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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
hopeful
informative
reflective
slow-paced
I loved this book. It explained so much about how I function in the world and has made me look at everyone around me differently. And our country and the entire world, actually. I hope to retain what I've learned for a long time, and am planning on looking for books on how to lead as an introvert.
I found this book by Susan Cain to be informative and thought-provoking. However, in all the discussion of introverts and extroverts, I couldn't find myself. Where are those who fall squarely in the middle? I like a good party as much as my extrovert friends and I am happy to stay home on the odd weekend and recharge and read a book when my kids are out camping. I found myself somewhere in the middle of her two worlds. It seemed to me that she classifies people as one thing or the other with no thought of scale. I wonder where that research is on people who can quite easily fit into and straddle both worlds.
This book provides a thorough review of both introversion and extroversion. The well-researched review details historical, current and ongoing research into the subject of introversion. Many examples, and reference to well-known individuals are provided. I found most interesting the in-depth section concerning the correlation between high reactivity and introversion. Other topics covered, as they relate to introversion, include shyness, guilt, conscientiousness, decision-making style, and reasons for society's extroversion bias.
I was thankful that this book was not particularly repetitive or unduly lengthened with unnecessary filler, as many books of this type are. I found nothing truly surprising, but some helpful management strategies were provided. Strengths and limitations of introverts and introverts in the corporate world are discussed, and the author demonstrated the benefits of more fully integrating the strengths of both, for better results. The author also provides insight and suggestions on how to parent an introverted child.
I was thankful that this book was not particularly repetitive or unduly lengthened with unnecessary filler, as many books of this type are. I found nothing truly surprising, but some helpful management strategies were provided. Strengths and limitations of introverts and introverts in the corporate world are discussed, and the author demonstrated the benefits of more fully integrating the strengths of both, for better results. The author also provides insight and suggestions on how to parent an introverted child.
informative
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
I really enjoyed this! I saw so much of myself in this book and I think the author approached the topic with a wonderfully balanced approach. I truly feel that this book helped me make so much sense of myself. Never before did I really draw a connection between my sensitivity and my social anxiety. Never before did I truly look at my introversion and my more methodical, internal processing of things as related. Never before did I really question why I feel so incapable of having the deeper thoughts I am capable of when alone, other than feeling it was a personal fluke. In fact, I would say as a whole, this book helped me see that perhaps I’m not an all-around failure simply because I’m not an extrovert. Perhaps there is value in my quieter way of approaching life, even if I never saw it before.
While I certainly feel that the world is more aware of introversion vs extroversion at this point in time (even when compared to the author originally published this book), I’m not quite sure I would say we have a world that is very conducive to introvert success. However, I appreciate that the author points out that introverts shouldn’t have to become extroverted for them to be viewed as successful people; instead, we should find the strength in how different personalities approach problems differently, and perhaps recognize there is inherent value in those who may not be the most charismatic or outgoing, even in situations that we typically associate with such domineering types of people. I particularly liked the author’s analogy of introverts like orchids - given the right environment, they can flourish. I think it really speaks to the goal of this book, and, although this isn’t a self-help book, I think you can tell that the author feels so passionately about the subject and so deeply wants the reader to understand that they should not view who they are as a failure simply because they are “quiet.” It’s something I think I need to hear, especially when I struggle with my lack of extroversion.
While I certainly feel that the world is more aware of introversion vs extroversion at this point in time (even when compared to the author originally published this book), I’m not quite sure I would say we have a world that is very conducive to introvert success. However, I appreciate that the author points out that introverts shouldn’t have to become extroverted for them to be viewed as successful people; instead, we should find the strength in how different personalities approach problems differently, and perhaps recognize there is inherent value in those who may not be the most charismatic or outgoing, even in situations that we typically associate with such domineering types of people. I particularly liked the author’s analogy of introverts like orchids - given the right environment, they can flourish. I think it really speaks to the goal of this book, and, although this isn’t a self-help book, I think you can tell that the author feels so passionately about the subject and so deeply wants the reader to understand that they should not view who they are as a failure simply because they are “quiet.” It’s something I think I need to hear, especially when I struggle with my lack of extroversion.
Ein wundervolles Plädoyer an die Welt da draußen, dass wir ein Gleichgewicht von Introvertierten und Extrovertierten brauchen! Ein tolles, wissenschaftlich-fundiertes Sachbuch ohne Schnörkel, Gefühlsduselei, aber mit sehr viel Charme. :)
Introverts will find plenty of validation and maybe even relief to hear that their own personal experiences are shared by many, many others. As a self-identified introvert--and a mother to 3 highly sensitive children (future introverts?)--I appreciated this book immensely. It is well-researched, engaging, easy to follow and useful.
This book should be of interest to both introverts and extroverts alike. Cain discusses the rise of the "culture of personality" (ousting the "culture of character") and the "extrovert ideal", the pragmatics of how those with different personality types can learn and appreciate the other's "special" talents, and the benefits of solitude.
As an added bonus, I discovered that scientific research has shown that the "less sensitive" really do have thicker skin!
In all, very good stuff and highly recommended.
This book should be of interest to both introverts and extroverts alike. Cain discusses the rise of the "culture of personality" (ousting the "culture of character") and the "extrovert ideal", the pragmatics of how those with different personality types can learn and appreciate the other's "special" talents, and the benefits of solitude.
As an added bonus, I discovered that scientific research has shown that the "less sensitive" really do have thicker skin!
In all, very good stuff and highly recommended.
I really enjoyed this book, I learned a lot and it made me think about a lot of things in new ways. I occasionally found it a bit self-helpy. I.also would have loved for it to have a section on the overlaps of introversion (as Cain broadly defines it) and autism.
I listened to the audiobook which was surprisingly ok (I don't often find non-fiction easy to listen to) although I assume the book comes with a bibliography at the back and references/notes which I missed out on.
I listened to the audiobook which was surprisingly ok (I don't often find non-fiction easy to listen to) although I assume the book comes with a bibliography at the back and references/notes which I missed out on.