An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery - The Road Back to You

Not only is this a practical and informative introduction to the relavant dynamics of the Enneagram, but it is done with pastoral care and theological integrity. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to learn how they try to leverage their strengths to secure God's love which cannot be earned; only received. Beware: the self-discovery is painful at first, but when put under the blessing that God already accepts our underbellies, transformation will result.

This is the third book of Ian Morgan Cron's I have read. I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 but this was THE BEST. This ranks in my top ten books of all time. I love personality mapping and figuring out who my loved ones are and what makes them tick. In the process, I also learn my strengths and blind spots, which in turn helps me love them better and opens myself up to be molded by God in ways I never thought possible. I can't think of a single person on earth who shouldn't read this book.

At a Parker Palmer retreat, there was a discussion of enneagrams and I became curious. It seemed complicated. During the holidays I had some downtime and decided to delve into the topic. I found the book and it's authors through Pieces of Faith podcast.

I found the book easy to read and the examples were easy to understand. There is also a workbook and the authors host their own podcast proving ongoing support and examples.

I was introduced to the Enneagram about 2+ years ago via a team at work and have dipped into two or three books about it since. When Ian Cron and Suzanne Stabile started their podcast I jumped right on it and have been loving it and was very much looking forward to reading the book. I've not been disappointed.

This is by far the most accessible book about the Enneagram I have read so far. The narrative style makes the reading easy, but don't be deceived, there is so much depth in these stories. The chapters about each number start with a list of characteristics of that number, and end with a list of ways for that number to get healthier and more integrated. Between these two lists you'll learn about the ways in which each number moves through and sees the world. The stories interwoven throughout the book bring life and dimension to each number and will help those who are trying to discern which number they are.

I am a Nine, with a One Wing (I think!) and have already dipped back into that chapter several times. This is a book that you'll want to keep close as you embark on or continue your journey of understanding how you, and the rest of your friends, family, acquaintances and co-workers move through and see this world.

I'm always navel gazing. This book gave me another tool for self-understanding. I don't know, frankly, what I think about the whole concept that underlies this kind of approach to personality analysis, but I felt that what it said about me was pretty much spot on.

GREAT book on the enneagram. I've found it extraordinarily useful for self-growth and for learning how to understand my family and friends better. Even as a parent, it's helped me learn what each child needs from me and how they're looking at the world.

I discovered this book because Ian was a guest on Shauna Niequest's new podcast. 10 minutes into the podcast I had pressed pause, bought this on my kindle app and finished it a few hours later. I love so much the intersection of his Christian beliefs with the psychology of this ancient type system. So often the focus on the purpose of self-discovery falls short when you know as a Christian there is more but you're just not sure how to get there. This book graciously leads you there. Get it. Read it. And begin to grow in your compassion towards yourself and those around you in a society that desperately needs it.

Starting as a skeptic about the enneagram and its nine personality types, I was persuaded that the enneagram offers incredible insight into all of us. The authors' real life hilarious examples of the behaviors of each personality type made reading this book fun. Although written from a Christian perspective, I recommend this book to anyone to whom personal relationships are important but often baffling.

“To know oneself is, above all, to know what one lacks. It is to measure oneself against the Truth, and not the other way around. The first product of self knowledge is humility.” Flannery O’Connor

I'm glad I stumbled across this book. It is about an ancient personality typing system called the Enneagram. It is written from an empathetic and compassionate Christian perspective, and it does not shame other spiritual paths.

I think it provides a framework of Christianity that speaks to the need of a sense of wholeness in our lives. I've become pretty aware of the ways that capitalism has disconnected a lot of the parts of life that had traditionally all been together, but I am less aware of how I myself contribute to the disconnections I feel with other people and even with myself. The messages, motivations, and desires that secretly catalyze so much strategic, ultimately self destructive actions are cataloged pretty thoroughly. I loved the way each of the nine archetypes or personalities express something essential about God's nature, that each one is part of a whole, and as we live in health we move out of ourselves and become more integrated into the whole. And as we experience stress those essential traits become distorted and put to self-serving and tragic ends.

It's like chicken soup for the disaffected christian's soul, except not really because you mostly feel burned and exposed while reading it.

This book could have been much shorter. It sounds like a teacher's classroom pontification. We did it as a group and there were at least half of us who were not sure which "number" we were at the end. IT also would have been nice for them to comment on relationships. For example, several of us were curious about which numbers work well with "ones". Wait for paperback.

As someone who is brand new to the Enneagram, I loved reading the variations of my friends and family. I am a 7 surrounded by 8s, 6s, and 5s (oh my). However, we all have seen and interacted with one another without really understanding ourselves as our best selves. I am thankful for so many Christian thinkers who are looking behind the curtain.

Enneagram is so useful for appreciating the variety and beauty of individual development and style. Appreciation for others and self is the result of its study. Twenty-seven types/sub-types are all accessible through the enneagram lens.

I found the book to be helpful in understanding better both myself and others and I believe I will continue to reference it for personality assessment and development purposes. My only semi- complaint ( semi because it's really not a big deal) is their constant reference to just a few individuals.
I've already recommended the book to a couple of friends.

This book gave words to realities I didn't even know needed to be articulated. I learned about myself, my husband, my friends. I have already reread several sections and likely will again and again. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. If you are considering buying it stop thinking, buy the book and read it!

This is the book I’ve been wanting and waiting for since January, 2014, when I spent five days on a cruise ship with co-author Suzanne Stabile and 39 of my best friends, learning about the Enneagram. Suzanne and Ian Morgan Cron have created an elegant and informative primer perfect for the beginner, but also helpful for those who have studied this ancient system, the aim of which is the care of our souls.

Dubious about systems that compartmentalize humankind? Wondering how anything could be better than good old Myers-Briggs?

"The Enneagram doesn’t put you in a box. It shows you the box you’re already in and how to get out of it."

The book begins with an overview of the system and the nine numbers, or types, and the “sins” (the Seven Deadly Plus Two) that illustrate the challenge for each type. The truth is that most people recognize their type when they hear or read a description that makes them cringe. I know I did.

