The 25+ Best Books for Introverts: Books for All Types of Introverts

Hey there, it's me, your local introvert. Throughout my childhood and well into adulthood, this push to be louder has been a big part of the world's noisiness. 

When we hear about powerful, compelling leaders and successful professionals, they're not often paired with words like "quiet" or "reticent." 

Instead, the stories of some of the biggest successes (or perceived successes, ahem!) are laced with words like "compelling," "magnetic," and "commanding"—and you get the gist.

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Personally, it took a long time to learn and accept that my introversion wasn't a setback but a quiet and hidden strength. 

About a year ago, I was reading a pretty unsuspecting board book to my two-year-old called Duck, Duck & Goose. In the book, Duck and Goose are best friends despite being different. When a "new duck" comes to town, Duck is immediately drawn to their outgoing nature and fun attitude. Goose, ever the introvert, worries that their BFF has left them for the new duck. 

SPOILER ALERT: In the end, Duck likes their new friend but also appreciates and recognizes that Goose has calm and steady energy. Duck sees the power of Goose's introversion and they all live quackily ever after (I'm sorry, I had to). 

It was an unexpected realization, and I wish that book had been around when I was a shy and introverted child with burgeoning social anxiety. Maybe a story like this would have quelled some of that shame and allowed me to live more comfortably in my inner life. 

Long story short, this is the reason I wanted to compile this list of books for and about introverts. While I firmly believe that a board book can have a huge impact, a la Duck & Goose, many great books speak to the power of the introvert. 

The Quick List: 10 Best Books for Introverts

Don't want to read this entire article? That's fine! Here's a quick list of some of your favorite books for introverts. Scroll down to read more about these books—and many more of our favorite picks for introverts. 

Let's talk about more introvert books. 

Books About Introverts at Work and in the World 

Extroverted culture is all around us—and it can be pretty loud. Before going any further, I need to mention that we need extroverts, and they need us. In the middle of it all, we have ambiverts too. 

The world cannot go on without a balance of all types. 

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Is this the GOAT when it comes to books on introversion? Maybe!

This book explores the strengths and qualities of introverts in a society that often values extroversion. Quiet invites readers to listen and understand what introversion really is.

The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World by Marti Olsen Laney

The Introvert Advantage offers practical advice and insights on how introverts can harness their unique traits for personal and professional success.

The Highly Sensitive Person's Complete Learning Program: Essential Insights and Tools for Navigating Your Work, Relationships, and Life by Elaine N. Aron, PhD

In her groundbreaking 1996 book, The Highly Sensitive Person, Dr. Elaine Aron first brought introversion traits to light, validating the unique lives of one-fifth of the population.

The Highly Sensitive Person dives into the concept of sensitivity and how it relates to introversion, offering guidance on managing sensitivity effectively.

Introvert Doodles: An Illustrated Look at Introvert Life in an Extrovert World by Maureen Marzi Wilson

Do you like doodles? Us too!

Introvert Doodles is a light-hearted, illustrated book that humorously depicts the daily experiences and thoughts of introverts. Follow Marzi through all of her most uncomfortable, charming, honest, and hilarious moments that everyone can relate to. 

If you want to get in on the doodling fun, pick up The Introvert Activity Book, too! 

The Secret Lives of Introverts by Jenn Granneman 

While many introverts can appear quiet and reserved externally, many live a rich and secret inner world.

The Secret Lives of Introverts details scientific research, in-depth interviews with experts and other introverts, and Granneman's own personal story. It reveals the clockwork behind the introvert’s mind—and why so many people get it wrong initially.

The Introvert's Edge: How the Quiet and Shy Can Outsell Anyone by Matthew Pollard

Sales is a skill that is historically linked to extroverts. However, just like any other skill, anybody can learn and excel in sales. As with any success, it’s all about learning how to leverage your natural strengths. The Introvert's Edge teaches introverts how to find their natural confidence and become sales powerhouses. 

Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe, PhD

Introvert Power is the perfect book for introverts who want to stand in their own power instead of trying to emulate extroverts. This book explains how introversion comes with its own strengths. It can help any introvert 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.

The Little Book of Hygge: Danish Secrets to Happy Living by Meik Wiking

Any introvert loves the Danish concept of hygge, which is all about finding comfort, coziness, and contentment in simple, introvert-friendly pleasures. The Little Book of Hygge (pronounced hoo-ga, for those of you wondering!) introduced this cornerstone of Danish life—and how to infuse a little hygge into your life. 

Slip into your most comfortable wool socks, cuddle up with your coziest blankie, light your favorite candles, and read this book on the joys of feeling cozy at home. 

