Unrelatable books might be the reason you’re uninterested in the world of storytelling. Here’s a glimpse of what your reading preference might be, according to your MBTI personality type
This summer, dive into a book and lose yourself in the pages of carefully crafted worlds. Whether you’re looking to lounge on a beach chair with a lush romance or tuck yourself into a me-time corner for thought-provoking nonfiction, here are some recommendations based on what your MBTI personality type would enjoy. While the personality test is fluid, ambiguous, and broad, this beginner guide can help if you’re looking to start reading as a hobby this summer.
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INTJ – The Architect
In deriving energy from solitary thought and the power of the mind, INTJs are logical, imaginative, strategic, and self-sufficient. This recommendation will surely bring reflections, insights and fun to these individuals.
Book Reco: A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
The 1887 detective novel which marked the first appearance of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson has all the mystery and diverse plotlines to satisfy the INTJ mind. It follows their first thrilling investigation into a mysterious murder in 19th century London.
INTP – The Logician
Likely to consume stories that have a variety of themes and twists, INTPs typically veer towards fantasy, science fiction, or nonfiction more. As innovative inventors, these individuals are always on the lookout for something that can challenge conventional thinking.
Book Reco: Ghost Empire by Richard Fidler
A father-son adventure nonfiction takes you to the rich history of the Byzantine Empire, mainly centered around the legendary Constantinople—now-called Istanbul. For individuals with a thirst for knowledge such as the INTP, there is much to learn from this book about inventions, the clash of civilizations, the rise of Christianity, and more.
ENTJ – The Commander
Known for their leadership skills, determination, and strategic thinking, this personality type floats to the top with their ambitious actions. As people who like to be in charge, this might interest you.
Book Reco: The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
ENTJs are drawn to the noble character of Edmond Dantes, a young sailor about to become captain of a ship as well as to be married to the lovely Mercédès. However, when four jealous men conspire to throw him in prison, Edmond withers away in the Chateau d’lf. That is, until he befriends another prisoner who tells him about the treasure hidden on the Isle of Monte Cristo. His unbeatable ambition to escape and the story of vengeance might hook readers and non-readers of this personality type.
ENTP – The Debater
Individuals with quick wit and even quicker tongues, ENTPs enjoy airtight arguments, compelling ideas, and a good challenge of unique takes for the workings of their mind. They dislike rules and limitations.
Book Reo: 1984 by George Orwell
A seminal work of dystopian fiction, this novel follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the ruling party, who harbors revolutionary dreams. In a story that focuses on a totalitarian society where freedom is distant, and independent thinking and individualism are viewed as capital crimes, ENTPs are likely to enjoy a masterpiece about rebellion and imprisonment.
INFJ – The Advocate
INFJs are tireless idealists, visionaries, and are the very picture of empathy with an intuitive understanding of the human feelings.
Book Reco: Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
This dystopian novel takes the reader into the life of Lauren Oya Olamina, a woman with ‘hyperempathy,’ allowing her to feel the pain and pleasure of others. Despite living in a hostile environment, Lauren also dreams of a better future and a more resilient community. Delving deeply into the human condition, and societal structures, the INFJ’s intellectual curiosity and need for meaningful engagement will surely be satisfied.
INFP – The Mediator
The Mediators are deeply sensitive, private, and internally aware individuals. Their easygoing disposition runs a passion and loyalty for the people they care for and the causes they believe in. They place value on harmony and balance—even when letting their heart and emotion drive them.
Book Reco: The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros
This coming-of-age story follows the life experiences of Esperanza, a young Mexican American girl in Chicago, within the Latin neighborhood of Mango Street. Told by a series of vignettes, however, this story not only revolves around Esperanza, but also the people who reside in the neighborhood. This book is a thought-provoking and emotionally charged exploration that INFPs will find stimulating and fulfilling—full of deep ideas and multifaceted people.
ENFJ – The Protagonist
ENFJs are known to be full of empathy, social skills, and a relentless desire to help or make a difference. They care for harmony, personal growth, and making a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Book Reco: Beautiful World, Where Are You by Sally Rooney
This book is a wonderful portrayal of people’s everyday lives, their innermost thoughts, and sensibilities. The human vulnerability in an overwhelming, imperfect world shines as a main theme in this book, and is sure to be both challenging and rewarding for the ENFJ’s literary journey.
ENFP – The Campaigner
Often purpose-driven individuals, ENFPs appreciate a creative and unpredictable world, where their free spirit can roam free.
