Book Review: Quiet

Quiet

The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
by Susan Cain

Quiet I’ve mentioned more than once on this blog that I am undeniably an introvert. So naturally, the title of this book piqued my interest. And it did prove an interesting read. Above all, it was a validating read. Introverts everywhere, you need to read this. It explains so much about why we are the way we are! Extroverts everywhere also need to read this, just so they stop treating introverts like there’s something wrong with us or we’re inherently unsocial. It’s a lot more complicated than that, and not simply a matter of preference. It’s a matter of biology and genetics and childhood development and culture. There’s a wide range between the extremes of introversion and extroversion; it’s not a black and white difference (despite me using the extremes as labels here). This book goes into all of that, as well as the cultural pressure introverts feel to act like extroverts. The author is mostly engaging, and cites quite a number of studies from different fields. The only reason it doesn’t get a full 5 stars is because it was a bit dry in a few parts, and the last chapter (on raising an introverted child) got a bit preachy. But I still recommend this. It’s not a quick or light read, but I think introverts will find it life-affirming and extroverts will find it enlightening. Seriously, go read it.

I give it 4.5/5 stars.

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Quiet

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Recipe: Breakfast Bake Duo

Breakfast Bake Duo

We hosted a brunch this past weekend, which gave me the perfect opportunity to try out both the new oven and these two recipes my aunt passed along. Whenever she hosts a family gathering, you can bet that one morning will feature a tasty breakfast casserole. So I asked her for her recipe, and she sent it over, along with another one she thought I’d find yummy from some distant relation in the family. She was right. And the friends I had over for Brunch Test Kitchen agreed. In fact, there was no clear preference between these two, even though […]

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What I Wore: Navy Dots & Olive

Cue dramatic lighting! Haha. I took these pictures pretty late in the day compared to when I normally shoot, and the light was all slanty and golden. Yes, I know – that’s why photographers call it the golden hour. I’ve just usually got something else on my plate at that time of day (literally or figuratively). Anyway, I like how they turned out. And I like this outfit. The cami is one of my favorites, and the skirt is so soft. Love them. This outfit almost didn’t happen, because when I put the skirt on (on Monday) I noticed that […]

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Tuesday Treasure Trove

Tuesday Treasure Trove: this week's round-up of read-worthy links.

Video of the week: The History of Typography. Image of the week: How to Escalator. Brilliant. All escalators need this. How Robots Can Trick You Into Loving Them The Sweet, Funny, Listy Ways of Getting Millennials to Love You What a Messy Desk Says About You. Vindicated! Welcome to the 72-Hour Work Week. Pretty sure the boy is one of those ‘EMPs’; it certainly sounds like his work life. How To Get Flat Abs, Have Amazing Sex And Rule The World In 8 Easy Steps. Lol on the title, but actually good advice. 6 Sexist Video Game Problems Even Bigger […]

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Bits & Pieces

This month, I am (sporadically) participating in Blogtember with Jenni. The prompt for today was a “life lately” post. 1. This weekend was a good weekend. Friday was just hanging out with the boy. Saturday we had people over for brunch in the morning (recipe coming later this week!), and then had a relaxing afternoon before taking Sienna for a walk at a nearby park. Sunday the boy had to go in to work, sadly, so I was on my own most of the day. I read and did some screen printing and met up with a chica from GFC […]

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Book Review: Heart’s Blood

Heart's Blood

Heart’s Blood by Juliet Marillier I’ve long been a fan of Juliet Marillier. Reading her Sevenwaters series years ago may have sparked in me an undying love for historical-fantasy-romance set in the British Isles. So when I randomly came across Heart’s Blood on the shelf at the library, I snatched it up. I didn’t realize (but should have expected) that like her other works I’ve enjoyed, this too was a very loose re-imagining of a fairy tale in a Celtic setting. Sevenwaters was a wonderful version of The Six Swans, this was a completely unexpected take on Beauty & the […]

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What I Wore: Wine & Cream

This month, I am (sporadically) participating in Blogtember with Jenni. The prompt for today was a ‘only photos.’ Appropriate for Wednesday style posts, no? So here are some pics I snapped this morning. Skirt: Victoria’s Secret; Shirt: H&M; Necklace: Etsy; Rings: various; Belt: off another dress; Shoes: Blowfish Shoes. Also linking up with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Kiwi Women’s Style, Style Elixir, Because Shanna Said So, Lena B Actually, and Two Thirty-Five Designs.

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