Our lives are driven by a fact that most of us can't name and don't understand. It defines who our friends and lovers are, which careers we choose, and whether we blush when we're embarrassed.

That fact is whether we're an introvert or an extrovert.

The introvert/extrovert divide is the most fundamental dimension of personality. And at least a third of us are on the introverted side. Some of the world's most talented people are introverts. Without them we wouldn't have the Apple computer, the theory of relativity and Van Gogh's sunflowers.

Yet extroverts have taken over. Shyness, sensitivity and seriousness are often seen as being negative. Introverts feel reproached for being the way they are.

In Quiet, Susan Cain shows how the brain chemistry of introverts and extroverts differs, and how society misunderstands and undervalues introverts. She gives introverts the tools to better understand themselves and take full advantage of their strengths.

Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with real stories, Quiet will permanently change how we see introverts - and how you see yourself.

'I can't get Quiet out of my head. It is an important book - so persuasive and timely and heartfelt it should inevitably effect change in schools and offices' Jon Ronson, The Guardian

'Susan Cain's Quiet has sparked a quiet revolution. In our booming culture, hers is a still, small voice that punches above its weight. Perhaps rather than sitting back and asking people to speak up, managers and company leaders might lean forward and listen' Megan Walsh, The Times

'Quiet is a very timely book, and Cain's central thesis is fresh and important. Maybe the extrovert ideal is no longer as powerful as it was; perhaps it is time we all stopped to listen to the still, small voice of calm' Daisy Goodwin, The Sunday Times

Susan Cain is the owner of The Negotiation Company, a firm that trains people in negotiation and communication skills. Her clients include Merrill Lynch, Standard & Poor, University of Chicago Business School and many of the US's most powerful law firms. She previously practiced corporate law for seven years with Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton. She lives in New York with her husband and two sons.

Length: 325 pages	Word Wise: Enabled	Audible Narration: Audible Narration Switch back and forth between reading the Kindle book and listening to the Audible narration. Add narration for a reduced price of $12.99 after you buy the Kindle book. Ready
Language: English

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Product description

Book Description

--This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition.

Review

Marvellous. The most important book published for a decade (Lynne Truss Sunday Telegraph)

Quiet is a very timely book, and Cain's central thesis is fresh and important. Maybe the extrovert ideal is no longer as powerful as it was; perhaps it is time we all stopped to listen to the still, small voice of calm (Daisy Goodwin The Sunday Times)

Susan Cain's Quiet has sparked a quiet revolution. In our booming culture, hers is a still, small voice that punches above its weight. Perhaps rather than sitting back and asking people to speak up, managers and company leaders might lean forward and listen (Megan Walsh The Times)

I can't get Quiet out of my head. It is an important book - so persuasive and timely and heartfelt it should inevitably effect change in schools and offices (Jon Ronson The Guardian)

A startling, important, and readable page-turner (Naomi Wolf, author of The Beauty Myth) --This text refers to the paperback edition.

About the Author

Susan Cain is a writer who specializes in psychological non-fiction. She has a blog on psychology today.com, and her New York Times article on the evolutionary benefits of shyness was the most emailed article in the paper when published. She previously worked in corporate law for seven years, representing clients such as J. P. Morgan and General Electric, and then became a negotiations consultant with clients including Merrill Lynch and Shearman & Sterling. Susan Cain graduated with honors from Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She lives on the Hudson River, New York, with her husband and two sons. www.thepowerofintroverts.com --This text refers to the paperback edition.

From the Inside Flap

Our lives are driven by a fact that most of us can't name and don't understand. It defines who our friends and lovers are, which careers we choose, and whether we blush when we're embarrassed.

That fact is whether we're an introvert or an extrovert.

Yet extroverts have taken over. Shyness, sensitivity and seriousness are often seen as being negative. Introverts feel reproached for being the way they are.

Passionately argued, superbly researched, and filled with real stories, Quiet will permanently change how we see introverts - and how you see yourself.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From the Back Cover

Shhhh. Listen. That's the sound of your thoughts.

If you are happy with what you hear, you may be an introvert.

For too long, those who are naturally shy, serious or sensitive have been ignored. The loudest have taken over - even if they have nothing to say.