Book Reco: The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente
ENFPs can indulge in a delightful, whimsical book about a young girl named September who is spirited away to Fairyland on a quest. Colorful, bright, vivid, and theatrical, this playful and sweet story offers both entertainment and introspection for the ENFP.
ISTJ – The Logistician
Characterized by their practicality, attention to detail, and organized nature, these individuals are fact-minded and reliable with a deep sense of integrity.
Book Reco: Atonement by Ian McEwan
A story that relies on a single person’s tale that ultimately leads to terrible consequences? This book is for the individual who cares about the truth and the importance of the truth—because otherwise, the world might fall into shambles. Case in point: these characters suffer the repercussions through the chaos and carnage of World War II.
ISFJ – The Defender
The ISFJs are warm-hearted and kind individuals who have an innate desire to provide for others. Conventional and grounded, an ISFJ is steady and committed, conscientious and methodical, with a deep sense of responsibility.
Book Reco: The Memory Keeper’s Daughter by Kim Edwards
A brilliantly crafted novel that articulates the insidious nature of keeping a secret—and how that changes your life forever. A moving and poignant novel about grief and love, this story follows the consequences of Dr. David Henry—who discovers that his newborn daughter has Down’s Syndrome. Believing he is acting on love for his wife, he asks the attending nurse, Caroline, to take the child to an institution and never reveal this secret. Caroline takes Phoebe—but cannot leave her alone. She disappears and raises the child as her own.
ESTJ – The Executive
ESTJs value leadership through practicality and order. They have logical and detail-oriented minds, and so would appreciate a thought-provoking novel that can engage them.
Book Reco: In Cold Blood by Truman Capote
The murder mystery of the four members of the Clutter family will spark the ESTJ’s curiosity and their strategic acumen to work through an investigation with the main character. This page-turner thriller will give ESTJs an immersive reading experience and put them on the edge of their seat, all the while turning the gears in their heads.
ESFJ – The Consul
The Consul type is often practical, supportive, social, and willing to respond to the needs of others. They have a sense of loyalty and duty, but do it with a more expressive heart than the other Sentinels.
Book Reco: The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
If you’re an ESFJ, you appreciate a story full of heart. That’s the sensational The Last Song. Feel all the feelings in this emotionally-charged story with human connections that run deep—whether it be in the family or in new relationships.
ISTP – The Virtuoso
ISTPs are bold and practical, masters at thinking on their feet, and wizards at using tools. They are the most independent of the personality types, and above all—the most realistic.
Book Reco: The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
This popular YA (Young Adult) series grips the ISTP’s need for problem-solving—learning to survive in the ultimate game of survival using intelligence and resourcefulness. The story’s themes of survival, revolt against repression, and the moral choices the characters make will speak to the ISTP’s spirit of independence and their need for a fulfilling adventure.
ISFP – The Adventurer
Always ready to explore and experience something new, the ISFP is drawn to the innovative or unusual.
Book Reco: Peter Pan by J.M. Barrie
The classic fairytale about The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up is a fantasy adventure children’s book that is spontaneous and filled with fantastic imagination. Brimming with vivid characters, battles, pirates, fairies, and more, Peter Pan captures the spirit of childhood and will take the ISFP to an adventure even just in the pages. The decisions the author and the story make reflect the ISFP’s desire for exploration, freedom, and individuality.
ESTP – The Entrepreneur
Action-oriented, ambitious, and risk-takers, the entrepreneur thrives on excitement and action.
Book Reco: Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
In a virtual utopia called OASIS, teenager Wade Watts devotes his life to the digital confines—that is, until players start to kill for a fortune. Nothing but a pulse-pounding thrill ride, the book’s relentless pace and the brutal game of survival presented in the story will resonate with the ESTP’s action-oriented, imaginative, and strategic side, finding themselves engrossed in the suspense.
ESFP – The Entertainer
Known as the social butterflies, the entertainer is the life of the party, drawn to fascinating people and experiences and are often stimulated by spontaneity.
Book Reco: Love & Olives by Jenna Evans Welch
A romantic and whimsical coming-of-age story, Love & Olives is about Liv’s desire for romance and her journey in reconnecting with her absent father. ESFPs revel in books sparking fun humor with characters that have free-spirited energy, so this sweet summer narrative is perfect for the personality type—and a bonus is that the setting makes you feel like you’re escaping reality…even just for a bit.
