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The Honest Enneagram: Know Your Type, Own Your Challenges, Embrace Your Growth
Find a way to bring out the best in yourself with this heartfelt, informative, and approachable guide to all things Enneagram.
The Enneagram personality system consists of a spectrum of nine personality types. Based on the hit Instagram account, @enneagramandcoffee, this book is an introduction to the Enneagram itself, along with information about each type.
With the feeling of your best friend telling you about the Enneagram, this book is digestible and engaging for new and seasoned Enneagram fans.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
The Enneagram personality system consists of a spectrum of nine personality types. Based on the hit Instagram account, @enneagramandcoffee, this book is an introduction to the Enneagram itself, along with information about each type.
With the feeling of your best friend telling you about the Enneagram, this book is digestible and engaging for new and seasoned Enneagram fans.
PLEASE When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.
Audible Audio
First published April 14, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 253 reviews
August 8, 2020
4 stars
I am a big fan of the enneagram and I honestly think it’s the best personality test out there, or at least the one that is most relatable to me. While this book doesn’t tell you your type (you can take a free test online), it gives so much insight to your type, windows, strengths, and weaknesses. I’m a 2w1, and wow… this was spot on. Sometimes I’m like “why am I like this”, well, it all makes sense when I listen to my type and window. Even though my part of the enneagram was over after the first few chapters, I listened to the entire book because I think it’s so important to be able to relate to others and find out more about your loved ones personality types.
While I think I am a strong 2, I also have a lot of 9 and 1 qualities, my husband is 100% a type 6 and it was really neat to listen to that chapter and see how it relates to him and his personality. I found myself placing other friends and family members into types the more I found out about each type. The narration on the audiobook was great, but I think I’ll buy the ebook or a hard copy because this is a book I would like to own physically and be able to reference in the future. Highly recommend.
Audio ARC via NetGalley/Andrews McMeel Publishing
I am a big fan of the enneagram and I honestly think it’s the best personality test out there, or at least the one that is most relatable to me. While this book doesn’t tell you your type (you can take a free test online), it gives so much insight to your type, windows, strengths, and weaknesses. I’m a 2w1, and wow… this was spot on. Sometimes I’m like “why am I like this”, well, it all makes sense when I listen to my type and window. Even though my part of the enneagram was over after the first few chapters, I listened to the entire book because I think it’s so important to be able to relate to others and find out more about your loved ones personality types.
While I think I am a strong 2, I also have a lot of 9 and 1 qualities, my husband is 100% a type 6 and it was really neat to listen to that chapter and see how it relates to him and his personality. I found myself placing other friends and family members into types the more I found out about each type. The narration on the audiobook was great, but I think I’ll buy the ebook or a hard copy because this is a book I would like to own physically and be able to reference in the future. Highly recommend.
Audio ARC via NetGalley/Andrews McMeel Publishing
August 12, 2020
The Honest Enneagram is a very informative and interesting book about the Enneagram. This goes through all nine Enneagram types. The Honest Enneagram discusses the benefits of each Enneagram type and also says how you can overcome the weaker aspects of your personality. The book also discusses how each Enneagram type effects relationships. I really enjoyed this book.
I took an Enneagram test a few months ago and got pretty into finding out about Enneagram. This book has encouraged me to study Ennegram even more.
Leslie Howard did a great job narrating. It felt like a concerned friend was talking to me.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date April 14
Available Now
I took an Enneagram test a few months ago and got pretty into finding out about Enneagram. This book has encouraged me to study Ennegram even more.
Leslie Howard did a great job narrating. It felt like a concerned friend was talking to me.
Thank you NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Audio for this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Publication Date April 14
Available Now
January 23, 2022
This is a compelling subject and one I want to read more about, so my review is not fully complete as it is a fascinating and enlightening work in progress.
I started with the book and am now listening to the audio version and plan to delve deeper into this subject after this.
After discovering my Myers Briggs type through a test required by my employer many years ago, I was absolutely floored by the results, which actually explained a lot to me at that time, about my whole personality and how I “fit in” in the world. I was also a little saddened that I had lived so long not understanding these things which made so much sense to me now.
I even tested it out since by repeating the test after several years and always get the same results which is both gratifying and satisfying.
So it is with that in mind that I feel drawn to this subject of Enneagrams and keenly open to read more, as I feel we really need to learn to understand one another better, and where we “fit” rather than lumping everyone into the same basket and expecting them to sink or swim.
So far I have found this particular book compelling enough to want to know more.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers for my copy to read and review.
March 21, 2020
This might be a better fit for people who are fans of this personality typing method. The author goes into a lot of depth about the nine types of people, with little cutesy BINGO squares of typical things about each type at the start of their chapters.
Example squares for type ones:
Thorough AF.
"Where's your blinker, buddy?"
Finds every typo
Podcasts while cleaning
A genuinely good person
Day planners.
Justice.
Organizes for fun
"I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed."