It's time for everyone to listen. It's time to harness the power of introverts.

It's time for Quiet.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 657 KB
Print Length: 325 pages
Publisher: Penguin; 01 edition (29 March 2012)
Sold by: Penguin UK
Language: English
ASIN: B0074YVW1G
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Customer Reviews: 6,987 customer ratings
Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #34 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #1 in Social Psychology & Interactions (Kindle Store)
- #1 in Communication & Social Skills
- #1 in Personal Transformation (Kindle Store)

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Dan

Wow !

Reviewed in Australia on 7 June 2019

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Explosive, profound and utterly mind blowing.
As some one with Aspergers syndrome / High functioning autism all I can say is that this will be a magnificent work for all professionals to use. After reading this I am convinced of a link between introversion and autism for sure. I believe thus book should be read by all in the autistic community, because the insights gained by reading this will greatly help those with Autism as well as those working with those who are autistic. Heart warming, educating and utterly inspiring.

3 people found this helpful

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Mark M

Very Insightful Book

Reviewed in Australia on 30 December 2019

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This is a well written and insight book that helps understand introverts and gives practical methods and strategies balancing the pull between introverts and extroverts.

I would recommend this book to the introvert who is trying to understand themselves better and to the extrovert who may have colleagues or a partner they wish to further connect with.

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glamcod

I feel good book for an introvert

Reviewed in Australia on 1 November 2017

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Very interesting read. Usually an introverted individual are disengage around others, but reading this book gives a better understanding of who they are and how their thought process is different from an extrovert. Must read for introvert to accept who they are and be comfortable in their own skin. Also great read for extrovert to be more aware of introvert thoughts and actions, and not to misinterpret it for being snobbish.

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T S -H

Stunningly informative and insightful on introverts for this extrovert

Reviewed in Australia on 30 August 2015

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This helps me better understand the complexity of the introvert in a western world that hails as the preferred way of seeing the world is as an extrovert yet what is lost to the masses finds a place worth visiting and staying with - to find better understanding and so relish what incredible value and place the introverts way of seeing the world does bring a sweetness oft ignored. I feel a greater affinity to and deepened awareness, understanding. for and greater love for my husband of over 26 years. . This book has been like a mirror into the essence of the introvert. Thanks so much for bringing to the world a whole new lens to understand difference, similarity and distinctiveness between introverts and extroverts. Sobering, satisfying and scholarly reading.

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Irene Rose

I was interested to read why introversion was seen as ...

Reviewed in Australia on 24 May 2015

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I was interested to read why introversion was seen as a pathology that needed to be defended. The book has many interesting facts and is well written. I can relate to many "facts" about introversion but I have never felt at a disadvantage in either my private or work life, but then again I don't live in the USA, therefore I don't have to be locked into the dominant culture.

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Kindle Customer

Helped me understand by introverted husband better

Reviewed in Australia on 11 June 2020

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Being married to an introvert, it helped my understand the husband more. I particularly enjoyed the chapter on how extroverts argue differently than introverts. It helped me realise what my husband means by "I can't fight the way you do".

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Paul

Disappointing

Reviewed in Australia on 15 March 2017

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Disappointing considering all the hype. If you like American self help books, where there is anecdote after anecdote of people overcoming challenges (in the case thanks to their introversion), then you'll like it.

2 people found this helpful

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RebeccaC

Great book really well written

Reviewed in Australia on 13 January 2018

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I really enjoyed this book it was well written and pitched at just the right level of complexity, I now understand more about myself as a clear ambivert.

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Top international reviews

Book Lover

Interesting, thoughtful, readable and inspiring – the kind of book that leaves you thinking about it

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 October 2017

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I absolutely love this book. It’s the kind of book that you read and find yourself nodding along to, and then thinking about during the day, and then realising this example fits here and that situation is like that, and oh! That’s why….

The writing is an excellent mix between research, case studies and thoughtful conclusions, all balanced so it never feels boring or overwhelming. There is a section of endnotes, and because I was reading the Kindle version, the notes were all linked – if you click on the note, it takes you to the endnotes with a longer explanation! I get happy about the little things.

