10 books every introvert should read
I have spent way too much of my life seeing my introversion as somewhat of a negative thing. It’s easy to do — our society praises, rewards, and encourages extroversion. I’ve turned to books to help me embrace my introversion. Reading — fiction and nonfiction — has helped me see that 1) I am definitely not alone, and 2) there is beauty in turning inward.
Here are 10 books that will make the introvert’s heart happy:
This book talks about how society undervalues introverts and showcases all the good things introverts bring to the table. I underlined more passages in this book than I have in any other.
2. Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Holden Caufield leaves his prep school in Pennsylvania and goes underground in NYC for 3 days. At one point, he decides he will go out west and live a reclusive life as a gas station attendant. I connected with Holden in high school, and I still connect with him.
3. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
This is a classic coming-of-age book about a classic “wallflower” (Charlie) who is trying to make the always-awkward transition from adolescence to adulthood.
4. All the Birds, Singing by Evie Wyld
The main character in this book, Jake Whyte, lives on her own in an old farmhouse on a British island. Need I say more?
5. Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt
Fourteen-year-old June thinks the only person who really understands her is her uncle Finn. When he dies, she is left to feel completely alone in the world until an unexpected friend comes into her life.
6. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is not just introverted; she’s reclusive. Her life is carefully orchestrated to avoid social interaction. As expected, a couple people come along to pull her ever-so-slightly out of her shell.
7. How Not to Die Alone by Richard Roper
Andrew tells people he has a wife and children at home, but that’s not true at all. When the white lie is revealed, Andrew is forced to do a little soul searching.
8. The Bookish Life of Nina Hill by Abbi Waxman
Nina lives a cozy, internal life complete with books and a cat to keep her company. When the father she never knew dies, she is forced into social interactions with family she didn’t know she had.
9. The Music Shop by Rachel Joyce
Frank owns a music shop, where he is happy introverting his life away until a woman comes in asking him to teach her about music. As all the emotional baggage is unpacked, you’ll find yourself smiling.
10. The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is one of my favorite books of all time. You will fall in love with A.J. Fikry, who lives alone and owns a struggling bookstore. There’s humor, romance, suspense, love — all the things that make great fiction (and great life).