There is no actual test to determine your type, so either you're supposed to already know it or you're supposed to read these BINGO things at the start of every chapter and then read the many, many pages about each type to see where you fit.
I matched squares in every type, but didn't usually get a BINGO. I'm not sure if I have to get a BINGO to be that type since she never really says that I could see. I matched most of the types at least a fair bit and then got to nines where one of the squares said "feels like all the types" and thought that must be me, but there were a lot of characteristics of that one that are nothing at all like me.
So yeah, this typing is a total bust for me. It'll be a fun book for people who already think of themselves as one of these numbers, because then she goes into advice about relationships and self improvement. Shrug. It just seems like a clever way to have fun thinking about yourself, which is a pretty harmless sport. Some of it is good advice for whatever personality traits it's dealing with, so it might be helpful if you really identify with some of the traits. For me, it just felt like taking a really long Cosmo quiz, but with mostly just the results and no quiz.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
Example squares for type ones:
Thorough AF.
"Where's your blinker, buddy?"
Finds every typo
Podcasts while cleaning
A genuinely good person
Day planners.
Justice.
Organizes for fun
"I'm not angry, I'm just disappointed."
There is no actual test to determine your type, so either you're supposed to already know it or you're supposed to read these BINGO things at the start of every chapter and then read the many, many pages about each type to see where you fit.
I matched squares in every type, but didn't usually get a BINGO. I'm not sure if I have to get a BINGO to be that type since she never really says that I could see. I matched most of the types at least a fair bit and then got to nines where one of the squares said "feels like all the types" and thought that must be me, but there were a lot of characteristics of that one that are nothing at all like me.
So yeah, this typing is a total bust for me. It'll be a fun book for people who already think of themselves as one of these numbers, because then she goes into advice about relationships and self improvement. Shrug. It just seems like a clever way to have fun thinking about yourself, which is a pretty harmless sport. Some of it is good advice for whatever personality traits it's dealing with, so it might be helpful if you really identify with some of the traits. For me, it just felt like taking a really long Cosmo quiz, but with mostly just the results and no quiz.
I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
September 12, 2022
Well written book explaining the concept of Enneagram. After learning about MBTI and finding it quite useful, I had been intrigued by other personality tests, especially the Enneagram. This book served as a perfect introduction.
While I don't think people can be strictly categorized into a type, I do find these tests very helpful. Using the Enneagram (or any such tests), serves as a spark for introspection and learning about oneself, finding ways to leverage strengths and manage weaknesses. It also helps putting yourself in another person's shoes and empathizing with others. So while I don't like to box people into a type, I do think this concept can make a person more open minded and adjusting of others.
Thanks to netgalley for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
While I don't think people can be strictly categorized into a type, I do find these tests very helpful. Using the Enneagram (or any such tests), serves as a spark for introspection and learning about oneself, finding ways to leverage strengths and manage weaknesses. It also helps putting yourself in another person's shoes and empathizing with others. So while I don't like to box people into a type, I do think this concept can make a person more open minded and adjusting of others.
Thanks to netgalley for providing a digital copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
December 22, 2020
As someone who was already familiar with Sarajane's work with the enneagram from @enneagramandcoffee, I was super excited to dive into this book! I am relatively new to the enneagram as a system and while listening to this book I was still in the midst of determining my type. Even though this book's purpose is not to type its readers but to delve deeper into the each type's strengths, weaknesses, and traits, I found it to be an invaluable tool in inching closer to determining where I fall on the enneagram! I actually found myself suddenly in tears as I listened to the description of the childhood-based fears of one of the types, a visceral reaction born from a deep sense of feeling seen as I truly am. I plan on returning to this book now that I have settled on my type (4) for further reflection!
Overall I quite enjoyed this book and found it incredibly informative and engaging. I would definitely recommend it to any of you who are interested in learning more about the enneagram!
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
#thehonestenneagram #netgalley
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7yvk...
Overall I quite enjoyed this book and found it incredibly informative and engaging. I would definitely recommend it to any of you who are interested in learning more about the enneagram!
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
#thehonestenneagram #netgalley
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7yvk...
May 19, 2020
For anyone wanting to explore their Enneagram number a little further, this book is perfect. I absolutely loved Sarajane's approach -- especially with her H.O.N.E.S.T. break down and her support plan. A lot of Enneagram books dive into the type description, and then sort of leave you at that, letting you determine what happens next. But Sarajane explores everything that makes up the strengths of your type, what value you bring to the world and to your relationships, while also exploring some areas you might struggle with by offering a plan of actionable steps you can take to enrich your day-to-day. Not only did I learn more about myself as a 7, but I also learned about those I love and THEIR numbers, so I can better love and care for them, and hear them the way they desire to be heard the most. Above all, I think any time we slow down and take time to reflect on who we are, it's time well spent.
Take the test and then pick this book up. You won't be sorry!
Take the test and then pick this book up. You won't be sorry!