The ideas are also incredibly interesting. Not everything will apply to all introverts, but I’d recommend this book to anyone – it’s really interesting to be challenged on how I view the world from an introvert perspective (like arguing – raising your voice means an attack! But for extroverts, it’s a sign of passion and involvement) and it’s really interesting to realise how those difference shape society and interactions with others.

It’s also so, so reassuring. This is me. This is some reasons why I might do the things I do, why I don’t like parties in a certain format, why I need down time when other people don’t. It’s being reminded that it’s ok to be different, and that actually there are other people out there who are similar – even if I live and work in a world that seems full of extroverts, it’s ok to need alone time, and that my strengths don’t have to lie in the same things – listening, thoughtfulness and consideration are all important, even if they come at a cost of an immediate answer or participation in small-talk. It was also reassuring to realise that being able to extrovert on occasion is normal – it just comes at more of a cost to introverts than it does to extroverts!

Interesting, thoughtful, readable and inspiring – the kind of book that leaves you thinking about it a long time after you’ve shut it.

111 people found this helpful

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Anya Abdulakh

How this book changed my relationship with my daughter

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 17 September 2018

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Our society has placed extroverts as a golden standard: parents, school and employers expect a child/a person to be outgoing, confident and sociable. Contributing to the discussions, taking an initiative, competitiveness and be good at public speaking seem to be a must for a bright future.

What if your child is an introvert and does not like to be in the centre of public attention, prefers to have a deeper relationship with a smaller group of friends and occasionally needs to recharge the energy level by being on his/her own?

My daughter turned 8 this week and she did not want to have any birthday party. She does not enjoy competitions, she is uncomfortable joining new groups and takes her time to make new friends. She enjoys playing imaginary games or reading a book. At the same time, when at home or with a small group of friends, my daughter is a bubbly, chatty girl.

As a (mostly) extrovert mum, I have made my share of mistakes with my child. When adults try to talk to my daughter and she does not reply, I jump in with the comment, “She is shy”. Worth of it, I would push my daughter to talk to adults (like ordering in the restaurants) to the extent that she would get so nervous and get a tick. That made me stop and think. I started to look for help in some books and , luckily, I came across a wonderful book by Susan Cain, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop.

The book does not only explain the nature of introverts and helps to understand their character better, but also gives practical advice how to make sure you help introverts not to go against their nature but let them flourish in the culture of extroverts.

Thank you Ms Cain for such a wonderful gift to the parents!

76 people found this helpful

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SAINATH REDDY

IT SPEAKS BEHALF OF QUIET PEOPLE

Reviewed in India on 30 March 2019

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I am an introvert. I have been struggling my entire life to know what am I why am I behaving in the way which is uncomfortable and felt like an alien around cheerful, outgoing and talkative people.
I have faced a lot of people asking the same questions repeatedly like
Why are so quiet? What are you thinking the whole time?
What will you do at home the whole day?
Why don't you mingle with all in any kind of gatherings? You look so serious is there any problem? And in addition to this, I experience a distressing and weird reaction of my hand getting sweat and hearing my own heartbeat whenever I stand up in my classroom to speak up feeling overwhelmed while entering a shopping mall or a public market. These are the questions and experiences faced and felt for which I don't any kind of answer. So I started to search on the internet and even had a thought of consulting a psychiatrist but I didn't.
In the process, I came to know the people who are quiet, shy, solitary, etc are considered as a category called introverts. From then I have been searching to know more about introverts like articles, videos, books, etc. I have watched Susan Cain's Ted talk and longed to read this book. After reading this book I have an answer to all my questions and struggles personally experienced.
The book was well written. It gives us a detailed history of America on how the culture of outgoing, assertive, showmanship prevailed during the 20th century. It tells us the transformation of the culture of character to the culture of personality in a short period. It bursts the myth of charismatic leadership that even quiet people who think before they speak can be good leaders in their own ways. Extroverts and Introverts have their own pros and cons in every position in life and society.
The second part goes into the brains of introverted kids and tries to explore the reasons for introverted behavior whether it depends on the nature of their mind or can be nurtured while growing depending on their environments.
The next part describes us about relationships with introverts as it is said that for every three people there is one introvert so it can be your partner, brother, sister, friend and children.
It gives a detailed description and advice on how to understand and empathize with your relationships.
It is a Good Book and a definite read for everyone to understand the people around you because one third to half the world's population are introverts.
It answered all my questions about my personality, I kind of felt normal not an alien😁 anymore after reading this book.

