This book was on my mastermind’s reading list. I find the enneagram types interesting, as I’ve used the tool to create characters within my writing, and wanted to learn more about it. I’m a type five and learned the basics about other types, but I never looked too much past it.

The book goes over each type and names their basic desires and fears along with wings but doesn’t delve into them so much that you get confused.

The main things I learned were this. Like any tool, the enneagram can be used to help or manipulate. Figure yourself out before you attempt to type others ( unless you’re creating a fictional character, of course). The book focuses on knowing yourself, your fears, what makes you grow, how you react to situations, and how to call upon other attributes (wings) to navigate issues that may arise. Jim touched upon so many aspects of life that I couldn’t begin remembering them all. I will likely listen to it again.
I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little overwhelmed by the idea of noting when I might be slipping into a core reaction (lower self) instead of doing something else (leaning into a wing) that could help resolve an issue. But like any self-improvement, it takes time.

Jim’s stories were fun, and I enjoyed them. He spent years in the hospitality industry. His narrative style was pleasant to listen to.

Have you read this book? What are your thoughts? Let me know in the comments below.