October 27, 2022
This is a caring and thoughtful look at enneagram. Not as thorough as others but still reads with compassion and vulnerability. It’s a great companion to other more in depth explanations of enneagram.
January 7, 2021
I've been into the Enneagram for about 10 years now and this book was an amazing, easily digestible and honestly soothing addition. A positive and understanding look at all of the types that's far less judgemental than most other Enneagram books I've read. SJ has so much love and wisdom in her heart.
One of the more accurate (to my individual experience) sp 2 type descriptions I've come across!
One of the more accurate (to my individual experience) sp 2 type descriptions I've come across!
October 10, 2023
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️. Spent my morning icing my incisions and obnoxiously sending screenshots of almost every page of this lil book to my friends. If you have any curiosity about the enneagram, I highly recommend this one! It’s by @sarajanecase and features a very holistic, self-compassionate perspective of enneagram theory that I think really drills down to the core of who you are rather than just how you behave.
Read
October 25, 2021It took me over a month to listen to this book. Not because I didn’t have time to read but because it was so painful. I’ve read a few enneagram books, and this one by far made the broadest with the least depth about each type. I’m glad I knew my type before reading it or I would’ve been hecka confused.
Also, if this book said essence one more time…
Also, if this book said essence one more time…
January 28, 2021
A great quick overview of the types. Approachable and sometimes funny
July 3, 2020
This is my favorite, favorite Enneagram book. Maybe it's because it's not written by a problematic white man (sorry, said that out loud) but Sarajane Case is so compassionate in her treatment of the Enneagram while also showing us ways to do better. I particularly appreciated how she discussed subtypes and directions of stress and comfort (rather than health and unhealth). She also includes some of her Enneagram and Coffee posts at the start of each section, which adds some fun. If you are into the Enneagram, or if you would like to be, I highly recommend this book.
August 12, 2020
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is an audiobook about the enneagram. The narrator was good and I enjoyed her pace and tone. If you’re like me you you’ll have no idea what this is. So I looked it up on the internet.
“The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. Stemming from the Greek words ennea (nine) and grammos (a written symbol), the nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others and the world. This is something like a life coach. A focused look at our lives. Helping us examine our strengths and weaknesses.”
This book doesn’t ask you to change, it wants you to embrace who you are. Each type is looked at, the good and the bad. It’s actually a self-help book.
And you are in the driver’s seat of our growth. You decide what is good for you. If you don’t know that much about this concept, then I suggest starting with this book. It was very helpful with a direction and game plan for life and redirection.
Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC of this audiobook, in exchange for my honest review.
This is an audiobook about the enneagram. The narrator was good and I enjoyed her pace and tone. If you’re like me you you’ll have no idea what this is. So I looked it up on the internet.
“The Enneagram is a powerful tool for personal and collective transformation. Stemming from the Greek words ennea (nine) and grammos (a written symbol), the nine-pointed Enneagram symbol represents nine distinct strategies for relating to the self, others and the world. This is something like a life coach. A focused look at our lives. Helping us examine our strengths and weaknesses.”
This book doesn’t ask you to change, it wants you to embrace who you are. Each type is looked at, the good and the bad. It’s actually a self-help book.
And you are in the driver’s seat of our growth. You decide what is good for you. If you don’t know that much about this concept, then I suggest starting with this book. It was very helpful with a direction and game plan for life and redirection.
Thank you NETGALLEY and the publisher for this ARC of this audiobook, in exchange for my honest review.
March 27, 2020
I received an advanced reader copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review via netgalley and the publishers.
This book was ok but not as good as I was hoping. The book talks about the 9 different types of personality related to enneagrams along with a bingo square resource at the start of each personality.
This book just wasn't for me, but if you love enneagrams you will probably love this book.
This book was ok but not as good as I was hoping. The book talks about the 9 different types of personality related to enneagrams along with a bingo square resource at the start of each personality.
This book just wasn't for me, but if you love enneagrams you will probably love this book.
February 7, 2021
The Honest Enneagram is a funny, honest, and insightful look at the different Enneagram types. I adore Sarajane Case's Instagram page and this was a beautifully put together collection of all the information she shares there.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for an informative piece on the topic without a religious slant.
I highly recommend this book, especially if you are looking for an informative piece on the topic without a religious slant.
August 12, 2024
I really enjoyed this book. I learned a lot, have thought and talked about it a lot, and I already loaned it out to someone!
April 19, 2020
My very first exposure to the enneagram was through the Instagram account @enneagramandcoffee, which is run by Sarajane Case. All of my friends were sharing their types' bingo squares, and I had to see more. A long time and a lot of research later, and I am a huge fan of the enneagram.
This book is written as an introduction to the nine enneagram types and the different subtypes. A lot of other enneagram resources tend to be super technical, and often quite critical. This has resulted in what some claim to be the easiest way to type yourself - read through each type and whichever description hurts your feelings the most is probably your number. Sarajane, though, put a beautiful spin on each type, highlighting weaknesses alongside strengths. In her introduction, she says that she wants the book to feel like a conversation with a friend, which was definitely conveyed in her writing style.
