Books

The YA Book For You Based On Your Personality Type

by Alex Weiss

A great way to get to know yourself is to take the Myers-Briggs personality test. If you haven't taken the test to find out where you land on the scale, go do it right now! Sure, it's a semi-long questionnaire of often repetitive questions, but in the end it reveals way more about your personality than any other online quiz you can take — no offense to you obsessive quiz takers. It's also a great way to get to know how you respond to conflict, relationships, and work life.

The indicator, created by Katherine Cook Briggs and her daughter, Isabel Briggs Myers, was based on the typological theory made by psychologist Carl Jung, revealing how humans experience the world. Each type is made up of four letters, and there are two possible traits in each area:

  • Extroverted (E), Introverted (I)
  • Sensing (S), Intuitive (N)
  • Thinking (T), Feeling (F)
  • Judgement (J), Perception (P)

The scale of these letters isn't black and white — you can often be on the edge of one or the other. But for the sake of the test, it will put you in one category. And if you're interested to find out more, there is a ton of fascinating information on Myers-Briggs. I don't know about you, but this is one topic I could read about all day long.

So once you know your type, it's an awesome way to find out what you're most interested in reading about. So, I've created a list of every personality type and the perfect young adult book to go with it. YA books are all about self-discovery, so it only seemed fitting to pair up your personal discoveries with some pretty amazing characters who are on similar journeys. I know you're dying to find out which book is the perfect match for you, so without further ado, here are the 16 personality types and the best YA book for each one:

1. ISTJ: "The Logistician"

Traits: practical, responsible, honest, direct

Book: An Abundance of Katherines by John Green

As an ISTJ, you're constantly analyzing every situation around you and see no point in covering the truth in fluff. And just like Colin who is out to prove a theory on love from An Abundance of Katherines, you go by the rules. This book is full of wit, humor, and a practicality you'll appreciate — even when things do go a little insane on a road-trip with two adolescent boys. Every once in a while, you enjoy indulging in fictional, irresponsible acts which is exactly why one of John Green's novels is perfect for you.

ISFJ: "The Defender"

Traits: loyal, detail-oriented, supportive, imaginative

Book: The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

ISFJs are always concerned with other's feelings it practically consumes them sometimes. Being one of the most supportive personality types, the best YA book for ISFJs is The Perks of Being a Wallflower. This emotional book made up of diary entries from Charlie, an extremely introverted and shy high schooler with a twisted past, is also a gorgeous coming-of-age tale. As Charlie makes new friends that introduce him to an exciting and infinite lifestyle, things slowly come crashing down. As an ISFJ, you'll adore Charlie and his story, feeling as if you're at his side the entire time.

INFJ: "The Advocate"

Traits: Insightful, passionate, creative, altruistic

Book: Just One Day by Gayle Forman

As an INFJ myself, I can argue that the YA genre is basically gold for this personality type due to the themes of self-discovery, passion, and complex relationships. While an INFJ isn't opposed to fantasy or science fiction, realistic and relationship based stories like Just One Day are a home run for this type. This is Allyson Healey's story, a girl who thought she had her life figured out until she meets free-spirited Willem on her European adventure and ditches what she thought she wanted for something completely new.

INTJ: "The Architect"

Traits: Independent, open-minded, confident, quick

Book: We Were Liars by E. Lockhart

This incredibly complex and almost puzzle-like book will surely satisfy any pattern-seeking INTJ. Full of suspense, We Were Liars is the story of a distinguished and beautiful family on the outside, a complicated love story, and a friendship that very quickly turns destructive. There's a colossal plot twist that even Sherlock Holmes didn't see coming, and one as an INTJ, you will appreciate.

ISTP: "The Virtuoso"

Traits: Flexible, analytical, energetic, spontaneous

Book: The Lunar Chronicles by Marissa Meyer

The Lunar Chronicles is the ingenious sci-fi series that takes place in a world where androids and humans coexist while a deadly plague lurks the Earth. When Cinder, a mechanic and cyborg, finds herself suddenly in the middle of an intergalactic struggle, along with falling for the prince, she takes on the role to protect the fate of the world. Yes, it is a play on fairytales, but its massive plot and detailed descriptions are what swoons the ISTP. While many ISTPs get bored easily, this is certainly not a series anyone could find boring.

ISFP: "The Adventurer"

Traits: lighthearted, artistic, charming, curious

Book: I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

The ISFP is a natural artist, and Jandy Nelson's book I'll Give You the Sun is a complicated masterpiece. This story is told in a dual perspective of artistic and passionate twins, Noah and Jude. While Noah has the first half of the story at age 13, Jude tells the other half at age 16. ISFPs are naturally competitive but also sensitive to emotions, so this book focused on a twisted sibling rivalry full of heart-wrenching emotions is the perfect cup of tea for this type. Unpredictable and absolutely stunning, this novel will fill any ISFP with inspiration and creativity.

INFP: "The Mediator"

Traits: idealistic, sensitive, imaginative, cooperative

Book: The Raven Cycle series by Maggie Stiefvater

INFPs are looking for more than the average story, they want something magical, emotional, and above all, memorable. Maggie Stiefvater's brings all of that into her incredible series, which follows a unique friendship full of complicated characters and turns the search for a dead Welsh king into an incredibly exciting adventure. INFPs love to communicate deeply and create wholesome relationships which is why the character cast of The Raven Cycle will easily becomes some of their best fictional friends.

