Perfect Spring Break Reads for Each Enneagram Type
35 books carefully chosen for your personality.
Our neighbor came over the other day for coffee and a chat by an open window. Midway through the conversation, she clasped her hands together and breathed, “The daffodils are out.” In our neck of the woods, that’s a sign that snow is shuffling itself off to the hinterlands, where it belongs, and that we’re finally on the cusp of spring breezes. My friends are making vacation plans, and even those going to the most breathtaking destinations can’t stop talking about all the books they plan to bring along. After all, that’s one of the biggest joys of uninterrupted time off. All that blissful reading.
To complement my epic winter reading list, I (along with some amazing friends!) put together this collection of 35 titles that are perfect for each enneagram type this spring. I’m certainly not the first to have this idea! Book Riot has a wonderful list, along with my former employer, Apartment Therapy. I hope this take will give you a few new picks for your TBR this spring.
As for “scientific” methods, I’m using descriptions set by the Enneagram Institute (you can take a free test if you want to know your type). I’ve read all the books below and have loved them for different reasons. And as a bonus—I’ve rounded up some of my favorite writers and readers to add their own recommendations!
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Type One: The Reformer (that’s me!)
You’re a mix of pragmatism and idealism, a person who sees the world as it could be. You might occasionally fall guilty of strong-arming people into your vision. Your ideal spring break vacation would require an itinerary of engaging activities in an exciting location you’ve never traveled to before.
Babel by R.F. Kuang: In this epic fantasy novel, Robin Swift, a Chinese orphan, is brought to London, where he’s educated by the powerful Royal Institute of Translation. This organization runs England using a system of translation magic, hoarding resources for the West, even as they colonize the languages of the East. Robin is caught between loyalties and asked to decide which side he will fight for.
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: It’s the 1950s and Elizabeth Zott is a chemist and single mother who finds herself as the host of a popular women’s cooking show. Zott is less interested in teaching women how to make dinners, and more interested in empowering them through science.
The School for Good Mothers by Jessamine Chan: Frida Liu makes one terrible mistake that lands her in a government school that reeducates mothers on “proper” values of nurturing. A tense and heartbreaking tale.
Our Missing Hearts by Celeste Ng: Twelve-year-old Bird discovers a clue for his missing mother’s whereabouts, and traces her location through many misadventures that lead him to a surprising revelation about her role in a revolution against anti-Chinese sentiment.
Type Two: The Helper
You live to please and to provide acts of service, often at the risk of your own personal needs. You’d be at home in a cozy cottage with a comfortable blanket and a romcom.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt: Marcellus the octopus is far wiser than he seems. Every night, he wanders the aquarium where he lives, partaking of the many snacks in the other tanks, but his life takes a turn when he befriends the cleaning person, Tova. He learns that he holds the key to the mystery of Tova’s son’s death so many years ago, and in his remaining time on earth, Marcellus does everything he can to help Tova find her way to the truth.
What My Mother and I Don't Talk About by Michele Filgate: This stunning essay collection featuring André Aciman, Lynn Steger Strong, and Leslie Jamison, explores the secrets between children and their mothers, often revealing the sacrifices that both make to maintain familial peace—at the expense of intimacy.
28 Summers by Elin Hilderbrand: In this novel, Link’s dying mother Mallory asks him to call a number on a slip of paper. The number leads to Jake, the husband of that year’s leading presidential candidate, DeGournsey. Through a series of flashbacks, we discover the nature of Mallory and Jake’s relationship, spanning 28 summers of heartbreak and intrigue.
Type Three: The Achiever
Success matters a great deal to you, and your ambition drives many of your decisions. People are naturally drawn to your charisma, and you enjoy being admired for your many positive qualities. Your ideal spring break would be somewhere glamorous, with lots of sparkly amenities.
Age of Vice by Deepti Kapoor: Set in the polarized world of Delhi, this novel examines both the glamorous world of Delhi’s most affluent and powerful, to those who serve them. A story of ambition and blurred morality, Age of Vice really grips you from the first page.
Vladimir by Julia May Jonas: This brilliant novel follows a college professor whose husband is involved in a scandal for his inappropriate relationships with former students. The narrator falls for a newcomer in their circle, Vladimir, and becomes obsessed with him, often at the expense of her own career and family life.