Each chapter starts with a quote about the type, the bingo sheet for that type, and then a graphic about how each type would handle a certain situation. Most of these I had already seen since I follow her on Instagram, but I enjoyed the visual content interspersed between the text of the chapters. She then gives a description of the type and subtypes for each number, and the applies her HONEST method for how to grow. It was a good balance of identifying the areas for growth while reminding readers of their strengths.
My only complaint about this book was that each chapter is really written to that type. For example, I am a five. I read the descriptions of each type, but most of the chapters didn't apply to me because I didn't need to know how to grow as a two, because I am not a two. I would have loved it if she had included insights on how to interact with each type as a way of making every chapter more valuable to readers.
Overall, this book is a great introduction into the enneagram!
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book is written as an introduction to the nine enneagram types and the different subtypes. A lot of other enneagram resources tend to be super technical, and often quite critical. This has resulted in what some claim to be the easiest way to type yourself - read through each type and whichever description hurts your feelings the most is probably your number. Sarajane, though, put a beautiful spin on each type, highlighting weaknesses alongside strengths. In her introduction, she says that she wants the book to feel like a conversation with a friend, which was definitely conveyed in her writing style.
Each chapter starts with a quote about the type, the bingo sheet for that type, and then a graphic about how each type would handle a certain situation. Most of these I had already seen since I follow her on Instagram, but I enjoyed the visual content interspersed between the text of the chapters. She then gives a description of the type and subtypes for each number, and the applies her HONEST method for how to grow. It was a good balance of identifying the areas for growth while reminding readers of their strengths.
My only complaint about this book was that each chapter is really written to that type. For example, I am a five. I read the descriptions of each type, but most of the chapters didn't apply to me because I didn't need to know how to grow as a two, because I am not a two. I would have loved it if she had included insights on how to interact with each type as a way of making every chapter more valuable to readers.
Overall, this book is a great introduction into the enneagram!
I received a copy of this book for the purpose of this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2020
As someone who was previously familiar with Sarajane's work with the enneagram, I was very excited to dive into this book! I am relatively new to the enneagram as a system and am still in the midst of determining my type, and while this book's purpose is not to type its readers but to delve deeper into the each type's strengths, weaknesses, and traits, I found it to be an invaluable tool in inching closer to determining where I fall on the enneagram. I found myself suddenly in tears as I listened to the description of the childhood-based fears of one of the types, a visceral reaction born from a deep sense of feeling seen as I truly am. I plan on returning to this book once I have settled on my type for further reflection!
The audiobook narrator had a compassionate and caring tone throughout, which was absolutely lovely to listen to. Some sections of the book would be better served in a visual medium, but the descriptions were quite detailed.
One thing I would have loved to see would have been a bit more of the history of the enneagram as a system. I found myself becoming increasingly curious about its origins and evolution over time, and while its ancient roots are alluded to, they were never explored.
Overall I quite enjoyed this book and found it incredibly informative and engaging!
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7yvk...
The audiobook narrator had a compassionate and caring tone throughout, which was absolutely lovely to listen to. Some sections of the book would be better served in a visual medium, but the descriptions were quite detailed.
One thing I would have loved to see would have been a bit more of the history of the enneagram as a system. I found myself becoming increasingly curious about its origins and evolution over time, and while its ancient roots are alluded to, they were never explored.
Overall I quite enjoyed this book and found it incredibly informative and engaging!
Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing a copy of the audiobook in exchange for an unbiased review.
VIDEO REVIEW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B7yvk...
May 22, 2020
Really enjoyed finding out more about my enneagram type and myself!
Been a bit obsessed with the Enneagram lately so this came at the perfect time!
I tried to listen to all of the other types as was recommended, but I ended up skipping 7 and 8 because of how repetitive the advice got after a while.. 🙈 Don't get me wrong, it was really interesting, but after a certain point the same phrases are just repeated over and over..
And it kind of makes all the advice blend together :/
I think instead of listening to them all (or reading them all if you have the book), it might be better to listen to your main type and then your two wings.
I realise this would probably make absolutely no sense unless you know about the enneagram 😅, but there are a ton of online quizzes/sources that may be helpful in explaining!
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to Libro fm, the publisher, and Sarajane Case for providing the ALC. All opinions are my own.
Been a bit obsessed with the Enneagram lately so this came at the perfect time!
I tried to listen to all of the other types as was recommended, but I ended up skipping 7 and 8 because of how repetitive the advice got after a while.. 🙈 Don't get me wrong, it was really interesting, but after a certain point the same phrases are just repeated over and over..
And it kind of makes all the advice blend together :/
I think instead of listening to them all (or reading them all if you have the book), it might be better to listen to your main type and then your two wings.
I realise this would probably make absolutely no sense unless you know about the enneagram 😅, but there are a ton of online quizzes/sources that may be helpful in explaining!
Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
Thank you to Libro fm, the publisher, and Sarajane Case for providing the ALC. All opinions are my own.
October 13, 2020
Enjoyed reading this and learning about all the enneagram types.
I'm still not sure which type I exactly am, but I also know that a person isn't just one type.
I think this will help me discover who I am and why I am how I am.
I'm still not sure which type I exactly am, but I also know that a person isn't just one type.
I think this will help me discover who I am and why I am how I am.
March 31, 2021
3.5⭐️
I was exposed to Sarajane Case through a women’s group I was a part of and immediately fell into the enneagram hype. I typed and retyped myself three times (currently seeing myself as an 8), consumed ALL of the Instagram content on enneagrams I could, and found myself asking everyone if they were into it as well. When I finally found the time, I knew when I dove in further, I wanted to give her book my first shot.
The Goods:
I love the structure of this book. You’re introduced to the enneagram and what it is. I liked having this background because it made it feel less “woo-woo” as some see it and more of a researched personality explanation (which I understand some still see as woo-woo).
I also loved the breakdown for each type. Case’s HONEST approach really helps breakdown what is needed for and by each type and how it can manifest itself in your life. I found these sections extremely helpful especially being someone who wasn’t sure where they fell. It helped me identify which types I felt desire and drive in.
It also allows you to understand others in your life. If you know someone who is a specific type, you can learn to have a stronger relationship with them by better understanding parts of their personality.
I also felt like the little graphics and tic-tac-toe boards were adorable. I am a person who loves aesthetics and little things like this really get me.
The Ehs:
I wanted more about the interactions of types and the connection lines and wings. For each type, there was only a small paragraph for each wing and each line. This made it feel very one dimensional and broad. While I was able to make a few notes about them (yes, I took seven pages of handwritten notes while reading), I felt it didn’t really help me understand these connections.
I also was disappointed by the lines because when talking about stressors and high points, I’m still unsure if I only go to these other types during those periods or if there are trigger points and celebrations just within an 8 on their own.
I also wish there was talk about how the types interact with each other or if your type changes as you grow and evolve as a person. Being that I have typed myself multiple times, I wanted to know if that’s common other than the board saying “feels like all types sometimes.” It would’ve been great to have a “these types will bond easily, these will clash, these make great business partners...” etc in the book to understand how they mesh or don’t.
It just felt lacking in some areas that I wish were built up better being that she claims to have this massive wealth of knowledge in these areas. I know someone it may just be too much to put in a book, but I would’ve preferred a little more.
Overall, I think anyone who wants insight into either their type or the overall understanding of enneagram, this is a great place to start. It really helps pull you in and will help you identify if you’re unsure of where to begin. I’d still recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about their type, but beyond that, you’ll have to keep searching.
I was exposed to Sarajane Case through a women’s group I was a part of and immediately fell into the enneagram hype. I typed and retyped myself three times (currently seeing myself as an 8), consumed ALL of the Instagram content on enneagrams I could, and found myself asking everyone if they were into it as well. When I finally found the time, I knew when I dove in further, I wanted to give her book my first shot.
The Goods:
I love the structure of this book. You’re introduced to the enneagram and what it is. I liked having this background because it made it feel less “woo-woo” as some see it and more of a researched personality explanation (which I understand some still see as woo-woo).
I also loved the breakdown for each type. Case’s HONEST approach really helps breakdown what is needed for and by each type and how it can manifest itself in your life. I found these sections extremely helpful especially being someone who wasn’t sure where they fell. It helped me identify which types I felt desire and drive in.
It also allows you to understand others in your life. If you know someone who is a specific type, you can learn to have a stronger relationship with them by better understanding parts of their personality.
I also felt like the little graphics and tic-tac-toe boards were adorable. I am a person who loves aesthetics and little things like this really get me.
The Ehs:
I wanted more about the interactions of types and the connection lines and wings. For each type, there was only a small paragraph for each wing and each line. This made it feel very one dimensional and broad. While I was able to make a few notes about them (yes, I took seven pages of handwritten notes while reading), I felt it didn’t really help me understand these connections.
I also was disappointed by the lines because when talking about stressors and high points, I’m still unsure if I only go to these other types during those periods or if there are trigger points and celebrations just within an 8 on their own.
I also wish there was talk about how the types interact with each other or if your type changes as you grow and evolve as a person. Being that I have typed myself multiple times, I wanted to know if that’s common other than the board saying “feels like all types sometimes.” It would’ve been great to have a “these types will bond easily, these will clash, these make great business partners...” etc in the book to understand how they mesh or don’t.
It just felt lacking in some areas that I wish were built up better being that she claims to have this massive wealth of knowledge in these areas. I know someone it may just be too much to put in a book, but I would’ve preferred a little more.
Overall, I think anyone who wants insight into either their type or the overall understanding of enneagram, this is a great place to start. It really helps pull you in and will help you identify if you’re unsure of where to begin. I’d still recommend this to anyone who wants to know more about their type, but beyond that, you’ll have to keep searching.
