So interesting and relevant to my life. My husband is an introvert and I'm the extrovert. However, I found Susan's description of most introverts being highly reactive people not to be consistent with the introvert in my life, but actually myself. I now want to read the book instead of listen because I wanted to write notes down, but couldn't because I was listening while driving, walking/working out, etc. Very incitefull!

So nice to read a book empowering introverts and reminding me that it’s common. Also nice to read that although workplaces and schools are designed for extroverts there’s ways to make it work for you and to accept what you can bring. Sometimes you forget that being an introvert is more than ok and not everyone has to be the same. The only reason I rated it lower was because I did struggle with all the studies introduced because it got quite wordy and I would fight through a bit to find the result.

Interesting insights in this book, especially around effectiveness of introvert managers and extrovert managers for different types of employees -- and the studies around sensitivity. However, it's clear this author has an axe to grind with extroverts. I'm about as introverted as they come, so I know the difficulties of working and living with extroverts. But this author writes as if there are almost no redeeming qualities about extroverts, which frankly makes it difficult to trust her and take her seriously. Also, though I know she provides her own definition of "introvert and extrovert", not following the traditional Myers-Briggs definition also weakens her case. Her definitions simply extend the stereotypes of introvert and extrovert -- and that's the most disturbing part of this book. Under her definition, if I'm identified as an introvert, I'm not simply someone who gets energy from introspection and thought -- I'm shy, socially awkward, can't work when there's lots of noise, and, particularly if I'm a man, I'm thin, pale, unathletic, and I wear glasses. (Don't worry, the definition of extrovert is even less flattering.) This is a great topic, and when she's writing about actual research, there are interesting insights. But it was difficult (sometimes infuriating) to wade through all the emotional baggage the author was clearly carrying.

Definitely a very biased book… and sometimes I questioned the validity of it. But my takeaway was that I felt validated that introversion is not an inherent weakness in me and others, and to see the value of it as a common trait. It is easy to feel like introversion is a negative thing in the US, so its nice to be reminded that introverts are valued and needed in society. It helped reframe introversion to be something to be proud of rather than ashamed.

Very interesting points about introverts and how conventional thinking might undermine them in exchange for more extroverted characters.

Not a quick or easy read, but very enlightening. Highly recommended for anyone who works in groups, or for teachers and parents.

I am so glad I found this book.

When I was in elementary school, I remember being painfully shy. I always felt like things I said were weird, and I remember feeling uncomfortable in my own skin. I got great grades, and in sixth grade, I stayed in with my teacher during recess, because I thought we had better conversations than my peers and I did.

Now, at the age of 27, I'm much more secure. I am still very weird. My friends make fun of me, because I never want to make plans. I can not see a friend for a year (or several), and still feel as connected to them as anyone else. I am constantly getting picked on for "never coming out". For a long time, and even until recently, I've felt guilty about needing completely open time. If I know, for example, that I have work for three days in a row, I absolutely need a majority of the evenings to read, cook, exercise, or spend time with my family or boyfriend. (The busier I am, even with fun things, the more exhausted I feel).

My inner world is so exciting. I see beauty in the sky and the moon. I read poetry and dive into books. I read research every day. I am scared by sudden noises, and there is nothing worse than a person that speaks loudly. All of this, and my friends consider me an outgoing, friendly, kind, extrovert. Honestly, the best friends I have are online, (I feel like there are so few people "like" me).

Maybe that's why I've been so confused. Oh my gosh, I needed a self-help book! :)

Thank you, Susan Cain, for pointing out that all introverts are not shy. I am one of THOSE, and knowing it has brought me so much freedom. The best thing about this book is how well researched it is. I love reading about studies on introversion/extroversion, how people function with their desire to withdraw at times, and how people find success in their balance between introversion and extroversion.

Being a nurse, I need to be talkative and friendly. I couldn't be happier with my job, and I love people! When I come home, though, I am finished (in a good way.) I want to read, walk outside, pet my cat Lucy, and maybe talk to my Brother. Now I know, hey, that's okay. I'm just different (like 1/2 - 1/3 of the population!) haha.

My favorite non-fiction read in quite a while. I found myself saying, "Yes, exactly!" quite often. I'm an introvert who was blessed to grow up in a home where introversion was valued, but I see so many who feel inferior because they don't enjoy loud, people-filled times.
Admittedly it was biased toward the introvert, and there were times when the reporting seemed to skip "the other side of the story", but I did even find a few hints on understanding my extroverted husband and why he works the way he does sometimes. I also found ideas for helping my introverted kiddos harness and appreciate their power.

I especially appreciated the section on the changes in our culture from one of Character to one of Personality... especially as seen in the evangelical movement.

I have several people in my life, both introverts and extroverts, to whom I'll be recommending this book.