89 people found this helpful

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Shehzad

Very pleasantly surprised, impressed even, as an Extrovert!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2016

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It was actually my wife who bought this book as she is an Introvert and naturally she loved it.

To be brutally honest, as an extrovert, I was very sceptical about this book - I was under the impression it would be soppy and introverts playing the victim card. I could not have been any more wrong!

For me this book was such an eye-opener (even though I have done MBTI before and was fairly well familiar with E v/s I) into understanding, not just introverts, but myself as an extrovert.

I could not put the book down once I started it and I would recommend everyone to read it - I've actually recommended it in my book club at work. Don't assume, as I did, that only introverts will have something to take from this book. If, like me, your other half is an introvert, this book could really help improve communication in your couple.

Talking is not always necessary - a good book and a cuppa works just as well!

77 people found this helpful

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Tawny

Insightful and valuable, life-changing book for the struggling introvert

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 8 January 2019

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Firstly, if you don't read the rest of this review, I just want to say: if you are an introvert, buy this book right now. You won't regret it.

I got this book on a recommendation on a forum where I was researching about how to be more confident a person. I've been struggling recently, becoming more senior in my role at work and so have felt pressured to be more comfortable in my own skin and get my ideas across in a way that people listen. It just doesn't come naturally to me, and I was starting to judge myself for it and feel like I wasn't good enough because everybody expects you to be a particular way.

Well, after reading this book, I would challenge anybody who makes me feel like it's not okay to be the way I am and would explain that even though I am quiet, the world still needs people like me just as much as it needs people that can grab attention from everybody in a room. And I also understand that even though I might need to be a "pseudo-extrovert" at times and can learn how to be good at public speaking and will still need to put myself in uncomfortable situations for the sake of things I believe in, I still need down-time and respect the fact that I am happiest when I have time to recharge at home or spend time with my family in a calm and cosy setting. I also think this book will help me when I have children in making sure that whether I have an introverted or extroverted child, they have all the support they can from me no matter what.

Susan Cain has an amazing writing style and I've never been kept interested to read a book like this from start to finish, as it has a lot of references to studies and usually I find this quite boring in other non-fiction books to do with health. But she keeps you involved, and forever writes about things that I'm guessing a lot of people can relate to whilst you carry on reading. She also reflects on a lot of experiences she's had with various people - again, something I don't usually enjoy, but it is written so well that I was never bored for a moment.

The book is quite long and has smaller writing than a lot of books I read, but honestly - read it. If you class yourself as an introvert, just buy it. It will change your life.

28 people found this helpful

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Frankly, we 'should' all be reading this book - ...

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 10 March 2018

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Frankly, we 'should' all be reading this book - whether we are introverts, extroverts, highly sensitive... or whatever!! It seems, one way of 'being' has become the only way to 'be', & if you do not function that way, there is much labelling & finger pointing. And, let's not forget, we are all a mixture & can change during our lives & depending on what we're going through. Tolerance of all 'types' & less assumption that to be different, automatically means mental instability...

30 people found this helpful

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Max M

AMAZING

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 30 July 2018

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This book is amazing, it has changed my life. Everyone around me (including myself) thought there was something wrong with me.
Why doesn’t she want to talk about celebrities, gossip, and other pointless rubbish? Why is she so ‘rude’?
They thought I might be autistic or have social anxiety disorder.
This book has described everything I have been confused about since I was very little, and made me see that the things that are ‘wrong’ with me are actually good things. Knowledge is power, and understanding myself at last is brilliant. I feel so free.

21 people found this helpful

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"georgenolan"

There are many types of introvert

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 June 2018

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Whilst I was reading this book I thought that it rambled and could have done with being edited down. Then I looked through the notes section at the end and followed up on some of them. By doing this I realised that Susan Cain had done a very good job of digesting the available literature and pulling it together into some semblance of a cohesive whole.