August 2, 2020
This would definitely be better as a book than an audiobook (which is how I consumed it). There's a fun bingo game and memes that obviously lose their charm in the audio form. Also, this book should probably be read only after you are familiar with the enneagram and perhaps have even taken the test to find out your type. This book does not include a test or any information on testing. It exclusively discusses each enneagram type in depth.
With that said, I have followed Sarajane Case on Instagram for a while and love her memes and her insights into the enneagram, even if I don't always see myself in them. So I was excited to read this book as soon as I saw her releasing it.
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. I'm not sure what I expected it to be, but it felt like it could have just been published as a blog post on each enneagram type more than a book. Again, not sure what I was expecting. I have read another book on the enneagram but it wasn't before I had done much to understand it or test/type myself so I wasn't really into it. Now I've done so much research and learning on it, that this sort of felt indulgent to be an entire book. Nothing I wouldn't have already read on Instagram (and not just hers).
It doesn't dive into how to relate to other ennegram types or how to best help each other. Really it is a chapter on each type. Covering the fears, desires, subtypes, wings, strengths, weaknesses of each type plus a letter to the type listening/reading. (Again, indulgent.) There was one section for each type that broke down a little of the practical ways to better see your weaknesses and strengths as good.
I don't know, it just left me wanting. I mean, I found myself tuning out a bit on all the chapters that weren't my type or my husband's or best friend's. Because it was written "to the type" so it was almost like I was reading 8 chapters not written to me and 1 chapter that was. (Okay, 7 chapters not written to me because I identify greatly with my wing type.) So I almost didn't finish it at all. There wasn't a lot of new takeaways on the other types than mine....or really even mine. And again, this is only the second book on the enneagram that I've ever dived into. So I felt like I could have learned a lot more.
Overall: just kind of meh. But pretty. And I definitely recommend her instagram.
With that said, I have followed Sarajane Case on Instagram for a while and love her memes and her insights into the enneagram, even if I don't always see myself in them. So I was excited to read this book as soon as I saw her releasing it.
I have to say, I'm a little disappointed. I'm not sure what I expected it to be, but it felt like it could have just been published as a blog post on each enneagram type more than a book. Again, not sure what I was expecting. I have read another book on the enneagram but it wasn't before I had done much to understand it or test/type myself so I wasn't really into it. Now I've done so much research and learning on it, that this sort of felt indulgent to be an entire book. Nothing I wouldn't have already read on Instagram (and not just hers).
It doesn't dive into how to relate to other ennegram types or how to best help each other. Really it is a chapter on each type. Covering the fears, desires, subtypes, wings, strengths, weaknesses of each type plus a letter to the type listening/reading. (Again, indulgent.) There was one section for each type that broke down a little of the practical ways to better see your weaknesses and strengths as good.
I don't know, it just left me wanting. I mean, I found myself tuning out a bit on all the chapters that weren't my type or my husband's or best friend's. Because it was written "to the type" so it was almost like I was reading 8 chapters not written to me and 1 chapter that was. (Okay, 7 chapters not written to me because I identify greatly with my wing type.) So I almost didn't finish it at all. There wasn't a lot of new takeaways on the other types than mine....or really even mine. And again, this is only the second book on the enneagram that I've ever dived into. So I felt like I could have learned a lot more.
Overall: just kind of meh. But pretty. And I definitely recommend her instagram.
October 26, 2023
3.5 stars
I first clarified my Ennagram type as a 9 wing through Sara Jane Case's Instagram account. Sara Jane brings fun and gentleness to the Enneagram, and I think her work rounds out the conversation in a couple of important ways. If you're studying Rohr and Co, the Enneagram is a serious Christian discipline, which I find most helpful. However, God created humanity for more than sanctification. It's possible to get so lost in the theory and the serious side that you turn something corrective into something oppressive. Sara Jane's book, while at points antithetical to Rohr and Sherrill's Christian focus due to its central emphasis on self, helps those who might be prone to obsession or depression. She brings out the funny and endearing quirks to each Enneagram side, as well as more everyday actions you can take to heal your Enneagram's lies and habits. I think these are an important companion to Sherrill's spiritual disciplines in order to have the healthy, balanced life that God created us for.
One of the most meaningful things to me personally in Sara Jane's work was the reframing of type 9 from lazy to overextended. I have habitually called myself a lazy person (which is NOT true, as many of my friends would attest). Sara Jane helps 9s realize that they are exhausted from mediating others' pain and checking the emotional temperature of the room constantly on top of work and school responsibilities. The frequent periods of alone time and TV watching allows a respite from this "hyperaware[ness] of the needs and emotional temperatures of other people" (p. 224). Sara Jane reframes common misconceptions like this for each type. While I would consider that insufficient (the sinful parts of each type should also be considered), it is vital to bring in this compassionate understanding.
