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A Turtle's Guide to Introversion
A Turtle's Guide to Introversion is a delightful illustrated gift book that celebrates the wonderful qualities of introverts through the everyday adventures of a turtle.
Being an introvert comes with numerous advantages and the occasional woe, and no animal knows that better than the humble turtle hiding in its shell. This book celebrates introverts and their many wonderful, often-underrated qualities.
The story is narrated by a lovable turtle who finds socializing tiring, prefers alone time, and recharges through solitude. Each spread features 2-color illustrations of Turtle navigating life alongside a cast of pudgy animal friends. Self-identified introverts, art and comics enthusiasts will love the spare yet resonant text, adorable narrator, and delightful illustrations. This uplifting novelty book is a cute collectible or a sweet anytime gift for a friend.
• BESTSELLING BOOK SERIES: Author Ton Mak delivers all the same ingredients as her bestselling book A Sloth's Guide to Mindfulness with a new (adorable) animal protagonist you'll instantly love.
• INTROVERTS DESERVE TO BE CELEBRATED: Introverts are having a moment (separately, each one on their own). People are preferring to stay in rather than go out and this book makes it ok to need some alone time.
Perfect for:
• Introverts, and Extroverts who are secretly Introverts.
• People who like turtles.
• Fans of quirky comics in the style of Gemma Correll, Jomny Sun, and Yumi Sakugawa.
Being an introvert comes with numerous advantages and the occasional woe, and no animal knows that better than the humble turtle hiding in its shell. This book celebrates introverts and their many wonderful, often-underrated qualities.
The story is narrated by a lovable turtle who finds socializing tiring, prefers alone time, and recharges through solitude. Each spread features 2-color illustrations of Turtle navigating life alongside a cast of pudgy animal friends. Self-identified introverts, art and comics enthusiasts will love the spare yet resonant text, adorable narrator, and delightful illustrations. This uplifting novelty book is a cute collectible or a sweet anytime gift for a friend.
• BESTSELLING BOOK SERIES: Author Ton Mak delivers all the same ingredients as her bestselling book A Sloth's Guide to Mindfulness with a new (adorable) animal protagonist you'll instantly love.
• INTROVERTS DESERVE TO BE CELEBRATED: Introverts are having a moment (separately, each one on their own). People are preferring to stay in rather than go out and this book makes it ok to need some alone time.
Perfect for:
• Introverts, and Extroverts who are secretly Introverts.
• People who like turtles.
• Fans of quirky comics in the style of Gemma Correll, Jomny Sun, and Yumi Sakugawa.
120 pages, Hardcover
Published February 9, 2021
3 people are currently reading
1807 people want to read
About the author
Ton Mak
3 books32 followersTon Mak is a writer and visual artist who grew up between England, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. She received a degree in Anthropology from University College London. Her doodles and illustrations are known as FLABJACKS, a world of imaginary characters, each with a unique story of their own. Ton is the author of A Sloth's Guide to Mindfulness and has collaborated with brands like Nike, Apple, Swatch, and LEGO in recent years. Her artwork has been exhibited in museums and galleries around the world including Power Station of Art in Shanghai and Times Art Museum in Beijing. Currently, she is based between San Francisco and Shanghai.
Her work can be found here: http://flabjacks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 101 reviews
November 19, 2020
This little nugget by author/artist Ton Mak featuring a turtle talking about what it’s like to be an introvert will likely check all the boxes for those of you like myself who understand it so keenly on a day-to-day basis. The simple line drawings are cute and effective - though I’m not sure I entirely understand the thing between the turtle’s eyes. Is it a nose? I’m confused. It’s a minor thing - it just threw me a little visually. The content is spot-on. I doubt anyone who’s a bonafide introvert will hear anything they didn’t already know, so in that respect, it might be a better gift for someone’s extroverted friends and family to give them insight into why you tick the way you do. Having said that, there is a nice sense of empowerment and validation for us introverts - like, hey … you’re not weird! Well, you might be a little weird, but that’s OK! Aren’t we all a little weird? ... No? ... Just me? I’m cool with that.
