Books for introverts to read
10 Life-Changing Books for Introverts
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If you are one of the 30-50% of introverts trying to thrive in an extroverted culture, here are ten books that will give you the tools you need to succeed in your work, social, and love lives.
This book is my absolute favorite on the topic of introversion. Cain explores the history of personality in the United States to find out when and how extroversion became the cultural ideal. She digs through scientific studies to explain the biology of introversion. Finally, she offers sound wisdom to introverts trying to figure out how to live, love, parent, and work in a culture that favors extroverts.
This book is a manual for how to survive and thrive in the extroverted world of work. It offers practical tips on how to become a confident public speaker and effective team leader, ace a job interview, and succeed as an entrepreneur. There are also a few chapters on finding personal happiness and supporting introverted friends and children.
This is the perfect book for introverts who want to stand in their own power instead of surviving by imitating extroverted power. Introversion comes with its own set of strengths and this book will help you harness those strengths to live a more fulfilling, productive life. With chapters like “Alone Is Not a Four-Letter Word” and “The Right to Retreat,” you know this book was written by someone who gets it.
They say love is a battlefield, but for many the battle begins long before those three magic words are ever spoken, perhaps even long before the first date. From speed dating to bar hopping to party mingling (online dating may be the only exception here), the love game is rigged in favor of extroverts. This handy little book provides introverts with strategies to successfully meet people at parties, ease anxiety on the first date, and navigate the world of Internet dating.
This book helps introverts harness their unique strengths and minimize their weaknesses through mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques. Included are chapters on navigating the social landscape, celebrating solitude, and practicing self-care in a busy world.
The word “charisma” usually brings to mind someone gregarious, smooth, and confident. Introverts can certainly be confident, but we often struggle with the first two. This book offers advice to introverts who want to master the social game without sacrificing their innate personality.
Many of the people making the biggest difference in the world today are introverts. They influence the world not by force of personality but by harnessing “The Six Strengths of Quiet Influence” outlined in this book. Also included is the “Quiet Influence Quotient” or QIQ, an evaluation to help you determine how much you are currently employing the six strengths.
This is another great book for introverts who want to utilize their unique strengths to succeed in all areas of life.
It dispels some of the common myths about introverts and offers advice on building healthy relationships, parenting without losing your mind, socializing without wearing yourself out, and working in an extroverted environment.
Lots of books have been written to help introverts succeed at work, but this is the only one I know of written specifically for entrepreneurs. Marketing, sales, and networking are jobs that introverts usually try to avoid, but if you’re a business owner, those are all skills you’ll have to master, no matter what your personality type. This book will equip you with the tools you need to succeed.
For years, Maureen “Marzi” Wilson has been doodling cartoons about the introvert life and posting them on her website. Now, her amazing doodles are about to become a book. Look for this one December 2016.
13 Books Every Introvert Should Have on Their List
Ah, a good book and a night to yourself. Is there anything better when you’re an introvert who loves to read?
I asked introverts about the favorite books they’ve read lately, and why another introvert would enjoy that book.
Here are 13 of their suggestions:
Did you know that Igor Stravinsky wasn’t able to compose music unless he was sure no one could hear him, and, when blocked, stood on his head to “clear” his mind? Or, that Jean-Paul Sartre chewed on Corydrane tablets (a mix of aspirin and amphetamine), consuming ten times the recommended dose each day? Daily Rituals details the work and life habits of a number of world-famous artists, filmmakers, novelists, and other creative types.
[It’s] a good way to confirm that however quirky you think you are (or, are told that you are), you’re actually in good company.
Cedric
Quiet has a message that deeply resonates with introverts: In a culture that praises the “Extrovert Ideal,” introverts are dramatically undervalued—and because of this, society is losing out. As of 2015, two million copies of this book had been sold worldwide, making it a bestseller, and an essential for any introvert’s bookshelf.
Quiet has been a life-changer for me. Susan Cain is an excellent writer—easy to read and informed. She really opened up the world of introverts. Obviously, a great read for introverts (and extroverts, too)!
Cheryl
Adrift is a captivating firsthand account written by the only person known to have survived more than a month alone at sea. After his small boat capsizes, Steven fights for his life in an inflatable raft. National Geographic Explorer calls it, “One of the 100 best adventure books of all time.”
Why the book is perfect for introverted readers: The main character is alone for more than two months—enough said.
Cheryl
One rainy afternoon, while riding a city bus, Gretchen Rubin had an epiphany: She wasn’t focusing on the things that really matter in life. That’s when she decided to embark on a year-long journey to find happiness. In her bestselling book, Rubin shares wisdom, current scientific research, and lessons from popular culture about how to be happier.
