The INFP Book: The Perks, Challenges, and Self-Discovery of an INFP

by Catherine Chea Bryce

INFPs often feel alienated from the rest of the world. They can see a different universe—one that is far more interesting and ideal than the realities of "ordinary life." Although there are struggles to being an INFP, there are also lots of perks. This book tells the stories of an INFP, giving a personal narration about what its like to be this unique—and often misunderstood—personality type. The book also covers the INFPs' cognitive functions and how they manifest in their experiences. You'll learn about the common challenges that INFPs face and how they can use their self-discovery to become more well-rounded individuals.

INFPs can be an unstoppable force who can move mountains—not just in their dreams, but in the real world. And this book will show you how this can be done.

Genres: Nonfiction, Psychology, Self Help

162 pages, Paperback

Published August 23, 2023

About the author

Catherine Chea Bryce is a Toronto-based creative passionate about storytelling and music. She spent her formative years pursuing piano, enrolling in music programs throughout high school and university. After studying philosophy at McGill in Montreal, Catherine discovered her calling in writing and continues to explore her creative side through short stories and fiction.

Reviews

[Neil Franz · Rating 3 out of 5]

As an INFP, this book helped me a lot to understand my personality. It is a great and inspiring book. Well researched.

Yet, somehow, in the middle of it all, it sounds like the author is treating INFPs as special snowflakes. I mean, yes, INFPs have flaws, too but most of the time (in the book) the author is being braggy about INFPs. I know she means no harm. She only wants to lift up the spirit and morale of the INFP people but still.

[Esther]

I haven’t read this book but it was another one similar but it isn’t on this app and I want to put it on my 2023 tag. Sorry.
The one I read it’s: “Not Lazy, Just INFP: 5 Strategies to Understanding INFP Procrastination, Dispelling the Myth of Laziness, and Getting Long-Term Goals Done” by Margarette Mathias

[Sheziss · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book just after finishing The Comprehensive INFP Survival Guide and I first believed that there was not much to add. But it gave me new perspectives of things. Both books are complete and complementary. Whereas Priebe's book is more objective and theoretical, giving exhaustive information and following a meticulous scheme, Chea's style is more accesible and personal, providing simple and straight-to-the-point patterns and clues.

Maybe a little rough around the edges but useful and understandable nonetheless. I highlighted most of the book because I found most of the tips and advices really nailed it.

I admit there were times when my mood became heavy and intense, when I honestly had to make an effort in order to apply a less idealistic and a more disheartening lenses on myself, watching and studying my inner core with a less romantic perspective and endure the discouraging criticism about myself.

But everybody has its shadows. INFPs are no less. But hey, it's good to get to know these shadows in a more concrete way. Putting these these matters into words make me feel more understood by others and by my own being. Giving a label is not bad, it gives you something more tangible to fight, it gives you tools to change and face your own demons.

I really recommend this book.

[Emma Frey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good read for INFPs. Undoubtedly readers will walk away from this book with at least four underlined phrases that can help them steer through life. I felt understood, motivated and connected. I think now I'd like to read something that goes a bit deeper into the cognitive functions stacking for an INFP, but this was nice. Would recommend.

[Chinaminder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written and researched book about the Myers Briggs personality type INFP, with a mix of insightful information and personal anecdote. The tone of the book is conversational, and I like how the chapters were broken down into manageable sections, making it easy to read and understand. She also addresses the problems and concerns of the INFP, with some relatable personal examples to illustrate the point.
What I enjoyed especially was Catherine Chea's writing style, her engagement with the reader, and her efforts to help INFPs extend and grow. In reading The INFP Book, any INFP will find new information and details they haven't come across before, and also suggestions on how to learn and develop, using the strengths of an INFP and countering the weaknesses. This book is essentially about discovering who you are. Be inspired.

[Livi · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book is a great introduction to what it's like being an INFP. most of the information in this book was something I already knew from the 16Personalities website after taking my personality test, but this book was still quite interesting and relatable. I wouldn't say it was mind blowing, but it was an interesting read. it's not very scientific either so if you're looking for a deep neuroscientific dive into personalities, this book isn't the one. it's more of a calm, realistic introduction into what it's like being an INFP. one thing I disliked was the immense amount of repetition, but I liked the relatability and the feeling that I wasn't alone in having such a unique personality.

"INFPs value autonomy and prefer to do things freely without any impediments. We like to be creative, expressive and explore new things without being burdened by repetitive tasks and strict orders. At the same time, we are drawn to our inferior Extroverted Thinking function and desire some stability and structure in our lives, or else things may get a little too chaotic. We may find our lives to be quite disorganized when we are being carried away by our imagination; we need something to ground us in reality." (20)

"INFPs value meaning and depth, so we do not like to engage in shallow conversations, such as gossiping and talking about the mundane and day-to-day. For us, small talk doesn't interest us because it lacks substance and feels superficial. However, that doesn't mean we're serious and need to have deep philosophical conversations constantly. We like to have fun and can be quite quirky and silly. What we really crave is the feeling that we've made a genuine connection with you on a personal level." (45)

[Adam Rowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one day. As an INFP that has been a self discovery path for two years now, Catherine brings a personal and vulnerable touch that allows you to relate to her immediately.

As soon someone who neglects himself to put others first, this book was a big wake up call to me. You cannot serve others with love until you first look after yourself. I was also sorry to hear of the struggles you have had Catherine (if you read this) but it seems here that it has made you that much stronger.

This book really inspired me and I cannot wait to read the next book Catherine makes. Infp to Infp, thank you. Highly recommended if you are an INFP who wants a fresh, personal take on the personality type.