It’s a short, breezy, thoughtful read. It could be a cute little jumping off point for discussion with those extroverts in your life who look at you and scratch their heads.
I just looked and, in addition to a previous book A Sloth’s Guide to Mindfulness, Mak has a website flabjacks.com which displays her art. Most of it is very colorful, in contrast to the more subdued line art style used in the book. Bonus, though: I figured out what the thing between the turtle’s eyes is. It’s a mouth. I can sleep easy now.
★★★
Thanks to NetGalley who provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
It’s a short, breezy, thoughtful read. It could be a cute little jumping off point for discussion with those extroverts in your life who look at you and scratch their heads.
I just looked and, in addition to a previous book A Sloth’s Guide to Mindfulness, Mak has a website flabjacks.com which displays her art. Most of it is very colorful, in contrast to the more subdued line art style used in the book. Bonus, though: I figured out what the thing between the turtle’s eyes is. It’s a mouth. I can sleep easy now.
★★★
Thanks to NetGalley who provided this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 17, 2020
It’s a well established fact that I’m an introvert. Besides my lived experience, I have also found multiple books that could have been written about me.
I found myself on almost every page of Debbie Tung’s Quiet Girl in a Noisy World. If my introversion was ever in doubt (it wasn’t), the perfect score I achieved on Jenn Granneman’s signs I might be an introvert in her book, The Secret Lives of Introverts, was a big ‘I told you so’ to any naysayers out there.
If you’re a kindred introvert, you’ll probably get some validation and a reminder that you’re fine just the way you are from this book. If you’ve already read books that talk about introversion on any detail, it’s unlikely you’ll find any new information in this book.
This gift book has cute illustrations. However, I found the colours jarring. I read this book on an iPad; maybe the colours would look better on a different screen. It’s also possible, because I’m mindful that I read an advanced copy, the colour scheme could change prior to publication.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
I found myself on almost every page of Debbie Tung’s Quiet Girl in a Noisy World. If my introversion was ever in doubt (it wasn’t), the perfect score I achieved on Jenn Granneman’s signs I might be an introvert in her book, The Secret Lives of Introverts, was a big ‘I told you so’ to any naysayers out there.
If you’re a kindred introvert, you’ll probably get some validation and a reminder that you’re fine just the way you are from this book. If you’ve already read books that talk about introversion on any detail, it’s unlikely you’ll find any new information in this book.
This gift book has cute illustrations. However, I found the colours jarring. I read this book on an iPad; maybe the colours would look better on a different screen. It’s also possible, because I’m mindful that I read an advanced copy, the colour scheme could change prior to publication.
Thank you to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for the opportunity to read this book.
Blog - https://schizanthusnerd.com
December 5, 2020
This quick little illustrated book is a peaceful, reflective read for introverts. The drawings are cute, and the text provides simple reminders about all the things that introverts enjoy (and also the things they find challenging). It makes for a few pleasant and mindful moments.
Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for this advance review copy!
Thanks to Chronicle Books and NetGalley for this advance review copy!
January 11, 2021
A cutely drawn coffee table guide to the care and feeding of your introvert. Mostly cute and harmless, but I do think the author makes the mistake of mixing introversion, shyness, social anxiety, and introspection, all of which are (maybe related but) distinct psychological concepts. And I'm not sure if it was just the copy I had, but much of the art and text are bright green on bright purple, which can be extremely hard to read. That said, our culture is set up to favor those who are brash, risk taking, loud, and/or extroverts, so a little insight into the quieter side of the spectrum is welcome even if it's not academically perfect.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
**Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 15, 2021
I received a free ARC from Edelweiss+ and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
As an introvert, I really enjoyed this book! I like the colors that were chosen, but the text color often wasn’t light enough to read clearly.
