Quiet

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

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.