I first clarified my Ennagram type as a 9 wing through Sara Jane Case's Instagram account. Sara Jane brings fun and gentleness to the Enneagram, and I think her work rounds out the conversation in a couple of important ways. If you're studying Rohr and Co, the Enneagram is a serious Christian discipline, which I find most helpful. However, God created humanity for more than sanctification. It's possible to get so lost in the theory and the serious side that you turn something corrective into something oppressive. Sara Jane's book, while at points antithetical to Rohr and Sherrill's Christian focus due to its central emphasis on self, helps those who might be prone to obsession or depression. She brings out the funny and endearing quirks to each Enneagram side, as well as more everyday actions you can take to heal your Enneagram's lies and habits. I think these are an important companion to Sherrill's spiritual disciplines in order to have the healthy, balanced life that God created us for.
One of the most meaningful things to me personally in Sara Jane's work was the reframing of type 9 from lazy to overextended. I have habitually called myself a lazy person (which is NOT true, as many of my friends would attest). Sara Jane helps 9s realize that they are exhausted from mediating others' pain and checking the emotional temperature of the room constantly on top of work and school responsibilities. The frequent periods of alone time and TV watching allows a respite from this "hyperaware[ness] of the needs and emotional temperatures of other people" (p. 224). Sara Jane reframes common misconceptions like this for each type. While I would consider that insufficient (the sinful parts of each type should also be considered), it is vital to bring in this compassionate understanding.
June 28, 2020
Even though I had some vague familiarity with the Enneagram, I found that this book offered new insight and understanding in a fun, relaxed way. For those who have never heard of the Enneagram (basically a theory that breaks down patterns of behavior and personality into 9 different types), this book will provide a great introductory foundation.
The author led with a warm and understanding approach to discussing the strengths of each type, as well as the “blind spots” or areas of improvement. Although I mainly focused on reading about my Enneagram number and the wings/lines that connect to this number, I still loved parts of each chapter.
I can see this being a book that I will revisit again in the future in order to reiterate certain insights and learn more as my friends/family discover their own Enneagram types. I have already recommended this book and see it as a very basic foundation for further reading.
The author led with a warm and understanding approach to discussing the strengths of each type, as well as the “blind spots” or areas of improvement. Although I mainly focused on reading about my Enneagram number and the wings/lines that connect to this number, I still loved parts of each chapter.
I can see this being a book that I will revisit again in the future in order to reiterate certain insights and learn more as my friends/family discover their own Enneagram types. I have already recommended this book and see it as a very basic foundation for further reading.
June 3, 2020
Thank you to Libro.fm for this audiobook as part of the ALC program!
I have been a fan of Sarajane Case for a long time, so I was eager to get into this exploration of the enneagram. I’d say this book is best for those who already have a basic understanding of the enneagram and know (or have a pretty good idea of) what their type is. I enjoyed getting to know more about all the numbers, as I really didn’t know a ton about the numbers other than my own and my dominant wing (9w1, if you’re curious). I appreciated that this isn’t just a breakdown of the numbers but rather how to use your type to enhance your life and grow within the enneagram. Definitely want to purchase a physical copy to return to and work with!
I have been a fan of Sarajane Case for a long time, so I was eager to get into this exploration of the enneagram. I’d say this book is best for those who already have a basic understanding of the enneagram and know (or have a pretty good idea of) what their type is. I enjoyed getting to know more about all the numbers, as I really didn’t know a ton about the numbers other than my own and my dominant wing (9w1, if you’re curious). I appreciated that this isn’t just a breakdown of the numbers but rather how to use your type to enhance your life and grow within the enneagram. Definitely want to purchase a physical copy to return to and work with!
August 31, 2020
As a longtime fan of Sarajane Case's instagram enneagramandcoffee, I was so excited to see this audiobook available. I have read and taken multiple quizzes about the ennegram and been unable to pin my number down. After listening to this audiobook wonderfully narrated by Leslie Howard, I was finally able to figure my number, my subtype, and wing! Listening to this audiobook was both relaxing and informative about myself and others.
As a visual learner, I would have liked to be able to see some of the graphics from the book to refer to but otherwise I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the ennegram!
Thank you to the Author, by Sarajane Case, Andrews McMeel Audio, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC
As a visual learner, I would have liked to be able to see some of the graphics from the book to refer to but otherwise I enjoyed this book and learned a lot about the ennegram!
Thank you to the Author, by Sarajane Case, Andrews McMeel Audio, Andrews McMeel Publishing, and NetGalley for this audiobook ARC
April 2, 2020
I've been slowly immersing myself in the work of the Enneagram for a little while now. That being said, I'm still very new to the process and am still in a child-like stage of learning and truly understanding the depths of this typing system. THE HONEST ENNEAGRAM by Sarajane Case is exactly the type of book that I needed when I started this journey months ago. Even still, it's a book that I truly believe is going to help me kickstart my Enneagram journey into a more intensive study.
