Do you feel uncomfortable in large groups, preferring intimate one-on-one discussions? Would you rather be home with a good book on Friday night while others are out at clubs? If so, there’s a good chance you’re an introvert. The bad news: this world has become increasingly extroverted, especially in the west. The good news: there are more introverts out there than you may think. You are not alone, although you may feel like it sometimes. In “Quiet,” Susan Cain presents what it’s like for introverts to live in a world dominated by an extrovert culture. She focuses on research that has been done to test levels of introversion/extroversion, the differences in how these groups think and interact, and the best ways to overcome these traits that seem to hold us back (when the need arises). Overall, she encourages the world to embrace its introverted citizens, often asking how the world (schools/work places/economy) would be different if both extroversion and introversion were embraced equally.
I’ve known for years that I am an introvert. I’ve come to embrace it as an adult. I don’t like public speaking, I don’t like the spotlight, I tend to blend into the crowd (very happily), and I enjoy solitude and doing things on my own such as reading and studying things that interest me. I’ve learned to love my “Geek”-side. So, this book confirmed some things for me that I already knew, but there were things about myself that I actually learned from this book. Why did I feel so uncomfortable in that situation? Why couldn’t I express my thoughts better during that conversation? This book opened my eyes to a lot of the “whys” behind my behaviors that I’ve just learned to accept and embrace. It’s also very comforting to know that there are so many others out there who feel the same way, even if they’ve become good at hiding it.
“Quiet” is very well researched. Cain definitely did her homework for this one. I’m considering giving this to my friends, co-workers, and family who don’t always “get” me. Maybe it will help them understand.
This one gets 5 out of 5.
You can find out more at the Quiet website. You can also read an excerpt from the book here.
Where to buy the book: Amazon | B&N
I received a complimentary copy of this book for review purposes from WaterBrook Multnomah.
Jess Boudreaux 
I really must add this to my list. I am also an introvert. I hate speaking out in class and doing presentations… I want to be a writer but I would die is I had to do speeches and public readings!
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You should definitely read this one. One thing I learned from this book is that what you described is not impossible. Susan Cain is an introvert herself, and has learned to manage her traits so she can make speeches and public apperances. She’s still nervous, but she works around it. Those are part of my fears too, as I also want to be a published author. Read it… you won’t regret it.
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This looks like an interesting book. Thanks for your thoughts and the review. Have a super week! :O)
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