It’s a great book for introverts because it can help them take control of their life and create their own happiness.
Cheryl
5.
Infinite Jest by David Foster WallacePart philosophical quest, part screwball comedy, Infinite Jest examines fundamental questions about what entertainment is and why it has come to rule our lives, how our addiction to entertainment affects our need to connect with others, and what the diversions we choose say about who we are.
Why this book would interest introverts:
[It explores] the confluence of crippling introversion, addiction, and the pressure to perform.
Jef
If you’re an introvert who is also a highly sensitive person, Elaine N. Aron’s book is a must-read. Drawing on years of research and hundreds of interviews, Aron shows highly sensitive people how they can better understand themselves and their trait, as well as create a fuller, richer life.
[The Highly Sensitive Person provides] great insight as for why some of us need our alone time and why the outside world might be very reasonably overwhelming.
Maria
After a dust storm forces his crew to evacuate while thinking him dead, Mark Watney finds himself stranded and utterly alone on Mars, with no way to even communicate to Earth that he’s alive. The Martian inspired the 2015 hit movie starring Matt Damon, which got seven Oscar nominations, including “Best Picture.”
The science in it is good, so the inner geek might be satisfied. The main character needed to survive on Mars alone until rescue could happen. I saw the movie but liked the book even more.
Ann
8.
Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami and Jay RubinNorwegian Wood is the touching story of one college student’s romantic coming-of-age. Toru is a quiet, serious young student in Tokyo who is devoted to Naoko, a beautiful, introspective young woman.
When Naoko finds the pressure of college life unbearable, she retreats into her own world, and the two drift apart. Murakami’s book sold over four million copies in Japan, and is now available in the US for the first time.
I find it especially fitting for introverts because of the beautifully pensive way in which the main character thinks and Murakami writes.
Willem
British-born Beryl Markham grew up in Kenya’s unforgiving farmlands and was a rebel from a young age. In 1936, she accepted a dangerous challenge: to fly alone across the Atlantic Ocean, an endeavor that fellow female aviator Amelia Earhart had completed just a few years before. West With the Night has been called “one of the greatest adventure books of all time” by Newsweek and “the sort of book that makes you think human beings can do anything” by The New York Times.
Why it would inspire introverts:
Her inner processing and insights into culture and people are exquisite.
It is a true adventure.
Ann
Women Don’t Ask examines the societal and personal reasons women rarely ask for what they need, want, and deserve at home and on the job—and shows how they can develop this vital skill.
Women Don’t Ask is full of stats and studies and fascinating information on the ways women are socialized to put others first and hold themselves back. For introverts, it’s a double whammy situation. I’ve raved about this book to all my fiercest girlfriends, and they are always as knocked out and inspired as I was reading it.
Kristin
The Introvert Advantage is another must-have for the introvert’s book shelf. Laney’s book dispels common myths about introverts and shows that quiet types are predisposed from birth to turn inward.
[It’s a] wonderful book [that provides] practical support in understanding introversion and how to navigate in a world of extroversion.
This book was a huge step in self-understanding and acceptance.
Jae
Greg Gaines is a senior in high school who’s strategy is to keep a low profile and make mediocre films with his “sort of” friend Earl. Then, his mom ruins everything by introducing him to a girl who is dying of cancer. Me and Earl and the Dying Girl inspired the hit film and was ranked in the top 10 fiction books for young adults.
It would be captivating for introverts because it includes characters who are introverts even though they aren’t labeled that way.
Maha
The Secret Lives of Introverts is my book! This introvert guide and manifesto will help you—and the extroverts in your life—better understand and embrace your temperament. To write the book, I drew on interviews with hundreds of introverts, the latest scientific research about introversion, and personal stories told by me and the writers of
Introvert, Dear. The Secret Lives of Introverts will not only validate your experiences as an introvert, but it will also teach you how to work with your introversion rather than fight against it.
This article was originally published on Introvert, Dear. It has been republished here with permission.
9 books every introvert should read
September 9, 2017 Books
If you're an introvert and love to read, there's sure to be something to your liking in this collection.
1. Genius mode. The daily routine of great people, Mason Curry
Curry talks about the unusual habits of famous artists, writers, scientists and other creative personalities and helps to understand that we all have our own oddities and this should not be ashamed. For example, did you know that Stravinsky could compose music only if he was sure that no one could hear him, and in order to overcome a creative crisis, he stood on his head? Or that Sartre chewed stimulant pills every day at ten times the recommended amount? nine0003
Buy at Litres.ru
2. “Introverts. How to use your personality traits, Susan Cain
Cain helps you understand how to fulfill yourself and your ambitions in a world where extroversion is valued.
