This book has many valuable insights about shyness.
346298
Clear and profound. The best I've found on the subject. Examples of overcoming shyness, for me, weren't so edifying but
statements such as "Shy people have many wonderful traits" were for me the best part of the book.
1869203
Throughout my life I have had well meaning people telling me I should want to socialise all the time and that there is something wrong with me because I would almost always prefer to be curled up at home with a book. I have always had to battle for my quiet time against my nearest and dearest who think I should want to be with them. If I spend too much time with other people I start to lose sight of who I am and I have to spend a few hours by myself to recharge my batteries.

This is something I've always known about myself. When I first heard the word `introvert' and understood its meaning I knew it applied to me. But being an introvert was something that you just didn't talk about because being the life and soul of the party was the ideal. To get on at work and in life you need to be outgoing and willing to spend all your time talking to other people. The Western world values extroversion and introverts don't count partly because it is difficult for them to make themselves heard.

The book discusses research in the field and how the quality of introversion is displayed in the world. I found it fascinating to read about those who predicted the last recession and who said that what the banks were doing was extremely risky. Banks were staffed by extroverts who liked taking risks and they didn't want to listen to the quiet people sitting in the corner poring over graphs, charts and figures and predicting doom and gloom. What this book shows is that we need both introverts and extroverts to get a balance between excessive risk and excessive caution.

I was intrigued to learn that it is not only human beings who are introverts or extroverts, animals and even fish have those qualities too. Guppies which live in areas of rivers where Pike feed have different personalities from those who live in the same rivers in places where Pike don't swim. If one type of Guppy moves from one area to another it takes about twenty years for their personalities to change as personality traits in Guppies seem to be inherited. In some circumstances introversion is a trait which is necessary for survival as it imbues caution and careful assessment of risk - in this case Pike swimming by and looking for a tasty meal.

Various studies have been carried out which show that introverts engaged on creative work do a lot better if they are allowed to work on their own in peace and quiet rather than being forced to work in an open plan office. Yet the trend is for everyone to work in open plan offices. Some companies are gradually realising they need to provide both environments for their staff so that people who need peace and quiet to do their best work can find space to shut themselves away from the crowd.

This book is well written and an interesting and lively read for anyone who is an introvert or who lives or works with introverts. I found it a fascinating and thought provoking read - most especially the chapter on bringing up naturally introverted children. I found myself wanting to stand up and scream `YES YES YES' at the top of my voice as I recognised myself in so many of the examples quoted. The extrovert ideal of the Western world is not the ideal in the East where courtesy, quiet behaviour and deference to other people are regarded as admirable qualities. Maybe I need to go and live in China or India to be valued.
2210718
A new, insightful perspective on what was seen to be a negative trait--"shyness".  In fact, introversion is a necessary and valuable quality.  Comprehensive research.  Easy to read for a dense subject.  This truly changed my mind about the power of introversion.
83730
This book was very insightful to me because I am somewhat of an introvert.  I have a daughter who was struggling to meet people and make friends in college and I was talking with my brother about her troubles.  He recommended this book to me so I read it.  The author thoroughly researched this topic and provided many examples that I could relate to.  I walked away with a much better understanding of the differences between extroverts and introverts.  I also realized that it is OK to be quiet and a thinker.  Thank you for bringing to light this topic and helping me to understand myself and my daughter better.
127835
Terrific book.  My introverted middle schooler read it too. It inspired her so much, she did a written and oral report for school. She really enjoyed learning the differences between introvertness and shyness. She is not shy.  It was an insightful yet easy read. Full of information without reading like a text book.
3803781
As an introvert, I felt identified with most of the situations described by the author. Suggestions and recommendations are on par with what you may find or hear from other sources and I believe this book certainly touches on many key aspects that pertain to those of us that are introverts.

I have to disagree with fellow reviewers regarding the alleged generalization that an introvert is the same as having fear of public speaking. The author does separate the two and also makes the point that this fear is also shown by extroverts. There is no reason to be offended by something that is so true in our introvert nature. I was also really afraid of public speaking years ago and right now, while I still get nervous, I certainly perform much better but I do remain an introvert.

