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Sensitive: The Hidden Strength of Sensitivity & Empathy
'Written with such understanding and power it takes your breath away' - JEREMY VINEDISCOVER THE TRANSFORMATIVE POWER OF SENSITIVITYHave you even been told you are being 'too sensitive'? That you should develop a thicker skin? Society tells us that it's bad to be too soft, or feel too much. But is it?Hannah Jane Walker, a highly sensitive person, has spent years researching sensitivity. Drawing on a wide range of experts, ideas and experiences, Hannah challenges the myth that sensitivity is something negative, and seeks an answer to the how useful is sensitivity to the world, and what is it for?Hannah discovers that high sensitivity is sometimes connected to higher levels of empathy, emotional intelligence and creativity, and that whatever our level of sensitivity, it can be beneficial for us all. Society has undervalued sensitivity, teaching us that only the tough succeed, but this book seeks to change that story. Sensitivity is not a weakness or something to be ashamed of, but an invaluable form of strength, offering so many new ways of looking at the world.
- GenresNonfiction
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 3, 2022
15 people are currently reading
130 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
May 3, 2022
I was really excited to pick this up because it was something I had been thinking about for a long time - and I had put in a lot of work to see my sensitivity as extremely valuable and a strength. The way this book was set up felt like it was going to informative and in depth about the ways sensitivity is a strength and show concrete examples…
However what it actually was, was a woman spending 280 pages validating herself.. it kind of felt like reading her personal journal because of how incredibly repetitive it was. Even though there was different chapters, the messages and content were very samey and I don’t think I could draw distinctly different conclusions from each chapter
Maybe because I have a psychology background a lot of this wasn’t new to me and others without it might find it a bit more interesting but even then you will learn everything in the first couple of chapters and then just have it repeated and inserted in various personal anecdotes and validation needs
I was really disappointed with this book and wish the blurb/intro/contents was more true to what it actually is so I wouldn’t have bought it
However what it actually was, was a woman spending 280 pages validating herself.. it kind of felt like reading her personal journal because of how incredibly repetitive it was. Even though there was different chapters, the messages and content were very samey and I don’t think I could draw distinctly different conclusions from each chapter
Maybe because I have a psychology background a lot of this wasn’t new to me and others without it might find it a bit more interesting but even then you will learn everything in the first couple of chapters and then just have it repeated and inserted in various personal anecdotes and validation needs
I was really disappointed with this book and wish the blurb/intro/contents was more true to what it actually is so I wouldn’t have bought it
February 27, 2023
In Sensitive, Hannah Jane Walker explores what it means to feel emotions keenly and be highly attuned to what’s going on around you, in a world that gives the biggest rewards to those who immediately jump in, shout the loudest, and make quick, confident decisions.
The more sensitive among us are given the message from a young age that there’s something wrong with us, and that we need to deny our true natures and “toughen up” if we’re going to get anywhere in life.
By examining her own experiences and talking to a selection of experts, Walker discovers that, while the trait of sensitivity hasn’t been given its due in recent times, it hasn’t necessarily always been undervalued, and could well be regarded as a valuable asset in the future - but in order to achieve that, we need to change the narrative.
As someone who’s very sensitive, I found myself going ‘yes, same here!’ a lot while reading about the author’s experiences, which felt very validating.
Can’t just “put up” with loud noises and strong smells like everyone else seems to be able to? Check.
Can’t think straight if there’s too much chat going on around me at once? Check.
Feel disturbed if there’s conflict or bad vibes between individuals in my environment, even if it’s nothing to do with me? Check.
Dwell for ages on criticisms, slights, and insults that most people seem to just shrug off? Check, check, check.
By interviewing Prof Michael Pluess, Walker discovers that sensitivity is regarded as a scale, rather than a binary - which makes total sense, as I couldn’t relate to everything she described. I don’t share her high level of interoception (as long as my basic needs are met, I’m only really aware of my body if something hurts), and haven’t had anything like her more spooky, difficult-to-explain experiences.
