Summer is just around the bend and that means it’s time to get your summer read on! I love books, and as I’m sure you can imagine, I REALLY love books about living your best life. My mom said she never knew a teenager with such a propensity for self-help books! It’s true, I love non-fiction, this is not new. However, my love for the Enneagram, is new.

Haven’t experienced the mind-blowing, soul-affirming tool that is the Enneagram? Get on that. Here’s a link to a free test and here’s a link to paid test. Taking a test will start you on your journey. Keep in mind, however, the tests aren’t always accurate because the Enneagram is seeking to find the motivation behind your behavior which can be extremely difficult to tease out. Take your results with a grain of salt and use them as a starting place on your journey towards discovering your type.

For those of you who do know your Enneagram type, I have a treat for you! A list of some must-reads based on your number. These are books that will help guide you to your integration point. They should be like a drink of cool water for your soul but could also challenge you to think in a new way. I have included two books for each type, one secular and one spiritual. The Enneagram is seen by many as a spiritual tool and I wanted to honor that by including a book that uses the lens of spirituality. The secular books are listed first, the spiritual books second.

I have also included the focus of the “work” for each type as a brief explanation for my choosing the books that I did. This is an incredibly simplified description of the work for each number. If you have more questions about why I chose the books that I did or would like to add to the list, please comment! I would love to get a conversation going.

And so, without further ado…

Non-Fiction Books for Growth Based on Your Enneagram Type

Type 1: Integration Point 7

The work for Type One is to quiet the inner critic and to embrace life on life’s terms. 

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown

Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist

Type 2: Integration Point 4

The work for Type Two is to become more in touch with their own needs and to let-go of the desire to compulsively help others. 

The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F*ck by Sarah Knight

The Dream of You by Jo Saxton

Type 3: Integration Point 6

The work for Type Three is to seek rest from striving and find home in who they truly are. 

The Shadow Effect: Illuminating the Hidden Power of Your True Self by Deepak Chopra, Debbie Ford, and Marianne Williamson

Life of the Beloved by Henri Nouwen

Type 4: Integration Point 1

The work for Type Four is to find respite from inner-angst and to discover the beauty in the ordinary.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondō

Everything Belongs by Richard Rohr

Type 5: Integration Point 8

The work for Type Five is to find the inner strength to reach out and impact the world. 

Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson

Practicing the Power of Now: Essential Teachings, Meditations, and Exercises from the Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle

Type 6: Integration Point 9

The work for Type Six is to slow down the mind in order to enjoy the present moment and connect with others. 

Mindsight: The New Science of Personal Transformation by Daniel J. Siegel

The Untethered Soul by Micheal A. Singer

Type 7: Integration Point 5

The work for Type Seven is to find joy in the every day gifts of life and to push through the uncomfortable, painful parts of life. 

Focus: The Hidden Driver of Excellence by Daniel Goleman

One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

Type 8: Integration Point 2

The work for Type 8 is to dedicate their passion and energy towards the betterment of the world. 

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

Seven by Jen Hatmaker

Type 9: Integration Point 3

The work here for Type 9 is to learn to rest in the tension of life, to show-up and to be fully seen. 

Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown

The Wounded Healer by Henri Nouwen

Happy growing!