(There is one exception, and while I will let you figure that out for yourselves, I will say I’m married to that number.)

Each chapter begins with twenty statements identifying what it’s like to be that number. For my own I found many of the twenty rang true, although some are characteristics I see in the rear view mirror. It’s good to recognize that many years of spiritual and psychological work can shift things that came naturally to us either via genetic predisposition or the effects of early nurture. Here are the first two “what it’s likes” for #2, the Helper, which is my number.

1) When it comes to taking care of others, I don’t know how or when to say no.
2) I am a great listener, and I remember the stories that make up people’s lives.

I identify strongly with the second, and, well, I’m always at work on the first. I do better with it in my professional life than my personal life. It’s accurate to say I’m a work-in-progress. And the Enneagram would say that about all of us. Each chapter describes the number at its best, as well as in average and unhealthy psychological and spiritual condition. (While each number has a pathological expression, that’s not a focus of this book.) Each chapter includes a story about a person of that type, often a little funny, unless you can see yourself in the tale, to your chagrin. You will also find sections about the numbers as seen in children, in relationships, and in the workplace.

There is a brief explanation of wings (the number found on either side of yours; we all lean toward one or the other) and the way we move in times of stress or when we feel secure.

Finally, each chapter brings us back to the purpose of the Enneagram, which goes beyond defining personality to lead its students to a deeper spiritual understanding. The chapter on 2s offered an exegesis of Luke 10:38-42, the story of the sisters, Martha and Mary. Each chapter concludes with “Ten Paths to Transformation.” They are a helpful reminder that in addition to contemplative practices, there are practical actions (see? practical/practices) that help us go deeper, too. Here’s a great one for me.

"When the urge to rescue or help overwhelms you, ask yourself, Is this mine to do? If you’re not sure, talk it over with a trusted friend."

Whether you are a spouse or parent or friend, in a struggle with a co-worker or trying to understand a relationship’s dynamics, a seeker or a longtime churchgoer, Stabile and Cron and the Enneagram have something for you. Their work is rooted in their Christian faith. Ian is an Episcopal priest; Suzanne is married to the great teacher of Centering Prayer, Rev. Joe Stabile, a United Methodist pastor.

"Every number on the Enneagram teaches us something about the nature and character of the God who made us. Inside each number is a hidden gift that reveals something about God’s heart."

The only critique I can offer is that having heard Suzanne teach both in 2014 and again last month, I was sorry that her contributions might be assessed by readers who don’t know her as asides. Much more of the book comes from her teaching than the mentions of “Suzanne tells this story” you will see along the way might suggest.

I highly recommend this book, which launches today. It is a great introduction or refresher on the Enneagram. I received an advance digital copy for review with no obligation. (I pre-ordered a copy months ago and will be watching eagerly for the UPS driver!)
If you want to know more about the Enneagram, you can listen to the podcast Ian and Suzanne are hosting, in which they talk to some great representatives of the 9 numbers. It’s also called The Road Back to You, and you can find it on iTunes.

Insightful, accessible, laugh out loud funny, gentle and - the kind of kick-in-the ass that you count on a dear friend to provide and who will then stay with you afterwards. I am re-reading and am sure will do so again. The authors invite us to move beyond self-awareness, and into self-knowledge. HIghly recommended.

This is the most profound and thoughtful interpretation of the enneagram yet. Whether or not you are a Christian, if you open your mind and heart to this book, I am convinced you will feel the spirit of God flow through you once again. Peace!

The Road Back to You - An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery -published today by InterVarsity Press and written by Ian Morgan Cron; Suzanne Stabile is absolutely a book of self-help that you must read for the important topic that it treats: self-knowledge.
Sometimes we think we know who we are, and substantially let's hope that it is true.
Of course we know our personality. We know our lacks, we know our potentialities.

But, but, if there are still corners of your soul that you don't understand, if your relationship lately not harmonic with your relatives, friends, co-workers or community, go for it, and try to understand much better your personality.

This book was born because of the profound existential crisis lived by the writer of this book, mr Morgan Cron some years ago. A pastor, a man of God, once in Connecticut, he tried all his best with his parish and the people assigned to him, but without any result.

He wasn't able to find the proper connection with the community. Of course to him, a big problem this one. What was wrong with him? Why wasn't able to give his best but always his worst?

So, one day he searched for Brother Dave, a man he hoped could present him a lot of answers, sorting out his most profound crisis of consciousness.

Well at first the author talked, talked, talked about his messy life with Br.Dave, and then once he stopped, Br.Dave asked him: "Did you hear about Enneagram?"

Of course young Ian did. Once in seminary he had a book about Enneagram and he loved to read it, although when he share this passion with a priest, the priest said him of throwing it away, because the Church didn't believe at witches and other genre of stuff similar at this one. In the Enneagram book there wasn't that stuff...

The writer kept the book hidden in some remote corner of a shelf and forgot the existence of it.

Enneagram is a Greek word composed by two words: Ennea means nice and Gram drawing.

It's an old study very well known from the most remote past of nine kind of personalities and it is a philosophy, self-help method that it is considered very profound and of secure effect.

What does have Enneagram of magic? It will give you the self-knowledge power in your hands so that you will express in the future your personality.

For example asks the author of the book: we see the world through our eyes or the ones of the children we were? Do we really know ourself? How much our past interfere with our plans and our present? How can we change all of it setting us free?

Ian Morgan Cron is sure that when we are children we used to wear a mask called personality for protecting ourselves but in adult age personality has us. It's like to be hostage of ourselves.

The nine kind of personalities are these ones:

1- The Perfectionist
2- The Helper
3-The Performer
4-The Romantic
5-The Investigator
6-The Loyalist
7-The Enthusiast
8-The Challenger
9-The Peacemaker (in this personality there is also Pope Francis!)

At the same time these 9 personalities are divided in other three groups/triads: The Heart Group, the Fear or Head and the Gut.

In the Gut we find The Challenger, the Peacemaker and the Perfectionist.
In the Heart Triad: The Helper, The Performer, The Romantic
In the Head Triad: The investigator, The Loyalist, The Enthusiast.

At the same time all these personalities have a deadly sin.
Anger, pride, deceit, envy, avarice, Lush...

