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maritzahdz's review against another edition
5.0
I finally got around to reading this book and it didn't disappoint. I learned so much about myself and why I tend to do certain things. I greatly enjoyed reading this book.
thesarahbear's review against another edition
5.0
An exceptional and enlightening read. I now understand myself, my behaviors, and my introvert-specific traits so much better! A must-read for any introvert who feels out of place and forlorn in the midst of an extrovert-praising culture.
shelcheck's review against another edition
5.0
Reading this book was like looking in a mirror while being told that you are OK just the way you are.
samanthahegre's review against another edition
3.0
I admit I didn't finish this. It felt a little forced and like... maybe she doesn't entirely understand introversion. In an early chapter she expressed her shock at finding out that being outgoing and being an introvert were not mutually exclusive qualities. Does anyone really think that? And then it went on to be a bit too "we're such a special breed, we introverts" for me. Yes, much of American society favors the extraverted, but I feel like maybe she drove that point home a bit more than necessary. I also went into this expecting the author to have a background in psychology, but she does not. She's a lawyer.
nayouele's review against another edition
5.0
As an introvert I appreciated this book and what the author had to offer. She has great insight in what it means to be an introvert in a world that can't stop talking, and she promotes acceptance for who a person is, whether an introvert or an extrovert. Highly recommend it!
alongapath's review against another edition
4.0
When did being talkative become a status symbol? Apparently around 1905. After that point, having an out-going personality and being extroverted suddenly became an essential part of every person. No longer was it enough to think and do - now you had to chat, promote and be the center of attention.
Cain makes being quiet cool again. Through her words, I suddenly recognized the unfounded importance that society puts on gregariousness and loudness. The 'loud-talker' has too long been promoted into management and administration positions and the quiet thinker, the considerate introvert, been ignored or looked over.
It is time for introvert personalities to be recognized, rewarded and instilled in our young. This book hit a chord with me on so many levels. Until now, I found that I was struggling to be more extroverted than I was comfortable with. Although I am not a textbook introvert, there are many aspects of the introvert lifestyle that I appreciate and seek. Without those times, I feel stressed and uncomfortable and I need to have time alone to recharge. There is a continuum of introversion/extroversion and we all have a place on that continuum. Remember - there is no prize to be the loudest.
Cain makes being quiet cool again. Through her words, I suddenly recognized the unfounded importance that society puts on gregariousness and loudness. The 'loud-talker' has too long been promoted into management and administration positions and the quiet thinker, the considerate introvert, been ignored or looked over.
It is time for introvert personalities to be recognized, rewarded and instilled in our young. This book hit a chord with me on so many levels. Until now, I found that I was struggling to be more extroverted than I was comfortable with. Although I am not a textbook introvert, there are many aspects of the introvert lifestyle that I appreciate and seek. Without those times, I feel stressed and uncomfortable and I need to have time alone to recharge. There is a continuum of introversion/extroversion and we all have a place on that continuum. Remember - there is no prize to be the loudest.
2sipsofgrey's review against another edition
3.0
Format: Audiobook. Disclaimer: I personally identify as an introvert. I struggle with how to rate this book. There were many things I liked about it, and I do feel that as the book unfolded, it became more fairly balanced in its handling of the relatives strengths/weaknesses of introverts and extroverts. However, in the first several chapters of the book, I could really feel the chip on the author's shoulder about her perceived preference for extroverts in American culture. To be fair, she does make her case that this is so, but it felt a bit whiny at times.
The book felt very disorganized. What was the point? I'm still not sure, having finished it. There is an afterword which, in my opinion, would have been better presented as a foreword, because it explains the author's purpose and approach in a way that I would have found helpful as I was reading it.
I was also annoyed by the voice of the woman who read the audiobook, as it felt like she was loudly whispering the entire book.
OK! That being said, it was a nice summary of psychological descriptors that are difficult to specifically define, and it was nice to hear the list of positive aspects of introversion. There are some helpful tips about how to harness the strengths of introversion, and an overall message to embrace who you really are.
The book felt very disorganized. What was the point? I'm still not sure, having finished it. There is an afterword which, in my opinion, would have been better presented as a foreword, because it explains the author's purpose and approach in a way that I would have found helpful as I was reading it.
I was also annoyed by the voice of the woman who read the audiobook, as it felt like she was loudly whispering the entire book.
OK! That being said, it was a nice summary of psychological descriptors that are difficult to specifically define, and it was nice to hear the list of positive aspects of introversion. There are some helpful tips about how to harness the strengths of introversion, and an overall message to embrace who you really are.
lu2cook's review against another edition
4.0
I would like to rate this book 3.5. It was very, very interesting.....but at times I got bogged down in the book. It really does open your eyes to how our world here in the US is really geared for extroverts.....education, business, etc. If you work with or manage people (and who doesn't?) this book is something you should read.