7 Books With Introverted Leads That Will Make You Feel Seen

It’s a complaint that every introvert has moaned again and again — we feel so misunderstood. As an unmistakable introvert myself, I’ve felt this so very often. Everyone longs to feel known, seen, and welcome. Introverts and extroverts alike, we all just want to belong.

But it’s so rare that we introverts find that true sense of belonging, that wonderfully refreshing feeling of being understood — until we come across a book with a deeply introverted lead, that is. Reading a character’s inner monologue has the power to feel as if we’re reading our own personal mind-journal, like every small moment of overthinking, feeling helplessly awkward, or painfully shy is perfectly represented on the pages we’re reading.

Stories have a quiet power to them — we often think of them as a way to pass the time or perhaps learn a little lesson before we move on with life, but they’re so much more than that. When we come across a character who we feel reflects us, who makes us stop and say I’ve felt like that, too, it’s like finally finding someone who speaks our language.

This is what makes stories with introverted leads so incredibly important — we finally see ourselves in the context of a greater story, as the protagonist embarking on a journey, whether of love, growth, or self-acceptance.

So with that in mind, here are some of our favorite books with wonderfully introverted leads.

The Perks of Being a Wallflower — by Stephen Chbosky

This is Wallflower Journal. There was no way I wouldn’t include this one! Readers follow along as Charlie, an awkward and introverted teen navigates high school as the ultimate wallflower. After he befriends an extroverted brother-sister duo, Charlie is forced to step outside of his comfort zone, experiencing the highs and lows of romance, the gift of friendship, and most importantly, the freedom that comes with confronting his past demons — allowing himself to live finally. The book does deal with some heavy material, but if you’re looking for a touching coming-of-age tale, this is the book for you.

Persuasion — by Jane Austen

Anne Elliot, our protagonist, is a classic introvert – quietly charming, thoughtful, and full of strong and deep emotions. Once upon a time, she was engaged to Captain Wentworth, a naval officer, but was persuaded to break it off due to his lack of means. But when he returns years later with a wealth of good fortune, still-single Anne regrets her decision, having never stopped loving him in the first place – but her pride keeps her from running back to him. If you’ve been searching for a moving and romantic ‘will they or won’t they’ story, this one’s for you.

The Midnight Library — by Matt Haig

This book asks a question every single introvert has asked themselves at one point: what could’ve/should’ve/would’ve happened? Nora, our introverted protagonist, is faced with this predicament when, on the very last day she’ll live on earth, she finds herself in a library – but this isn’t just any library. There, she’s given the opportunity to live other lives she could’ve lived, and change decisions that led to some of her deepest regrets. With the once-in-a-lifetime chance of starting over, Nora is forced to wonder what the best way to live life is. Enchanting and deep, this book will make your introverted, overthinking self feel understood.

Jane Eyre — by Charlotte Brontë

Jane has always been an outcast – as a young orphan she was regularly left isolated by her new family, and it doesn’t get any better when she goes to school. Is there an introvert out there who can’t relate? Years later, she begins working for Mr. Rochester, a stern man for whom Jane quickly falls, and hard. But soon enough, their new romance is threatened by the past and other influences. If you’re in the mood for a mysterious romance, this one will fulfill that desire.

How Not to Die Alone — by Richard Roper

It started off as a white lie, but Andrew has found himself trapped: he doesn’t actually have a wife and two children at home, but that’s what he’s led his coworkers at the office to believe. Instead, he lives all alone, in his introverted bubble. His lie comes back to bite him when Peggy, a new hire, catches his eye — but, of course, she believes him to be married. Andrew is caught between his desire for romance and his lie. If he tells Peggy the truth in the hopes of being with her, will she ever forgive him for lying? And what if the rest of the office found out about his lie? Full of humor and heart this is one you’ll zoom through.

Pride and Prejudice — by Jane Austen

Although there’s some debate about whether or not Elizabeth Bennet, our protagonist, is truly an introvert, I believe her to be — after all, being self-assured isn’t just for extroverts. Set in the early 19th century in rural England, we follow along as the Bennet sisters find love and make mistakes — but in particular, we focus on Lizzie, a headstrong, witty young woman who encounters Mr. Darcy (who’s definitely an introvert), a handsome, haughty, and wealthy fellow. Despite the two initially disliking one another, their attraction grows, developing into a classic ‘enemies to lovers’ storyline. If you’re searching for a spunkier introvert like Lizzie to look up to, this is the story for you.

The Masterpiece — by Francine Rivers

This book centers around two introverts. Roman is an aloof and callous, yet wildly gifted artist living in the rolling hills of LA, who’d always rather be on his own. Grace is a kind-hearted yet guarded young, single mother who desperately needs a fresh start. She hesitantly agrees to move into Roman’s empty guest house in exchange for working as his assistant. Slowly, the two begin to see the good in life, despite their rough pasts, through the other person, and a deep connection blooms. If you want an easy yet touching read that you’ll devour in a few days, this is the perfect book.