feel is like a beacon of light in the dark.”
Related: 19 Signs You’re an Introvert in a Loud World
8. Wild: From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail- By Cheryl Strayed
When she hit rock bottom and had nothing more to lose, she took an impulsive decision to hike the Pacific Crest Trail all alone. Mixed with suspense, humor, and warmth, the story narrates the solo journey of a young woman that maddened, toughened, and finally healed her. You’ll connect with the protagonist’s need for solitude as she strives to be a stronger and more productive version of herself. And oh, don’t forget to take notes while reading this book!
Favorite quote: “I knew that if I allowed fear to overtake me, my journey was doomed. Fear, to a great extent, is born of a story we tell ourselves, and so I chose to tell myself a different story from the one women are told. I decided I was safe. I was strong. I was brave. Nothing could vanquish me.”
9. Never Let Me Go- By Kazuo Ishiguro
Out of all the amazing books by Ishiguro that are enjoyed by introverts, we pick this novel because it places the introverted character in a position of power as the narrator, whereas in most stories the introverted friend is sidelined by a more extroverted protagonist. The book has a streak of mystery, and scathingly criticizes society’s treatment towards the different and the vulnerable.
Favorite quote: “Memories, even your most precious ones, fade surprisingly quickly. But I don’t go along with that. The memories I value most, I don’t ever see them fading.”
Related: 8 Benefits Of Reading Regularly According To Science
10. Norwegian Wood- By Haruka Murakami, Jay Rubin (Translator)
A book about the romantic coming-of-age of a quiet and serious college student. It’s a perfect read for introverts because they’ll be able to relate to the deep and reflective mindset of the main character. Not to mention the outstanding story-telling skill of Murakami never fails to amaze us.
Favorite quote: “If you only read the books that everyone else is reading, you can only think what everyone else is thinking.”
11. The Brief Wondrous Life Of Oscar Wao- By Junot Diaz
A relatable, humorous, and tragic story of a Dominican ghetto kid, chubby and nerdy, living with old-world parents in New Jersey, whose deepest desire is to find love and the biggest fear is that he’ll die a virgin! A whirlwind novel. Brutal but beautiful.
Favorite quote: “But if these years have taught me anything it is this: you can never run away. Not ever. The only way out is in.”
12. The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson- By Emily Dickinson
Did you know that Emily Dickinson was a recluse who spent the majority of her life alone and without human contact? She maintained deep friendships through letters. You and she are surely kindred spirits. In her wonderful poems, she writes about her feelings on confronting people and the outside world.
Favorite quote: “Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul
And sings the tune without the words
And never stops at all.”
Related: 8 Ways Introverts Interact Differently With The World
13. Introvert Doodles: An Illustrated Collection of Life’s Awkward Moments- By Maureen Marzi Wilson
Introvert or extrovert, you’ll definitely be able to relate to and enjoy Marzi’s adventures, which are filled with uncomfortable, honest, and funny, introvertish moments. It aptly captures how it feels to be an introvert in a majorly extroverted world. Every introvert out there will relate very hard with this gem of a book.
If you want us to add more books that you’ve enjoyed reading, to this list of Best Books For An Introvert, just leave a comment below. Happy Reading!
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