Something else that made me punch the air while reading this book were the views of Walker and some of the experts she interviewed that the education system just isn’t set up for more sensitive children.
As someone who spent a whole term of primary school hoping to stay home sick because I was scared of a teacher who’d shouted at me; purposely avoided playgrounds, dining halls and common rooms because there was too much going on; dreaded groupwork because I was so conscious of the personalities and relationships in my form; and frequently got behind in food tech or science classes because I was so careful about following the instructions - absolutely!
I could also concur with Walker and her interviewees that more sensitive people end up in lower-paid jobs. This is not only because people who come across as confident, commanding, and relatively unshakeable are more likely to put themselves forward for, and attain, leadership positions, but because those who think and feel deeply are particularly likely to be attracted to jobs that involve caring for or nurturing others which are traditionally poorly-paid.
I did disagree, though, that science is a career that’s especially attractive to less sensitive individuals, as it can involve a lot of careful, patient observation. I also reckon that a fair proportion of people go into, for example, bio/medical science, animal science, and environmental science because they really care about people, animals, and the planet, rather than for adulation or material gain.
I imagine (or, at least, hope!) that there are more high-sensitivity types in science, than there are low-sensitivity types who work as carers, nurses or teachers because they like having power over other people, as opposed to helping them.
Other aspects of this book that stood out to me were the discussions of how being told you’re sensitive affects your self-esteem, as it makes you think you’re wrong to be the way you are; and the idea that we need to change the narrative by telling children it’s actually good to be sensitive, and shouting more about the benefits highly sensitive people bring to any setting.
These put me in mind of my PhD research, where I found that only children internalise the negative messages they are given about what it means to be an only child, and this can affect how they think and talk about themselves and their childhoods.
Furthermore, just as Sensitive aims to change how people think about sensitivity, some of the contemporary-ish books on only-childhood I read for my thesis critically examined stereotypes and put forward alternative, more positive ideas.
I was naturally fascinated by Walker’s interviews with experts about how sensitivity may have been considered a more desirable trait in the past, and how it’s valued and rewarded in different societies and cultures. However, I do think that having a past-present-future (or present-past-future) structure to the book might have made this information more cohesive and impactful, and avoided some repetition and jumping back and forth.
I’d have also liked to have seen some consideration of intersectionality - for example, are highly sensitive Black people perceived and treated differently from highly sensitive white people? Can girls and women “get away” with showing they’re highly sensitive in a way that boys and men can’t?
Sensitive is interesting and validating, and gave me a lot to think about.
The more sensitive among us are given the message from a young age that there’s something wrong with us, and that we need to deny our true natures and “toughen up” if we’re going to get anywhere in life.
By examining her own experiences and talking to a selection of experts, Walker discovers that, while the trait of sensitivity hasn’t been given its due in recent times, it hasn’t necessarily always been undervalued, and could well be regarded as a valuable asset in the future - but in order to achieve that, we need to change the narrative.
As someone who’s very sensitive, I found myself going ‘yes, same here!’ a lot while reading about the author’s experiences, which felt very validating.
Can’t just “put up” with loud noises and strong smells like everyone else seems to be able to? Check.
Can’t think straight if there’s too much chat going on around me at once? Check.
Feel disturbed if there’s conflict or bad vibes between individuals in my environment, even if it’s nothing to do with me? Check.
Dwell for ages on criticisms, slights, and insults that most people seem to just shrug off? Check, check, check.
By interviewing Prof Michael Pluess, Walker discovers that sensitivity is regarded as a scale, rather than a binary - which makes total sense, as I couldn’t relate to everything she described. I don’t share her high level of interoception (as long as my basic needs are met, I’m only really aware of my body if something hurts), and haven’t had anything like her more spooky, difficult-to-explain experiences.
Something else that made me punch the air while reading this book were the views of Walker and some of the experts she interviewed that the education system just isn’t set up for more sensitive children.