However much I enjoyed the book, I am still left with the feeling that it is the product of wholesale confirmation bias and a search for the most affirmational stories and studies of the positive side of introversion. We are told inspirational stories about, for example, Rosa Parks, Steve Wozniak, Eleanor Roosevelt and Gandhi. There are a number of anecdotes recounted from Cain's own life and her consultancy work. There are examples of how horrible societies and institutions can be when they are too fixated on extroverted ideals. All in all, it is a little bit overdone.

Cain has done a very good job, though, of pulling together all of the scientific research. From Jung and Myers-Briggs, through Eysenck to Kagan and Schwartz, the findings of early observers seem to be attributable to clear differences in the way introverts' brains function. There are some good work highlighted from recent observational studies such as Grant, Aron, Little and Snyder. When you start to be able to pinpoint specific behaviour and link it directly to specific physiological differences, introversion appears to be a large number of conditions, none of which need to coincide in one individual for them to be seen to be an introvert. We need to replace the one introvert-extrovert definition with all of the more precise sub-divisions.

To prove that I am an introvert, I went through the book and found 47 positive things that are stated to correlate to introversion. These easy generalisations spoil the book, turning it from being a valuable scholarly endeavour to being a populist one-half-of-a-crowd pleaser.

17 people found this helpful

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wordsandpictures

Not for your average introvert

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 February 2019

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Fairly interesting, with a few a-ha moments but too arm's length for me, too many boring case studies and most of them concerning pretty high-powered people in situations to which I couldn't relate. Not much here for your everyday introvert trying to be heard and accepted - or, at least, not misunderstood and insulted - in a world full of extroverts. Left me feeling that if you're not a Steve Wozniak, Eleanor Roosevelt, Albert Einstein, J K Rowling or Ghandi, you fall outside Susan Cain's radar and that insults less accomplished introverts in the way that ordinary disabled people are sometimes insulted for not being Paralympians. She self-references a lot in this book and that underscores the feeling of it being only for 'introverts-like-us'. A work of academic interest, I suppose, but not designed to equip your average introvert for a world that doesn't, by and large, understand or accept them.

10 people found this helpful

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Ash Reviews Products

How to Achieve Success in the United States of America as an Introvert

Reviewed in India on 13 January 2018

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Book Review by K.S.Loganathan

Susan Cain is a former lawyer, an alumna of Harvard Law School, an introvert, who turned to homemaking and writing. She ‘looks back’ on her years as a Wall Street lawyer as time spent in a foreign country. “It was absorbing, it was exciting, and I got to meet a lot of interesting people whom I never would have known otherwise. But I was always an expatriate.”

Synopsis
That aggressive, self-assured, extroverted personality types are highly valued in competitive, materialistic, success-orientated nations like the US is well-known. Introverted, person-orientated, easygoing types tend to be regarded as second-class citizens. How extroversion became the cultural ideal in the US is dealt with in detail in Chapters 1-3. America had shifted from what Warren Susman called a ‘Culture of Character’ exemplified by Abraham Lincoln to a ‘Culture of Personality’ (under Donald Trump?) and opened up a Pandora’s Box of personal anxieties, ‘a natural product of a society that was both dog-eat-dog and relentlessly social.’ America quickly developed from an agricultural society to an urbanized, ‘the business of America is business’ powerhouse. Dale Carnegie, Madison Avenue, Hollywood, IBM, Tony Robbins, and that temple of extroversion and doyen of vocal business leadership, Harvard Business School, and televangelists, all typify the rise of extraversion. The New Groupthink organized workforces into teams, even brainstorming in groups, and created open-office plans rendering creativity in solitude impossible. The rise of the worldwide web, however, has offered some respite for introverts, spawning wondrous creations via shared brainpower.

The basic personality type that a person has is a result of all factors in the person’s upbringing, including genetics. Psychologists accept that people do not change from one basic personality type to another, even though variations are possible, tempered by their pathological characteristics. The so-called Big 5 traits: introversion/extroversion, agreeableness, openness to experience, conscientiousness, and emotional stability encompass the gamut of personality traits.

