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Some books are banned because they say too much. Others are banned because they say it too well. These powerful works shake consciences and challenge the status quo.
If you are someone who feels deeply, questions everything, or aspires to transformation, chances are your favorite book is one that made someone else uncomfortable. And that’s not a bad thing. Banned books have that unique ability to provoke, inspire reflection, and awaken intense emotions. Here is a list of banned books matched to each type of the Enneagram—not only to entertain you but also to unleash something within you. These works do not pamper the reader. They challenge, provoke, and awaken. So, if you are ready to turn the page, scroll down to your type.
This article contains affiliate links for the books mentioned. If you purchase a book through this link, I receive a small commission to help keep my site running.
Don’t know your personality type? Discover our Enneagram questionnaire here!
Enneagram One – The Catcher in the Rye by Harper Lee
In the racially divided town of Maycomb, Alabama, young Scout Finch observes her father, Atticus, defending a black man falsely accused of assaulting a white woman. Through Scout’s eyes, we witness the disintegration of a community under the weight of prejudice, injustice, and hypocrisy. This timeless classic is a heartbreaking and inspiring call to defend what is right, even when it’s dangerous.
Why you will appreciate it:
You aspire to justice, fairness, and moral clarity. But the world doesn’t always offer these neatly, and this book doesn’t pretend otherwise. The Catcher in the Rye is a shock for anyone who has ever tried to do what is right in a world that would rather you not. Scout’s innocence, Atticus’s quiet resolve, and the gut-wrenching trial will make you reflect and remind you why your voice still matters.
Why it was banned: Questioned and banned for its use of racial slurs and its portrayal of racism, which some considered offensive or inappropriate for students—even though the book critiques racism.
You might also like: 1984 by George Orwell or The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood
Enneagram Two – The Color Purple by Alice Walker
Told through a series of letters, The Color Purple follows Celie, a young black woman in the Southern United States in the early 1900s, who endures unspeakable abuse and isolation. Over time, Celie finds her voice, strength, and a chosen family that teaches her that love shouldn’t hurt. This novel is a story of survival, sisterhood, and healing in the face of overwhelming trauma.
Why you will love it:
You love people deeply. You want to be needed—which means your heart takes some serious hits. The Color Purple traverses unspeakable suffering, but doesn’t leave you there. It takes you to redemption, healing, and sisterhood. It’s a letter to the soul that believes in love even when it’s not reciprocated. And it will break you and heal you at the same time.
Why it was banned: Removed from reading lists for its explicit descriptions of sexual abuse, violence, and homosexuality. Its raw depiction of trauma and recovery disturbed censors for decades.
You might also like: Forever by Judy Blume or Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston
Banned books are powerful works that challenge established norms and provoke deep thought. Discovering a banned book according to your Enneagram type offers a personalized reading experience, aligned with your personality and intrinsic motivations. Each Enneagram type has unique needs and desires, meaning that certain books can inspire, provoke, or comfort in specific ways. For example, a justice-oriented type will find in these books powerful calls for equity, while a more introspective type will see mirrors of their own reflections.
These works, often censored for their bold or controversial themes, have the power to awaken minds and foster significant personal growth. By choosing banned books suited to your Enneagram type, you can not only challenge your own beliefs but also enrich your understanding of yourself and the world around you. This personalized approach to reading allows for a deep immersion into narratives that resonate with your values and aspirations, transforming each read into a true adventure of discovery and personal transformation.
Literature has always been a reflection of the social, political, and cultural tensions of its time. Some books, due to their bold ideas or ability to provoke, have been banned or censored. Discover how these controversial works can resonate with your personality through the Enneagram. Each Enneagram type has unique preferences that align certain banned books with their distinctive traits, offering a reading experience that not only captivates but also transforms.
Type 1: The Perfectionist
Perfectionists seek integrity and ethics in every aspect of their lives. The book 1984 by George Orwell is an iconic work that explores the dangers of corruption and tyranny, themes dear to Type 1s. This dystopian novel highlights the struggle for truth and justice, fundamental values for perfectionists. The banning of this book in some regimes reflects its power to denounce abuses of power and encourage critical reflection. By reading 1984, Type 1s find resonance with their desire to do what is right and fight against injustice.
Type 2: The Helper
Helpers are motivated by the desire to help and support others. The Diary of Anne Frank is a poignant testament to resilience and compassion. This book, often banned for its raw descriptions of war and persecution, captures the essence of human solidarity and the importance of empathy. Type 2s are drawn to narratives that highlight human relationships and the ability to overcome challenges through mutual aid. By reading this book, they find a source of inspiration to continue supporting those around them.
Type 3: The Achiever
Type 3s are focused on success and personal achievement. The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde explores the themes of vanity and the search for power, concepts that resonate deeply with Achievers. This book has been banned for its allusions to hedonism and its questioning of personal ethics, which intrigues Type 3s who constantly seek to improve their image and achieve excellence. By confronting the moral dilemmas of Dorian, Achievers can reflect on their own motivations and the cost of success.