I must also mention that his book is more oriented to leadership in a corporate environment even if some of the concepts do translate into everyday living. Any project manager, director/department head or anyone aspiring for similar roles should definitely read this book.
4053312
I would recommend this book to any introvert, or one who works with introverts - teachers, parents, mangers - could benefit from the insights in this book.
2218152
I know the author has had some issues with his public image, but this book is so well written that it is valuable to anyone who has been beaten down with shame rather than supported by grace. There are so many areas of shame that are reinforced and easily accepted without thinking much about it. Christians in particular seem to have a struggle understanding the difference between judgment and discernment. I like this book, and whether the author holds to his Christian beliefs or not, the ideas he wrote here are true and worthwhile.
465625
This was an excellently written book. I am an introvert and definitely related to a lot of the points made. However, it also helped me see some things in a different light and understand the interactions between extroverts and introverts better.
1576115
Intriguing and well worth reading, with insights illustrated from Susan Cain's own life and experience. "Quiet" is an easy read and perhaps light on the research, but this introvert did find himself nodding through the book:  "Yes, I'm just like that." A practical book as well; Cain gives pointers for introverts (and the extroverts who love them) in personal and professional relationships.
1082765
This is the most interesting book that leads the reader through an introspective look at his/her behavior.  I highlighted many parts and there were certain areas that definitely hit home.  The phrase, when being right or nice, choose nice, really caught me.  Also the concept of surrounding yourself with nice people so that it is easier to be nice all the time.  So many times it is easy to get dragged into the nastiness of society and being conscious of mimicking the others rings true in so many circumstances.  Certain kinds of behaviors and attitudes are red lights for getting sucked into nastiness.  This book highlights the feelings that are to be avoided to improve one's attitude and kindness level, thereby improving one's own quality of life.  The book is not large in size, but enormous in good advice.
3481573
I almost ordered this book when it first came out, but figured that it might be similar to other books on being an introvert that I've read in the past.  Last week when I had lunch with a friend, she recommended it, and I'm so glad I bought it!

It's not a self-help book (which is what I was expecting), but is rather a book that looks at the research done on introverts, while also offering some tips and advice.  Thoroughly researched, it explains the multi-faceted life of introverts, and covers some of the latest work on the brain.  I found it very compelling to read, and couldn't put it down for three days until I had finished it.

As I mention in my review title, it was full of "ah ha!" moments for me.  Even though I know I'm an extreme introvert after first taking the MBTI test about fifteen years ago, I still learned many new things, including that I might also be a sensitive/reactive introvert.

If you want more self-help tips, I also really recommend&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Introvert-Advantage-How-to-Thrive-in-an-Extrovert-World/dp/0761123695/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World</a>; that book gave me some very useful strategies for making the most of my introvert personality in a world dominated by extroverts.

This is a compelling, interesting read that will  help you better understand your own personality or the personalities of your loved ones.
1495093
This is a great book for shy people like me. It helps us get out more. Most of us remember that it is hard to get words out when your hear starts racing. Butterflies in your stomach need to go away. Great book that I do rec.
664096
In our culture we take pride in being extroverted. From a young age we are taught to learn in groups and be outgoing because being social is good.

Susan Cain talks about the other side and the fact that between a third and a half of all people are introverted. So if you always felt like the quiet odd man out because you wanted to be on your own, chances are there were a bunch of others feeling the same way. I really enjoyed Cain's writing style. I liked the studies and statistics, but appreicated that the whole book wasn't just filled with them. I gained a greated understanding of how intorverted people feel and think. I liked that she made a point saying that it is better than not everyone is extroverted and how introverts are often able to accomplish tasks that extroverts have trouble with.

After reading this book I saw intorverts in a whole new light and I believe that it will give many introverts more confidence about themselves. In our society, it is considered "normal" to be extroverted. I think that this book helps give the understanding that it is normal to be introverted as well as extroverted; two different personality types that can work together to accomplish goals.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.
4179380
This is quite an interesting book. The writer really has something important to say. At the beginning I felt somehow bored by the two many examples of real life cases. But after that I found that there was quite a lot of excellent in depth analysis. The good thing also is that we do not see exaggerations. It is the truth as the writer sees it without using these kinds of exaggerating words that takes from credibility. The book includes some excellent ideas for introverts to use in life. It gives them insight that helps understanding themselves, and it also helps extroverts how to understand them and interact with them.
3115197
I read a memoir recently that discussed the importance of connecting with people, being vulnerable, and feeling gratitude. Ive also read books about how childhood trauma and events shape the way we are, how we act/react, and how we think. The concepts in this book are not new, but some of Brens findings from her 12 years of research are, and the way she communications her findings are eye opening and thought changing. I found myself re-reading many of the passages because they were simple, powerful, and truthful.

Using examples from her research along with examples from her own life, she explores vulnerability, shame, and scarcity. She looks at the differences and similarities between men and woman when it comes to vulnerability and shame, why we behave the way we do in both our personal and professional lives, the impact of living with shame and guilt, and how to live a more authentic and courageous life.

This is a thoroughly researched and well written book. I look forward to reading more of Bren Browns work, and I recommend this book to anyone interested in psychology, becoming a better leader, parent, or person.
802488
This book has some wonderful strengths regarding why people should take the time to better understand why Introverts can balance the strengths of Extroverts. There is quite a bit of research backing up the author's arguments although the author does appear rather biased.

I really enjoyed the history behind the changes toward the tipping point of Extroverts and Introverts and think it should be required reading for anyone under the age of 50 to understand how our country has changed.

Great insights and thoughts about the differences of each broad personality types and the power of harnessing both in all aspects of life.