As an introvert, I really enjoyed this book! I like the colors that were chosen, but the text color often wasn’t light enough to read clearly.
June 4, 2021
SO CUTE OMG????? there are really times where i would randomly have the extra mood to grab and read some lil bite sized illustrated books that have minimal words, just to take a short break from long reads. and THIS is just one of the books that i really enjoyed browsing through for a much-needed break. and also how can u not resist this lil cute turtle?!?!
but anyways, this book is probably for introverts like me and omg i feEL SO VALIDATED AFTER READING THIS!!! its really a reminder that youre not alone and youre just fine just the way you are. i cant stop smiling after reading this book and it makes me feel at ease. it was really simple and such a great brief introduction about introverts.
also!! rlly makes a great gift for your loved ones that are introverts or appreciate cute artsy illustrations.
but anyways, this book is probably for introverts like me and omg i feEL SO VALIDATED AFTER READING THIS!!! its really a reminder that youre not alone and youre just fine just the way you are. i cant stop smiling after reading this book and it makes me feel at ease. it was really simple and such a great brief introduction about introverts.
also!! rlly makes a great gift for your loved ones that are introverts or appreciate cute artsy illustrations.
January 4, 2021
English Review Below.
كتاب خفيف ولطيف عن الانطواء والمنطويين من وجهة نظر سلحفاة صغيرة. كتاب مسلي لفهم الانطوائيين أكثر أو للانطوائيين الذين يحبون قراءة كتب تخبرهم بأنه لا بأس بالانطواء وأن يتجاهلوا من ينتقد انطوائيتهم.
A cute illustrated book about introverts and how they feel and behave using animals. The introvert turtle is so relatable, I didn't feel like it added anything new to the introverts books I've read, but the reading process was relaxing and enjoyable, and it's good every now and then to read a book that confirms my introversion.
I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC
كتاب خفيف ولطيف عن الانطواء والمنطويين من وجهة نظر سلحفاة صغيرة. كتاب مسلي لفهم الانطوائيين أكثر أو للانطوائيين الذين يحبون قراءة كتب تخبرهم بأنه لا بأس بالانطواء وأن يتجاهلوا من ينتقد انطوائيتهم.
A cute illustrated book about introverts and how they feel and behave using animals. The introvert turtle is so relatable, I didn't feel like it added anything new to the introverts books I've read, but the reading process was relaxing and enjoyable, and it's good every now and then to read a book that confirms my introversion.
I thank Netgalley for the digital ARC
November 21, 2020
This is such a wonderful celebration of introvert people. This explains introversion in such a beautiful, calm and easy way. It honestly warmed my heart.
The drawings in this book were also very beautiful.
I think this is a good book to easily explain what introversion is. As an introvert you feel very accepted by it.
The drawings in this book were also very beautiful.
I think this is a good book to easily explain what introversion is. As an introvert you feel very accepted by it.
September 26, 2024
I got this book as a gift and it made me so happy.
I am an introvert, and it's just nice to read a book about introversion, though there isn't a lot of text. It reminds me that I'm not weird for being like this, there are other people like me. It's normal to feel overwhelmed in a loud room and to sometimes prefer sipping tea alone at home to being with other humans. I'm me, and that's okay, even though society disagrees with that at times.
I really do like this book.
5⭐️
(I read this at some point this summer, 2024, but forgot to add it here.. haha)
I am an introvert, and it's just nice to read a book about introversion, though there isn't a lot of text. It reminds me that I'm not weird for being like this, there are other people like me. It's normal to feel overwhelmed in a loud room and to sometimes prefer sipping tea alone at home to being with other humans. I'm me, and that's okay, even though society disagrees with that at times.
I really do like this book.
