Susan Cain
“Introversion—along with its cousins sensitivity, seriousness, and shyness—is now a second-class personality trait, somewhere between a disappointment and a pathology.”
“A few things introverts are not: The word introvert is not a synonym for hermit or misanthrope. Introverts can be these things, but most are perfectly friendly.”
We are now officially in the holiday season, if you are like me, you might be trying to weasel your way out of family events to spend one-on-one time with your favorite family members. Why do I do this? Not only with family members, but friends as well. I hate small talk, but will easily talk to you about the “deep” topics. I have often wondered if there was something wrong with me. I had to be the problem. Am I crazy? If you relate to any of this, fret no longer. Quiet is here for you.
After reading Quiet by Susan Cain, I now understand that I am not a problem or have an illness, but an introvert. You should find pride in understanding yourself, if you are an introvert or an extrovert.
Extroverts and introverts have great qualities to offer the world. Cain makes sure to explain the pros and cons of each personality type, stereotypes, and how fluid one’s personality can be. You will feel empowered and proud of who you are once you have read Quiet.
“Introverts are drawn to the inner world of thought and feeling, said Jung, extroverts to the external life of people and activities. Introverts focus on the meaning they make of the events swirling around them; extroverts plunge into the events themselves. Introverts recharge their batteries by being alone; extroverts need to recharge when they don’t socialize enough.”
Cain discusses the place of extroverts and introverts in American history and culture. She goes on to compare American culture and social norm to countries around the world. Where do extroverts and introverts fit into these societies? Where do they work? How do they interact with each other? I highly recommend Quiet to anyone who has an interest in the human mind, personality, likes psychology or works with people daily.
If you are interested in extroverts/introverts, this is the book for you. Cain explains the two personalities in combination with various theories on personality and child development. She writes from experience and uses public figures to paint introverts as a norm, not something to be ashamed of. If you enjoy reading psychology based non-fiction, this is the book for you.
I enjoyed Quiet. I also like psychology I related to 85% of the book and learned a lot about myself and those around me. You will find a few questionnaires that will help you figure out if you are an extrovert, introvert, or somewhere in-between. I loved being able to interact with the text in that way. I don’t want to spoil the read, so as usual, I can’t say much more.
I do have to warn you, this is a book you’ll find in the psychology/science/self-help section of your bookstore. It was not an exciting page-turner, simply a read I was highly interested in. If you are not used to reading books that discuss research or theories you might find this read dry and boring.
If you are studying psychology, have studied psychology, are a teacher, or any kind of person who interacts with people on a daily bases you should consider reading Quiet.
“I soon discovered that there is no all-purpose definition of introversion or extroversion; these are not unitary categories, like “curly-haired” or “sixteen-year-old,” in which everyone can agree on who qualifies for inclusion.”
Have you read Quiet? Are you an introvert, extrovert, or somewhere between? Do you think we should read much into these labels? Are you quiet?
Lit Lemon Books 
I remember, while taking Intro to Psych, sitting in class reevaluating who I thought I was after reading what an introvert was. Suddenly I was not shy, I did not need to “come out of my shell”, nor was I broken. I was quiet, and that was not a bad thing it was just a little different. I think I’ll have to find this book and give it a try.
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I am definitely going to check out this book. I felt like something was wrong with me for so long, because I just wasn’t interested in parties, big gatherings or conversations that were full of air. I felt flawed because I preferred the quiet, relished it, required it. Thank you so much for passing this book along!
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I am happy to know there are more people out there similar to me. I know there are, but it is doesn’t feel like it. I hope you go on to read it!
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It feels so confusing sometimes. We like isolation and yet feel isolated in our feelings of needing isolation, or alone time, or quiet. You are so definitely not alone. I know I don’t comment much, but I really enjoy your book reviews!!!!
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