The Other Black Girl by Zakiya Dalila Harris: Editorial assistant Nella is no stranger to being on the margins of her predominantly white publishing house, Wagner Books. Things begin to look up when Hazel, another Black woman, joins Wagner and befriends Nella. But then Nella receives a note telling her to leave Wagner, which sends her into a circle of intrigue that leaves her feeling betrayed, frightened, and utterly alone.
… And a recommendation from Leslie Stephens, of Morning Person fame, who is a Type Three:
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés: This is a book I never would have recommended a year ago, but lately all I want to read are books, novels, even poetry collections about self-growth, which Dr. Estés conceptualizes as an attunement to one's intuitive "wild woman." I wasn't aware of my enneagram type before today, but it does feel eerily spot-on, if not entirely flattering: Last year was one of major upheaval for me, including a separation at 30 from my husband, but it made me look at how much I have identified my self-worth with my ability to achieve (Type 3). Since beginning my Master's in Mental Health Counseling, I have been on a challenging but incredibly rewarding path toward authenticity and self-acceptance (Wing 6), which for me includes looking closely at my life priorities and how I show up for myself and others. Dr. Estés examines the incongruence women often experience between their true self and societal expectations, through illustrative, culture-spanning fables. It's a dense book, but I recommend reading the intro through the Bluebeard chapter. I also love Couplets by Maggie Millner, Neuroses and Human Growth by Dr. Karen Horney, Mary Oliver's poetry, and Sheila Heti. Katherine Morgan Schafler's book The Perfectionists' Guide to Losing Control also offers a more contemporary look at this balance that would appeal to other Type 3s!
Type Four: The Individualist
You’re wildly creative, with a strong sense of perception and self-awareness. You can also be sensitive and just a tad moody. Your ideal spring break would be one where you can follow the whims of your heart—possibly somewhere undiscovered.
Writers and Lovers by Lily King: King’s acclaimed novel follows Casey, an aspiring novelist and server reeling from her mother’s sudden death. She’s wildly ambitious, yet struggles with many of the practical demands of life that make it difficult for her to follow her passion while maintaining balance.
The Secret Lives of Church Ladies by Deesha Philyaw: For lovers of secrets, this stunning short story collection traces the compelling desires of women who follow the church—and those who choose to leave it.
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St John Mandel: a wildly arresting novel about a blip in time that connects individuals across the centuries: Edwin St. Andrew crossing the Atlantic in the 18th century, Olive Llewellyn on a book tour from her moon colony, and Gaspery-Jacques Roberts, a detective asked to investigate an anomaly in the Canadian woods.
Time Is A Mother by Ocean Vuong: Vuong’s poetry is immediate and visceral, examining matters of identity and grief with careful, unflinching precision. This poetry collection is a gift to the world.
… And a recommendation from Type 4 Lizzie Duszynski-Goodman, a lovely writer and one of the most supportive friends who ever lived:
Minor Robberies,* Deb Olin Unferth’s slim volume of miniature stories, satiates that story-hungry part of my brain, without asking me for the investment a meatier narrative requires. Think of the ultra-sparse Minor Robberies as a story snack. It’s not enough to survive on, but there's flavor worth pursuing in its absurd and funny little stories.
*Only available in a boxed set.
Type Five: The Investigator
You’re an incredibly rigorous thinker who spends much of your time inside your own head, questioning almost everything that comes your way. Your analytical mind is a clear asset, though sometimes you can be paralyzed into inaction from overwhelm. For your spring break, you’d love to visit a place steeped in history (or mystery), with a strong pull for your always-active imagination.
I Have Some Questions for You by Rebecca Makkai: It’s probably not surprising that I lead this list with the crime thriller that’s shaken up the literary world. Bodie is a podcaster who returns to her old high school boarding school to teach a class. There, her students unearth details of a murder case with big holes, and Bodie must decide how deeply she wants to (re)involve herself with this gruesome case that had once shaken her world.
All That's Left Unsaid by Tracey Lien: Ky returns to her home in the Cabramatta, a Sydney suburb full of Vietnamese immigrants, to uncover the details of her younger brother’s sudden death. This is a book that grapples with community secrets and the hidden places between families.