The book will then analyze in a very profound way the nine personalities giving at the end the best portrait you can desire, also for your children!

Very interesting. I am still in doubt: am I in the second or third triad?
And which personality exactly?
Mmm...
Oh well: this one is another story!

I strongly recommend you this book without any kind of excitation. It is brilliantly written, fun and entertaining, and at the same time it will give you lots and lots of informations for discovering much better your self. It's a great Christmas gift!

The Road Back to You is an absolutely game-changing book for personality assessment and understanding. I've never come across a more clearly communicated (and empathetic and humorous) description of the motivations behind personality and how we view ourselves and others.

This is a must-read book. It will open your eyes to deeper understanding of the people around you, and give you a fresh perspective on caring for them "the way they want to be treated." Reading the chapters for numbers other than mine (I'm a 4), I couldn't help but see people I know. I identified my wife (a 2), my parents (a 1 and a 9), my closest friends (other 4s, 3s and 7s). I'm blown away by the insights. They're almost scary they're so accurate.

I liken it to be given a glimpse into the hidden thoughts and motivations of the people that I truly want to understand. By learning more about their fears and goals (and my own), I can honestly say that by the time I closed the book, I had a vastly different perspective on people and myself.

Seriously--read this, figure out your number, figure out your family and friends' numbers. This can change your life!

I would recommend a different and more serious book if you want to start your path on the enneagram. This book provides good information, but it was written in a juvenile, feel-good, pop-culture kind of way. It lacks concrete examples for change and the paths for transformation for the different personality types overlap each other. It seems as though the authors ran out of ideas - it lacks originality. The author also includes famous personalities he "thinks" share a specific personality type. To my surprise he included only liberal elitist people.
Type 1 - Hilary Clinton: "committed to a life of service and integrity", really? FYI the Clintons stole 97% of the money donated to the Haitian people after the earthquake.
Type 9 - Barack Obama (peacemaker) FYI he started the attacks on Syria, visited Cuba which is a communist oppressive regime, and sent billions of dollars to Iran, another corrupt state. I could give more examples for both, but I do not want to get political. Do your own research.
These are just a few examples, which honestly, distracted me and turned me off. The author obviously lacks geopolitical events knowledge and should stick to the enneagram and provide better and more-in-depth information. I recommend "The wisdom of the enneagram by Rosi & Hudson. Peace!

I read this book about 6 months ago, and it has been marinating in my mind ysince then.

Prior to reading this book, I was never a big fan of the enneagram. The first reason for this aversion was I associated "enneagram" with "pentagram". The second was the way the enneagram was used in circles that were spiritually insightful, but had no adherence to Christian teaching.

After reading The Road Back to You by Cron and Stabile, I have both an educated understanding of the true history of the enneagram, and greater knowledge of the enneagram's usefulness to personal development. The enneagram was developed by a Christian teacher named Evagrius, whose development of the enneagram corresponded to helping people avoid one of the seven deadly sins that was most closely related to their personality type. Since then, this tool has been used by spiritual seekers across faiths and around the world. Lately, social scientists have begun to do their own work with this inventory of personality analysis. Some of their work has been fruitful.

So the enneagram journey teaches you to own your strengths, while also acknowledging that one's gifts and strengths have a "dark-side" that requires growth and work to overcome. The internet tests and some of my friends I trust say they believe I am a 5. That may be correct, perhaps with a 6 wing.

If this is correct, it would mean that I would have to confront the fact that some people think of me as more detached, that often I will experience my emotional responses hours or even days after the emotional trigger has been pulled by someone (I had an employee I supervised who referred to this as being a "crock-pot" thinker). Also, I may have a tendency toward a "scarcity" mentality.

This book has some growth steps and helpful description of each personality type. It also has some helpful anecdotes that will give readers a mental picture of what each personality type may look like in real life situations.

All in all, I thought Cron and Stabile were both intelligent and down to earth, informative and engaging. I am eager to hear what others I know of think of this text.

Insightful, accessible, laugh out loud funny, gentle and - the kind of kick-in-the ass that you count on a dear friend to provide and who will then stay with you afterwards. I am re-reading and am sure will do so again. The authors invite us to move beyond self-awareness, and into self-knowledge. HIghly recommended.

This is the most profound and thoughtful interpretation of the enneagram yet. Whether or not you are a Christian, if you open your mind and heart to this book, I am convinced you will feel the spirit of God flow through you once again. Peace!

The Road Back to You - An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery -published today by InterVarsity Press and written by Ian Morgan Cron; Suzanne Stabile is absolutely a book of self-help that you must read for the important topic that it treats: self-knowledge.
Sometimes we think we know who we are, and substantially let's hope that it is true.
Of course we know our personality. We know our lacks, we know our potentialities.

But, but, if there are still corners of your soul that you don't understand, if your relationship lately not harmonic with your relatives, friends, co-workers or community, go for it, and try to understand much better your personality.

This book was born because of the profound existential crisis lived by the writer of this book, mr Morgan Cron some years ago. A pastor, a man of God, once in Connecticut, he tried all his best with his parish and the people assigned to him, but without any result.

He wasn't able to find the proper connection with the community. Of course to him, a big problem this one. What was wrong with him? Why wasn't able to give his best but always his worst?

So, one day he searched for Brother Dave, a man he hoped could present him a lot of answers, sorting out his most profound crisis of consciousness.

Well at first the author talked, talked, talked about his messy life with Br.Dave, and then once he stopped, Br.Dave asked him: "Did you hear about Enneagram?"

Of course young Ian did. Once in seminary he had a book about Enneagram and he loved to read it, although when he share this passion with a priest, the priest said him of throwing it away, because the Church didn't believe at witches and other genre of stuff similar at this one. In the Enneagram book there wasn't that stuff...

The writer kept the book hidden in some remote corner of a shelf and forgot the existence of it.

Enneagram is a Greek word composed by two words: Ennea means nice and Gram drawing.

It's an old study very well known from the most remote past of nine kind of personalities and it is a philosophy, self-help method that it is considered very profound and of secure effect.

