Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery” as Want to Read:
The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery
by
Ignorance is bliss―except in self-awareness.
What you don't know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships―and even keep you in the shallows with God. Do you want help figuring out who you are and why you're stuck in the same ruts?
The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system with an uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, both positivel ...more
What you don't know about yourself can hurt you and your relationships―and even keep you in the shallows with God. Do you want help figuring out who you are and why you're stuck in the same ruts?
The Enneagram is an ancient personality typing system with an uncanny accuracy in describing how human beings are wired, both positivel ...more
Get A Copy
Kindle Edition, 241 pages
Published
October 4th 2016
by IVP Books
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
To ask other readers questions about
The Road Back to You,
please sign up.
Popular Answered Questions
This book is not yet featured on Listopia.
Add this book to your favorite list »
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30

Start your review of The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery

The names Suzanne Stabile and Ian Morgan Cron may or may not mean something to you. When I heard they were writing a book about the Enneagram, I paid attention. Stabile is a well-known Enneagram teacher. I've never been able to attend one of her workshops but I've followed her online for a while. Cron is probably better known as an author and Episcopal priest, although he's done some speaking on the Enneagram in recent years. The combination of Stabile and Cron- her extensive knowledge plus his
...more

If you are new to and curious about the Enneagram, I think this book is a fantastic way to start digging into it. Cron wonderfully explains each type, giving context to them in many ways (work, childhood, relationships) as well as details the various elements of the Enneagram (wings, stress, security). It was insightful, accessible and entertaining, and has truly opened my eyes to how I see the world in a particular way as well as how other people very unlike me see the world—and that gives me t
...more

I kept hearing about the Enneagram, took a quiz and got multiple answers, that's when I decided to go digging...
Many of my very favorite podcasts mention the Enneagram and I got curious. This book was a wonderful introduction. There are 9 categories that you can fall into with wings and shades of others. What does this all mean? Cron spends time explaining what a healthy number looks like vs someone struggling with their related deadly sin. I kept trying to think of this as it relates to my clos ...more
Many of my very favorite podcasts mention the Enneagram and I got curious. This book was a wonderful introduction. There are 9 categories that you can fall into with wings and shades of others. What does this all mean? Cron spends time explaining what a healthy number looks like vs someone struggling with their related deadly sin. I kept trying to think of this as it relates to my clos ...more

Mar 05, 2019
Iman Malone-Dirige
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
infp-9w1,
pastorship
My love and I have optimistically embraced personal growth and deeper self-awareness since our beginning almost nine years ago - to better ourselves as both a faith-based married couple, mothers to our two adorable children, assertive individuals, soul mates with a beautiful life journey together, our best-friendship, and philanthropists with a profound love for humanity.
Together, we’ve gracefully developed in an all-encompassing matter alongside the in-depth knowledge we've gained on cognitive ...more
Together, we’ve gracefully developed in an all-encompassing matter alongside the in-depth knowledge we've gained on cognitive ...more

Super helpful and enjoyable introduction to the enneagram. I'd read nothing on it previously other than a couple inline summaries, and this was an accessible and relatable entry into what seems to be a rich and complex thing. It moves quickly, it is concise, it is funny in parts, and it is strikingly insightful.
...more

Knowing my Myers-Briggs type never did much for me. Knowing my Enneagram number has deepened my self-awareness, given me practical and specific tools for growth, and helped me better understand people who are wired entirely differently than me.
Part of what makes this ancient personality typing system so compelling is the fact that your number is not a static description of yourself; it's a spectrum you're constantly engaging with as you learn to recognize the behavioral patterns, coping mechanis ...more
Part of what makes this ancient personality typing system so compelling is the fact that your number is not a static description of yourself; it's a spectrum you're constantly engaging with as you learn to recognize the behavioral patterns, coping mechanis ...more