How Far the Light Reaches by Sabrina Imbler: In these essays, science journalist Imbler uses unique underwater species to explore their own relationship to the world as a queer, mixed-race individual. By turns beautiful, fascinating, and horrific, each essay is an absolute wonder.
World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil: Similar to Imbler’s work, Nezhukumatathil’s essay collection merges science writing with personal writing. This collection is joyful and affirming, with Nezhukumatathil’s poetic prose girding every essay.
… And a recommendation from Type Five Ojus Patel, who writes the ever-insightful newsletter Letters from Motherhood:
“Fives are known to be constant knowledge seekers and that often results in all kinds of odd obsessions. I've had a few that have held strong since the time I was a kid. One of those? Intelligence work. The other? The desperate desire to decode humanity. An incredible book that combines both? Life Undercover: Coming of Age in the CIA by Amaryllis Fox. This gripping memoir tells the story of a young woman's 10 years as a high-level operative in the CIA—but unlike most spy memoirs (I've read quite a few), this one focuses on the author's thoughts and emotions as she grapples with the reality of her life of sacrifice and service against the pull of love, marriage, and motherhood. What results is an incredibly insightful look into intelligence work and womanhood, and how to rectify the life you have into the one you want. (If you like this, don't miss out on war photographer Lynsey Addario's It's What I Do: A Photographer's Life of Love and War. It's one of my favorite books and a gutting testament to the human cost of war.)”
Type Six: The Loyalist
You’re the friend everyone wants on their side: caring, trustworthy, and supportive. You have no problem with commitment and prefer stability, sometimes at the expense of taking risks or self-examination. You’d love to have a group trip somewhere tropical, with adjoining huts, where you can be around all your loved ones.
The Mothers by Brit Bennett: The summer after Nadia’s mother dies, she begins dating Luke, the pastor’s son, briefly. The years pass, but the impacts of Nadia’s secret relationship with Luke never quite leave her—especially later in adulthood, when Luke marries her former best friend, Aubrey.
We All Want Impossible Things by Catherine Newman: Written in Newman’s funny, heartfelt voice, this novel explores all the many textures of friendship and grief. Ashley becomes her best friend Edi’s greatest support system as Edi enters hospice, but Ashley knows herself to be an imperfect human, not always up for the role. We All Want Impossible Things is achingly, sometimes hilariously, human and completely worth the read.
The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd: In this historical novel, we meet Jesus’s fictional wife, Ana, who is full of passion, talent, and ambition. As Ana sets off on her life with Jesus in Nazareth, she faces her own challenges, rebelling against the role of a wife, and yearning for a future where her voice can finally be heard.
Type Seven: The Enthusiast
The life of every party, this type is sparkly and egregious, with a love for spontaneity—sometimes to the point of impulsivity. For your spring break, you’re hoping to go to a larger city with lots of action and opportunities for adventure. You’d also be down for an epic road trip with only the vaguest plans. No matter where you go, you’ll find joy around every corner and have a good story to tell afterward.
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver: An Oprah’s Book Club pick, Kingsolver’s novel is a gritty, touching take on David Copperfield, set in the mountains of southern Appalachia amidst a growing opioid epidemic. Our narrator, Demon, is full of swagger and vulnerability, endearing himself to readers through his manifold struggles, as well as his ability to keep fighting in a world that consistently diminishes him.
Bring Your Baggage and Don't Pack Light by Helen Ellis: Ellis is one of those writers who would be the center of attention at every soiree, with her wit and outrageous storytelling. This collection of essays covers everything from a girls’ trip to the Redneck Riviera to bad mammograms and menopause. Reading it feels like plopping on a couch to gossip with your best friend, cocktail at the ready.
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid: There’s a reason why this hit novel (and television show) is such a sensation. Told in a rockumentary style, Daisy Jones follows a ‘70s band rising to the very top of the music charts—and then, just as abruptly, falling. You’ll fall in love with the characters, from the sparkling and moody Daisy to Billy, a man torn between desires, to Billy’s photographer wife, Camilla, at the center of a love story that isn’t her own.
