10 Amazing Books for Introverts

Reading is one of the best activities for introverts since it’s a solitary activity that allows them to dive deep into new worlds. Whether you’re reading nonfiction works related to your field or diving into another fantasy novel, you likely know what it’s like to lose yourself for hours at a time while reading a good book.

Researchers discovered that introverts need regular downtime and quiet activities to help them cope with the everyday demands of life. The following are ten amazing books for you to read.

While most of them are fiction novels with great introverted characters, we’ve also included some great nonfiction books geared toward helping introverts understand themselves and navigate the world around them.

1. Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell (Fiction)

Fangirl is a novel about Cath, an introvert who is (as the title suggests) a fangirl. Growing up, she was the biggest fan of Simon Snow, a series of fiction novels like the Harry Potter series. When she was younger, Cath’s twin sister Wren was also a fan of the books, allowing the sisters to bond over their shared interests.

As they got older, though, Wren lost interest in the books while Cath became even more involved in the Simon Snow fandom. Wren, an extrovert, decides she wants to share a room with someone else, leaving her introverted sister behind.

The book is a great coming-of-age story about an introvert navigating the challenges of college, dating, and family relationships.

2. Quiet by Susan Cain (Nonfiction)

In Quiet, Susan Cain takes a closer look at how people in the United States have come to value extroversion over introversion. The book looks at how extroversion eventually developed into the cultural ideal for American life.

Best of all, the author digs deep into scientific research and helps readers understand the biological science behind the introverted personality. Paired with her in-depth research is her keen insight into the introvert experience. This allows her to give excellent advice and wisdom to introverts trying to navigate life in a culture created with extroverts in mind.

3. Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte (Fiction)

This novel is a hit classic for a reason. The female author wrote and published the book in 1847 under a male pseudonym, “Currer Bell.” Later editions publish it under the author’s real name, adding a layer of interesting history to the work.

The story centers around a young woman with a bold personality who needs her extensive alone time to recharge. Despite preferring her alone time to large social gatherings, she is a young woman with undeniable strength.

Throughout her entire life, she’s felt like an outcast. The book follows her arrival at Thornfield Hall and the drama that befalls her when she falls in love.

4. Tell the Wolves I’m Home by Carol Rifka Brunt (Fiction)

This is a story about June Elbus, a fourteen-year-old girl who loses her closest friend, her uncle Finn.

The way she handles her grief and retreats to recharge leaves her sister frustrated and unable to understand her more introverted sibling.

In the woods, June finds solace. She’s free to think and act without worrying about what other people are thinking or saying about her.

This book gives a bold voice to introverts, especially those who have suffered significant losses.

5. Introvert Power by Laurie Helgoe, Ph.D. (Nonfiction)

Are you ready to stand in your own power instead of relying on your ability to imitate extroverted versions of power?

In this book, Laurie Helgoe helps introverts see their strengths and how those things allow them to thrive at work and at home. Instead of fighting against their natural inclinations, introverts can learn to lean into them to become healthier, happier individuals.

Best of all, this book is written by someone who clearly understands what it’s like to be an introvert.

You’ll love the great advice and clever chapter titles, such as the one from a chapter called “Alone is Not a Four-Letter Word.”

6. Where’d You Go, Bernadette? by Maria Semple (Fiction)

Bernadette is a clever introvert who throws herself into preparing for the perfect trip when her daughter requests a trip to Antarctica as a reward for getting perfect grades.

While some might describe her as a “shut-in,” introverts will appreciate a character who prefers her own company over the company of others.

Overwhelmed by her life, social expectations, and a school fundraiser gone wrong, Bernadette disappears. While everyone wonders where she went, her daughter unravels the secrets of Bernadette’s life to figure out where she’s gone.

Not only is this a satire novel about an introverted woman who fulfills the ultimate introvert fantasy of running away from it all, but it tells the gripping story with plenty of humor sprinkled in.

7. Girl Online by Zoe Sugg (Fiction)

Author Zoe Sugg is best known online as YouTube star Zoella. This debut novel is about Penny, an introvert who is passionate about all things photography. After she and her parents are in a car accident, Penny is crippled by her overwhelming anxiety. As a foil to her introverted personality traits, Penny has an extroverted best friend determined to make her experience the world outside her bubble.

However, Penny has a secret. She’s been secretly authoring a blog called “Girl Online.” When she meets Noah, a charming boy with a big secret of his own, she must navigate falling in love while keeping her secret identity a secret.

Once you fall in love with Penny and her story, you’ll be happy to learn that it’s the first in a page-turning trilogy!

8. Introverts in Love by Sophia Dembling (Nonfiction)

It’s no secret that finding love and dating all seem like they’re designed with extroverts in mind. If you’re still trying to find the person you want to spend the rest of your life with, this book is an essential guide to help you navigate all things dating.

Best of all, it was written with our modern-day dating landscape in mind. You’ll get great insight to help you with online dating, first date anxiety, and more.

While the world may seem to favor extroverts, this book will help you find the person who will love you for the introverted person you are.

9. Glaciers by Alexis M. Smith (Fiction)

This short novella looks at the life of a young library employee during a single day in her life.

She’s quiet and usually thinks more than she talks, leaving readers feeling like they’re walking through a dream that connects her activities with her inner musings and internal dialogue.

Smith’s novel is ideal for introverts who are quiet and thoughtful. While you can probably read it in a single sitting, you’ll want to savor it as long as possible.

10. Since You’ve Been Gone by Morgan Matson (Fiction)

The final book on our list is Since You’ve Been Gone, a novel about an introvert who is dragged out of her quiet life by an extrovert and outgoing best friend, Sloane.

When Sloane disappears without a trace, introverted Emily is left with a long list of things Sloane wanted Emily to do by summer’s end.

For the duration of the book, Emily works through the list of thirteen activities. These activities include things like “go skinny dipping” and “kiss a stranger.” While she doesn’t want to do these things, Emily uses them as a starting point for her own adventures.