5⭐️
(I read this at some point this summer, 2024, but forgot to add it here.. haha)
January 8, 2021
Načo čítať 500 stránkové motivačné knižky ako sa zviditeľniť a prekonať úzkosť? Stačí táto 120 stránková, ilustrovaná, kde je všehovšudy slova na jednu A4. Milé poňatie toho, ako sa cíti taký introvert (aj keď ja osobne som tak 1/3 vecí z toho brala už skôr ako extrovertnejší život). Ilustrácie pekné, všade je rovnako schúlená turtla do schránky, ktorá žije deň po dni introvertným životom, občas sa kde-tu ukáže iné zvieratko. Ako darček asi fajn, ale $16,95 by som za to fakt nedala.
October 19, 2021
This little book is perfect for all introverts! 🥺❤️
“Confidence doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it can be expressed in quieter and subtler forms.”
“Confidence doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it can be expressed in quieter and subtler forms.”
August 30, 2022
This book is cute and bears a deep meaning for introverted people. Great for a quick read to kill your time!
Read
January 5, 2022Short, sweet, illustrated book. I learned that while I am not an introvert there are certainly some introverted qualities that I embrace. Like loving my own company and alone time. Fun and enjoyable illustrated story supporting that you are perfect just the way you are.
February 15, 2021
As a general read: 3 stars.
For what it actually is: 5 stars.
I won this sweet little book in a recent Goodreads giveaway from the publisher Chronicle Books. Chronicle does a lot of really fun, gorgeous to hold and own, very giftable type books. Ton Mak’s A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is what I would call a “gift book”. You know the kind of books you find at hospital gift shops, cute and funky little boutiques, or in the gift section at Barnes & Noble? This one is one of those. It’s rather like an adult picture book and is square shaped with a deliciously thick cover and thick pages, the art all printed in a lush deep green and white. It’s a beautifully made book, not something I’d typically comment on in reviews, but exactly what you would want in a book you were buying to gift someone.
I read this one in 10 or 15 minutes, even including lingering over the art. It’s very short. And it is truly a guide to introversion, told by a cartoon turtle. Now, I’m an introvert and I originally was very excited by this win thinking, ahh a book for me! Reading it though, it would make a much better gift to the extroverted friends and family of an introvert. I think this would be a really easy to grasp, yet impactful way of showing someone what it’s like to be an introvert and it does that very well. Most people probably won’t read or don’t have time to read one of the more detailed and dense texts on introversion and frankly, gifting an extroverted friend that would feel like giving out homework. This book though would be perfect. It’s beautiful and looks great on the shelf and is one I’m glad to have and look forward to pulling out to share with folks as needed. Which might be a great reason for introverts to buy a copy for themselves. You won’t learn anything you didn’t already know, most likely, but it really is a spot on quick summary of introversion that covers the many facets- from a preference towards working alone, needing space, being quiet around folks until you really know them, to the strengths like being a great listener.
Overall, very cute. And I think it serves a unique purpose well. I especially loved the page near the end that says “Confidence doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it can be expressed in quieter and subtler forms.” Amen to that, little turtle!
Always wonder if the extroverts in your life really understand your introverted nature and the strengths and reality of that? You might consider giving them this cute book!
For what it actually is: 5 stars.
I won this sweet little book in a recent Goodreads giveaway from the publisher Chronicle Books. Chronicle does a lot of really fun, gorgeous to hold and own, very giftable type books. Ton Mak’s A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is what I would call a “gift book”. You know the kind of books you find at hospital gift shops, cute and funky little boutiques, or in the gift section at Barnes & Noble? This one is one of those. It’s rather like an adult picture book and is square shaped with a deliciously thick cover and thick pages, the art all printed in a lush deep green and white. It’s a beautifully made book, not something I’d typically comment on in reviews, but exactly what you would want in a book you were buying to gift someone.