What does have Enneagram of magic? It will give you the self-knowledge power in your hands so that you will express in the future your personality.

For example asks the author of the book: we see the world through our eyes or the ones of the children we were? Do we really know ourself? How much our past interfere with our plans and our present? How can we change all of it setting us free?

Ian Morgan Cron is sure that when we are children we used to wear a mask called personality for protecting ourselves but in adult age personality has us. It's like to be hostage of ourselves.

The nine kind of personalities are these ones:

1- The Perfectionist
2- The Helper
3-The Performer
4-The Romantic
5-The Investigator
6-The Loyalist
7-The Enthusiast
8-The Challenger
9-The Peacemaker (in this personality there is also Pope Francis!)

At the same time these 9 personalities are divided in other three groups/triads: The Heart Group, the Fear or Head and the Gut.

In the Gut we find The Challenger, the Peacemaker and the Perfectionist.
In the Heart Triad: The Helper, The Performer, The Romantic
In the Head Triad: The investigator, The Loyalist, The Enthusiast.

At the same time all these personalities have a deadly sin.
Anger, pride, deceit, envy, avarice, Lush...

The book will then analyze in a very profound way the nine personalities giving at the end the best portrait you can desire, also for your children!

Very interesting. I am still in doubt: am I in the second or third triad?
And which personality exactly?
Mmm...
Oh well: this one is another story!

I strongly recommend you this book without any kind of excitation. It is brilliantly written, fun and entertaining, and at the same time it will give you lots and lots of informations for discovering much better your self. It's a great Christmas gift!

The Road Back to You is an absolutely game-changing book for personality assessment and understanding. I've never come across a more clearly communicated (and empathetic and humorous) description of the motivations behind personality and how we view ourselves and others.

This is a must-read book. It will open your eyes to deeper understanding of the people around you, and give you a fresh perspective on caring for them "the way they want to be treated." Reading the chapters for numbers other than mine (I'm a 4), I couldn't help but see people I know. I identified my wife (a 2), my parents (a 1 and a 9), my closest friends (other 4s, 3s and 7s). I'm blown away by the insights. They're almost scary they're so accurate.

I liken it to be given a glimpse into the hidden thoughts and motivations of the people that I truly want to understand. By learning more about their fears and goals (and my own), I can honestly say that by the time I closed the book, I had a vastly different perspective on people and myself.

Seriously--read this, figure out your number, figure out your family and friends' numbers. This can change your life!

I would recommend a different and more serious book if you want to start your path on the enneagram. This book provides good information, but it was written in a juvenile, feel-good, pop-culture kind of way. It lacks concrete examples for change and the paths for transformation for the different personality types overlap each other. It seems as though the authors ran out of ideas - it lacks originality. The author also includes famous personalities he "thinks" share a specific personality type. To my surprise he included only liberal elitist people.
Type 1 - Hilary Clinton: "committed to a life of service and integrity", really? FYI the Clintons stole 97% of the money donated to the Haitian people after the earthquake.
Type 9 - Barack Obama (peacemaker) FYI he started the attacks on Syria, visited Cuba which is a communist oppressive regime, and sent billions of dollars to Iran, another corrupt state. I could give more examples for both, but I do not want to get political. Do your own research.
These are just a few examples, which honestly, distracted me and turned me off. The author obviously lacks geopolitical events knowledge and should stick to the enneagram and provide better and more-in-depth information. I recommend "The wisdom of the enneagram by Rosi & Hudson. Peace!

I read this book about 6 months ago, and it has been marinating in my mind ysince then.

Prior to reading this book, I was never a big fan of the enneagram. The first reason for this aversion was I associated "enneagram" with "pentagram". The second was the way the enneagram was used in circles that were spiritually insightful, but had no adherence to Christian teaching.

After reading The Road Back to You by Cron and Stabile, I have both an educated understanding of the true history of the enneagram, and greater knowledge of the enneagram's usefulness to personal development. The enneagram was developed by a Christian teacher named Evagrius, whose development of the enneagram corresponded to helping people avoid one of the seven deadly sins that was most closely related to their personality type. Since then, this tool has been used by spiritual seekers across faiths and around the world. Lately, social scientists have begun to do their own work with this inventory of personality analysis. Some of their work has been fruitful.

So the enneagram journey teaches you to own your strengths, while also acknowledging that one's gifts and strengths have a "dark-side" that requires growth and work to overcome. The internet tests and some of my friends I trust say they believe I am a 5. That may be correct, perhaps with a 6 wing.

If this is correct, it would mean that I would have to confront the fact that some people think of me as more detached, that often I will experience my emotional responses hours or even days after the emotional trigger has been pulled by someone (I had an employee I supervised who referred to this as being a "crock-pot" thinker). Also, I may have a tendency toward a "scarcity" mentality.

This book has some growth steps and helpful description of each personality type. It also has some helpful anecdotes that will give readers a mental picture of what each personality type may look like in real life situations.

All in all, I thought Cron and Stabile were both intelligent and down to earth, informative and engaging. I am eager to hear what others I know of think of this text.

Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile have done it. They have made self-awareness and spiritual growth seem less daunting with the way they have approached the Enneagram in this book. Who knew that a Four (Cron) could make you laugh out loud? But I did, repeatedly. The book often reads like a comedy. But, as any good comedy writer or consumer knows, there’s got to be a deep heart at the center or the story falls apart. This book has plenty of heart, which makes sense – both authors are Heart Types (Stabile is a Two). Cron and Stabile populate their book with hilarious personal stories that make you think, “Oh, yah – I know a guy/gal like that” and humanize a system that can sometimes be reduced to a list of traits.

The book begins with the wise words of St. Augustine: “Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.” This is the core idea behind the book. We cannot fully know ourselves unless we know God, and vice versa. This quote is the reason I titled my audio program “Know Yourself to Know God.” In other words, the authors had me from the first page.

We in the Enneagram community tend to view this model as sacrosanct and take it WAY too seriously. So the authors make sure to point out that the Enneagram is not THE answer, but a helpful roadmap on the road back to you:

"That’s how I see the Enneagram. It is not infallible or inerrant. It is not the be-all and end-all of Christian spirituality. At best, it is an imprecise model of personality . . . but it’s very useful."