As someone who spent a whole term of primary school hoping to stay home sick because I was scared of a teacher who’d shouted at me; purposely avoided playgrounds, dining halls and common rooms because there was too much going on; dreaded groupwork because I was so conscious of the personalities and relationships in my form; and frequently got behind in food tech or science classes because I was so careful about following the instructions - absolutely!
I could also concur with Walker and her interviewees that more sensitive people end up in lower-paid jobs. This is not only because people who come across as confident, commanding, and relatively unshakeable are more likely to put themselves forward for, and attain, leadership positions, but because those who think and feel deeply are particularly likely to be attracted to jobs that involve caring for or nurturing others which are traditionally poorly-paid.
I did disagree, though, that science is a career that’s especially attractive to less sensitive individuals, as it can involve a lot of careful, patient observation. I also reckon that a fair proportion of people go into, for example, bio/medical science, animal science, and environmental science because they really care about people, animals, and the planet, rather than for adulation or material gain.
I imagine (or, at least, hope!) that there are more high-sensitivity types in science, than there are low-sensitivity types who work as carers, nurses or teachers because they like having power over other people, as opposed to helping them.
Other aspects of this book that stood out to me were the discussions of how being told you’re sensitive affects your self-esteem, as it makes you think you’re wrong to be the way you are; and the idea that we need to change the narrative by telling children it’s actually good to be sensitive, and shouting more about the benefits highly sensitive people bring to any setting.
These put me in mind of my PhD research, where I found that only children internalise the negative messages they are given about what it means to be an only child, and this can affect how they think and talk about themselves and their childhoods.
Furthermore, just as Sensitive aims to change how people think about sensitivity, some of the contemporary-ish books on only-childhood I read for my thesis critically examined stereotypes and put forward alternative, more positive ideas.
I was naturally fascinated by Walker’s interviews with experts about how sensitivity may have been considered a more desirable trait in the past, and how it’s valued and rewarded in different societies and cultures. However, I do think that having a past-present-future (or present-past-future) structure to the book might have made this information more cohesive and impactful, and avoided some repetition and jumping back and forth.
I’d have also liked to have seen some consideration of intersectionality - for example, are highly sensitive Black people perceived and treated differently from highly sensitive white people? Can girls and women “get away” with showing they’re highly sensitive in a way that boys and men can’t?
Sensitive is interesting and validating, and gave me a lot to think about.
March 3, 2023
This could have been tailor made for me, I'm like the most sensitive person EVER! I take everything to heart, misconstrue what's being said to me and since the pandemic, my anxiety and weight gain has knocked my self esteem and confidence out the door.
It veers between a self help book/memoir as the author talks a lot of her and her daughters struggle with sensitivity. I found so much relatable and it also makes you feel less that you're not alone.
The second part of the book delves a little deeper and with scientific help theories on being sensitive are discussed.
Sensitive is definitely a book that I will be dipping into again in the future.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
It veers between a self help book/memoir as the author talks a lot of her and her daughters struggle with sensitivity. I found so much relatable and it also makes you feel less that you're not alone.
The second part of the book delves a little deeper and with scientific help theories on being sensitive are discussed.
Sensitive is definitely a book that I will be dipping into again in the future.
Many thanks to Random Things Tours for my tour spot.
Rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐
February 2, 2024
This was like reading someone's unedited journal. There are useful thoughts for sure, for instance how schools over-focus on competition and teach us to confuse excellence with winning. I think this book is for someone who seeks validation and not practical advice.
May 30, 2022
Entrevistas largas y aburridas, demasiado de la vida de la autora que también era aburrida y ningún insight práctico sobre cómo explotar el potencial de las personas sensibles.
April 12, 2022
If you want a read on what it means to be sensitive and how it benefits society, this book is for you. I was anticipating it having more in the way of practical advice around how to navigate the modern world as an HSP, but instead just gives you a bunch of reasons why it’s a positive thing, and no words of wisdom on how to manage the challenges that come with being sensitive. It felt as though the author just needed to validate this trait for herself and her daughter, but as a reader I didn’t get anything from the more passive approach and will continue to search for content with more action oriented content on the topic.
