Have you ever recommended a book you loved only to have someone say that they didn’t enjoy it?
That reaction might not have anything to do with the quality of the book. More often, it’s about how the story, message, or pacing aligns with the reader’s personality style.
Each of us sees the world through a different lens, and that lens shapes how we interpret stories, absorb wisdom, and connect with ideas. The books we love often reflect our inner world by tapping into what excites, challenges, or soothes us.
Of course, anyone of any personality style can enjoy any genre of books.
But we tend to be drawn to books that resonate with who we are.
Let’s explore the types of books that tend to connect with the four core styles. I’ll stick with non-fiction, as anyone can enjoy any fictional genre.
Eagle: Crave Action, Strategy & Triumph
Eagles are results-driven, competitive, and goal-oriented. They tend to like books that challenge them to level up, win, and dominate, whether in business, personal growth, or plot lines. Eagles may enjoy high-stakes thrillers and books with powerful protagonists.
Books Eagles love:
- Good to Great by Jim Collins
- Relentless by Tim S. Grover
- Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink
- Steve Jobs by Walter Isaacson
- Execution: The Discipline of Getting Things Done by Larry Bossidy and Ram Charan
These books push limits, overcome odds, and end in victory. For Eagles, books are tools for achievement.
Parrot: Seek Joy, Inspiration & Bold Ideas
Parrots are optimistic, creative, and social. They get excited by books that spark their imagination, make them laugh, or fill them with energy and possibility. Upbeat memoirs, visionary fiction, and quirky, fast-paced novels engage Parrots.
Books Parrots love:
- Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
- You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
- Untamed by Glennon Doyle
- The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
- The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks
For Parrot, books are a source of adventure and expression, and these books would inspire, entertain, and emotionally uplift them.
Dove: Value Heart, Harmony & Connection
Doves are nurturing, compassionate, and relationship-driven. They gravitate toward books that explore human connection, emotional depth, and meaningful life lessons. Doves are likely to enjoy quiet, character-driven novels or spiritual growth reads.
Books Doves love:
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom
- The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
- The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
- Nonviolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg
- Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
Doves want to feel seen, connected, and moved and these books are companions for the heart.
Owl: Prefer Depth, Logic & Insight
Owls are analytical, thoughtful, and precise. They tend to enjoy books that are rich with knowledge, structured, and intellectually stimulating. Complex nonfiction, science, history, and well-constructed mystery novels may be perfect for Owls.
Books Owls Love:
- Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman
- Sapiens by Yuval Noah Harari
- The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
- The Martian by Andy Weir (I know, it’s fiction, but it’s sooooo Owl)
- Atomic Habits by James Clear
Owls want depth, clarity, and expertise, and these books are tools for understanding and mastery.
Want to develop your personality style? Check out Personality Intelligence. It has something for each style.
About Merrick Rosenberg
Merrick Rosenberg is the creator of the Eagle, Parrot, Dove, and Owl personality framework and author of Personality Intelligence: Master the Art of Being You. As an award-winning speaker and founder of Take Flight Learning, Merrick has helped hundreds of thousands of people unlock the power of personality styles to transform their communication, leadership, and relationships. He’s on a mission to make self-awareness accessible, fun, and unforgettable.