The Happiness Project: Or, Why I Spent a Year Trying to Sing in the Morning, Clean My Closets, Fight Right, Read Aristotle, and Generally Have More Fun by Gretchen Rubin

Gretchen Rubin's bestselling book, The Happiness Project, describes one person’s year-long attempt to discover what leads to true contentment. Read this book if you want inspiration in someone else's transformation. 

The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere by Pico Iyer

The Art of Stillness is a short book that discusses the value of stillness and solitude in our increasingly busy world, appealing to the introvert's need for quiet reflection. 

In The Art of Stillness, from TED Books, Iyer investigates the lives of people who have made a life seeking stillness.

Quiet Leadership: Six Steps to Transforming Performance at Work by David Rock

Imagine a quiet and understated boss. It sounds pretty nice, huh? 

Quiet Leadership focuses on leadership strategies that play to the strengths of introverts, emphasizing the power of listening and thoughtful communication.

The Awakened Introvert: Practical Mindfulness Skills to Help You Maximize Your Strengths and Thrive in a Loud and Crazy World by Arnie Kozak

The Awakened Introvert shows readers how to tap into their inherent introvert strengths and awaken their potential using mindfulness meditations and cognitive behavioral techniques.

The Introvert Entrepreneur by Beth Buelow 

The Introvert Entrepreneur is written specifically for introverts looking to create a company or organization on their terms, with their unique strengths. 

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.

The Irresistible Introvert by Michaela Chung 

The word “charisma” usually brings to mind a confident and commanding extrovert. Introverts can certainly be confident, but they might struggle to stand out in a crowd. The Irresistible Introvert offers advice to introverts who want to master the social game without sacrificing their innate personality.

The Introvert’s Way by Sophia Dembling

The Introvert's Way encourages readers to embrace their nature and reframe any feelings of shame. Clever and pithy, this book debunks the myths that all introverts are shy, quiet, or antisocial.

The One-Person Business: Make Great Money. Work the Way You Like. Have the Life You Want by Elaine Pofeldt

The One-Person Business explores how introverts can leverage their skills and personality traits to create successful one-person businesses.

Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes but Jessica Pan

The synopsis of Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come is pretty much covered in the title. What if a seasoned introvert started saying yes to everything? This book explores what happens when one introvert fights her natural tendencies and tries many new things. 

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story by Debbie Tung

Quiet Girl in a Noisy World is a book of short comics that illuminates author Debbie Tung's experience as an introvert in an extrovert’s world. This book spans three years of Debbie's life, from the end of college to the present day.

In these early years of adulthood, Debbie slowly but finally discovers there is a name for her lifelong need to be alone: she’s an introvert.

Fictional Books for Introverts 

When looking for advice and actionable life tips, it's a known tendency to stick to non-fiction. However, all fiction draws from some human experience and perception. These fictional books all feature introverted characters looking to find their own comfort zone in the world. 

Will these fictional books teach you how to command a meeting at work? Maybe not, but they are filled with social interactions, internal musings, and excerpts from the daily lives of introverted characters.

Persuasion by Jane Austen

Jane Austen is known for writing quiet, introverted characters that she unwraps to reveal compelling humans. In Persuasion, Anne Elliot is a classic introvert who quietly hoards an overflowing amount of emotions. Persuasion is the "will they, won't they" tale that serves as a character study on introversion.

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a novel featuring a quirky introverted protagonist, Eleanor Oliphant, who has a carefully curated life designed for minimal social interaction. In this funny and sweet novel, Oliphant embarks on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth.

We're also huge fans of the audiobook. The narrator, Cathleen McCarron, won awards for her multi-accented narration. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Perks of Being a Wallflower is a coming-of-age novel that resonates with introverts as it follows the life of a socially introverted high school student, Charlie. Since its original publication in 1999, it has also been into a major motion picture starring Emma Watson.

More Fictional Books With Introverts:

Children's Books for Introverted Young Readers

We have a few ideas if you're looking for a lighter read or a gift for the little magical introvert in your life. I wanted to give a huge thanks to Brightly for the inspiration for a big chunk of this list!

The following are books for young kids, middle school-aged pre-teens, and teenagers. However, I'd say any introvert can take lessons away from these books. I'd argue that YA books are some of the greatest books being written nowadays!

Picture Books for Introverted Kids

Books for Middle School-Aged Introverts

YA Books for Introverted Readers

If you have more recommendations, we'd love to see them! Feel free to email us at editorial at career contessa dot com to help us add to this list!