Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking in Book Riot's Read Harder Challenge

Jan 04, 2012 Shannon rated it it was amazing

Shelves: nonfiction

Quiet is an aptly named book that does exactly what its subtitle says it will: show us the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. What I found remarkable (as a lover of fiction, not non-fiction) is that Susan Cain does this in a highly readable and informative way. Cain’s chapters aren’t terribly lengthy and there are breaks within the chapters, which made it easy for me to stop reading after a few pages and not lose the flow of the book. The author weaves individual stories wit Quiet is an aptly named book that does exactly what its subtitle says it will: show us the power of introverts in a world that can’t stop talking. What I found remarkable (as a lover of fiction, not non-fiction) is that Susan Cain does this in a highly readable and informative way. Cain’s chapters aren’t terribly lengthy and there are breaks within the chapters, which made it easy for me to stop reading after a few pages and not lose the flow of the book. The author weaves individual stories with the broader purpose of the book, thereby ensuring that you never feel like you’re reading a textbook for a college psychology class.

I was fairly well versed in what it means to be an introvert before reading this book (having lived nearly four decades as one and having read a book or two about introversion before). If you’re like me, why read this book? Does it offer anything new? I would say it does: Cain makes clear the myriad ways our culture favors extroverts over introverts – from office plan lay-outs to group projects in school – and how easy it is for our culture to miss out on the gifts that introverts offer. As she outlined how difficult some of these things can be for introverts, I found it affirming to realize why certain things are harder for me than others.

I also thought Cain did an excellent job of encouraging introverts and extroverts to stretch their comfort zones when necessary. Can I learn something from my extrovert best friend? Absolutely. And she from me? Again, yes. I liked reading a book that never shamed me for being an introvert, but helped me see clearly some of the ways that I can grow as a person. I’ve seen in my own life that there are times when I’m willing to step outside of the shadows in order to do something important. This book encouraged me to find ways to manage my needs as an introvert with my passions.

My one disappointment was with the chapter on parenting an introverted child (Ch. 11, On Cobblers and Generals). Cain states outright that schools are designed for extroverts and says, “We tend to forget that there’s nothing sacrosanct about learning in large group classrooms, and that we organize students this way not because it’s the best way to learn but because it’s cost-efficient, and what else would we do with our children while the grown-ups are at work?” Yet Cain never mentions homeschooling as a viable and healthy opportunity for your introverted child. Instead, she recommends seeking a private or public school that is less aggressive and more accepting of a wide range of student personalities. I don’t homeschool because one of my daughters is an introvert and the other hovers between introversion and extroversion, but I do feel the slower pace, quieter surroundings and fewer stimuli are a gift to them.

Who should read this book? If you’re an introvert, read this book to see yourself a bit more clearly, to be encouraged, to be challenged to make a difference in the world with the unique set of gifts you have. If you’re an extrovert, read this book to understand the introverts in your world better. Whether you manage them, parent them or befriend them, it’s highly likely you have introverts in your life. And as this book will show you, your life is likely richer because of it. ...more

1 like · Like · see review

May 22, 2012 Christina rated it really liked it

Shelves: faves-would-read-again, psychology-refs

You know you have a good book when many pages are covered in highlights, underlining and notes like "wow!". I first discovered Susan Cain through her TED talk last year. The beautiful way she approaches the subject of introversion (and extroversion as well) is so well done. She doesn't sugar coat things, nor is she bashing extroverts in any way. Rather, she sheds light on many areas of strength that rarely get discussed. The book is chock full of research, so academics will enjoy, but it's writt ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Apr 15, 2012 Linda rated it really liked it

I bet the topic of this book, introverts vs. extroverts, would be
very familiar to a lot of the people on Goodreads! Not all readers
are introverts for sure, but it does take a lot of time alone to
do the reading most people on here indulge in. I wish I had read this
book many years ago when I was young and most teachers were not
that pleased to have studious students! They seemed to worry more
about the children that did not speak up a lot. Luckily, I did not
pay much attention to them and am still th ...more

Like · see review

Feb 22, 2014 Maegan rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: psychology

This book changed the way I see myself, and helped me to better understand "why am I like this"- especially the sections about highly sensitive people. No longer will I ask myself, "what's wrong with me?" It also helped me to better understand my child, and how to parent more effectively, which is always invaluable. ...more

Like · see review

Sep 13, 2012 Kim rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2012, history-social, nonfiction

The whole time I was reading this book, I was thinking "yes, yes, this is it exactly!" It comes very, very close to describing me to a T. I never even realized how nice it would feel to have something "normalize" my experience. Highly recommend this book to well, everyone, extroverts and introverts alike, because it gives both parties insight into the other and has the added benefit of giving introverts some ammunition to say "Hey! I'm just fine, thank you kindly!" when they feel pressured to be ...more

Like · see review