Why We Love the Books We Love

Have you ever wondered why you can’t put down certain books, and why some books leave you wanting more? Much like our tastes in music, movies, or other entertainment choices, people tend to stick to the genres they love when it comes to books. This got me thinking… Do the types of books we prefer say anything about our personality? As a psychologist, I turned to science-backed research, and here is what I found (minus all the jargon!)

How Books Are Linked to Our Personality

The Big Five is one of the most well-researched and widely used theories in personality psychology. This theory talks about how people sit on a spectrum of five main traits, and there was a cool study that looked at personality test results and book preferences. Here’s what they found:

• Openness: People who are more open-minded prefer books that challenge the conventional way of thinking. The more intellectually stimulating it is, the better, such as philosophical books.
• Conscientiousness: Disciplined and organized people like goal-oriented, practical books. Self-improvement books are popular with this crowd.
• Extraversion: Outgoing and sociable people prefer content about social situations and relationships, like popular modern fiction, memoirs, or autobiographies.
• Agreeableness: Cooperation and empathy tend to be common traits among people who enjoy literature with emotional depth, or stories that are family-oriented or have moral themes.
• Neuroticism: People who are easily stressed (I relate to this crowd) tend to prefer escapist books. Surprisingly, psychological thrillers are popular with this group, potentially as a means of emotional exploration or distraction.

These connections are so interesting, and they point to something deeper. Perhaps it’s not just that the books we like can predict our personality, but maybe they even shape our personality.

Does My Cultural Background Affect the Books I Like?

It’s no secret that our personality is shaped by the environment we grew up in. Different societies place value on specific book genres due to their cultural norms, which directly influence what people gravitate toward. For example, in cultures where group norms are important, readers may prefer books that emphasize social harmony, family relationships, or moral lessons. In contrast, more individualistic cultures might favor stories that explore self-expression, personal freedom, and individual heroism.

Language might also play a role in shaping book preferences. For example, places with a strong literary heritage like France see a higher appreciation for philosophical books. In countries where verbal storytelling is a strong tradition, fantasy fiction or folklore-based fiction may be more popular as they are more narrative-driven.

Early Reads Shape Your Worldview

Researchers found that when people read literary fiction that spends a lot of time delving into the characters’ psychology and relationships, they become better at inferring and understanding other people’s thoughts and emotions. This means that reading books that are character-driven can help improve empathy.

When the character’s motives and thoughts are not explicitly stated, readers are forced to use their imagination to understand their intentions. It turns out that people who do this when they read, then continue to do so in other situations, like in real life. This is perhaps a great argument for why high school reading lists should contain literary fiction.

How Books Shape Your Identity Over Time

Research shows that reading can actually shape who we are over time, influencing our identity, creativity, and even how we solve problems. Think about it—when we immerse ourselves in stories, especially ones with complex characters and emotions, we’re not just reading for entertainment. We’re also learning how to navigate life.

Psychologists have even backed this up with theories like “Possible Selves,” which suggest that when we engage with different characters, we start to imagine versions of ourselves in their shoes. We explore identities and experiences we might not encounter in our daily lives, which can broaden our sense of self and what we think we’re capable of.

This isn’t just about big, life-changing moments, though. It’s also about connecting the dots between who we were, who we are, and who we want to be. Books help us reflect on our past and consider how it informs our present. Psychologists call this “self-continuity,” and it’s pretty powerful because it makes us more resilient and adaptable.

On top of that, reading boosts creativity and critical thinking. When a plot isn’t laid out perfectly, or a character’s motives are vague, we’re forced to fill in the gaps, and that skill can carry over into real life. We become better at handling complex situations and thinking outside the box. So, next time you dive into a novel, remember it’s not just a book—it’s a tool for personal growth.

A Perfect Excuse to Add to Your TBR Pile

The books we gravitate toward reveal more than just our literary tastes—they provide a window into our personalities. Whether we are seeking intellectual stimulation, emotional depth, or escapism, our favorite genres resonate with different parts of who we are. That’s the beauty of books—they soothe us and shape us. Books are not just a reflection of our current selves but also a tool for personal growth and understanding others.

So, next time you pick up a book, consider how it might be shaping your worldview and your ability to connect with those around you!