Her book has become an international bestseller, with more than two million copies sold worldwide.
Buy at Litres.ru
3. “Drift. Inspiring Story of an Inventor Shipwrecked on the High Ocean by Stephen Callahan
Callahan was wrecked and spent 76 days alone on the high seas, struggling to survive. National Geographic named Drift one of the 100 best adventure books of all time.
Buy at Litres.ru
4. Project Happiness, Gretchen Rubin
One day Gretchen Rubin was riding in a bus and suddenly realized that she was wasting time on things that were not really important. After that, she decided to figure out what happiness is and how to find it. In her book, she shares wise advice and scientific research to help you take control of your life and become happier. nine0003
Buy at Litres.ru
5. “Supersensitive nature. How to Succeed in a Mad World, Elaine Ayron
Based on scientific research and hundreds of interviews, Ayron shares how hypersensitive people can better understand themselves and live fulfilling lives.
This book explains why some people need to spend time alone and why the world around them sometimes makes them feel overwhelmed.
Buy at Litres.ru
6. The Martian, Andy Weier
Mark Watney is left alone on Mars as the rest of the crew evacuates due to a sandstorm. Now he is forced to survive alone without a livelihood and the ability to contact the Earth. This book will appeal to all fans of science fiction.
Buy at Labirint.ru
7. "Norwegian Forest" by Haruki Murakami
This touching coming-of-age story may appeal to introverts for its thoughtful view of the protagonist's world and Murakami's melancholy language. nine0003
Buy at Labirint.ru
8. "The Advantages of Introverts", Marty Laney
Laney debunks common myths about introverts and describes their strengths. The book also contains practical advice that will help introverts understand themselves and better navigate the world of extroverts.
9.
"Me and Earl and the Dying Girl" by Jessie Andrews
Greg Gaines is an ordinary teenager who tries not to stand out and, together with his friend Earl, makes parodies of classic films. His life changes when he befriends a girl with cancer. The book was also made into a film of the same name. nine0003
Buy at Litres.ru
5 excellent books for introverts
If you prefer a cozy evening alone to a party in a large company, then most likely you are an introvert. Contrary to stereotypes, an introvert is not necessarily a modest quiet person. It’s just that people with such a psychotype get tired of communication more often and faster – with colleagues, shop assistants, call center operators, or even with friends.
The world is geared towards extroverts: doing school assignments in groups, speaking to audiences at universities, collaborative briefings of ideas at work, open spaces in the office, and even daily subway rides in the crowd. How can introverts live in the age of constant communication? The books will give you the answer.
nine0003
We have selected 5 books that will help introverts accept themselves and explain why not wanting to be oversociable is completely normal. You will find a funny comic book about “a quiet girl in a noisy world”, a useful sci-pop with exercises and the story of an introverted girl who nevertheless decided to leave her comfort zone.
1. Introverts. How to use your personality traits
Kane S.
Susan Cain is a negotiator. She taught this skill to different people, from top managers and TV presenters to college graduates. In his book, Kane proves that introverts are just as capable as extroverts of building communication and coping with complex tasks. The book will introduce you to the most famous and successful introverts in history, help you find your strengths and explain how to succeed while remaining yourself. nine0003
2. The power of introverts.
How to use your oddities to your advantage Leken S.
What do you do when meetings feel like hell and discussions with co-workers are overwhelming? Learn more about your strengths, and turn your weaknesses into a tool for achieving success. The book of Sylvia Leuken, the world's expert on extraversion and introversion, will help with this. In the guide, you'll find a list of the benefits of being an introvert, tips for raising an introverted child, tips, and simple exercises to help you deal with communication stress. nine0003
3. Be an introvert. The story of a quiet girl in a noisy world
Tang D.
Artist Debbie Tang is an introvert. In her comic, she tells a personal story about how to get along in a noisy world: go to parties and dates, work in an office and study. These small and kind stories will show you how to accept your need for solitude and learn to love the world.
4. Supersensitive nature. How to Succeed in a Mad World
Eyron E.
Among introverts, there are often hypersensitive personalities, or HSPs - people who are especially sensitive to what is happening. Psychotherapist Elaine Ayron has been researching this psychotype for many years and now shares her findings in this book. The author talks about the leading character traits of hypersensitive natures and about ways to solve problems that seem like a trifle to ordinary people. You can also find useful tips and exercises in the book. They will reduce anxiety and help you better adapt to the modern world. nine0003
5. Sorry, I'm late. Actually I didn't want to come
Pan J.
For some people, life seems to be made up of accidents. Some talk to someone in the park and get their dream job. Others meet their love in a restaurant queue.