If you are already a follower of the enneagramandcoffee account, some of the content of this book will be familiar to you, as she starts each chapter off with a bingo card for the type and a cute list of tendencies of each type in a given situation. That being said, there is SO MUCH to learn here.
This is truly one of the most digestible Enneagram books that I've read. So often, books on the subject are dense and jampacked with so much information that it can be difficult for those just learning the system to really understand. That isn't the case with this book. THE HONEST ENNEAGRAM is completely accessible with short, easy to understand sections on each type and all of the nuances that come with these types. It's been said that the best way to determine your type is through research, not tests, and this book definitely helped me get a better understanding of what my type most likely is.
I also genuinely appreciated the H.O.N.E.S.T. approach to each type. Many times, Enneagram discourse focuses on what is "wrong" with people of each type and what needs to be changed. This book takes a much gentler approach, reminding people what is great about their type and giving kindly worded feedback for what may not be serving people best in their type. These sections in each chapter can definitely be a little repetitive in their openings, but I don't think its necessarily a bad thing as most readers will likely only read the H.O.N.E.S.T. section relating to their type, even if they do choose to read up on the descriptions of the other types.
One other small thing that I appreciated was the lack of faith-based approaches in this book. As someone who is not religious, it was refreshing not to have to skim over parts that tie back to God. No disrespect to people who appreciate that. It just isn't for me.
If you're just starting your Enneagram journey, I would definitely recommend picking up a copy of THE HONEST ENNEAGRAM.
If you are already a follower of the enneagramandcoffee account, some of the content of this book will be familiar to you, as she starts each chapter off with a bingo card for the type and a cute list of tendencies of each type in a given situation. That being said, there is SO MUCH to learn here.
This is truly one of the most digestible Enneagram books that I've read. So often, books on the subject are dense and jampacked with so much information that it can be difficult for those just learning the system to really understand. That isn't the case with this book. THE HONEST ENNEAGRAM is completely accessible with short, easy to understand sections on each type and all of the nuances that come with these types. It's been said that the best way to determine your type is through research, not tests, and this book definitely helped me get a better understanding of what my type most likely is.
I also genuinely appreciated the H.O.N.E.S.T. approach to each type. Many times, Enneagram discourse focuses on what is "wrong" with people of each type and what needs to be changed. This book takes a much gentler approach, reminding people what is great about their type and giving kindly worded feedback for what may not be serving people best in their type. These sections in each chapter can definitely be a little repetitive in their openings, but I don't think its necessarily a bad thing as most readers will likely only read the H.O.N.E.S.T. section relating to their type, even if they do choose to read up on the descriptions of the other types.
One other small thing that I appreciated was the lack of faith-based approaches in this book. As someone who is not religious, it was refreshing not to have to skim over parts that tie back to God. No disrespect to people who appreciate that. It just isn't for me.
If you're just starting your Enneagram journey, I would definitely recommend picking up a copy of THE HONEST ENNEAGRAM.
July 31, 2020
Thank you to libro.fm for the review copy.
If you've taken the Enneagram already and know your type, this is a great book for learning a bit more about your type, including strengths, areas of struggle, what you bring to relationships, and how you can ~ be your best self ~
I'd recommend sticking to the chapters of your type and those of your friends/partner because it can get a bit repetitive with the formatting. But it's clear Case has a deep understanding of all the types!
If you've taken the Enneagram already and know your type, this is a great book for learning a bit more about your type, including strengths, areas of struggle, what you bring to relationships, and how you can ~ be your best self ~
I'd recommend sticking to the chapters of your type and those of your friends/partner because it can get a bit repetitive with the formatting. But it's clear Case has a deep understanding of all the types!
August 9, 2020
I read half and listened to half of this book and the audiobook was very well narrated. I do think there is some benefit to seeing some of the diagrams in the e-book/printed book but they are still well described in the audiobook.
I found this interesting overall and can "think" of people who might be examples of certain types. I enjoy her H.O.N.E.S.T philosophy and gentleness when talking about the strengths and weaknesses of each type. I think I might have gotten a bit more out of this overall if I was more familiar with my own type and the Enneagram in general because it isn't a true overview, but that's my fault and not the book's fault. It certainly gave me a lot to think about and explore some of the types a bit more as I discover mine. I look forward to following the author on social media and learning more about this interesting personality typing.
Thank you to Andrew McMeels publishing, Netgalley, and Edelweiss for the e-arc and the ALC! :)
I found this interesting overall and can "think" of people who might be examples of certain types. I enjoy her H.O.N.E.S.T philosophy and gentleness when talking about the strengths and weaknesses of each type. I think I might have gotten a bit more out of this overall if I was more familiar with my own type and the Enneagram in general because it isn't a true overview, but that's my fault and not the book's fault. It certainly gave me a lot to think about and explore some of the types a bit more as I discover mine. I look forward to following the author on social media and learning more about this interesting personality typing.
Thank you to Andrew McMeels publishing, Netgalley, and Edelweiss for the e-arc and the ALC! :)
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