… And a recommendation from Type 7 Caroline Cala Donofrio, who writes the thoughtful Substack Between a Rock and a Card Place:
Type 7s are apparently enthusiastic and pulled in a million directions, which may be why choosing one book feels impossible. After much deliberation, I've landed on Nora Ephron's Heartburn, her 1996 novel that was recently reprinted with a graphic new cover and foreword by Stanley Tucci. The flap copy says it's about "adultery, revenge, group therapy, and pot roast," which is all true, but it's mostly about finding humor and redemption in our darkest moments. (The plot was inspired by the real-life discovery that her husband was in love with another woman...while she was seven months pregnant. Despite this, it's a comedy.) No matter how many times I read her, Ephron's voice is always a revelation – clever, irreverent, with sentences like a staccato beat. Plus, the book is charmingly compact and laced with recipes. What more could one want?
… And another recommendation from Type 7 Jannelle Sanchez, who writes beautifully about motherhood, first dates, beauty, and so much more on Cup of Jo:
My name is Jannelle Sanchez and I’m a Little Women super fan! This classic coming-of-age book gets it right every time! It’s tender, hilarious, sad, exciting, and full of so many “aha” takeaways, that I still turn to today. I think I’m drawn to it as a 7 because I get drawn into each of the sister’s worlds every couple of chapters, so the switch up in perspectives and personalities fulfills my love for hanging out with different friends and being introduced to different hobbies.
Type Eight: The Challenger
This is perhaps the most confident and independent personality type, with a clear recognition of their own strengths and a boldly assertive manner of communication. They can be hot-headed at times, though this reactivity often comes from a sense of self-protection. Type Eights will like being the masters of their own itinerary, planning trips that offer interesting new challenges, like zip-lining or scuba diving.
Honey and Spice by Bolu Babalola: Sharp-witted, brilliant Kiki runs a college radio show called Brown Sugar, where she warns the women on campus away from Wastemen, or thoughtless players. Then she happens to fall into a fake relationship with one of the Wastemen herself in order to boost her show ratings. Worse yet, she starts to see beyond his exterior into something she can’t seem to resist.
My Last Innocent Year by Daisy Alpert Florin: Set amidst the Clinton/Lewinski scandal of the late-’90s, this novel follows Isabel, a young woman who gets entangled with her married professor, Connelly. Exploring issues of consent and creative ambition, this daring book spins an obsessive tale that you’ll want to keep reading.
The Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn: Cristabel has always had a flair for drama. When she’s twelve, she discovers a washed-up whale, and convinces a miniature artist’s colony to refurbish the whale’s rib cage into a theater for her family. This is an apt prelude for her future career as a spy in the Second World War, where she must rely on her savvy—and acting talents—to survive.
Type Nine: The Peacemaker
Your dream is to live in a fully copacetic world, where everyone is as supportive of one another as you are. Your genuine optimism toward people makes you an easy person to love, though you can sometimes be conflict-avoidant as a result of your desire for peace. Your perfect spring break would be one where everyone else is having fun in a destination with lots to do, like a beach resort. You’re probably the one in the background taking photos, pulling out snacks for the kids, and feeling nostalgic before the vacation has ended.
Maame by Jessica George: As the woman everyone can count on, Maddie is responsible for her ailing father’s health, their family’s finances, and her own struggling career. But it’s time for her to reclaim her life. With pathos and humor, Maame is a novel made for late bloomers who finally learn to stand up for themselves.
Flight by Lynn Steger Strong: Three siblings and their spouses gather in a farmhouse in upstate New York for the holidays—the first time they haven’t spent Christmas with their mother, who has recently died. They argue over the family estate for most of the holidays, until a tragic event forces them all to work together to help another family in need.
The Fortunes of Jaded Women by Carolyn Huynh: The Duong sisters have been cursed for generations to never find love or happiness. This bad luck has begun trickling into the younger generations, all of whom have their own ideas of what happiness means. This funny, deeply loving novel grapples with estrangement, motherhood, and the role of fate in destiny. And I love the Vietnamese American representation, of course!
Looking for more book recommendations? Check out my winter reading list for every mood (for paid subscribers). There are no affiliate links in this newsletter.
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