[Margaux · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book, i especially enjoyed the insights about career, how you can put yourself out there by experimenting freely and on your own, and then report these experiences in a portfolio and so on, it gave me some inspiration. I enjoyed how practical these pieces of advice were and found them to be helpful, they opened up some possibilities that i hadnt thought of.

Altogether, this was relatable content which is always enjoyable. The part about creativity in the last pages and also the detailed report about the nature of our cognitive functions and how they interact with each other 👍 i recommend this read to INFPS !

[howsoonisnow · Rating 3 out of 5]

Chea is very self-aware, and provides down to earth, real-life examples of the manifestations of her INFP personality, many of which were very relatable. There were quite a number of aha moments, as I saw myself reflected in her personal experiences, thoughts, motivations and behaviour. It was certainly reassuring to know I'm not the only person who thinks and feels in ways detailed in this book. There was a good focus on building self-esteem, because Chia is correct in thinking that INFPs often feel normal aspects of their personality are unacceptable, or even pathological. Overall a worthwhile read, although a little self-absorbed and tedious at parts. In particular, I would have liked to see Chea move beyond her own personal experiences, to include the experiences of other INFPs, which would've made for a broader, more comprehensive, informative and interesting read.

[Brianna Steinman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not quite what I thought it would be - but still had a lot of interesting information on the scientific makeup of an INFP personality. I am fascinated with anything and everything Myers-Briggs. Light read with some fun headings; just a little too much "personal discovery" on the author's part for my taste. Still fun to flip through!

[Richard Pietravalle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Exceeded all I expected to benefit

I sought an outline of how these 4letters encode one "style of person" if you will, as a functional subset of the crowd of personalities i also knew little about.
I'd kind of anticipated perhaps a content-bot might have just digested the literature.
I am struck... touched almost, by how the author has cut the field down directly to only (and all ) the most relevant information, reserved no personal space between this subject and herself-- her life authentically offers her culminating, topical knowledge --so she seems to try to offer all she can to help-- The author moreover catered the whole presentation to inform this reader,with eerie specificity, just where my own life's default modus operandi could serve my values more effectively, and even feel i am being more authentically "me"
---- because i read this book. A stranger's own INFP experiences, well curated, philosophically expounded upon and very, very well communicated.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The personal tone of the writing makes this analysis of the Myers Briggs personality types accessible. Rather than learning about myself, this book acknowledged, confirmed, and validated my internal experiences and self-knowledge. With wonderful anecdotal descriptions and advice, this book offers valuable and supportive resource for the INFP individual to reframe their personality in relation to the non-INFP world.

[Haven · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Being happy does not mean to live in the absence of pain, but to enjoy life in spite of it.”

—

review: this was a quick and easy read. it really confirmed my relation to my personality type, and guided me to confront some more unpleasant truths about myself that i still need to overcome. the author does lean a bit too heavily into cliche, and some of this was a bit too simplified for me, but it was still fairly enjoyable. 3.5/5.

[Emily Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has helped give me a better understanding of what it means to be an INFP personality type and the challenges we face in finding a suitable career in line with our core values and how to overcome other hurdles we face in day to day life. It is also filled with wonderful quotes in which I can relate to from fellow INFPs who are famous; quotes from authors and actors.

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Catherine Chea nailed it! She knows the INFP so well. Even though I have a very strong preference for INFP and have trained as an administrator of the MBTI, I learned things and had much reaffirmed. The author knows what makes the INFP tick and has an engaging way of explaining it. This book is a must read for all INFPs and those who love them and live with them.

[Ritu · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vulnerable, Insightful Read.

As an INFP, it's always interesting to read someone else's account of life as an INFP. I thought Catherine was very honest and vulnerable. It was really cool to read another INFP's perspective and a couple of things really stood out to me. Highly recommend!

[Nanette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insightful

So many times while reading this book, I found myself nodding my head in agreement or saying that is so me. This is definitely a book that would help my loved ones understand me so much better -- Thank you!!!

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written by an INFP for INFPs, this book reads more like having a nice in-depth talk with an old friend and less like a technical manual (as some of the other books I considered purchased appeared to be written), which was a fantastic relief to me.

If you're looking to gain some further insight into the world of being an INFP, I highly recommend this title.

[Shashwat · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a nice read and rejuvenated my confidence. There's a question I would like to ask you Canadians. What makes you all so empathetic? Like really. My favourite self-improvement book alongside 12 Rules of Life by Dr. Jordan Peterson.

[Florenceg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lu et relu depuis un an. Un livre très utile pour tout INFP car il permet une compréhension plus fine de la façon dont fonctionne ce type de personnalité. Je me retrouve beaucoup dans ce que décrit l'auteur. Le livre est très encourageant et donne des conseils très pertinents.

[Jen Garuti · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn't quite what I was looking for. Could have gone a little deeper.

[Andrew Watson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great incite on why I sometimes think as I do.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt more personal thatln I expected and I am grateful for it. Felt like being in a conversation with an understanding friend.

[Bookspirit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small wonder!

[Kambrie Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED this book. It was so spot on and I was just nodding YES on every page.

[Jani Kemppainen · Rating 4 out of 5]

My personality type in MBTI type personality test is an INFP, and this book was very good and insightful. I recommend this to all INFP people for a self-discovery :)

[Ghasaq]

Good

[Lira · Rating 3 out of 5]

A really comforting read but I gained nothing new. Given that I've read all the other INFP books out there, it's not really the book's fault.

[Blogger6Fowl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing, insightful, and very accurate. A must to all INFPs like me out there. I felt understood and cherished.

[Jason Packard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Help, I’m alive.