The Ultimate List of Must-Read Enneagram Books in 2024

One of the best ways to gain an understanding of the Enneagram system is by reading great Enneagram books. To make your journey of self-discovery as enjoyable as possible, we have compiled a list of the top 10 Enneagram books that can satisfy a variety of readers.

Enneagram is a unique personality theory that can be viewed in countless different ways, so it is important to know what you want to get from it. This way, you can choose the books that answer your needs directly without going through the frustration of never finishing a book you’ve started.

So, pour yourself a cup of hot beverage and get ready to explore the ultimate list of must-read Enneagram books in 2024!

10 Best Enneagram Books You Should Read

We all learn and think in different ways, which is why there’s such a variety of great books about Enneagram. Regardless of whether you’re just starting your Enneagram journey or consider yourself an expert, you’ll find the books in this list inspiring and useful.

#1. The Wisdom of the Enneagram

“The Wisdom of the Enneagram” is a book by Russ Hudson and Don Richard, founders of the Enneagram Institute in New York City and two of the most recognized Enneagram authorities of modern times. Their book represents an excellent starting point for understanding Enneagram but is very insightful for advanced readers as well.

This book encompasses the theoretical background of the Enneagram with detailed explanations for each Enneagram type.It is mainly meant to be used as a self-development tool, so it includes plenty of practical, ready-made strategies and exercises for each type to overcome their weaknesses and unhealthy patterns.

It is also very helpful if you haven’t yet determined your Enneagram type, as it comes with two very precise questionnaires to help you define your personality type.

#2. The Story of You

“The Story of You” is a beautifully written book about the essence of Enneagram theory, which tells the story of each Enneatype through relatable, real-life examples and personal histories. It’s written by Ian Morgan Cron, a famous author and psychotherapist who uses his sense of humor and wit to shed light on the darkest corners of the human soul.

Ian generously shares his personal experience and stories from his psychotherapeutic practice, combining his knowledge of psychology with the intuitive wisdom of the Enneagram.

Light and amusing, yet so insightful and practical, his book is a true gem in Enneagram literature. Using Enneagram, Ian gently carves out a map for inner healing and transformation.

#3. The 9 Days of Working

If your interest in Enneagram comes from the need to improve your career, “The 9 Days of Working” will be of great help to you. This practical guide provides a complete description of each of the nine Enneagram types, explaining in detail how they see the world and how their perspective reflects on their career.

Written by Michael J. Goldberg, this book draws from his extensive experience in teaching and practicing Enneagram, providing lots of real-life examples that allow you to understand the core of each type quickly. Through plenty of practical insights, this book teaches you how to develop your leadership potential and talents and be the best version of yourself.

#4. The Honest Enneagram

Reading “The Honest Enneagram” feels like talking with a dear friend due to the writing style being so smooth and comprehensive. This book is an excellent introduction to the Enneagram personality system. It is full of beautiful illustrations that make the whole theory seem very structured and digestible.

This book is written by Sarajane Case, the amazing podcast author who we also included in our list of the best Enneagram podcasts. It offers a contemporary and practical look at Enneagram types anddescribes each type with a lot of empathy through the lenses of everyday, modern life. This is what makes the book easily relatable as well.

Both beginners and advanced Enneagram readers will enjoy this book, as it is fun and insightful at the same time.

#5. Nine Sapiens: Biology and Evolution of Personality Types

If you are interested in a more scientifically based approach to Enneagram (which would be typical of Enneagram Type Five), you’ll love "Nine Sapiens: Biology and Evolution of Personality Types.”

This book integrates the psychology of personality with modern neuroscience and evolutionary psychology, offering an in-depth analysis of each Enneagram type and Enneagram theory as a whole.

It allows you to understand each type’s motivation and unique contribution to the world and is recognized by many psychologists, leaders, coaches, and counselors as a great people development tool.

Written by Claudia Nario, an experienced psychologist, researcher, author, and lecturer and illustrated by Hugo Krüger, this book represents an amazing integration of science, art, and wisdom.

#6. The Path Between Us

If you find Enneagram intriguing because you want to understand and improve relationships in your life, “The Path Between Us” is a book that must find a place on your bookshelf. This book is mainly focused on how each personality type behaves and feels in a relationship, what their needs are, and how they process their emotional experiences.

Written by Suzanne Stabile, an internationally recognized Enneagram authority, teacher, and Enneagram Journey podcast host, this book is considered an Enneagram classic. She approaches the subject of human relationships with a lot of empathy, humor, and insight, offering practical tools for improving all kinds of relationships in our lives.

#7. Character and Neurosis: an Integrative View

Psychology nerds and curious souls of all kinds will find “Character and Neurosis: an Integrative View” especially interesting, as it offers a thorough yet comprehensive comparison of the Enneagram personality theory and other scientifically approved psychological character typing systems.

This book allows you to understand the origin of the Enneagram theory and its spiritual aspects. Written by Claudio Naranjo, a Chilean psychiatrist and co-developer of the Enneagram of Personality, this is definitely another classic must-read of the Enneagram literature.

Naranjo also touches on many important existential questions while explaining the essence of each Enneatype.

#8. Parables and the Eneagram

When you get tired of theory and simple facts but your Enneagram curiosity is still motivating you to learn, you are ready for “Parables and the Enneagram,” a beautiful literary work of art that allows us to see Enneagram types from a completely different perspective.

Using parables as an amazing diagnostic tool, Clarence Thomson, the author of this book, allows us to see the darkest side of each Enneagram type through the lenses of empathy and love. He also offers an interesting look at the so-called “seven deadly sins” and their correlation with each Enneagram type’s weakness and character structure.

Clarence Thomson is an insightful author of several Enneagram books. His approach to the Enneagram is unique yet highly applicable.

#9. Millenneagram

Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system with a strong spiritual aspect, which modern readers who are in search of more digestible forms may not be able to easily comprehend. Luckily, we have “Millenneagram,” an in-depth overview of Enneagram theory with a contemporary spin.

This book reframes the standard descriptions of Enneagram types with a fresh perspective, going as far as to rename the Enneagram types, catching their essence in both a humorous and strikingly accurate manner.

Hannah Paasch, the author of this book, activist, and podcast host, renames Type 1 to the Machine, Type 2 to the Parent, Type 6 to the Oracle, and so on, giving an immediate insight into the defining trait of each Enneatype. There’s no doubt this is one of the most powerful Enneagram books of the modern age.

#10. The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective

It’s well known that the Enneagram theory is based on the most influential philosophical and religious traditions from around the world. So, in a culturological sense, it is deeply connected to the Christian tradition. “The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective” explores the subtle connection between the Enneagram and Christian thought from the Early Church forward.

This is an interesting dive into the philosophy of the Enneagram and its correlations with the core truths and beliefs of Christian tradition.

Written by Fr. Richard Rohr, an internationally acknowledged ecumenical teacher, and Andreas Ebert, a pastor of St. Luke’s in Munich and the Director of Spiritual Center “St. Martin am Glockenbach,” this is one of the most interesting Enneagram reads.

For those who prefer listening to insightful discussions, check out our list of must-listen Enneagram podcasts.

Key Takeaways

Although a collection of 10 must-read books may seem too ambitious, the first one you read will only inspire you to look for the next one, and so on, until you tick all of them off the list.

That’s because the Enneagram test and Enneagram personality theory are amazingly accurate, powerful tools for self-discovery. Once you understand the essence, you will easily expand and deepen your knowledge and, more importantly, implement it in your everyday life.

So, pick any book from this list that captures your attention and start from there—we’re sure that you’ll come far with Enneagram, wherever you start!