INTP: "The Logician"

Traits: analytical, rational, ingenious, honest

Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

INTPs practically live within their buzzing and creative minds, constantly solving puzzles and analyzing the world around them. They also have an intense thirst for knowledge which is why The Book Thief, and main character Liesel Meminger, is the right match for them. Caught in the middle of World War II, it doesn't stop Liesel from stealing the one thing she truly loves — books. This unforgettable story may not have a happy ending, but the INTP isn't in search for a happily ever after, but instead a logical yet original concept.

ESTP: “The Entrepreneur"

Traits: Adventurous, stylish, entrepreneurial, charming

Book: Since You've Been Gone by Morgan Matson

ESTPs are charming, clever, and love being the center of attention — so they'll easily relate to Emily's outspoken and outgoing friend Sloane. Emily expects an epic summer with her crazy best friend, but when Sloane disappears, leaving behind a list of things for Emily to do (that she definitely wouldn't do normally), she tries her best to live up to her best friend's wishes. As an ESTP, you probably have a few shy friends yourself and love them more than anything — which is exactly why you'll enjoy this rebellious and funny story.

ESFP: "The Entertainer"

Traits: outgoing, spontaneous, bold, observant

Book: Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver

As an entertainer herself, Samantha Kingston is a popular high school senior who thinks Cupid's Day will be just like any other day, only more full of flowers and chocolates. It's a twist of events when Samantha dies — but then mysteriously wakes up the next day, only to relive the same day over seven times. This intense story will draw in any ESFP, focusing on the excitement and thrill of the tiny changes Samantha makes that turn into extraordinary outcomes.

ENFP: "The Campaigner"

Traits: energetic, bright, confident, innovative

Book: Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

ENFPs are constantly riding an emotional rollercoaster and will more than likely never step off of it because that's the way they like it. Most, if not all, John Green books are a shoe-in for ENFPs, but Stephanie Perkins is the true author for this personality type with her adorable, smart characters. Anna and the French Kiss looks like a simple love story on the outside about an American girl experiencing Europe for the first time, but I can assure you it's much more than that. ENFPs look for emotional connections and deeper meanings, while also remaining free-spirited. And if that doesn't sum up this novel, then I don't know what does.

ENTP: "The Debater"

Traits: Knowledgeable, communicative, intense, charismatic

Book: Everything that Makes You by Moriah McStay

As an ENTP, you've probably been the devil's advocate a few times in your life, and if there's one question you love to ask, it's: "What if?" Which is exactly why Everything that Makes You is the YA novel for you. This is a story based on one girl with two stories, questioning what if an accident that changed her entire life had never happened, and what if it had. As a natural debater and original thinker, you'll fall in love with this daring story.

ESTJ: "The Executive"

Traits: wholesome, straightforward, practical, dedicated

Book: The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie

ESTJs generally enjoy nonfiction or realistic fiction over fantastical stories because they are more practical. Due to that, Sherman Alexie's autobiographical YA novel The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian will satisfy that need for an utterly honest story. Junior, a brave and determined kid leaves behind the unsatisfactory life on his reservation and becomes the first Indian to enroll in an all-white school. ESTJs are leaders at heart and are constantly looking for what's in need of change, so this cultural eye-opener and funny tale is one that will blow any ESTJs mind.

ESFJ: "The Consul"

Traits: warmhearted, giving, loyal, social

Book: Saint Anything by Sarah Dessen

Saint Anything might seem like an odd choice for an ESFJ, the personality type that is most associated with being popular and socially active. But the ESFJs love to learn about people, so an opposite character is the right match for this type. This story is about Sydney, the outcast in the family, and whose older brother seems to always be in the spotlight until a tragic accident occurs. The relationships and connections made in Sarah Dessen's most recent book are some that every ESFJ will absolutely adore reading about.

ENFJ: “The Protagonist"

Traits: Honest, creative, tolerant, reliable

Book: All We Have is Now by Lisa Schroeder

Only 24 hours remain before a deadly asteroid strikes North America, but neither Emerson or her best friend Vince who live on the streets, have been warned. The two meet Carl, a generous soul who grants wishes, and offers a day full of possibility rather than a haunting end to the two friends. ENFJs are similar to Carl, someone who always wants to make things better and invest themselves in optimistic outcomes. You'll love this heartwarming novel so much, you'll probably carry it around with you wherever you go.

ENTJ: "The Commander"

Traits: Driven, confident, efficient, goal-oriented

Books: Graceling by Kristin Cashore

An ENTJ is looking for strong protagonists, extraordinary concepts, and plot-driven stories. So, let me introduce Graceling, the story of a girl named Katsa who is gifted with the power to kill. And when a prince, also a Graceling skilled in combat, shows up, Katsa questions everything she has even known to be true about herself, but certainly not her kickass personality. Every ENTJ will enjoy this strong-willed and fantastical adventure story.

Image: Rachel Titiriga/flickr