If you haven't already taken the Myers Briggs Personality test, do so here. It's one of the most highly regarded, defining personality tests, with sixteen possible results. And once you know yours, you're likely to grow super-attached to it...maybe bring it up at parties, compare yourself to your friends, and go around saying, "Oh, he's definitely an E". Another fun way to indulge your personality obsession (or just something fun to do) would be to read one of these books--specifically, the kind that is pretty much meant for you.
1. ISTJ: The Duty Fulfillers
Cold Mountain by Charles Frazier
"There was a redemption of some kind, he believed, in such complete fulfillment of a desire so long deferred.”
Inman's long solo journey back to his love, Ada, will strike a chord with your dependable nature. You can relate to his internal struggle over abandoning the Confederate Army, and his own surprise at the vastness of his love for Ada. Like Inman, it can be difficult for you to express your feelings, but you know that when you make a promise--like promising to return home to Cold Mountain--you will see it through.
2. INFP: The Idealist
Cutting for Stone by Abraham Verghese
“The world turns on our every action, and our every omission, whether we know it or not.”
As somebody who seeks to do good in the world, this story about twin orphaned doctors will automatically grab your interest, and for good reason. For two men who have seen so much go wrong, they are determined to do right, and those values will match perfectly with your own. It's also a story about relationships, and as somebody with many friends and a sincere heart, you'll find a lot to love about this book.
3.ENFP: The Inspirer
Attachments by Rainbow Rowell
“There are moments when you can't believe something wonderful is happening. And there are moments when your entire consciousness is filled with knowing absolutely that something wonderful is happening.”
You're a people person, and live for something more than the mundane--just like the quirky and loveable characters in this book. They take an ordinary, boring office situation (realizing their emails are being spied on) and manage to twist out a romance and an adventure. Though some people may find this book a little "gushy", you've probably heard yourself being described as such once or twice. Shush them and enjoy yourself a fun read!
4.INTP: The Thinker
Blink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm Gladwell
“The key to good decision making is not knowledge. It is understanding. We are swimming in the former. We are desperately lacking in the latter.”
Slow down with this amazing read: seriously, take your time, it's some heavy stuff. As a person who's more inclined to some quiet, theoretical thinking as opposed to brash, emotional outbursts, you'll find this book as enthralling as another person would a tabloid. This book is seriously brainfood, and it may challenge some of your ways of thinking: for example, maybe knowing isn't everything? Take a peek and find out.
5. ENTP: The Visionary
The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
“We yearned for the future. How did we learn it, that talent for insatiability?”
Offred, the protagonist of this amazing book, is something close to an ENTP. While she may be an I (who really knows), her thinking processes, moral values, and big dreams are sure to match up with your own. As a person who looks ahead in their life, and in the fate of the world if we're being honest, you'll enjoy reading about this dystopian society and letting your brain wander into ways of how you'd handle the situation.
6. ENFJ: The Givers
Life of Pi by Yann Martel
“It's important in life to conclude things properly. Only then can you let go. Otherwise you are left with words you should have said but never did, and your heart is heavy with remorse.”
Why didn't I give you "The Giver"? Because this book has just as many lessons in it to learn as that one, without being so seemingly explicitly for you. You tend to be a little more reserved than some other extroverted types, and you'll connect deeply with Pi as he goes on his infamous voyage with only a tiger for company. Open your heart and your mind when you read this book, and you'll find it hold a lot of truth for you.
7. ENTJ: The Executive
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
“This was how things worked. Period. Short of death (immediate family only), dismemberment (your own), or nuclear war (only if confirmed by the U.S. government to be directly affecting Manhattan), one was to be present. This would be a watershed moment in the Priestly regime.”
This book is FOR. YOU. I don't care who you are, you could be the most anti-fashion, anti-"chick book" person in the world. If you're an ENFJ, pick this thing up and read your soul. Miranda Priestly is almost, to a T, an ENFJ and viewing her tough, practical, emotionally secretive exterior through Andy's sweet little *probably ISFJ* eyes will be quite the, well, eye-opener for you. Let go of any pre-conceived notions and pick this baby up at your library. (Support local libraries, y'all).
8. ESFP: The Performer
Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
“We lead strange lives, chasing our dreams around from place to place.”
This may be one of, if not my absolute favorite book on this list. It's got the magic. And the magic is meant for you! The premise of this book sounds fun, indulgent, and over-the top--maybe a little like you. But it goes beyond that to deal with some issues of fate and life/death, which will add depth to your understanding of this book and what MB says your personality is. Be warned: this book may have you wanting to run off to become a circus performer or a magician, or anything in between.
