An evocative and compelling start of a revolution to unlock the power and understanding of introverts.
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SUMMARY
At least one-third to one-half of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to socializing, and working on their own to working in teams. Many of society’s great contributors are introverts: Rosa Parks, Gandhi, Chopin, Theo Geisel, Warren Buffett, Steve Wozniak and Eleanor Rosevelt. In QUIET, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue the traits and capability of introverts and she shows us how much we lose in doing so. She offers advice to introverts and urges changes in the workplace, in schools and in parenting.
“The secret to life is to put yourself in the right lighting. For some it’s a Broadway spotlight; for others, a lamp lit desk.
REVIEW
What if everyone was an extrovert? According to composer Allen Shawn “A species in which everyone was General Patton would not succeed, anymore than would a race in which everyone was Vincent Van Gogh.” Introverts are needed for their creativity, careful analysis and thoughtfulness. Susan Cain does a superb job at identifying the strengths and weakness of both introverts and extroverts.
There were several things I liked about this smartly structured and thought-provoking book. Cain provides a clear explanation of the societal benefits of introverts with real world examples throughout history. QUIET is weighted with research in biology, psychology, and neuroscience demonstrating the value of introverts.
Of particular interest were Cain’s chapters on extroverts who are the parents of introverts, and the issue of schools and classes being designed in such a way that favors extroverts. Having raised a introverted son, I can certainly attest to the exhaustion my son felt after a day at school. QUIET is essential reading for introverts, parents of introverts, and spouses of introverts. It should also be read by teachers, counselors, and employers, so just about everyone! This is a worthy addition to any library.
Author Susan Cain Went to Princeton University and Harvard Law School. She is an introvert who practiced law for seven years before becoming a writer. she is cofounder of Quiet Revolution and has also written Quiet Power; The Secret Strength of Introverts. QUIET has been awarded the Guardian First Book Award for Long List (2012), Andrew Carnegie Medal for Nonfiction (Shortlist) (2015), Goodreads Choice Award for Best Nonfiction (2012). Check out her TED talk: The Power of Introverts.
Publisher Crown Publisher
Publication Date January 24, 2012
“There is zero correlation between being the best talker and having the best ideas.”
BlueStocking Book Club Reviews
QUIET was the June 2018 selection for the BlueStocking Book Club. Here are some thoughts and opinions from a few of the members:
“The book was engaging, thought-provoking, and well-researched. QUIET not only gave me some valuable insights into myself, it also helped me better understand some of my very favorite introverts AND extroverts, including my husband, son, and close friends.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ D.D.G.
“Insightful analysis of interactional styles. A must read for teachers!” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A.R.
“I thought the book was well researched, interesting and well written. It’s obvious that the author cares very much for the subject. She uses good examples from her own experiences and mentions numerous research studies and results.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A.M.
“A talented and well researched author who explains the special gifts of introverts, who comprise one-third to one-half of the population. Cain further describes how introverts and extroverts compliment each other and make powerful relationships and work teams.” ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ M.H.