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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
I think of myself as an extrovert, especially compared to my introvert spouse, but found that I was probably more in the middle than I had thought. This book, while interesting reading, is an uncomfortable marriage of a quasi-scientific meta-analysis of the research literature and a cheerleading self-help/feel-good book for introverts. It is heavily weighted in the introvert's favor, of course--I loved that introverts were thoughtful, serious, etc, and extroverts . . . commit adultery. Still, it led to great conversations and some insight into my parenting. (Though, I am disquieted about the section on Asians and Asian-Americans which seems very limited and stereotypical--sure there are smart quiet wise young Asians--but there are brutal street gangs, too. And where has all that quiet reflection gotten China and North Korea--oppressive, conforming Communism.)
informative
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Im a five star streak since Slewfoot. This is an amazing book that has made me feel infinitely better about being an introvert. About being someone who doesn’t love to make eye contact with every passerby. Who doesn’t go out their way to join work social functions or have dozens of short conversations with those I see throughout the day.
Mostly it made me okay rearranging my work life mentality. And it gave me the push I needed to accept that while I can play extrovert for a certain amount of time, I have always been and will likely remain someone who needs hours of alone time a day, and only hours of socializing a month. I’ve been trying too hard to just will myself into being my extroverted face more often and more consistently. When I would likely find more peace in accepting what I have always enjoyed- being alone- than peace in forcing myself to burn out just because that’s what you “should” do in corporate America.
Mostly it made me okay rearranging my work life mentality. And it gave me the push I needed to accept that while I can play extrovert for a certain amount of time, I have always been and will likely remain someone who needs hours of alone time a day, and only hours of socializing a month. I’ve been trying too hard to just will myself into being my extroverted face more often and more consistently. When I would likely find more peace in accepting what I have always enjoyed- being alone- than peace in forcing myself to burn out just because that’s what you “should” do in corporate America.
informative
slow-paced
I don’t believe in the labels “introvert” and “extrovert.” The book itself even acknowledges that these terms are oversimplified and not all that meaningful. Yet after that, it continues to rely on them and build a whole argument around them, which left me unconvinced. I’m open to reading different perspectives and I’m genuinely curious about other ways of looking at this topic, but because the book itself undercuts the value of its own terminology, it didn’t help me gain new insight.
Beyond that, the narrative felt very US-centric, with examples and cultural references that don’t necessarily translate to a broader, global context. While Cain raises some interesting points about how different personalities are valued in society, the framing through rigid labels undermined the overall impact for me.
In the end, it felt like a long book built on a shaky foundation.
Beyond that, the narrative felt very US-centric, with examples and cultural references that don’t necessarily translate to a broader, global context. While Cain raises some interesting points about how different personalities are valued in society, the framing through rigid labels undermined the overall impact for me.
In the end, it felt like a long book built on a shaky foundation.
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I am an introvert, and this book has validated many of my natural tendencies that may seem antisocial and odd. I truly appreciate her perspective on the corporate world and its emphasis on group work and open office plans. In life, there needs to be a balance of “we” space and “me” space, a voice for those both outspoken and not.
informative
inspiring
medium-paced