9. ISFP: The Artist
Astonish Me by Maggie Shipstead
“When they are alone, lying quietly, he holds her the way a child holds a stuffed animal: for comfort, for security, out of a primate’s urge to cling, to close one’s arms around a warm, soft object.”
Joan is a beautifully written character, and one that you will both identify with and struggle with, in ways that can open your mind to your own faults and strengths. This is, foremost, a book about art. But it is also a book about relationships, and the complications and beautiful things they turn out to be along the way. This is an amazing read, and one that will definitely stick with you.
10. ESTP:
Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale and Stan Redding
“It's not what a man has but what a man is that's important. This car is fine for me. It gets me around. I know who I am and what I am, and that's what counts, not what other people might think of me.”
This is a fun book, but it's seriously relatable for an ESTP. Frank Abagnale is cunning, perceptive, a people person, and fast-moving: a by-the-book ESTP. Watching him climb into success and try to put off his inevitable capture is a thrilling way to almost watch yourself go through the book. Would you make the same choices?
11. ESFJ: The Caregiver
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Café by Fannie Fag
“You're just a bee charmer, Idgie Threadgoode. That's what you are, a bee charmer.”
Who isn't caring in this book? Ok, the antagonists, for sure. But other than that, the warmth and sense of familiarity this book brings its readers will strike a chord with you for sure. Ruth, in particular, is a character you'll follow closely, as her friendship with Idgie reminds you of your own relationships. They say ESFJ's are defined by the communities they live in, and well, Whistle Stop is the perfect community for you.
12. ESTJ: The Guardian
The King’s Speech by Mark Logue and Peter Conradi
“When the fresh patient comes to me the usual query is: "Will I be able to speak like the King?" and my reply is: "Yes, if you will work like he does."
As a 'model citizen' type person, the conflict at the core of this novel will invite you in and not let go. To watch this movie is incredible, but reading the book is a way to almost get even closer inside the minds of the characters. You may even find that the main character's mind is much like your own.
13. ISTP: The Mechanic
Sailing Alone Around the World by Joshua Slocum
"I had already found that it was not good to be alone, and so I made companionship with what there was around me, sometimes with the universe and sometimes with my own insignificant self; but my books were always my friends, let fail all else."
This book, while the language is smooth and elegant, is truly a thrilling read at its core. Much like the rush you find in individual, adrenaline-based sports, this book will keep you on the edge of your seat. Heading towards an incredible feat all on your own may sound intimidating, but you know that sometimes it's the best way to get things done (and the only way to make yourself stand out). Don't worry...you won't be bored for a second!
14. INTJ: The Scientist
If on A Winter’s Night a Traveler by Italo Calvino
“You're the sort of person who, on principle, no longer expects anything of anything. There are plenty, younger than you or less young, who live in the expectation of extraordinary experiences: from books, from people, from journeys, from events, from what tomorrow has in store. But not you. You know that the best you can expect is to avoid the worst.”
This was an actual recommendation from a real-live INTJ who swore by the peculiar set up of this book. Every other chapter is in the second person, keeping you engaged and on your toes. It's an ambitious read to be sure, and you'll spend a lot of time thinking about what your just read. Just tap into your deliberate nature and make it a point to do that, and you'll wind up figuring it out in the end, whether you meant to or not.
15. INFJ: The Protector
Like Water for Chocolate by Laura Esquivel
"It was very pleasant to savor its aroma, for smells have the power to evoke the past, bringing back sounds and even other smells that have no match in the present."
There is a warmth in this book that goes beyond the rich presence of chocolate. Family, interpersonal relationships, and intuition are major parts of this book and major values in your life. You won't be able to put it down once you connect with the characters, as you're very likely to do. And as they suffer trial and tribulation, take a moment to realize you can't make every ending happy, but it doesn't hurt to try.
16. ISFJ: The Nurturer
The Hundred-Foot Journey by Richard C. Morais
“My friends, the hardest thing, when you reach a certain level, is to stay fresh, day in and day out. The world changes very fast around us, no? So, as difficult as it is, the key to success is to embrace this constant change and move with the times,” said Chef Piquot.”
Nurture your dreams as much as you do people, and you'll find they're more than possible. This book is a lot about concrete doing in order to make dreams turn into a reality, and that's right up your alley. You know that using your hands, or taking matters into them, is the best way to achieve something. But it's also okay to let fate dip its hand into our lives and trust that everything will turn out okay. You'll feel deeply alongside these characters and rejoice just as much as they do when they succeed.