Chapters 4-7 examine the biological basis of introversion, including brain structures in amygdala and neo-cortex, which are active participants in our emotional-rational lives. Recent research work by Jerome Kagan, the author of ‘Galen’s Prophecy,’ Dr. Carl Schwartz, and Dr. Elaine Aron are cited. Extroverts’ dopamine pathways lead to an emotional state called ‘the buzz’ – a rush of energized, enthusiastic feelings with a delightful champagne bubble quality. However, this may cloud their judgment. Financial and military history is replete with examples of extroverts charging ahead when they should have withdrawn. Introverts are threat-orientated and have an inbuilt loss-avoidance system, and so are less risk-taking. Despite the variety of experiences in our lifetime, our core traits remain constant.

Part 3 of the book deals with other cultures, in this case, mainly Chinese-Americans, who are more introverted and Mahatma Gandhi, who wielded soft power with devastating effect on the British Empire.

The value of the book is in Part 4, which advises introverts on how to love and how to work in the US.

If you are an introvert in corporate America, you should spend your weekdays striving to ‘get out there, mix, speak more often, and connect with your team and others, deploying all the energy and personality you can muster’ and retreat for quiet weekends. In other words, engage in a certain level of pretend-extroversion. Identify your core personal projects, and develop a ‘restorative niche’ as Professor Brian Little advocates. (Little also extolls the book as ‘superb’.)

In personal life, introverts who are married to extroverts must both strive to understand each others’ different ways and accept the realities to resolve their differences. Parents of introverted children must expose their children gradually to new situations and people and determine the right schools to put them in. ‘The secret to life,’ the author says, ‘is to put yourself in the right lighting’ (and not to avoid the spotlight). As group dynamics contain impediments to creative thinking, whereas solitude is often a spur to creativity, companies must think twice about how to design office space to accommodate both group interactions and “rabbit holes into which Alices can tumble”.

My Views:
Susan Cain presents a strong case for introverts vs. extroverts in the US, emphasizing that the more socially desirable types have limitations, while the silent minority of introverts who receive fewer social rewards have assets which make them valuable, too. There is no doubt that healthy introverts are profound thinkers and visionaries, even geniuses, such as Albert Einstein, Sigmund Freud, and Emily Dickinson. However, Susan Cain glosses over the intersection of introversion and other negative traits, such as neuroticism, schizoid behavior, delusions, and nihilism. The stress caused by social isolation and the physical exhaustion brought about by a hyperactive mind may eventually result in thought disorders and over-dependence on anxiety drugs, much of which plagues America today.

The book cover is understated, in subdued white, with the title and author’s name embossed, in sharp contrast to Americana, with red, blue, stars and stripes emblazoned in much of its merchandise.

The book is a must-read for expatriates in the USA who may find the pace loud and hectic. Just where can the true-blue introverts in the world find a sanctuary?

In Finland, of course. Finland is a famously introverted nation. Finnish Joke: How can you tell if a Finn likes you? He is staring at your shoes, instead of his own. (Page 14, ibid.)

44 people found this helpful

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Andy Cochrane

Introverts are great

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 2 October 2017

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I was very eager to read this book. As an introvert I've always felt they extroverts got all the attention and the best jobs, friendships and so on. Reading this book had made me realise that I should just accept I'm an introvert and not worry too much about it.

19 people found this helpful

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Sarugumo

Quiet

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 29 August 2018

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This book, as other reviewers have stated, is an eye opening read. Susan Cain explores Introvertism and Extrovertism in society and how, often, one trait is valued more than another. This looks at some examples of each trait and makes you realise that the spectrum is more nuanced than a simple either/or designation would suggest. You can be a shy introvert or a confident introvert and vice versa with extrovertism and it is very, very interesting to realise where you may sit and how best to utilise your own skills and traits to benefit yourself and the company you may work for.

This book lead me to have a brief discussion with my manager about my own working style and how best to use my skills and temperament moving forwards and for that alone it may have been a beneficial read. The fact that it was interesting and informative is a welcome bonus.

This also explores how parents can better deal with Introverted children, especially if they are also Introverts or even if they are Extroverts and their more sensitive child may be a puzzle to them.

This book has lead me to explore this topic in greater detail and to read some other books mentioned by the author as part of her discussion.

In a world that seems to be constantly screaming at us, it is a relief to know my desire to step back and recharge is perfectly normal and that everyone in society has something to offer. This is empowering and quite some achievement for an author to offer a reader.