I read this one in 10 or 15 minutes, even including lingering over the art. It’s very short. And it is truly a guide to introversion, told by a cartoon turtle. Now, I’m an introvert and I originally was very excited by this win thinking, ahh a book for me! Reading it though, it would make a much better gift to the extroverted friends and family of an introvert. I think this would be a really easy to grasp, yet impactful way of showing someone what it’s like to be an introvert and it does that very well. Most people probably won’t read or don’t have time to read one of the more detailed and dense texts on introversion and frankly, gifting an extroverted friend that would feel like giving out homework. This book though would be perfect. It’s beautiful and looks great on the shelf and is one I’m glad to have and look forward to pulling out to share with folks as needed. Which might be a great reason for introverts to buy a copy for themselves. You won’t learn anything you didn’t already know, most likely, but it really is a spot on quick summary of introversion that covers the many facets- from a preference towards working alone, needing space, being quiet around folks until you really know them, to the strengths like being a great listener.
Overall, very cute. And I think it serves a unique purpose well. I especially loved the page near the end that says “Confidence doesn’t always roar. Sometimes, it can be expressed in quieter and subtler forms.” Amen to that, little turtle!
Always wonder if the extroverts in your life really understand your introverted nature and the strengths and reality of that? You might consider giving them this cute book!
November 27, 2020
This is that book I wish I had read when I was younger. Especially during my adolescence. I am an introverted person. For many years I considered myself antisocial, in fact, many said I was antisocial.
As I grew up, I realized that I was actually nothing like what they said I was. I'm just a more introverted person. Unlike many, I love spending time alone, just as I prefer tasks that I can work for myself rather than in groups.
For many years I thought the problem was me, who needed to change my way of being. But no, I am the way I am and I don't need to change. This book would have been a brave and huge help. I identified a lot with this book, even though it's a good read for a younger audience, it still makes sense for more adults to read.
I honestly consider this book an obligatory reading, I see myself in the future re-reading this book just to remind myself that it is ok to be an introverted person. An incredible book, I recommend this book, it's wonderful.
As I grew up, I realized that I was actually nothing like what they said I was. I'm just a more introverted person. Unlike many, I love spending time alone, just as I prefer tasks that I can work for myself rather than in groups.
For many years I thought the problem was me, who needed to change my way of being. But no, I am the way I am and I don't need to change. This book would have been a brave and huge help. I identified a lot with this book, even though it's a good read for a younger audience, it still makes sense for more adults to read.
I honestly consider this book an obligatory reading, I see myself in the future re-reading this book just to remind myself that it is ok to be an introverted person. An incredible book, I recommend this book, it's wonderful.
February 18, 2022
At this point in time I don't know why I even choose to read any books about introversion since most of them are always off-point since no single introvert is the same as the next. Most books about introversion mistake introversion for shyness or just being socially awkward around other people.
This book for the most part did hit the nail on the head about some of the important traits for introversion but it threw me off since Turtle says he believes he may be an introvert instead of knowing that he is. Furthermore it felt like the author was trying to force other traits on all introverts such as them being good with plants, wanting to listen to music, meditating and being creative while enjoying to make art. Take for instance myself as I am not that artistic-inclined, don't have a green thumb nor do I like to listen to music as I prefer silence when I have my own alone times.
The book itself is illustrated with very simplistic comic-like illustrations that are colored in green and white. Fortunately not really bad colors together but also not quite that creative when it comes down to it. And it was partially these illustrations, which also helped to contribute to my low star rating of the book for the digital format that I was reading shrank the words in the bubbles so I could barely read them. At the same time I couldn't get the book to flip to horizontal to make the illustrations bigger either.
Another problem that I had with it was the fact that the book was very repetitive. When you connect all these things together it just made for a very meh-type of book for me. Otherwise overlooking the one mild curse word it could make for a decent introductory book for any college kid trying to understand basic introversion.
This book for the most part did hit the nail on the head about some of the important traits for introversion but it threw me off since Turtle says he believes he may be an introvert instead of knowing that he is. Furthermore it felt like the author was trying to force other traits on all introverts such as them being good with plants, wanting to listen to music, meditating and being creative while enjoying to make art. Take for instance myself as I am not that artistic-inclined, don't have a green thumb nor do I like to listen to music as I prefer silence when I have my own alone times.