This was an informative read for those that have an interest in the enneagram, whether it be as an introduction or for those that have previous knowledge surrounding these personality types.
As someone who's new to learning about the enneagram, I find this content fascinating. It may not be scientifically objective or measurably sound but I find the information regarding these personality types interesting.
For those that know their enneagram type, it's tempting to solely flip to that section; ho ...more
As someone who's new to learning about the enneagram, I find this content fascinating. It may not be scientifically objective or measurably sound but I find the information regarding these personality types interesting.
For those that know their enneagram type, it's tempting to solely flip to that section; ho ...more

I’ve always been interested in the Enneagram, and this book was so informative! While learning more about the nine different personality types I gained more self-compassion (and self-awareness) and compassion for others. “Inside each number is a hidden gift that reveals something about God’s heart.” 💛

Unfortunately, much of what I want to say about this book is bad. The overall premise of this book is that God made us unique individuals whose show aspects of his character. Each type has a tendency toward certain sins that they will need to work on. The way we should use this book is to better understand ourself and others to learn how to get to know ourselves better. Ultimately, when we know ourselves better we then understand God and become who we were made to be.
I find this thinking deeply ...more
I find this thinking deeply ...more

I discovered this book by listening to Anne Bogel's #whatshouldireadnext podcast, episode #141. She and Ian Morgan Cron were talking about the Enneagram #s of various authors and characters in books. I had already taken to test to determine my Enneagram type, but I still wasn't sure. I listened to the audiobook first, narrated by the author, then purchased the book. I needed to go through it in detail. This book really helped me to narrow down my type. I like that he shared the h isotry of the E
...more

Recommended
I'd been avoiding it for a long time, but I finally read The Road Back to You. I put it off for a long time because I was reluctant to dig into the Enneagram, aka, the type indicator that deals with your junk. Can't I just do another StrengthsFinder, please? But after reading Dare to Lead and Braving the Wilderness, it was time.
Well, in no surprise to anyone, I am a big ol' Enneagram 1 (perfectionist/reformer). I really hoped I would be the investigator (5), because I like to think of ...more
I'd been avoiding it for a long time, but I finally read The Road Back to You. I put it off for a long time because I was reluctant to dig into the Enneagram, aka, the type indicator that deals with your junk. Can't I just do another StrengthsFinder, please? But after reading Dare to Lead and Braving the Wilderness, it was time.
Well, in no surprise to anyone, I am a big ol' Enneagram 1 (perfectionist/reformer). I really hoped I would be the investigator (5), because I like to think of ...more

May 12, 2020
Amy
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
recommended-to-me,
personality
While the Myers-Briggs holds my loyalty, I am beginning to understand the draw of the Enneagram. It definitely offers a different dimension in which to understand people. And as always, I'm egotistical enough to be endlessly fascinated by my own personality. (7w6, thank you very much.)
This was a good overview of the Enneagram overlaid with a vaguely Christian perspective. Nothing necessarily mind-blowing, but it provides a helpful introduction and tries to be upfront with the strengths and weakn ...more
This was a good overview of the Enneagram overlaid with a vaguely Christian perspective. Nothing necessarily mind-blowing, but it provides a helpful introduction and tries to be upfront with the strengths and weakn ...more

I haven't read or learned extensively about the enneagram, and truthfully this was my first exposure to it. I doubt that I'll read much more.
I'll start with some positives about the book and my understanding of the enneagram as a result. The book is an easy read. Cron's writing style is colloquial and his humor lighthearted. The lists at the beginning and end of each chapter, "What It's Like to be a #" and" Ten Paths to Transformation for a #. " I also like that they attempt to come at this from ...more
I'll start with some positives about the book and my understanding of the enneagram as a result. The book is an easy read. Cron's writing style is colloquial and his humor lighthearted. The lists at the beginning and end of each chapter, "What It's Like to be a #" and" Ten Paths to Transformation for a #. " I also like that they attempt to come at this from ...more