Amen.

The brief introduction of the Enneagram in the next chapter, “Finding Your Type,” does a deft job of providing the basics of the model without freaking readers out. The Enneagram is a complex, in-depth model that does a knock-out job of describing and helping to explain human behavior, but it can quickly become overwhelming to the novice. The authors are skillful at providing the bare bones, just enough to understand what’s going on in the rest of the book – and, hopefully, whet readers’ appetites for more.

From there, the authors explore each Type, starting with a list of 20 statements that capture the essence of what it’s like to be that Type. Readers then get a look at each Type at its healthy, average and unhealthy levels, followed by a vignette starring that Type. We then get a look at the deadly sin of the Type and how it plays out in a person’s life, an “all about” section outlining the primary personality features and what the Type looks like as a child. Then we see how the Type shows up in relationships and at work – so helpful for loved ones and coworkers. Next come the Wings and stress and security points. And finally, my favorite part: Spiritual Formation, complete with 10 excellent recommended Paths to Transformation. Wonderfully spiritual and practical at the same time, these recommendations exemplify why I love this book and will recommend it forever.

The final chapter offers a beautiful quote from Thomas Merton that reminds readers why this work with the Enneagram is so important. It’s not just about us understanding ourselves; it’s also about letting others be who they are and loving them in every moment. The authors speak of destiny on the last page, which is what I’m all about:

"We owe it to the God who created us, to ourselves, to the people we love and to all with whom we share this troubled planet to become “saints.” How else can we run and complete the errand on which God sent us here?"

Get this book. Read it immediately, and repeatedly. Buy copies for everyone you care about.

Although the title sounds like it could suit a contemporary romance novel, this is a fascinating book about a personality typing system I've come across before and found to be accurate - the Enneagram. Its name is a cross between ennea, which means nine, and gram, which is a drawing or figure. The Enneagram is a wheel-like diagram with nine points, representing the nine personality styles. The authors explain how it was possibly a tool used by ancient Christians, including the desert mothers and fathers, to give us self-knowledge for deeper understanding.

The types include the Perfectionist, the Helper, the Performer, the Romantic (or Individualist), the Investigator, the Loyalist, the Enthusiast, the Challenger and the Peacemaker. There is an interesting, comprehensive chapter on each one of them. For each type, famous examples are given, along with people well known to the two authors. It's not difficult to figure out intuitively which types we, our friends and family belong to. In some cases, it's pretty impossible to miss! (I'm a Number 4.) Strengths and weaknesses are outlined, and each type is described at their best and worst, to enable attitude adjustments. It's not that we can ever choose to become a different type, because that's impossible unless we're play acting. We have to work with the raw material we're born with, but the knowledge in this book empowers us to maximise our strengths.

It also helps us gain understanding of others, so we can be more forbearing, instead of finding those dissimilar to us too hard to read, and dismissing them as pains in the neck. As well as being an easy, entertaining read, it struck me that many self-help books written by people without knowledge of the Enneagram could be extremely misleading or unhelpful. This could happen when the author blindly tries to convince readers to be more like him, without realising that eight out of nine of us genuinely aren't his 'type.' This makes the trite old advice to 'be true to yourself' wise and significant indeed. Often when people give us this advice, we aren't in touch with ourselves enough to even know what they mean. This is the perfect book to help us find out.

Thanks to Inter Varsity Press and Net Galley for my review copy.

I have read a number of books on the Enneagram (including this one). Upon learning it, I focused on the strengths of my type and poured myself into them - my identity became them. I subsequently wrote off my weaknesses as, well that's just my type. It became an obsession and I actually discarded the Enneagram for a few years until someone introduced me to this book.

The authors state that "the purpose of the Enneagram is to develop self knowledge and learn how to recognize and misidentify with the parts of our personalities that limit you, so we can be reunited with our truest, best selves." That's not how the Enneagram for - I was using it as a justification for my behavior - I totally missed the growth piece!

This book also taught me that "all Models are Wrong, but Some are Useful." It's how we use the model that matters. You can get free Enneagram content on the internet, but it often lacks the wisdom you will find here on how to actually apply into your life.

I'll leave you with one last quote from the text: "Before we can become who were really are, we must become conscious of the fact that the person who we think we are, here and now, is at best an imposter and a stranger." I hope you find the road back to you.

I've been working with the enneagram for about four years now, and have found it one of the most helpful tools for personal and spiritual development.

The Road Back to You is a rich resource that teaches the enneagram in an accessible way, without lessening it's complexity and the profound impact it can have on those who work with it.

Anyone who is looking for the "next step" in their personal life or spiritual walk will benefit from this book.

I'm not a Christian (don't shoot me!), but I started listening to the authors' podcasts, not knowing anything about them, and really felt they made the Enneagram so accessible. I've read a couple of books on the Enneagram already, but Cron and Stabile explain the types in such deep, humane detail that I really gained a new understanding of the different types, as well as my own, while reading this book. It helps to remember that each type is actually five types in one person: your core type, your two potential wings (they mentioned in the podcast that people do eventually gain both wings in maturity), and the types you go into under stress or health. That makes it valuable to learn about each and every type, especially if you are also trying to understand your partner, parents, in-laws, siblings, and best friends, as I'm doing. The authors mention that their goal is to increase compassion in the reader. That's one of the amazing things that learning about the Enneagram really does facilitate.
Since I'm NOT an atheist, I connect deeply to their encouragements and perspectives around God. I imagine that a non-spiritual person might connect less to this book (The Wisdom of the Enneagram is a perfect choice for them), but for anyone who does believe in God but isn't a Christian: the authors' perspective is less New Testament thumping, and more about the idea of a loving creator who made us varied and unique, but tasked us with trying to love and understand each other.
I keep using the word "reader," but I actually listened to the audiobook version of this. Ian Cron has a wonderful voice (Stabile does too, but I understand how unifying it is to keep the audiobook in one voice), so I don't hesitate to recommend the audio version.

Readable and thorough introduction to the enneagram.