The book itself is illustrated with very simplistic comic-like illustrations that are colored in green and white. Fortunately not really bad colors together but also not quite that creative when it comes down to it. And it was partially these illustrations, which also helped to contribute to my low star rating of the book for the digital format that I was reading shrank the words in the bubbles so I could barely read them. At the same time I couldn't get the book to flip to horizontal to make the illustrations bigger either.
Another problem that I had with it was the fact that the book was very repetitive. When you connect all these things together it just made for a very meh-type of book for me. Otherwise overlooking the one mild curse word it could make for a decent introductory book for any college kid trying to understand basic introversion.
January 13, 2021
I read this book after request from Netgalley and the Publishers in return for an honest review.
A Turtles Guide to Introversion - how can anyone not want to read a book with a name like that!? The cover and the title immediately drew me in and immediately thought this is a book I can’t pass by without reading. It’s brilliant! It immediately put a smile on my face and I felt like a very happy little introverted turtle after reading this.
The illustrations were fantastic and so well done and it was written in a way where it didn’t poke fun at introverts or make those who may identify in such a way feel small or bad for being so, but really validated and affirmed those of us who are like this.
I am a turtle. An introvert who happily identifies as so. Not ashamed to say I totally see myself in this turtle! The idea for this book is great and a must read for anyone who is an introvert or maybe just finds themselves a bit lost in a big, loud world!
It was a fun little read that I would happily regularly flick through. It doesn’t take too long to read at all, and it’s the perfect little pick me up. It’s also a book I’d happily recommend to any introverted friends out there in hopes they would enjoy it as much as I did.
A Turtles Guide to Introversion - how can anyone not want to read a book with a name like that!? The cover and the title immediately drew me in and immediately thought this is a book I can’t pass by without reading. It’s brilliant! It immediately put a smile on my face and I felt like a very happy little introverted turtle after reading this.
The illustrations were fantastic and so well done and it was written in a way where it didn’t poke fun at introverts or make those who may identify in such a way feel small or bad for being so, but really validated and affirmed those of us who are like this.
I am a turtle. An introvert who happily identifies as so. Not ashamed to say I totally see myself in this turtle! The idea for this book is great and a must read for anyone who is an introvert or maybe just finds themselves a bit lost in a big, loud world!
It was a fun little read that I would happily regularly flick through. It doesn’t take too long to read at all, and it’s the perfect little pick me up. It’s also a book I’d happily recommend to any introverted friends out there in hopes they would enjoy it as much as I did.
November 29, 2020
This is SO CUTE. The drawings are lovely and flow well with the easy-to-read text. The story has a breezy feel to it. It makes me feel happy and content the way that I am. I like the message of inner strength and courage that this book shares about introverts.
The dialogue can be read and interpreted by adults and children alike. (Except for one mild swear.)
Can be read in 5-10 minutes.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.
The dialogue can be read and interpreted by adults and children alike. (Except for one mild swear.)
Can be read in 5-10 minutes.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with a free copy in return for an honest opinion.
January 2, 2021
“I don’t like small talk. Not because I am unfriendly or dislike conversations-but simply because it feels sort of forced sometimes.”
As a social introvert, sometimes it’s hard for people to understand how, dependent on the setting, I can appear to be both introvert and extrovert. This one line from this book sums up so much of the answer.
Overall, the book’s illustrations are simplistic, yet it really highlights the simplicity in understanding what defines an introvert.
As a social introvert, sometimes it’s hard for people to understand how, dependent on the setting, I can appear to be both introvert and extrovert. This one line from this book sums up so much of the answer.
Overall, the book’s illustrations are simplistic, yet it really highlights the simplicity in understanding what defines an introvert.
