21 Books Every Introvert Needs to Read

“Quiet” is at the top of every introvert’s reading list, this book will speak to your introverted soul. In this book, Cain explores the underestimated power of introverts and how they can use their introverted traits to their advantage. “Quiet” is a must-read for any introvert looking to understand themselves better and learn how to thrive in a world that values extroversion.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a beautiful story that demonstrates how being a wallflower doesn’t have to be a bad thing at all. The book portrays the main character Charlie in a thoughtful, kind, and introverted manner. In this book, being a wallflower is not a weakness, it’s a strength. A must-read for any introvert!

“Normal People” is the hugely successful novel by Sally Rooney that details the realistic and flawed relationship between Marianne and Connell. Showing complex characters with both introverted and extroverted traits, this tale of love and heartbreak can teach introverts everywhere a thing or two about how to remain true to their introverted nature, whilst not caring about what people think of them, just like the main character Marianne.

“The Great Gatsby” is one of my all-time favorite novels. Like most introverts, Gatsby often prefers to remain quietly in the background, even at his own famous parties. It’s a tragic tale of love, death, and the American dream. Jay Gatsby (INFJ) is a reserved, thoughtful, and considerate character who appreciates privacy. He’s a perfect example of a mysterious, caring, and alluring INFJ.

“Jane Eyre” is a classic and Jane is a relatable introvert. She is someone who is content to get lost in literature and a quiet world of her own making, rather than deal with complicated human interactions. It’s a story of Jane finding herself and her journey through life, and one which has been read by millions worldwide for a reason.

In “The Hobbit” we meet Bilbo Baggins who is a true introvert. When adventure is thrust upon him, he makes it very clear that he would much rather stay at home. This tale of adventure and friendship has created a cult following and has spanned a series of blockbuster movies. Introverts will love this book for its awe-inspiring creativity, and the array of varied and loveable characters.

“Ready Player One” is a cult classic. It is a dystopian, fantasy, gamer-friendly novel that tells the story of Wade Watts and his search for easter eggs in the online virtual reality game that all humans now engage with. If you’re into anything remotely dystopian or gaming-related, this book is a true form of introvert escapism.

“Pride and Prejudice” is a prime example of an introverted main character who is misunderstood. Mark Darcy (INTJ) is often interpreted as standoffish or rude, but in reality, he is a classic introvert. He is reserved and likes to keep himself to himself. A great example of his introversion is when he says, “I certainly have not the talent which some people possess of conversing easily with those I have never seen before”. I think that most introverts can relate to that!

“Fangirl” is a coming-of-age fiction novel that focuses on Cath, the bookworm main character who needs to work out how to navigate college life without the help of her twin sister. Immersing herself in her fan fiction and preferring to spend her time in her own head, this is the true tale of an introvert trying to maneuver the world.

“Harry Potter” is a hugely popular series in which we find a vast number of introverts: Harry Potter himself (an ISFP), Luna Lovegood (INFP), and Remus Lupin (INFJ), amongst many others. Read and adored by people all over the globe, it’s a tale of friendship, magic, fantasy, and bravery. For introverts of the world, there’s a character to relate to for everyone in this one-of-a-kind series. It was even written by an introvert; JK Rowling is an INFJ. This isn’t a surprise given she must be highly imaginative to create the whole Harry Potter Universe in her head.

Roald Dahl is a master at creating fantasies for both children and adults, alike. Matilda Wormwood (INTJ) is a young girl who is most fulfilled when nose-deep in a book. Nothing makes her happier than spending her time in the library finding new ways to escape in her favorite storybooks. She often feels as if she doesn’t fit in with her family, so when she finds a fellow introvert and friend in her teacher Miss Honey (ISFJ), she finally feels seen.

“Romeo and Juliet” is a tale of tragedy and young love. This famous piece of work from William Shakespeare is known and appreciated by people around the world. Juliet Montague (INFP) shows a thoughtful, caring, but passionate side to her introverted character. And Romeo Montague (INFP) is a dreamy, introverted soul who wants to make the world a better place. This book is a perfect example of how introverts can’t be reduced to meek, quiet, and nervous people – they can be deeply passionate individuals!

“A Song of Ice and Fire” inspired the hugely popular series “Game of Thrones”. This series has grown to levels of unprecedented popularity. George R R Martin has created a book that documents a number of complex characters, including many introverted main characters, such as Jon Snow (ISFP), Bran Stark (INFP), and Daenerys Targaryen (INFJ). There’s no shortage of powerful introverted characters in these books.

“Diary of a Wimpy Kid” is for those of us who prefer to live in our own heads and doodle our ideas down rather than actually vocalizing them out loud. If that sounds like you, you’ll definitely resonate with the “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series. Growing up is hard and this book demonstrates perfectly how it feels to be living inside your head, observing others, and trying to work out your way in life, just like the main character Greg does. This kid’s book will take you on a creative journey of childhood self-discovery.

This best-selling book depicts the complexities of social rules, and the nuances of daily interactions, from the perspective of an introverted thirty-something-year-old woman called Eleanor Oliphant. She is a character who prefers to sit on the sofa at home in her own company and follow her somewhat mundane weekly routine to a tee. It’s a story of healing and self-discovery that anyone would enjoy.

“The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes” is a story about Sherlock Holmes (INTP) who lives most of his life inside his head. He is highly analytical and curious, and works out his theories by talking to himself in his head. It’s no wonder that many introverts relate to him. He’s a skeptical, dynamic, and inquisitive character who loves nothing more than to dissect theories – a true INTP!

“The Introvert Advantage” is a key read for introverts looking to boost their inner strength and confidence. It teaches that in a world of loud, noisy, flamboyant leaders, there’s power in the unique strengths of introverts. This book dispels the harmful myths about introverts being antisocial, self-absorbed, and reclusive while uncovering the strengths of what it actually means to be an introvert.

“The Secret Lives of Introverts” is all about tapping into your hidden inner introverted strengths. A must-read for anyone who feels misunderstood or misjudged for simply being ‘too quiet’. Through its debunking of introvert myths and dissection of their hidden powers, this book is a must-read for anyone who has ever felt misunderstood and is in need of a little introvert-empowerment boost. Jenn Granneman is also the founder of Introvert Dear, one of our favorite introvert websites.

This is a beautiful and heartbreaking work of fiction from John Green. “The Fault in Our Stars” follows the lives of two cancer patients and their journey through life and all of its ups and downs. Hazel, one of the two main characters, is an introverted main character with low self-esteem. She lacks self-confidence and prefers to spend her time alone, whilst simultaneously not caring what people think of her.

“Little Women” is a classic tale of four sisters on their journey from childhood to womanhood. It’s a story of feminism, sisterhood, and war. Introverts everywhere will delight in relating to the quiet strength of Jo (INFJ), and the bookish introversion of Meg (ISFJ). Beth (INFP), another one of the sisters, is also an introverted character who has a deep desire to make the world a better place.

“The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo” depicts the life of sullen introvert Lisbeth Salander (ISTP), the gaming, hacking, motorbike-riding woman who helps Mikael Blomkvist uncover a past crime and catch a killer. This dark and twisted thriller is part of a series of books that showcase Lisbeth in all her dark and introverted glory.