Recommended for: Christians who have already read a non-religious take on the Enneagram
Not recommended for: Everyone else.
*Listened to the audiobook
I guess I am not the target audience for this, being non-religious, but reading the Goodreads Q&A above stating that is not religious save for the short spirituality sections and because I've listened to Ian's podcast where it was more "discussion on the Enneagram while the people happen to be religious", I gave it a shot.
Boy was I disappointed. I r ...more
Not recommended for: Everyone else.
*Listened to the audiobook
I guess I am not the target audience for this, being non-religious, but reading the Goodreads Q&A above stating that is not religious save for the short spirituality sections and because I've listened to Ian's podcast where it was more "discussion on the Enneagram while the people happen to be religious", I gave it a shot.
Boy was I disappointed. I r ...more

Apr 13, 2019
Christina DeVane
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
books-read-in-2019
My favorite quotes from this book:
• The Enneagram should only be used to build others up and help them advance on their journey toward wholeness and God. ❤️
• When we stop trying to change people and simply love them that they actually have a shot at transformation. The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become easier.
• Each type is at its core a signpost pointing us to travel toward and embrace ...more
• The Enneagram should only be used to build others up and help them advance on their journey toward wholeness and God. ❤️
• When we stop trying to change people and simply love them that they actually have a shot at transformation. The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become easier.
• Each type is at its core a signpost pointing us to travel toward and embrace ...more

Maybe it's because I came to this book already equipped with a basic working knowledge of the enneagram, but I found The Road Back to You to be a bit more helpful in my understanding of the enneagram than Richard Rohr's book (The Enneagram: A Christian Perspective), which was my introduction to the enneagram and a major source of guidance for many others (and which, frankly, left me a little confused). Ian and Suzanne's writing made the characteristics of each number much more clear to me, and I
...more

Sep 11, 2018
Andreia ❤The Butterfly Lover❤ Amo Borboletas
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Just found out I am a type 5: The investigator!! The book is so good I may re-read it again soon to find out more about my true self.

Jan 02, 2017
Bob
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
christian-spiritual-formation,
psychology
Summary: Describes the Enneagram and each of the nine types, and how these may be helpful in Self-discovery, uncovering one's true self and experiencing spiritual growth.
John Calvin, and many others have observed that knowledge of God and knowledge of self often go hand in hand. Often, what we do not know or knowledge that has been colored by the wounds of our upbringing deflect us from knowing God and ourselves truly. One of the tools that has been found increasingly helpful by many spiritual d ...more
John Calvin, and many others have observed that knowledge of God and knowledge of self often go hand in hand. Often, what we do not know or knowledge that has been colored by the wounds of our upbringing deflect us from knowing God and ourselves truly. One of the tools that has been found increasingly helpful by many spiritual d ...more

Well written, a fun read with a lot of the authors personality being shown. Blatantly convicts and confronts my sinfulness, making me feel exposed to everyone who's read this book and that I've told my "number" to. But... best of all, it gives good steps for spiritual transformation. This book gives a good platform to start building empathy towards neighbors and helps teach the reader how to best love those around them.
...more

Aug 22, 2017
Erin *Help I’m Reading and I Can’t Get Up*
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
church-study
One of the most accessible, readable books on the Enneagram I've encountered.
...more

I was curious to read this as I am hearing about the enneagram from so many people. I've done a fair amount of reading about Meyers-Briggs so I was happy to learn about another tool for understanding people. However, I found this to be quite general. While I think I was able to figure out my number, from reading the chapters the only one I definitely eliminated for myself was three. Because the of the generality, I identified with almost all of them. My husband, when told about this, said it rem
...more

The Road Back To You explores the Enneagram personality theory, which says there are 9 basic personality types for everyone in the world.
I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with the Enneagram model. The book, however, doesn’t give you a clearcut way to find your Enneagram. You’re supposed to look at each model, answer some questions, and figure out which one you are. What if you can’t figure it out? On any given day I’ve been a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8. A quiz with a definitive answer would be great.
My bi ...more
I’m not agreeing or disagreeing with the Enneagram model. The book, however, doesn’t give you a clearcut way to find your Enneagram. You’re supposed to look at each model, answer some questions, and figure out which one you are. What if you can’t figure it out? On any given day I’ve been a 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8. A quiz with a definitive answer would be great.
My bi ...more

Sep 04, 2019
Yolanda Smith
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
finished-in-2019
I’m way behind on the Enneagram craze, but since I’ve cracked the pages of this book I’m fully intrigued. For over a year I’ve mistyped myself as a three (faulty online testing) but this book made me take a step back, actually a few steps back, and really study the good-bad-ugly in my life. No doubt about it, I’m a seven. I’ve had a lot of fun digging through this book, as well as some painful (but necessary) moments.