December 29, 2020
This picture book for adults (which would have been suitable for children if the one and only curse word had been omitted) is a charming and humorous take on the joys and challenges of being an introvert. I really enjoyed it. This would make a cute little coffee table book or a sweet gift for a friend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a digital advance review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Chronicle Books for a digital advance review copy. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 20, 2020
Very cute colorful book, but it was extremely hard to see the text on some of the pages. Cute book for turtle lovers or anyone who is a introvert and proud of it!!
February 13, 2021
great book for anyone willing to understand what being an introvert means. ver well explained and the pictures are a wonderful added bonus. Personally I would not own it as I believe its more a one time read type of book but I would gift to others.
May 7, 2021
It's about being introverted
June 6, 2021
What a cute little book. The drawings are adorable, as are the sentiments for introverts. Know an introvert and need a cute gift for them? This would be a good choice.
February 9, 2023
Insightful and validating!
March 4, 2023
Quick read. Very relatable. Funny. And helped me feel seen 🥹
December 4, 2020
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
As an introvert, this book is very relatable. The illustrations are simple but cute. Fun, quick read. It would make a good little gift or coffee table book.
As an introvert, this book is very relatable. The illustrations are simple but cute. Fun, quick read. It would make a good little gift or coffee table book.
February 10, 2022
A cute little book with illustrations that brought a smile to me when I was reading. Will certainly strike a chord if you are an introvert too :)
February 10, 2021
Introverts don’t have it easy. I am an introvert, and I remember as I was growing up, I was told over and over that I needed to speak up, go out, make more friends. But I didn’t want to. I just wanted to live my life my way, even if that meant I looked like a turtle pulling into its shell. I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid. I would have felt understood.
A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is a charming short book about being an introvert. What the turtle says about being an introvert is universal for those of us who prefer quiet solitude. He explains how he prefers to be alone, and shares that he likes art and music and potting plants.
He is drained by socializing, but he does enjoy conversations with close friends and family, and he enjoys quiet moments spent in the company of others. Loud noises are irritating, but the gentle sounds of nature are soothing and comforting. He is a good listener and wants to be a good friend but worries that he is misunderstood by others.
I’m using the pronoun “he” here for readability, but the book is told from the turtle’s perspective. All the statements are from the perspective of “I,” so a young female reading this could just as easily think of the turtle as a “she.” That’s one of the beautiful things about this book—it’s for any introvert, of any gender or any age. It rings true to us all.
The pages are filled with 2-color illustrations of turtle and his friends, giving a lightness to the words that come from a deep well within. Artist Ton Mak, who also wrote and illustrated A Sloth’s Guide to Mindfulness, shares her inner life with us through these pages, offering up an honest sense of introversion and how she interacts with the world.
Those who have trouble understanding why introverts don’t want to go out with them might use this book to build understanding and empathy for us quiet types. Introverts will read this and feel seen, and they can use it to help explain why they are the way they are and just how important solitude is to them. As I said, it would have helped me when I was younger, as I had extroverts in my family trying to get me to move outside of my comfort zone simply because they couldn’t understand my perspective.
A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is a quick read, but the ideas in these pages will resonate long after the book is closed. I loved this little book, with it’s whimsical illustrations and powerful insights. It would make a great gift for all ages, to celebrate the introverts and their special powers in a noisy world.
Egalleys for A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion were provided by Chronicle Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.
A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is a charming short book about being an introvert. What the turtle says about being an introvert is universal for those of us who prefer quiet solitude. He explains how he prefers to be alone, and shares that he likes art and music and potting plants.
He is drained by socializing, but he does enjoy conversations with close friends and family, and he enjoys quiet moments spent in the company of others. Loud noises are irritating, but the gentle sounds of nature are soothing and comforting. He is a good listener and wants to be a good friend but worries that he is misunderstood by others.
I’m using the pronoun “he” here for readability, but the book is told from the turtle’s perspective. All the statements are from the perspective of “I,” so a young female reading this could just as easily think of the turtle as a “she.” That’s one of the beautiful things about this book—it’s for any introvert, of any gender or any age. It rings true to us all.