April 11, 2022
This book is great, I really loved reading this - and it felt so so good to read a book that understand the sensitive person. It made me feel seen and heard.
I felt like I was in a therapy session when reading this.
I got so much from it, and there is so much info in it!
Thoroughly recommend!
I felt like I was in a therapy session when reading this.
I got so much from it, and there is so much info in it!
Thoroughly recommend!
August 16, 2022
An important subject and the author raises some interesting ideas and suggestions for sensitive people. Unfortunately it needed a good edit and didn't get one.
April 3, 2023
“the first sign of a civilisation is a broken femur which has healed” 🤯
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February 27, 2023As someone who suffers from anxiety (and sometimes depression) lately in trying to manage my behaviours, via CBT, meditation, yoga etc it made me look at myself a lot more than I usually would, over sensitive is something I’ve had thrown at me often when people have upset me, wether by what they said or how they treated me, or reacting to other’s emotions, most of my life I’ve thought it was me that was at fault, couldn’t cope or had issues others weren’t dealing with. It’s only the last few years I’ve begun to challenge that thinking and reading this book is part of that, learning to accept me and what I am, sensitive and it’s a good thing to be.
The synopsis for this book is what drew me in, hoping to add to my self education and self acceptance, especially since the author herself is a HSP, (highly sensitive person) its only via self help books and online I discovered I was too. I love the fact she highlights the powers and strengths our sensitivity’s give us, such as empathy and realising that makes me better at my job in different ways to others, I’m more approachable, I consider how others are feeling etc.
This book to me wasn’t a self help book, a guide or useful text, to me it was like reading about myself, looking into a mirror and finding myself reflected back and waving at me saying, you’re ok, you’re normal, you’re great as you are. It’s such a comfort to someone like me with anxiety going on their discovery journey that books like this are being written. That I know now from talking and being open about my mental health that others are overwhelmed at times too, it’s ok, we are wired this way and it’s fine. I’m fine as I am, I’m better than fine. I’m happy being called over sensitive, woke, a snowflake, because I’m proud of those things and I have things to contribute to society and the world at large with my sensitivity.
This book is wonderful, if you are sensitive I fully recommend reading this, if you have anyone in your life who is sensitive you need to read this and if you’ve ever called somebody over sensitive then you definitely need this more than anyone. Beautifully written, this is a book I will definitely be returning to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The synopsis for this book is what drew me in, hoping to add to my self education and self acceptance, especially since the author herself is a HSP, (highly sensitive person) its only via self help books and online I discovered I was too. I love the fact she highlights the powers and strengths our sensitivity’s give us, such as empathy and realising that makes me better at my job in different ways to others, I’m more approachable, I consider how others are feeling etc.
This book to me wasn’t a self help book, a guide or useful text, to me it was like reading about myself, looking into a mirror and finding myself reflected back and waving at me saying, you’re ok, you’re normal, you’re great as you are. It’s such a comfort to someone like me with anxiety going on their discovery journey that books like this are being written. That I know now from talking and being open about my mental health that others are overwhelmed at times too, it’s ok, we are wired this way and it’s fine. I’m fine as I am, I’m better than fine. I’m happy being called over sensitive, woke, a snowflake, because I’m proud of those things and I have things to contribute to society and the world at large with my sensitivity.
This book is wonderful, if you are sensitive I fully recommend reading this, if you have anyone in your life who is sensitive you need to read this and if you’ve ever called somebody over sensitive then you definitely need this more than anyone. Beautifully written, this is a book I will definitely be returning to.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 26, 2023
As someone who has been told for the majority of my life that I am too sensitive, I was totally intrigued by the blurb for this book. I have in recent years discovered for myself that it can be a blessing rather than the curse I was led to believe it was.
Hannah herself is a HSP, (highly sensitive person) and it was through therapy that I discovered that I was a HSP also. Like Hannah writes we are often told we are too soft, need to toughen up and feel too much, but these traits are often really useful and I know from experience being a line manager enabled me to use my empathy and sensitivity in a positive way. This book is a guide, a reflective text, and an oh goodness that is so me !