"There are others [personality typing systems] that describe and encourage you to embrace who you are, which isn't very helpful if who you are is a jerk."
This is wonderful introduction to the Enneagram Personality Typing System. The authors break down a complicated subject into a clear, concise, and entertaining guide to self-discovery. The authors tell it like it is and provide relatable and often humorous examples.
As I read through the different personality types searching for myself, it seem ...more
This is wonderful introduction to the Enneagram Personality Typing System. The authors break down a complicated subject into a clear, concise, and entertaining guide to self-discovery. The authors tell it like it is and provide relatable and often humorous examples.
As I read through the different personality types searching for myself, it seem ...more

I appreciated the emphasis on motivation rather than behavior for finding one's Type, and that the authors included overview and examples of health, integration, disintegration, and wings for each number. These factors together make this book a stellar entry into the Enneagram, particularly for finding one's number.
I did find it odd that the authors spoke often about their children's Types and used examples of famous people, since received wisdom about the Enneagram generally forbids typing oth ...more
I did find it odd that the authors spoke often about their children's Types and used examples of famous people, since received wisdom about the Enneagram generally forbids typing oth ...more

This enneagram guide is the kind of book I would usually read in hard copy and keep for reference, but my library had the audio, so I went for it.
What a wonderful book! I actually went back and reread a few sections when I finished. My husband enjoyed listening to his number info as well.
This book is much friendlier and more accessible than other enneagram books.
The descriptions of the types were written in such a clear and useful way. It is a Christian book which is not evangelical, pushy,o ...more
What a wonderful book! I actually went back and reread a few sections when I finished. My husband enjoyed listening to his number info as well.
This book is much friendlier and more accessible than other enneagram books.
The descriptions of the types were written in such a clear and useful way. It is a Christian book which is not evangelical, pushy,o ...more

Jan 17, 2020
Jocelyn Green
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
writing-craft,
nonfiction
I confess that I only became interested in this book after a good writing friend (Susie Finkbeiner!) mentioned it was helping her develop her characters. So I read it in the span of a few days, and even though I don't identify with any one number for myself (I personally identify more with the Myers-Briggs and love languages paradigms), I have totally pegged my characters in the novel I'm writing. That is why I'm shelving this with my other writing craft books. I'm sure it will help me in life i
...more

With a good sense of humor and engaging writing style, the authors balance an appreciative and affirming view of individual personality with the compassionate recognition that our personalities can make our lives (not to mention the lives of those around us) more difficult. After all, the authors suggest, our greatest personality strengths can simultaneously become our greatest weaknesses. Yet this book is not another campaign for self-perfecting, but an invitation to find the “true self.” The a
...more
topics | posts | views | last activity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Grounds' Book...: "The Road Back to You" | 2 | 10 | Jul 17, 2018 03:06PM |
Ian Morgan Cron is a bestselling author, nationally recognized speaker, Enneagram teacher, trained psychotherapist, Dove Award–winning songwriter, and Episcopal priest. His books include the novel Chasing Francis and spiritual memoir Jesus, My Father, the CIA, and Me. Ian draws on an array of disciplines—from psychology to the arts, Christian spirituality and theology—to help people enter more dee
...more
News & Interviews
As dedicated readers already know, some of the best and most innovative stories on the shelves come from the constantly evolving realm of...
36 likes · 8 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“The Enneagram is a tool that awakens our compassion for people just as they are, not the people we wish they would become so our lives would become easier.”
—
13 likes
“The beginning of love is the will to let those we love be perfectly themselves, the resolution not to twist them to fit our own image. If in loving them we do not love what they are, but only their potential likeness to ourselves, then we do not love them: we only love the reflection of ourselves we find in them.”
—
10 likes
More quotes…