Everyone’s talking about the Enneagram (a sort of personality test/tool for self-reflection based on the seven deadly sins), and so this book is a very timely one. After a brief introduction to the enneagram, it goes through the nine types. In each chapter there’s a brief description of the type, examples of the type in practice: in children, at work, in relationship, and sometimes a biblical example. The most helpful parts are the suggestions of practices to become more emotionally healthy, depending on which type you are. It’s fairly fast-paced and conversational in style.

Although this is a wonderfully succinct and thorough introduction to the enneagram, I struggled with some elements of the book.

One quibble was that, rather than quoting people directly who are that type, and allowing them to describe how they fitted it, they described people they happened to know who fit the description; sometimes those descriptions of behaviour felt superficial, and were often more negative than positive.

I also felt uncomfortable by the inclusion of ‘celebrity examples’, because the enneagram is about motivation rather than behaviour, and they don’t know which enneagram type celebrities are. Likewise, Leigh Kramer and Tara Owens (my two favourite Enneagram experts) have always taught me that the enneagram describes adult personalities, so I was uncomfortable with labelling children’s personalities when children are still forming and discovering themselves.

Aside from these minor complaints, it’s a real achievement as a readable and thorough introduction to the nine types of the Enneagram. It really fills a niche in the market, between the excellent but more basic ‘Enneagram Made Easy’ and Rohr’s and Miso and Hudson’s more clinical and academic tomes on the Enneagram.

Get it to see what all the enneagram fuss is about, and listen to their excellent podcast to hear guests talking about their own type to get more nuance.

What is the book about?
The book is about the Enneagram, a different kind of personality test. Where most personality tests explain and asses the nature of one’s personality, the Enneagram reveals your personality more through nurture rather than nature.

Take Aways?
Reading through the Enneagram Personalities, different people from different stages of my life would come to mind. Memories of how these family members, friends, co workers and bosses had acted or reacted in different situations were real tell tale signs of their Enneagram numbers. Some fit their numbers to a tee, with others a bit harder to place. Understanding not only who they are, but where they came from gave me more compassion for them and myself.

Future Applications?
Reading through my number 7 was exhilarating, funny, and also gave me a pressure release, helping me to ‘accept’ some of weakness’, and confirm my strengths. (The Ennegram Country for 7 is IRELAND, when 7's are under stress they become bad 1's, which is SWITZERLAND, hilarious as i grew up in Ireland and now live in Switzerland). The book will definitely help me to empower my family and leaders to bring their strengths to the table and work on their challenges. I will introduce and process the Enneagram with my family and selective team members.

I was surprised to find the author’s animosity / dislike for anyone that might not be a progressive elitist. Honestly not what expected to find in this book. Just be aware. There are some interesting concepts, but his bent just turned me off. I hear enough from conservative and from progressive in the news. I did not need to read it in this book.

I am fairly new to the Enneagram, but have had many friends talk about it and how helpful it has been for their personal, spiritual, social and work lives. My husband and I read this book together and we were impressed and encouraged at the approachable, witty, honest, challenging and fresh way to view our own personalities,and how we individually "see" the world when we are healthy, and when we are in stress. The insight in this book brought new understanding, even after 25 years of marriage, and most of all a new depth of compassion toward others and ourselves. Cron and Stabile's expansive understanding of the Enneagram and encouragement for us to 'see' each other more fully are much needed in our journey of life and I highly recommend this book and the study guide.

This book is a great read, it was even better for me because I listened to the audiobook off of Audible, read by the author and I think his reading and enthusiasm made the material that much more interesting. I found the Enneagram extremely interesting, even if learning my own type, with it's healthy and unhealthy states was a little uncomfortable at times. The author's stories woven into the descriptions of each Enneagram number made them more relatable and interesting rather than just a list of traits. I highly recommend this book as a great introduction to the Enneagram and a great way to get to know yourself better.

I’m glad that this book was my first introduction to the Enneagram. His personal stories throughout the book helped me understand how the Enneagram concept looks in the real world. He focused more attention on the negative aspects of each trait which I found helpful. When the author revealed his personal Enneagram Type, I wasn’t surprised. I could see his personality reflected throughout his writing, especially from his emotional honesty and level of self-awareness.

I absolutely love this book. I few years ago I learned about the Meyers Briggs. I am an INTJ. It really helped to start in my journey to better myself but I felt like I reached a plateau. The Road Back to You helped me dig deeper to learn about myself and what has been holding me back in life. It really touched my heart and gave me the right push I needed to my road in life. I highly recommend it no matter what religion or nonreligious you are.

I have loved the Enneagram for several years now. It was the first assessment I've taken that explained me to myself, and it described not only who I am now, with my strengths and weaknesses and tendencies, but also cast a vision for who I CAN be, and how to live into that potential. In this book, Cron and Stabile explain the Enneagram in engaging and conversational language. And, with their wit and wisdom, they show each of us how to find the road that takes us on a journey of personal insight and transformation. Can't recommend it highly enough!

This book was so helpful. I have friends who have been interested in the Enneagram, but most personality tests do nothing to describe me so I was skeptical. It was strange to read descriptions that I believed Stabile and Cron would only know if they had the ability to see inside my head. The authors tell us the strengths and pitfalls of each type and help us to strive toward being the best version of ourselves. I believe the world would be a kinder and gentler place if we invested in self knowledge and worked toward emotional health so we can treat one another the way we wish to be treated. The humor and excellence in writing made the journey even more enjoyable.

My hopes were high when I caught wind of this book, and it didn’t disappoint. This relatively slim volume is a great introduction to the Enneagram. Filled with real-life examples, a down-to-earth, conversational tone, and an easy-to-follow structure, it brings each of the nine types to life in a fresh way.

The knowledge and experience that grounds The Road Back to You is translated into stories of people we know: husbands and wives, sons and daughters, friends and co-workers … the person in the mirror. It’s also rich in application: Each chapter starts with a list of “What it’s like to be a __”, and ends with “Ten Paths to Transformation.”

This was by no means the first book I’d read on the Enneagram, but it is the first I will recommend to those new to the subject.

I enjoyed reading The Road Back to You, both for its insights and for the way it brought the Enneagram a little closer to home. There’s something here for both the casual reader and the Enneagram aficionado.

