If you're an introvert, you've undoubtedly heard countless people tell you how you should really come out of your shell, or have had others think you're odd for enjoying living alone, being shy, or not loving big gatherings. While there are advantages to being outgoing, there is nothing wrong with being an introvert (there have been numerous highly successful and brilliant introverts throughout history), and there are many ways to use your personality to your advantage, whether in business, school, or personal matters.
Here we've collected some great books on living life as an introvert, offering advice on everything from getting ahead to enjoying time spent alone. Whether you read one or all of these books, you are sure to come away with a better understanding of your own personality type and find some valuable guidance on how to live life to the fullest as yourself, not as others would like you to be.
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The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney
In this book, readers will get great insight into what it means to be an introvert as well as information that will dispel many of the myths that surround those with more inwardly-focused natures. Even better, the book is full of tips and tricks to help introverts use their unique skills to get ahead in the office and ways that they can temporarily become extroverts when life requires it. -
The Happy Introvert: A Wild and Crazy Guide for Celebrating Your True Self by Elizabeth Wagele
Despite what some people might say, you don't need to be an extrovert to be happy in life. Read through this book to learn how to enjoy the rich inner life being an introvert affords you, from an author who is a self-proclaimed introvert herself. -
Self-Promotion for Introverts: The Quiet Guide to Getting Ahead by Nancy Ancowitz
While being an introvert can be great, it can sometimes make it harder to get noticed at work or to stand out from your peers. In this book, readers will learn some valuable methods for presenting, communicating, networking, and other business essentials, with additional tips from big names like Warren Buffet, Seth Godin, and Bill Clinton. -
Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life is Your Hidden Strength by Laurie Helgoe
Psychologist and admitted introvert Laurie Helgoe showcases some of the traits that nearly half of Americans share as introverts. Helgoe shows that while society seems to value the traits of an extrovert, introverts have traits that can help them become quite successful. She even provides a great mantra: "Quiet is might. Solitude is strength. Introversion is power." -
The successful Introvert: How to Enhance Your Job Search and Advance Your Career by Wendy Gelberg
Looking for a way to make yourself stand out at the office but aren't sure how to start? This book by Wendy Gelberg presents a variety of strategies used by successful people, many capitalizing on the unique strengths that many introverts share. -
Solitude: A Return to the Self by Anthony Storr
Enjoying inner reflection, solitude, and self-discovery isn't a bad thing, as British psychotherapist Storr explains. He explores the solitary nature of some of history's greatest creative minds and showcases the mental health advantages that being alone can offer. -
Party of One: The Loners' Manifesto by Anneli S. Rufus
If you're the type that eschews a crowd, you're not alone, in the larger sense anyway. You're joining the ranks of famous loners and solitude lovers like Buddha, J.D. Salinger, and Emily Dickinson. In this book, you'll learn why you don't need to be fixed or changed to operate in the world, as Rufus offers a compelling defense for the role of the loner in society. -
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron
Aron describes a Highly Sensitive Person as someone who is easily overstimulated by loud noise and crowds, values time alone, and is often labeled as "too shy" or "too sensitive" by others. Through this book, you'll learn to identify your sensitive traits, better understand yourself and your personal relationships, and even get some guidance on how to avoid becoming overwhelmed by social situations. -
Gifts Differing: Understanding Personality Types by Isabel Briggs Myers with Peter B. Myers
Isabel Briggs Myers was the co-creator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator test, which is still widely used today, so she knows a thing or two about personality types. Take a version of the test yourself (widely available online) to see where you fall on the spectrum, then read a bit about what that assessment means in this book. You'll gain loads of insight into your personality and what makes you tick. -
The Tender Heart: Conquering Your Insecurity by Joseph Nowinski
Is your introversion rooted in insecurity and uncertainty? Learn how to conquer your lack of confidence and realize your full potential with a little help from psychologist Joseph Nowinski, who is also founder of the Institute of Interpersonal Sensitivity. -
Celebrating Time Alone: Stories of Splendid Solitude by Lionel L. Fisher
Do people find it strange that you like to spend time alone at home or traveling? As you'll learn here, they really shouldn't. Solitude can be amazing for gaining mental clarity, relaxing, or just recharging, as you'll see from the numerous inspirational stories collected in this book.
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