Which Myers and Briggs Personality Type Reads the Most? Ranking All 16 Types
Ever wondered how your Myers and Briggs personality type might influence your reading habits? Whether you're a dedicated bookworm or someone who rarely cracks open a book, your personality traits may play a role in what (and how much) you enjoy reading. We've ranked all 16 types based on how much they’re likely to devour new books, what genres they love, and what might distract them from turning pages. See where you fall in the list and get an inside look at how each personality approaches the world of books!
1. INFJ (The Visionary Bookworm)
INFJs are the ultimate book lovers. Known for their introspective and empathetic nature, they find solace in exploring deep, meaningful stories. They’re drawn to thought-provoking novels, self-help, and spiritual literature—anything that helps them explore the complexities of the human experience. Classics like “To Kill a Mockingbird” or philosophical works like “Man’s Search for Meaning” are right up their alley. For INFJs, reading isn’t just a hobby—it’s a way to understand themselves and the world better.
2. INTJ (The Strategic Reader)
For the INTJ, books are not just entertainment—they are tools for growth. This type loves to learn, and their reading list often includes non-fiction genres like business, psychology, and science. Expect to see titles like “The Art of War” or “Thinking, Fast and Slow” on their shelves. They appreciate knowledge they can apply to life or work, and they’re methodical about choosing books that align with their long-term goals.
3. INFP (The Daydreaming Bibliophile)
INFPs love immersing themselves in beautifully written novels that transport them to other worlds. Whether it’s fantasy, poetry, or literary fiction, these dreamy idealists favor books that tug at the heartstrings and ignite their imagination. Think “The Alchemist” or “The Night Circus”. They might not read with the consistency of INFJs or INTJs, but their passion for storytelling makes them avid readers when the mood strikes.
4. ENFP (The Curious World Explorer)
ENFPs are spontaneous readers who dip into a wide variety of genres. From memoirs to magical realism, they are energized by stories that inspire new experiences or perspectives. An ENFP’s bookshelf may be scattered, but they love the adventure of discovering new authors and ideas. Titles like “Untamed” by Glennon Doyle or “Born A Crime” by Trevor Noah are likely to resonate with their insatiable curiosity.
5. ISTJ (The Practical Knowledge Seeker)
ISTJs are disciplined readers who value information over entertainment. They love practical non-fiction books like how-to guides, history and manuals that offer actionable advice. ISTJs will stick to a book until the very last page, and you’ll often find works like “Atomic Habits” or “The Diary of Anne Frank” dominating their shelves. They see reading as a way to gain insight and improve their lives.
6. ISFJ (The Nostalgic Novel Lover)
ISFJs enjoy reading because it aligns with their nurturing and reflective traits. They’re drawn to stories filled with warmth and nostalgia, often gravitating toward historical fiction or gentle classics like “Anne of Green Gables”. ISFJs appreciate books that bring comfort or remind them of simpler times, and their choices often reflect their deep sense of tradition and family values.
7. ENFJ (The Reading Mentor)
ENFJs see books as a tool to inspire, educate and connect with others. They are the type to recommend books that changed their lives, from motivational reads like “Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown to novels that create dialogue around important topics. While they might not read as voraciously as INFJs, their choices are always purposeful.
8. ENTJ (The Productivity Addict)
ENTJs approach reading with a focus on efficiency. They devour non-fiction that sharpens their strategic thinking, like “Good to Great” or “Leaders Eat Last”. Reading is about achieving professional and personal goals, and they are often spotted with highlighters in hand, extracting the most useful information to dominate their field.
9. ISFP (The Sentimental Reader)
ISFPs have a deep emotional connection to the books they read. They love novels and memoirs that evoke strong feelings, often leaning toward romance or coming-of-age stories. Think “The Fault in Our Stars” or “Eat, Pray, Love”. ISFPs may not read consistently, but when they do, they savor every word.
10. ESTJ (The Leadership Learner)
To ESTJs, reading is about self-improvement and gaining an edge. Like ENTJs, they favor non-fiction but are more likely to gravitate toward books on leadership, systems, or biographies of successful figures. They might not read often, but when they do, it’s all about practicality and results.
11. ESFJ (The Community-Oriented Reader)
ESFJs enjoy lighthearted or community-centered reads. They’re likely to choose books that allow them to stay connected with others, whether that’s the latest bestseller from Oprah’s Book Club or relatable, heartwarming fiction like “The Help”. For them, reading is as much about the conversation it sparks as the pages themselves.
12. ISTP (The Tech and DIY Enthusiast)
ISTPs read sparingly, but they make it count. These hands-on tacticians enjoy instruction manuals, tech guides or anything that helps them improve their skills. Don’t expect ISTPs to binge-read novels—they’re more likely to skim a manual for their next DIY project.
13. ESTP (The Action-Lover)
ESTPs thrive on action and excitement, which means reading isn’t always their go-to activity. If they pick up a book, it might be an action-packed thriller or an autobiography of a risk-taker, like “Can’t Hurt Me” by David Goggins. Still, they’re more likely to be out creating adventures than sitting with a book.
14. ESFP (The Experience Seeker)
Reading competes with ESFPs’ love for socializing and experiencing life firsthand. When they do read, it’s often to follow trends or enjoy light, entertaining stories. Star-studded celebrity memoirs or fun fiction like “Crazy Rich Asians” are likely to pique their interest.
15. INTP (The Sporadic Scholar)
INTPs love knowledge but can be inconsistent readers. They tend to start multiple books at once, ranging from philosophy to science fiction, but finishing them is another story. If an INTP finds a book deeply thought-provoking, like “A Brief History of Time”, they’ll immerse themselves. Otherwise, they might get distracted by the next big idea.
16. ENTP (The Idea Chaser)
ENTPs are brimming with curiosity, but their short attention spans often make it hard to sit down and read extensively. They’re more likely to skim articles, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts for new ideas. If they do pick up a book, they favor innovation-driven works like “Zero to One” by Peter Thiel.
Want to Read More, Regardless of Your Type?
No matter where you fall on this list, cultivating a reading habit is always possible. Start small, choose books that spark your curiosity, and watch your reading list grow. Want to explore how your personality might shape other parts of your life? Take Truity’s TypeFinder test and uncover more about who you are—and perhaps even get some reading inspiration!