What’s Your Type? Book Recommendations for Your MBTI

ISTP “The Virtuoso” — Bold, practical, independent, and non conforming, ISTPs have an individualist mindset with a “march to the beat of their own drum” kind of personality. They prefer to live life freely on their own terms, which is why I’m recommending a book with a more magical realism setting: Our Wives Under the Sea by Julia Armfield. A book I’ve wanted to read for a while now, it focuses on the evolution of relationships and grief. If you really want to feel sad and question existence (don’t be too scared—it really is a great book) try The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, another great classic!

ISFJ “The Protector” — Always ready to defend their loved ones, ISFJs are very dedicated and are known for being warm and responsible. They are hardworking and devoted, with a can-do attitude and a strong sense of loyalty. One of the books I first read and truly fell in love with was The Color Purple by Alice Walker, so of course I am going to recommend it. Following the personal life of two young girls and the struggles they face in life, it is truly a literary masterpiece. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak, also centers around a story of yet another young girl facing the challenges of her life with an impactful message throughout the story. 

ISFP “The Adventurer” — Adventurers are open minded and love to approach life and new experiences with a loving and happy heart—these are the kinds of folks who truly know how to stay in the moment, which helps them uncover exciting possibilities or discoveries. In the theme of “adventuring,” The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of those books that I think everyone needs to read at least once in their life. It really gives you a new perspective on what life is like and has the potential to be. I know that this next recommendation has been hyped up a lot by social media, but The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller really does deserve it. A heart-wrenching and beautifully written novel, it is certainly worth reading. 

INFJ “The Advocate” — Inspiring and tireless idealists, Advocates have a strong sense of fairness and justice, which they use to approach life with deep thoughtfulness and determination. These kinds of folks are not content with sitting around and letting the world go by, and they desire to make a difference in their environment. With beautiful world building and a twisting mystery, The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern offers a fascinating kind of intrigue that INFJs will be sure to love. My next recommendation explores what it means to go through change, which is perfect for this personality type: The Metamorphosis by Franz Kafka. 

INFP “The Mediator” — Mediators are probably some of the most kind people you’ll ever meet due to their eagerness to help and the genuine happiness they feel when it comes to human connection. They’re the kind of folks that may seem quiet and unassuming but have vibrant inner personalities that can spark a joy in all the people around them. I recommend books that really tug at those heartstrings and are just as creative as INFPs are themselves, such as The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros and The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman. Both stories really get at what it means to be human, and you’ll find yourself falling in love with their sincere and reflective plots. 

INTJ “The Architect” — Architects, true to their name, find joy in the details of life and often are thoughtful tacticians who constantly bring  an equal amount of creativity and rationality to all that they do. INTJs often are drawn to books that delve into the concept of moral ambiguity and have complex characters; it’s no wonder that Frankenstein by Mary Shelley would make it onto my book recommendations. For readers with a more competitive spirit, follow the story of Beth Harmon, one of the greatest chess prodigies in history, in The Queen’s Gambit by Walter Tevis (there’s also a tv show on Netflix that’s quite good if you’re interested). 

INTP “The Logician” — With a thirst for knowledge, Logicians are flexible thinkers with an unconventional approach to many aspects of life and often seek out the unlikely path. It's no wonder that these people typically have an affinity for books with fantastical realities and daring twists and turns. If any book has plenty of twists and turns, it's going to be one about a heist and a few wayward teenagers, The Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo. For a more thought-provoking novel (and quite a comedy in my mind) check out The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams. 

ESTP “The Entrepreneur” — Practical and ambitious, these types of folks are smart,  and they enjoy living life on the edge with a daring sense of adventure. They tend to exude a vibrant and enthusiastic energy, which matches well with their driven, action-oriented attitudes. Check out Daisy Jones & the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid for an equally free-spirited main character who I’m sure ESTPs will adore. For those who are more interested in discussion on global issues (which entrepreneurs typically tend to be), a great book that reflects on a complicated but important social issue is Animal Farm by George Orwell. I will admit, I only know a bit about this classic, but it’s been recommended to me many times. 

ESTJ “The Executive” — A stable force in a chaotic crowd, Executives excel at keeping a level head and an empathetic sense of judgment when things go wrong. People with this personality type are keepers of tradition and order—so my first recommendation for these folks is a bit ironic, The Lord of the Flies by William Golding. The concept of a bunch of “little British boys’ trying to self-govern on a remote island isn’t exactly the picture of order, but there’s definitely a life lesson in there somewhere. Following the dystopian theme, another great and popular choice for those who are willing to have a good cry is The Giver by Lois Lowry. 

ESFJ “The Consultant” — Social and helpful folks, ESFJs are incredibly caring individuals who form the bedrock of their life in their community and in close bonds with others. They are supportive and outgoing, so my first recommendation for these personalities will have to be The Waves by Virginia Woolf. For a more modern read, Before We Were Innocent by Ella Berman. This novel is all about buried secrets among friends and what people will do to uncover those secrets. I’ve heard it’s a real page turner, so hopefully, you’ll consider giving it a go!

ENFJ “The Protagonist” — ENJFs are warm, forthright people who strive to serve a greater purpose in life with the goal of helping others and the world around them. These personalities don’t like to shy away from problems or the opportunity to do the right thing, even if it might be challenging. However, sometimes ENFJs struggle to sort through their emotions, which is why I’m recommending Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown. This book can be best described as a roadmap to emotions and experiences that define what it means to be human. The author shares to the reader about what she thinks meaningful connection looks and feels like. The next book, which also deals with emotions and human connection, is Becoming by Michelle Obama. I read this back when she first released it and was instantly drawn to her inspiring story. It is a fantastic memoir that offers up a great deal of knowledge and wisdom—so, go read it!

ENFP “The Campaigner” — Enthusiastic and sociable free spirits, ENFPs have a vibrant kind of energy about them, which they use to see the beauty in everyday life. These kinds of people have a unique way of solving problems with their imagination and expansive creativity. Filled with dangerous quests, daring adventure, and dragons, Eragon by Christopher Paolini deserves all the hype it gets, and I can see ENFPs truly loving it. With an atmospheric setting and a fascinating magic system, The House in The Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune is a great next read for Campaigners—just like them, this book knows the importance of discovering what family means to you. 

ENTP “The Debater” — Debaters are smart, curious, quick-witted thinkers who thrive at the chance to challenge themselves on an academic level. They tend to find joy from more controversial topics and a chance at a good debate (as the name suggests)—so it is no wonder my book recommendations for this MBTI are going to be centered around a “dark academia” theme. Novels like Dead Poets Society by Nancy H. Kleinbaum and If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio offers that competitive edge ENFPs are looking for.

ENTJ “The Commander” — Natural-born leaders at their cores, folks with this MBTI are bold, imaginative, and never tire in finding a way forward. They often have a gift for charisma and confidence, which fits perfectly into the world of The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman. Another amazing fantasy series packed full of adventure (and my next recommendation) is Lord of the Rings. These books sure will have ENTJs on the edges of their seats as they read about friendship, magical lands, and epic battles.

ESFP “The Entertainer” — ESFPs are known to be spontaneous and fun, with a desire for vibrant experiences that they will engage in wholeheartedly. So, of course, my first recommendation is going to be set in Hollywood. One of my all time favorite books, The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid, is sure to capture this personality type’s attention with its amazing plot and fascinating characters. The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is a story about love and heartbreak, with underlying themes of what it means to be famous and the pressure that often comes with that. For your next read, The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt is an inspiring coming of age story about grief and what it means to overcome that. While it is sad, it’s certainly worth some tears.