very introspective read
920213
Took me awhile to read this, it's not your typical page turner. I like books that conjure images though and this one did.
3227414
Quiet was a fascinating journey and engaging for my introspective mind. This book looks at introverts and introverted behaviors from several angles and viewpoints.  The author looks at many different studies and theories to shine a light on the many great qualities of introverts.  She takes a look at our society, different communities and our schools to discover that introverts are everywhere and they are leaders in all walks of life.  In the end, the advice of how to remain true to yourself as an introvert, follow your passion and find your balance was a good summary of all she explored throughout this book.  Thank you, Susan, for sharing your journey with us.
4152074
Very good & introspective.  Gave me a better look into how different cancer is viewed from a research point of view. Very helpful guidelines for diet, exercise & becoming one with yourself for healing.  I very much enjoyed this book.
2790192
very informative, also gave me things to think about I took for granted.
1709293
The best part of Career Fulfillment Found is not the words printed on the pages, but rather the thought process that goes on in your head as you read it.  The book leads the reader through an introspective journey to discover what is really important in one's work, and in life.  Anyone, not just those whose careers are in turmoil, will find something valuable to take away from Career Fulfillment Found.
160706
I really enjoyed this book. I've enjoyed many of Platt and Truant's other offerings, but this is a much deeper and engaging book. It was very difficult for me to put it down. It was a great read, and I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys introspective novels.
477969
I am going to have to echo the "If you don't have children" review. There are some profound nuggets in this book, especially for women her/my age, but for the childless, you have to wade/skim through an awful lot of family/kids introspection that perhaps only those who have children can understand (or, frankly, be interested in).

I also found rather off-putting what appears to be her idea that she has some special sense of life's difficulties because her mother died when she (Anna) was so young (19). Granted, I didn't have to take care of my siblings, but having my vibrant, wonderful mother felled by cancer when I was 37 not only changed my world, but gave me compassion and understanding for those who lose their mothers regardless of their age. On the other hand, this is her memoir, not mine, so maybe I need to stuff my off-putting, and read this book as her experience. I am so used to totally relating to what she writes, the problem may be mine -- she is baring her soul in this book. It's not primarily a collection of op-ed columns speaking to "our" condition ... It's a book that speaks to "her" condition, and one can relate to all, some, or none of her experience.

All that said, this book, as one might expect, is written in eloquent prose which is a joy to read. There are some profound thoughts that we may resist thinking about (especially on getting older) but need to, and I thought the chapter on her views of the Catholicism she was raised with vs. her current views was brilliant -- thought-provoking for both Catholics and those of other religious persuasions, like me, who were raised in that era and mourn the loss of ritual, but are pleased with the compassion that its basic tenets taught us.

And, you gotta admit -- it's a great title!
2256645
After reading through this book it made me think not only about my own parenting skills and struggles, but also got me on my childhood memories, the emotional support I did or did not get. I think others who are introspective and reflective about these areas will appreciate the depths of this book. I was hesitant to read this, thinking it might be another miserable and depressing sessions. But it is not! The author has great empathy who think back to the "white spaces" of their childhood. I can tell that the author enjoys research and work.
1985480
A thoroughly enjoyable read, although some chapters/experiences are more interesting than others. This is not a self-help book, per se, but rather a thoughtful overview about how our own thinking impacts the way we feel.
3444872
So much resonated with my experience, but rather than being just a reminder of thoughts-gone-by, it made me think and re-think some attitudes and opinions currently held. Re-visiting some of these subjects with a fair number of years under the belt very much helps to better understand and appreciate the glorious flaws in being human. If you need some calm self-encouragement, give it a read.
3997062
I really enjoyed this short read. It opened up my eyes to someone else's perspective and pulled on the inner compassion we all have, but don't always use for our fellow man - especially ones who don't "look" like us.  Some people are genuinely naive and we shouldn't jump to attack.  I would have loved for this full story to play out.  Even the difference in upbringing between the main character and her husband brought understanding of just how everyone walks through this thing we call life with their own perspective based on their own experiences. Until we get to a point where we are comfortable in other people's experiences we will remain ignorant of the beauty and complexities of our fellow man.

Melinda Michelle
Author of "Surviving Sunday" A Chronicles of Warfare Novel
2006168
I really enjoyed reading this book as it really made me reflect on the people I have met along the way in my own life.  It will also make you think about your future.  I liked the way she presented each character with different issues of their own.  Excellent read.
2824371
I enjoyed this book a lot and am still thinking about it.  Chett is very human with lots of weaknesses.  His travels are interesting, but his inner journey is the most inspiring.  I would really like to hear how he is doing now!  This book needs a little polishing in places, but the thoughts expressed more than make up for that.
3359038
The strength of this book is that it forces the reader to be introspective. This is done mainly through very detailed descriptions of the narrator Elise's thought processes. What would you do in Elise's situation? If your husband returned from a foreign war a violent, erratic, suicidal stranger who barely resembles his former self, would you stay with this stranger (who may never get better) or would leave him in search of a better life for yourself? This makes for a not-so-light read.

The weakness is that the book could have been about 75-100 pages shorter. We go through Elise's thought processes a little TOO much, and the book could have done with a few less of Brad's outbursts (we've gotten the point by the time we get around to the 10th outburst). The conclusion also feels a little weak, for it comes on very hastily after a very long build-up throughout the book.

Overall, it seems like a good addition to the emerging field of stories that deal with the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I have not read any other fiction books regarding these wars, and I feel like I will be able to make a better judgment regarding this particular book once I do.
1903109
This book took me back to when I was sorting sorting out who I was as a teenager. The characters are deep and believable. The book is paced well and very thought provoking and drew out a good deal of introspection. I highly recommend this as a read for anyone curious about the challenges faced by young people coming to grips with love and the meaning of social acceptance. I sincerely hope to see more of Kyell's work available for the Kindle.
3288473
great book, much to think about, will be reading again (and again)
1222571
I enjoyed this.  More introspective than I expected.  This is not your average horror story.  I look forward to reading more by her.