If this topic even remotely interests you then this book comes highly recommended. It is a clear and fascinating journey into different personality traits and will open your eyes to a world of possibility and personal acceptance.

3 people found this helpful

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Kirsten

Compelling, eye-opening book!

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 July 2018

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Before reading this book, i thought i understood the distinction between introverts and extroverts, mainly based on the Myers-Briggs' test. Little did I know! This is a fascinating discussion of a personality type that makes so much sense. I am definitely an introvert, and had always suspected I was, but I still worried that I was too anti social or weird because i have always loved to do my own think and prefer books to parties. Now l understand why! It also makes sense of my decision to give up my career as a lawyer, which i hated because of its posturing, aggression and 'look at me' bravado, and became a sculptor instead. And i understand so much better the dynamic in my relationship with my very extrovert fiancé, and i appreciate so much more his willingness to accept me for who I am. Ours is a perfect symbiotic relationship, yin and yang - l enjoyed the section of how these partnerships can work well, and was gratified to have it confirmed that we are on the right track.

This book provides valuable insights for everyone interested in how people work, and how they can be their best. In a world which responds to the loudest voice, this is a timely reminder of the power of quiet, and how the balance of both is the best way forward. It has given me lots to think about, and a new perspective to view myself and the world. Bravo!!

4 people found this helpful

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Kindle Customer

It speaks to me in a way that I didn't expect

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 3 November 2018

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The book speaks to me in a way that I didn't expect when I first picked it up. As a 'true-blue' introvert, I can relate to almost 100% of what Susan Cain has written - including the part on 'pseudo-extroversion' (I'm a teacher, a teacher trainer, a conference speaker and an award-winning edu-blogger with over 5000 followers - and therefore am often mistaken as an extrovert. And yes, just like Prof Brian Little's experience that's shared in the book, this pseudo-extroversion does cost me my health and well-being if left unchecked).

Several parts of the book made me cry (yes, literally!). Particularly when Cain describes the struggles that introverts are facing when dealing with situations and people that don't understand the nature of introverts - teachers who demand you 'contribute' more in classroom discussions as a way to 'participate', parents who think there's something wrong with you when you prefer to sit at the corner during parties or reading books at home rather than going out and play with other kids, bosses who often overlook your values in the organisation because your too-soft voice is often drowned by the more overpowering noisier people around you.

I can't count how many times throughout reading the book that I wish I found a book like this way sooner - during my angst-ridden teen years for instance when the personality vs virtue tug-of-war was at its greatest height. When I often envy people who are more extroverted and gregarious - not wanting to be like them but at the same time wishing that I could be like them. I could have spared myself those years of thinking that there's probably something wrong with me (validation by well-meaning parents and teachers play a part in nurturing this sentiment about myself). This is the first book about extroversion vs introversion that I have read in many years that tells me that not only is it okay to be myself, but being myself is great. I can be the best I can ever be by being my introvert self. That I'm lucky to be born as an introvert. I shouldn't change who I am no matter what people tell me or expect from me.

As an educator, this book provides me with very valuable insights on how to help my introvert students to shine in this world that sometimes seem to favour extroverts. Most importantly, it makes me appreciate who I am even more. My hope is that I can pass along this message to all introvert kids that I have the privilege to have as my students.

2 people found this helpful

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GillianBC

Excellent - explains so much about me

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 October 2013

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I whizzed through this in a single blissful Sunday - a typical trait of mine. Since a four year old, I have liked nothing better than curling up with a good book and now I understand why. It's reassuring to find that I am not alone and the author is just like me. My greatest pleasures in life have always been the solitary joys found in family, reading, gardening, walking alone while listening to a podcast rather than chatting to a companion. If I've been in company all day, I crave quiet and solitude. I could never understand how my peers at school wanted to do homework together or put music on, while I really enjoyed solving maths problems or revising for exams for hour after hour alone, tucked up in my bedroom. When I am alone, I appreciate and enjoy the solitude and since reading this book, I now realise that one of my children is an extrovert and one an introvert like me. I will no longer feel guilty about wanting to cut social occasions short or dip out of invitations that I thought I should attend, but in reality hold no interest for me. I highly recommend this book.

16 people found this helpful

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