(I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.)

If you are setting a New Years Resolution or goal, or are trying to read more over winter break, I highly recommend this book! The Road Back to You is about the Enneagram, and if you've spent any amount of time with me over the last 6 months you've heard my husband & I talk about this personality theory and how it's changed our lives. Learning about ourselves through the Enneagram has been the greatest thing for our marriage apart from prayer. We've been able to see the world through each other's lenses, learn what inwardly motivates the things we do, show grace to each other, and ultimately realize a deeper understanding of the grace that God had shown us. It's also allowed us not to just remain where we are in our personalities, but to realize the potential at our best and allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us in the specific ways where we need it. Make it your aim this year to know who you are, how to become a healthier person, & how to see the world through the eyes of someone different from you. I promise it won't be easy but it will be worth it.

I have read several great books on the enneagram but this was the most accessible and the first one I would recommend to someone newer to the Enneagram. Excellent book and I enjoyed the humble insights found throughout.

This book captures the deep essence of each personality type without putting them into boxes. They address types in relationships, at work, under stress, and how they cope as children. Cron employs a humorous and witty style of writing that conveys truth without feeling overly dry or clinical. Everyone should read this book.

This book taught me so much about the enneagram. I didn't know much about it before reading it, but after I feel like I understand not only myself better, but other people as well! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the enneagram!

I did not find this book very encouraging at ALL. I realize this info is to stretch and grow you, But the wording and the lack of any positive attributes in each section is a very unenjoyable read and left me feeling very upset with myself, not motivated towards change. Other books and info I've read doesn't have this tone. Did not enjoy this book.

So glad I bought this book! The Enneagram has been such a helpful tool to me in making decisions both for the long haul and my day-to-day, or minute-to-minute decisions. I am so grateful for Ian Cron and Susan Stabile for collaborating on this book. It is such an easy entry point to the Enneagram.

I was gifted this book by a friend, and it has been such a helpful tool for understanding myself and the people around me. It doesn't take itself too seriously as an end-all-be-all guide, but it has realistic advice for both Christians and non-Christians. It's a consistent format for each personality type on the enneagram, and it has great short stories of relevance.

On a whim last fall, I posted on Facebook and asked for podcast suggestions from my friends. One friend suggested their podcast in its infancy which led me to the book. And I can say without a doubt that it has changed my life, my husband's life, our marriage, and the way we each live and love those around us. I feel so grateful for Ian and Suzanne and all of the beautiful work they are doing in their lives and the world.

Despite being a fan of personality assessment and tools such as Myers-Briggs I was quite disappointed in this book. Here are some of the main reasons:

1) Organization: The book goes into a deep dive of each type after only a cursory explanation of the types. This quickly becomes tedious. It would have been better if the book spent more time explaining the overview and characteristics of each type and then having subsequent chapters dealing with relationships, children, work etc.

2) I wasn't sold on the categorizations. I don't know if this is a limitation of the Enneagram system or the explanation provided by the authors. For example, one category might be described as inherently extroverted while another is introverted. It also didn't seem to allow for having a personality that is a blend of types (other than a very narrow side type). In the end, there were only a couple of people that I could categorically place on the Enneagram.

3) Holier than thou: I couldn't shake the off-puting sanctimonious tone of the book. If you are a left of center reader that favors the abolition of ICE this might be a plus for you, but I think it also plays into the overly definitive descriptions of the Enneagram types.

If you are setting a New Years Resolution or goal, or are trying to read more over winter break, I highly recommend this book! The Road Back to You is about the Enneagram, and if you've spent any amount of time with me over the last 6 months you've heard my husband & I talk about this personality theory and how it's changed our lives. Learning about ourselves through the Enneagram has been the greatest thing for our marriage apart from prayer. We've been able to see the world through each other's lenses, learn what inwardly motivates the things we do, show grace to each other, and ultimately realize a deeper understanding of the grace that God had shown us. It's also allowed us not to just remain where we are in our personalities, but to realize the potential at our best and allow the Holy Spirit to sanctify us in the specific ways where we need it. Make it your aim this year to know who you are, how to become a healthier person, & how to see the world through the eyes of someone different from you. I promise it won't be easy but it will be worth it.

Oh my gosh the heavens have opened and the birds have begun their song... The weights have balanced and hope is returned! I finally have a chance of understanding my husband... He is a "Five" on the Enneagram. I laugh, I sob, I am comforted. Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile, thank you for hearing God and writing this book for the planet. And, sweet Jesus, I finally know myself. As a "Seven," I am so excited to report I've read this book from cover to cover. I completed something... Oh glory day.

This book brought me to tears in several chapters as I begun to relate to several numbers, recalling several of my own actions. The writing is superb. Keeping the reader captivated and interested from beginning to end. I did laugh out loud at certain points, too. This book has helped me to understand things about myself that I have struggled to understand for years. I may read it a few more times. I am definitely passing out a few copies to family and friends. ~ Lynn Nesbitt

I have read several great books on the enneagram but this was the most accessible and the first one I would recommend to someone newer to the Enneagram. Excellent book and I enjoyed the humble insights found throughout.

This book captures the deep essence of each personality type without putting them into boxes. They address types in relationships, at work, under stress, and how they cope as children. Cron employs a humorous and witty style of writing that conveys truth without feeling overly dry or clinical. Everyone should read this book.

This book taught me so much about the enneagram. I didn't know much about it before reading it, but after I feel like I understand not only myself better, but other people as well! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the enneagram!

I did not find this book very encouraging at ALL. I realize this info is to stretch and grow you, But the wording and the lack of any positive attributes in each section is a very unenjoyable read and left me feeling very upset with myself, not motivated towards change. Other books and info I've read doesn't have this tone. Did not enjoy this book.

So glad I bought this book! The Enneagram has been such a helpful tool to me in making decisions both for the long haul and my day-to-day, or minute-to-minute decisions. I am so grateful for Ian Cron and Susan Stabile for collaborating on this book. It is such an easy entry point to the Enneagram.

