Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking

Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking Author: Susan Cain Genre: Non-Fiction Content Warning: Brief mild swearing

Blurb

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled “quiet,” it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society–from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer. Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie’s birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, Susan Cain charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the surprising differences between extroverts and introverts. Perhaps most inspiring, she introduces us to successful introverts–from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers invaluable advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a “pretend extrovert.” This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves. – Goodreads

My Thoughts

This book has changed my life. It has given me a better understanding of who I am and a greater appreciation for my strengths as an introvert. I have long thought that something was wrong with me because I was too chicken to comment during discussions at school, or because I’d beg off parties, or because I’d have panic attacks when expected to converse with strangers. But now I know it’s a product of my personality, and I feel like I have permission to be me. I also feel like I have tools to better deal with situations that typically cause me anxiety. I understand extroverts better, too, and why I could seem extroverted as a child but grow into a full-fledged introvert as an adult. This is a must read for anyone who is an introvert, works with an introvert, or loves an introvert. (And that should pretty well cover everybody, so that shows you how I feel about this book. HA!) Score: (5 / 5)  

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