Type 4: The Individualist
Individualists value authenticity and personal expression. The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky is a work that dives into the deep emotions and unique experiences of each person, aligned with the Type 4 desire to understand their identity. This book, often censored for its themes of deep introspection and emotional quests, offers an intimate exploration of the transition to adulthood and the search for self. Individualists find resonance with their own complex emotions and their need to find deep meaning in their existence.
Type 5: The Investigator
Investigators are driven by a thirst for knowledge and understanding. Persepolis by Marjane Satrapi is a graphic autobiography that explores political revolutions and societal changes, which particularly attract Type 5s. This book, sometimes banned for its critique of power structures and its realistic depiction of conflict, offers a deep analysis and a historical perspective that Investigators appreciate. By studying Satrapi’s experiences, Type 5s nurture their desire for understanding and critical reflection.
Type 6: The Loyalist
Loyalists seek security and reliability in their relationships and environments. The Diary of Anne Frank is a work that highlights resilience in the face of adversity and the struggle for survival, themes that resonate with Type 6’s need for security and stability. This book, censored for its realistic descriptions of war and persecution, offers a narrative that reinforces faithfulness to human values and courage in difficult times. Loyalists find a source of inspiration to maintain their convictions even in the darkest moments.
Type 7: The Enthusiast
Enthusiasts are motivated by the pursuit of new experiences and the quest for pleasure. Looking for Alaska by John Green is a novel that explores adventures and emotional depths, aligned with the Type 7 desire to live fully and to embrace uncertainty. This book, sometimes banned for its discussions of death and loss, offers a captivating story that prompts Enthusiasts to reflect on the consequences of their actions and the value of human relationships. By reading this book, Type 7s are encouraged to explore their own emotions and appreciate moments of reflection.
Type 8: The Challenger
Challengers are determined, assertive, and like to take control. The Chocolate War by Robert Cormier is a work that addresses themes of resistance and struggle against authority, which particularly attract Type 8s. This book, often censored for its portrayal of violence and power conflicts, offers an intense story that resonates with the Challenger’s desire to defy norms and to protect their convictions. By reading this book, Type 8s find validation of their need for control and strength against oppression.
Type 9: The Peacemaker
Peacemakers value harmony and avoid conflict. Ordinary People by Judith Guest is a novel that explores family dynamics and grief management, themes that resonate with Type 9’s desire to maintain peace and to understand the emotions of others. This book, sometimes banned for its candid discussions on mental health and suicide, offers a gentle yet profound narration that helps Peacemakers to manage their own internal conflicts while enhancing their ability to cultivate harmonious relationships. By reading this book, Type 9s discover ways to manage their emotions and balance their need for peace with the realities of the world.
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FAQ
Q : Why are some books banned?
A : Books are often banned because they address sensitive topics, challenge established norms, or express ideas that are too bold. They can provoke debates and elicit strong reactions, making them controversial.
Q : How does Enneagram type influence the choice of a banned book?
A : Each Enneagram type has unique preferences and sensitivities. A banned book is associated with a specific type to reflect the personality traits and motivations of that type, providing a reading experience that resonates deeply with their individual characteristics.
Q : Does each Enneagram type have a specific banned book?
A : Yes, the article presents a banned book for each of the nine Enneagram types. Each book has been chosen to correspond with the values, challenges, and aspirations unique to each type, allowing for a more personal and meaningful connection with the reader.
Q : Are these banned books available for purchase despite their ban?
A : Yes, although some books are banned in certain regions or contexts, they remain available in many bookstores and online platforms. The article also provides suggestions for similar books for those who wish to explore comparable themes.
Q : Why does the article include affiliate links for the mentioned books?
A : Affiliate links help support the site by generating a small commission on purchases made through these links. This helps keep the site running while offering readers an easy way to acquire the recommended books.
Q : How can I identify my Enneagram type if I don’t know it yet?
A : The article recommends taking an Enneagram questionnaire to determine your type. Understanding your type can help you choose the banned book that best matches your personality and motivations.
Q : What are the benefits of reading a banned book suited to my Enneagram type?
A : Reading a banned book that corresponds to your Enneagram type can provide a more enriching and introspective reading experience. These books are designed to challenge you, inspire you, and help you explore deep aspects of your personality.
Q : Does the article suggest alternatives to the mentioned banned books?
A : Yes, for each banned book, the article suggests similar alternate readings. These recommendations allow readers to discover comparable works that may also resonate with their interests and values.
Q : Do banned books always have controversial content?
A : Generally, yes. Banned books often address controversial themes, express subversive ideas, or present perspectives that challenge social conventions. It is this ability to provoke and spark thought that makes them both contested and valuable.
