Being an INTP can be stressful. First, you’re introverted. That can be brutal because you live in an extroverted world. You’re also intuitive and logical. Research has shown that more sensors are living in the US today when compared to intuitive people. The ratio is 3:1. I believe a higher percentage of the world’s population are sensors.
This can make it harder for INTPs or any NT to express themselves freely. Books are a great way to forget your troubles for a while.
As an NT, I totally understand the thrill of finding a book that appeals to your senses. So, here are 12 books for INTPs I have managed to compile.
12 Books for INTPs You Should Read Right Now
As an INTP, books that involve science/Sci-Fi, as well as mysteries, are intriguing. So, the majority of books listed here are in that category.
1. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking By Susan Cain
Ever felt intimidated or ignored in a world that can’t stop talking? Susan Cain does a brilliant job here by talking up introverts and the value they bring. She doesn’t just do this from a sentimental view. She actually did a lot of research when writing this book.
It’s perfect for INTPs and any introverts who need some reminding of the value they bring to this world.
2. Understanding Power- The Indispensable Chomsky by Noam Chomsky
If you want to read a book that deals with history, the patterns of power, and behind-the-scenes knowledge, then Understanding Power is a good fit. In a series of enlightening and wide-ranging discussions, all published here for the first time, Chomsky radically interprets the events of the late twentieth century, covering topics from foreign policy during Vietnam to the attacks on welfare under the Clinton administration. And as he elucidates the connection between America’s imperialistic foreign policy and the decline of domestic standards of living, Chomsky also establishes a theory of social change.
3. The Unbearable Lightness of Being By Milan Kundera
This one is a novel that has a bit of romance, politics, comedy, and everything nice. Milan Kundera tells the story of two couples, a young woman in love with a man torn between his love for her and his incorrigible womanizing, and one of his mistresses and her humbly faithful lover. In a world in which lives are shaped by irrevocable choices and by fortuitous events, a world in which everything occurs but once, existence seems to lose its substance, its weight.
If you’re an INTP who enjoys a bit of everything in their books or movies, this one’s for you.
4. The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery By Ian Morgan
INTPs love self-development books. That’s why you’re on this website, after all. This book opens you to a whole new level of personality insights. It carefully explains the enneagram with real-life examples and what you can expect from its type.
Every enthusiast of the enneagram has read and thoroughly enjoyed this book. I know I have! Once you’re done reading it, you can come back to this website and read more about the enneagrams!
5. The Awakening of Intelligence By Jiddu Krishnamurti
If you’re into philosophy and are open-minded, you should definitely try reading The Awakening of Intelligence. This comprehensive record of Krishnamurti’s teachings is an excellent, wide-ranging introduction to the great philosopher’s thought. Jacob Needleman, Alain Naude, and Swami Venkatasananda, Krishnamurti examine such issues as the role of the teacher and tradition; the need for awareness of ‘cosmic consciousness; the problem of good and evil; and traditional Vedanta methods of help for different levels of seekers.
6. Cosmic Trigger By Robert Anton Wilson
Cosmic Trigger deals with human consciousness and involves a lot of experiments. Most NTs might enjoy this book. However, many others won’t. I’m an NT, and I think it’s a brilliant book.
Robert Wilson explores concepts many others wouldn’t dream of exploring. It’s definitely worth a look.
7. The Foundation Series By Isaac Asimov
A best-seller, and rightly so. Just like the Wheel of Time, which we’ll talk about in a minute, The Foundation Series is such a good trilogy. It focuses on the dystopian world where the Galactic Empire is the top dog. The main protagonist or initiator in this story is Hari, who sees the future and realizes that calamity is coming.
To preserve knowledge and save humankind, Seldon gathers the best minds in the Empire—both scientists and scholars—and brings them to a bleak planet at the edge of the galaxy to serve as a beacon of hope for future generations. He calls his sanctuary the Foundation.
8. The Wheel of Time By Robert Jordan
The Wheel of Time is set in a dystopian world and focuses on Rand and his friends. It’s basically a fight between good and evil with so many sub-plots and cliffhangers to leave you breathless. In case you prefer to watch the movie series, you can also find it on Amazon Prime (I prefer the books, though). It’s full of dangers and chaos with sprinkles of romance in between. The name of the first book is The Eye of the Storm.
Oh, another thing. Before you decide to embark on this story, I have to mention that there are 14 books in the Wheel of Time. However, every single one is worth it.
9. The Dune Series By Frank Herbert
The Dune Saga begins on the desert planet Arrakis with the story of the boy Paul Atreides—who would become known as Muad’Dib—and of a great family’s ambition to bring to fruition humankind’s most ancient and unattainable dream.
It’s a great book, and the movie’s also great. There are six books in this series. You can buy all six, or you can test the waters by reading one first. It’s all up to you. However, it’s definitely worth exploring.
10. The Dark Tower Series By Stephen King
This series focuses on Roland of Gilead. He is described as a haunting loner on a journey into good and evil. In his desolate world, which mirrors our own in frightening ways, Roland tracks The Man in Black, encounters an enticing woman named Alice, and begins a friendship with a boy from New York named Jake.
The dark tower series has everything. I read 90 pages in less than two hours. That should tell you how much I love it.
11. Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
This is going into personal finance and investing. I read the comic version of this book when I was 11, thanks to my dad, and I haven’t looked back ever since. It’s a great book for beginners as it teaches you the fundamentals in a very cool way.
It starts with the story of the protagonist and his friend Mike and focuses on how Mike’s father teaches them valuable lessons on making money. These lessons eventually help them attain success.
You probably heard of it before. However, if you haven’t read it, this is a great opportunity to do so.
12. The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**K By Mark Manson
This is basically a self-development book that focuses on growth through self-discovery. Mark Manson tells some unpleasant truths and provides solutions on how to solve issues in your life.
INTPs enjoy unpleasant truths and logical analysis. This book has both. Manson makes the argument, backed both by academic research and well-timed poop jokes, that improving our lives hinges not on our ability to turn lemons into lemonade but on learning to stomach lemons better. Human beings are flawed and limited—”not everybody can be extraordinary, there are winners and losers in society, and some of it is not fair or your fault.”
Manson advises us to get to know our limitations and accept them. Once we embrace our fears, faults, and uncertainties, once we stop running and avoiding and start confronting painful truths, we can begin to find the courage, perseverance, honesty, responsibility, curiosity, and forgiveness we seek.
So, there you have it. There are so many other books for INTPs that are thrilling. Don’t hesitate to share them in the comments, and I might just add them to the list!