The pages are filled with 2-color illustrations of turtle and his friends, giving a lightness to the words that come from a deep well within. Artist Ton Mak, who also wrote and illustrated A Sloth’s Guide to Mindfulness, shares her inner life with us through these pages, offering up an honest sense of introversion and how she interacts with the world.
Those who have trouble understanding why introverts don’t want to go out with them might use this book to build understanding and empathy for us quiet types. Introverts will read this and feel seen, and they can use it to help explain why they are the way they are and just how important solitude is to them. As I said, it would have helped me when I was younger, as I had extroverts in my family trying to get me to move outside of my comfort zone simply because they couldn’t understand my perspective.
A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is a quick read, but the ideas in these pages will resonate long after the book is closed. I loved this little book, with it’s whimsical illustrations and powerful insights. It would make a great gift for all ages, to celebrate the introverts and their special powers in a noisy world.
Egalleys for A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion were provided by Chronicle Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.
July 1, 2021
I was scrolling through Netgalley and this one jumped out at me , simply due to its name and cover. I had not read or seen any of Ton Mak's previous work, but I ended up picking this one!
I guess it was meant to be. I am not a full introvert but I do possess certain characteristics which make me relate to being one.
This was a very short and quick read. (took me a few minutes, that's all! )
The illustrations were cute and in context to the situation described. Ton Mak has brought out the essence of being an introvert exceptionally well in a few short sentences, none of which are preachy.
Through extremely relatable situations, she has brought forth the criticism and misunderstanding that a lot of introverts face and has effectively displayed an introvert's POV.
Peppered with humour, it covered my face with a lot of smiles and I found myself nodding along in agreement at many places.
Introverts, definitely go through a lot of turmoil as they learn to identify themselves as one and society does not make it easier for them. This short illustration, would definitely come as a soothing and insightful balm during such times.
It makes it easier for introverts to accept and understand themselves, and provides a boost to their confidence.
And the best part is, the book can be easily comprehended by an extrovert who wishes to or needs to understand the opposite type to a certain extent.
For the younger lot, I would definitely recommend this one as it is simple, informative, entertaining and gets the idea across in a very short span of time.
A growing child, irrespective of its personality, will benefit from being aware of the information presented here.
For adults too, it would work as a good reminder to accept themselves as they are and to celebrate their personality irrespective of what the rest might have to say about it.
On a side note, I especially loved the turtle and would love to experience this as an animation 😊
Thank you to Netgalley and Ton Mak for making this ARC available! It gave me a lovely few minutes this morning.
I guess it was meant to be. I am not a full introvert but I do possess certain characteristics which make me relate to being one.
This was a very short and quick read. (took me a few minutes, that's all! )
The illustrations were cute and in context to the situation described. Ton Mak has brought out the essence of being an introvert exceptionally well in a few short sentences, none of which are preachy.
Through extremely relatable situations, she has brought forth the criticism and misunderstanding that a lot of introverts face and has effectively displayed an introvert's POV.
Peppered with humour, it covered my face with a lot of smiles and I found myself nodding along in agreement at many places.
Introverts, definitely go through a lot of turmoil as they learn to identify themselves as one and society does not make it easier for them. This short illustration, would definitely come as a soothing and insightful balm during such times.
It makes it easier for introverts to accept and understand themselves, and provides a boost to their confidence.
And the best part is, the book can be easily comprehended by an extrovert who wishes to or needs to understand the opposite type to a certain extent.
For the younger lot, I would definitely recommend this one as it is simple, informative, entertaining and gets the idea across in a very short span of time.
A growing child, irrespective of its personality, will benefit from being aware of the information presented here.
For adults too, it would work as a good reminder to accept themselves as they are and to celebrate their personality irrespective of what the rest might have to say about it.
On a side note, I especially loved the turtle and would love to experience this as an animation 😊
Thank you to Netgalley and Ton Mak for making this ARC available! It gave me a lovely few minutes this morning.
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