I was really interested in reading about other people’s experiences and how things like being overwhelmed at times that I have always accepted as part of me, are in fact part of being sensitive.
The format of the book is really accessible and I found the interviews that Hannah carries out very absorbing and some of the techniques that are discussed in the book, such as self care and self soothing were familiar and are vital. It also reminded me of things that I could practice more that self compassion and rest. I know that this will be a book that not only do I refer to for myself but will recommend to others who are HSPs also.
I am so pleased that there is a book available that addresses so many of the traits that sensitive people live with in a positive and informative way, and allowed me to think that it should be celebrated and embraced not shied away from. A book to read if you are a HSP, if you know or live with HSP’s or just because you are interested. A really thought provoking and informative book.
Hannah herself is a HSP, (highly sensitive person) and it was through therapy that I discovered that I was a HSP also. Like Hannah writes we are often told we are too soft, need to toughen up and feel too much, but these traits are often really useful and I know from experience being a line manager enabled me to use my empathy and sensitivity in a positive way. This book is a guide, a reflective text, and an oh goodness that is so me !
I was really interested in reading about other people’s experiences and how things like being overwhelmed at times that I have always accepted as part of me, are in fact part of being sensitive.
The format of the book is really accessible and I found the interviews that Hannah carries out very absorbing and some of the techniques that are discussed in the book, such as self care and self soothing were familiar and are vital. It also reminded me of things that I could practice more that self compassion and rest. I know that this will be a book that not only do I refer to for myself but will recommend to others who are HSPs also.
I am so pleased that there is a book available that addresses so many of the traits that sensitive people live with in a positive and informative way, and allowed me to think that it should be celebrated and embraced not shied away from. A book to read if you are a HSP, if you know or live with HSP’s or just because you are interested. A really thought provoking and informative book.
March 1, 2023
Originally published here: https://joyfulantidotes.com/2023/02/2...
I really enjoyed this book. As a generally sensitive, introverted, quiet person, I’m so happy that there is a book like this. Up until my 30s I felt misunderstood and that I was being unfairly held back because I wasn’t the same as others. It took meeting people who were open and supportive to help me accept myself and thrive.
That’s the main reason I recommend this book. It’s vital to understand highly sensitive people. While in the past we applauded assertiveness and a hardcore desire to get ahead, with today’s younger generation, we are moving more towards values like empathy. The author of Sensitive does a great job is helping us understand what we are missing by not valuing highly sensitive people.
This book is not really offering advice or any solutions to being a highly sensitive person. It’s more about learning what high sensitivity is, where it can fit in and why. It’s very refreshing as it really sticks to the point that we shouldn’t have to change who we are to fit in. This book gave me more strength in myself by showing support and understanding than by “advising” what I should do.
Even if you or someone close to you isn’t highly sensitive and you just have a general interest in the topic, it’s a very well researched and articulated book. You can really se the dedication the author put into writing this wonderful book.
I really enjoyed this book. As a generally sensitive, introverted, quiet person, I’m so happy that there is a book like this. Up until my 30s I felt misunderstood and that I was being unfairly held back because I wasn’t the same as others. It took meeting people who were open and supportive to help me accept myself and thrive.
That’s the main reason I recommend this book. It’s vital to understand highly sensitive people. While in the past we applauded assertiveness and a hardcore desire to get ahead, with today’s younger generation, we are moving more towards values like empathy. The author of Sensitive does a great job is helping us understand what we are missing by not valuing highly sensitive people.
This book is not really offering advice or any solutions to being a highly sensitive person. It’s more about learning what high sensitivity is, where it can fit in and why. It’s very refreshing as it really sticks to the point that we shouldn’t have to change who we are to fit in. This book gave me more strength in myself by showing support and understanding than by “advising” what I should do.
