Books to Read Based on Your Birth Order

Cloud Atlas, by David Mitchell
You can’t help it, but you’re a bit of a precocious perfectionist (being the only outlet for your parents’ attention tends to do that). With that in mind, you’ll love Mitchell’s complicated, circling novel. It follows a series of intertwining characters over several centuries, trying out multiple styles and narratives along the way. This book is sort of like you: it’ll monopolize all the attention, then impress you with its maturity and talent.

The Corrections, by Jonathan Franzen
Maybe what you really want is to know what it’s like to have a large family. Well, The Corrections ought to do the trick. Enid and Alfred are tired of their empty nest, and Enid’s trying to get all three of her children back together for one more family holiday. But with Gary struggling to get along, Chip wrapped up in an intense new job, and Denise juggling an affair and a new restaurant, bringing the kids together is harder than it sounds. With a bit of luck, this book might just remind you how glad you are you don’t have siblings.
Then try:
Play It As It Lays, by Joan Didion
Oldest Child

The Road, by Cormac McCarthy
You know that overwhelming need you have to take care of everyone and everything? Now imagine that feeling multiplied by disaster. Stuck in a postapocalyptic world, a father and son attempt to stay alive despite near-constant life-threatening situations. The familiar exhaustion of trying to make sure everything turns out right, the driving need to be more and do more—this book was pretty much made for a firstborn.

The Rook, by Daniel O’Malley
Cautious, in control, aware of everything around her: Myfanwy Thomas has the personality of an oldest child. Of course, she also has no memory and no clue what’s going on in her life, besides the notes left to her by her former self that let her know someone is trying to kill her. With a secret organization to run and an evil plot to stop, Myfanway has no choice but to take charge and be the responsible overachiever you are every day.
Then try:
Gilead, by Marilynne Robinson
Middle Child

I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith
Cassandra falls into the “What am I doing here?” trap all middle children face. She doesn’t get the attention her older sister, Rose, gets, so she’s stuck trying to please everyone and keep the peace—not so easy when you live in a broken-down castle with your crazy father and absolutely no money. With her need to be on good terms with everyone and her tendency to be overlooked, Cassandra will speak straight to the middle child in you.

American Gods, by Neil Gaiman
Shadow has that rebellious streak favored by middle children, only bigger: he’s an ex-con. After the sudden death of his wife, he finds himself working for a man named Wednesday, who happens to be in the center of the ultimate power play. And if you think it’s hard to keep your older and younger siblings on speaking terms, try it with a handful of grouchy immortals with ego issues.
Then try:
A Heartbreaking Work of Staggering Genius, by Dave Eggers
Youngest Child

Beautiful Ruins, by Jess Walter
For the fun-loving theatrical side of you, here’s a book about a love story between a young Italian innkeeper and a beautiful Hollywood actress…and that same love story again, picked up decades later, when the (now old) innkeeper sets out to rediscover the old flame. It’s an easy, entertaining ride, but touching all the same—perfect for sharing with those stuffy older siblings of yours.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog, by Muriel Barbery
Every youngest child experiences that moment where everyone seems to be moving on without you. And what do you do when everyone treats you like you’re younger than you are? In Paloma’s case, plot something dramatic to snag their attention, or befriend someone who recognizes the old soul beneath the youthful exterior—enter Renée, the inconspicuous concierge who’s more on top of things than people think. For every baby of the family who doesn’t want to be the baby any more, this book is for you.
Then try:
Where’d You Go Bernadette?, by Maria Semple