Wonderful read to help us understand ourselves and other significant people in our lives. Encouragement to be who we were made to be and to accept who others were made to be. We need each other for balance and harmony

I was gifted this book by a friend, and it has been such a helpful tool for understanding myself and the people around me. It doesn't take itself too seriously as an end-all-be-all guide, but it has realistic advice for both Christians and non-Christians. It's a consistent format for each personality type on the enneagram, and it has great short stories of relevance.

On a whim last fall, I posted on Facebook and asked for podcast suggestions from my friends. One friend suggested their podcast in its infancy which led me to the book. And I can say without a doubt that it has changed my life, my husband's life, our marriage, and the way we each live and love those around us. I feel so grateful for Ian and Suzanne and all of the beautiful work they are doing in their lives and the world.

Despite being a fan of personality assessment and tools such as Myers-Briggs I was quite disappointed in this book. Here are some of the main reasons:

1) Organization: The book goes into a deep dive of each type after only a cursory explanation of the types. This quickly becomes tedious. It would have been better if the book spent more time explaining the overview and characteristics of each type and then having subsequent chapters dealing with relationships, children, work etc.

2) I wasn't sold on the categorizations. I don't know if this is a limitation of the Enneagram system or the explanation provided by the authors. For example, one category might be described as inherently extroverted while another is introverted. It also didn't seem to allow for having a personality that is a blend of types (other than a very narrow side type). In the end, there were only a couple of people that I could categorically place on the Enneagram.

3) Holier than thou: I couldn't shake the off-puting sanctimonious tone of the book. If you are a left of center reader that favors the abolition of ICE this might be a plus for you, but I think it also plays into the overly definitive descriptions of the Enneagram types.

The Road Back to You is an excellent entry into the vast world of the Enneagram, a personality typing system with particular spiritual roots. Cron is an exemplar storyteller and his illustrations make each type come alive and remind you of people you know. It makes the book a very engaging read. I’ll be recommending this to anyone curious about where to start unpacking the Enneagram, and to anyone wanting to gain some deeper self-awareness in order to better navigate their relationship with God and others.

This is a great primer on the Enneagram. It never claims to be the most thorough, but it is certainly among the most accessible for the uninitiated or recently initiated. It is a good mix of information and humor and is playing a serious role in helping me to discover myself and those around me in a profound way.

In a recent search for more information about Enneagram, I stumbled upon Cron & Stabile's companion podcast to this book. The authors' experience giving workshops on the Enneagram shows in their fantastic stories that help flesh out what it means to live as a particular number. Though I haven't received it yet, I'm looking forward to utilizing the companion workbook to help explore the number I think I am and press more deeply into the spiritual and emotional work I need to become a more fully integrated person. If you are looking for an excellent primer on the Enneagram, this is the perfect place to start. For those more well-versed, this may not be what you're seeking.

I was really disappointed. This was more about the author than the enneagram. Was offended by the story of his son and daughter at the dinner table with guests. EVERYONE has a right to their opinion right or left. Author at times felt juvenile. Off to find something more professional.

Started reading this book becuause I thought the author was Christian and it was going to have great advice on how to better understand yourself and draw near to God. I noticed the author really looks up to Hilary Clinton and Barrack Obama.. which totally turned me off. Returning the book... it seems to bash conservatism. Which is pretty weird considering it’s supposed to be a “Christian book”

If you're a conservative you're going to find this book a bit of a slap in the face. Where you are literally stereotyped as an anti science conspiracy peddler. Oh, and the description of a Type 1 is ETHICAL. This author's celebrity example? Hillary Clinton...

So I bought this book because it's surging in popularity in Christianity, and among songwriters and worship leaders. I read this book which was the open door to go way deep into the Enneagram hard and fast.

The Road Back To You is, as the authors say, a primer of the Enneagram, targeted specifically to Protestants. It opens the door for "self-awareness by discovering your false self so that you can be more true and authentic with God and others." Sounds good, if not great, at first.

While I don't wish to dishonor or say anything negative about the authors, or cause any disunity, I DO wish to warn against the Enneagram, itself.
It HARMED me significantly and it was DIRECTLY because of this book! To be blunt, the Enneagram is not a personality typology as The Road Back to You says, I believe it is divination wrapped up in psychology. You are supposed to read each chapter and find your own number for positive self improvement reasons, but they don't make it clear what you're actually looking into. You're looking into the 9 pointed figure asking "What are my hidden motives, oh Enneagram?" Not much different than looking into tarot cards, ouija boards, horoscopes, crystals.

This is a super dangerous book to introduce an Occult /New Age divination tool into the church specifically.

THIS BOOK HURT ME!!!!
Please avoid this book and any others about the Enneagram.

Beware that this isn't Christianity! The US Catholic Bishops have declared it not to be Christian in it's New Age approach to spirituality. Don't be fooled by Catholics like Rohr who aren't true to the Magisterium and Doctrine of the Church. And get your spirituality from the Church, not another mystical source like Enneagrams. For those of you who are not aware, the Enneagram was developed by several occultists. One of these men, Oscar Ichazo, claims he began having out-of-body experiences at the age of six. According to New Age expert and former Enneagram enthusiast, Father Mitch Pacwa, Ichazo “could not accept Catholic teaching on heaven or hell because he had been there and knew more about it than Christ and the Church.” Ichazo was involved in Oriental martial arts, Zen, Andes Indian thought, shamanism, yoga, hypnotism and psychology and claims to have received instructions from a higher entity called “Metatron, the prince of the archangels.” He and his followers claim to contact lower spirits through meditation and mantras, and to be guided by an internal master, known as the Green Qu’Tub, who makes himself known when they reach a sufficiently high stage of development. (You can’t make this stuff up.) This is not to suggest by any means that personality and temperament tests are all occult-based, but this field is definitely popular with New Agers who thrive on self-realization. If only as much time was spent meditating on the attributes of God rather than on ourselves! A personal relationship with Jesus Christ is the best way to pursue the kind of self-knowledge that will get you into heaven. That, coupled with 30 minutes a day of mental prayer (start with 10 minutes and work your way up) is the best way to discover one’s weaknesses and attachments to sin – not through personality or temperament tests.