Even if you or someone close to you isn’t highly sensitive and you just have a general interest in the topic, it’s a very well researched and articulated book. You can really se the dedication the author put into writing this wonderful book.
August 13, 2023
At first, this book felt like a warm hug for sensitive people - great result.
I was enjoying the read, but it started dragging a bit with repetitiveness, which did spoil it a little bit for me.
The book can be summed up in one sentence: highly sensitive people are undervalued in society and seen as weak, but they actually have an amazing gift, which has immense value in the world, especially for the future good of civilisation and the planet.
X
I was enjoying the read, but it started dragging a bit with repetitiveness, which did spoil it a little bit for me.
The book can be summed up in one sentence: highly sensitive people are undervalued in society and seen as weak, but they actually have an amazing gift, which has immense value in the world, especially for the future good of civilisation and the planet.
X
October 17, 2022
I really enjoyed the first half, and especially the chapter on sensitive challenges. But the second half was more of her own exploration into theories behind sensitivity and talking to scientists, which I didn’t appreciate as much.
August 12, 2025
I feel like the author should understand that a LOT of the traits are actually autistic traits. She mentions that they overlap, but actually the book was basically about autism (as an autistic person).
Read
July 19, 2022I was hoping it would be more of a practical advice book
July 31, 2024
It was written with sensitivity and also very well documented! I really recommend it to anyone who feels that the world sometimes it’s too much and overwhelming.
April 21, 2025
A journey is a modern cliche but the story of how this comes about is as fascinating as the research that ensues. if it isn't you then you will know someone who is.
July 16, 2023
Hannah has thoughtfully curated and written what I consider to be a really important and empowering manifesto, exploring, unpacking and ultimately proving that sensitivity is in fact, a strength as opposed to the log held societal view of it being a weakness. Having been an "oversensitive" and highly functioning, anxiety ridden person my whole life. Often being dismissed, discounted, and underrated. I really resonated with and relate to Hannah's story and experiences.
I really liked the balance of Hannah's lived experiences alongside the input of experts. The sheer scale and depth of Hannah's research is clear. Easily creating thought and emotion provoking ideas, arguments, empathy, sympathy, and ultimately re-igniting a little fire within me to speak and live my truth with validity, hope, and confidence. But more importantly, reducing the all-encompassing and often repressing devil, that is doubt.
I've read a lot of reviews that have said the book is just a tool that Hannah used to only validate her own experiences. But for me, that's the whole point of Hannah sharing her journey and the knowledge she has gained by doing so, encourages and allows us to validate our own thoughts, feelings an journeys, past, present and future. Giving sensitivity and anxiety a voice and validity, in a society that still largely believes that these things are a weakness and can be cast and moulded into a perfectly square box. Which is far from the case.
It is a book that should definitely be used as an educational tool learning facilities, workplaces, homes, and health care providers everywhere.
Hannah really gives her readers a sense of hope and the chance to feel like a part of something positive and powerful, rather than an embarrassing, largely misunderstood and misrepresented condition.
I really liked the balance of Hannah's lived experiences alongside the input of experts. The sheer scale and depth of Hannah's research is clear. Easily creating thought and emotion provoking ideas, arguments, empathy, sympathy, and ultimately re-igniting a little fire within me to speak and live my truth with validity, hope, and confidence. But more importantly, reducing the all-encompassing and often repressing devil, that is doubt.
I've read a lot of reviews that have said the book is just a tool that Hannah used to only validate her own experiences. But for me, that's the whole point of Hannah sharing her journey and the knowledge she has gained by doing so, encourages and allows us to validate our own thoughts, feelings an journeys, past, present and future. Giving sensitivity and anxiety a voice and validity, in a society that still largely believes that these things are a weakness and can be cast and moulded into a perfectly square box. Which is far from the case.
It is a book that should definitely be used as an educational tool learning facilities, workplaces, homes, and health care providers everywhere.
Hannah really gives her readers a sense of hope and the chance to feel like a part of something positive and powerful, rather than an embarrassing, largely misunderstood and misrepresented condition.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews