#24--Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain

Last week during small group my friend RuthAnn recommended today's read to me.  It was an audio book that she had checked out from the local library and said she flew through it.  Since I was going to be traveling to my parents' house for the long weekend, she offered it to me for entertainment on the drive.

The author discusses the differences between introverts and extroverts and how individuals who fall into either category can understand and work with someone of the opposite temperament.  In Western culture (and American culture, more specifically), it is considered abnormal to be introverted, to need quiet time to recharge, despite the fact that at least 20% of the population would be considered to be introverts.  Cain uses anecdotal evidence of a number of famous people who are introverts: Steve Wozniak, Albert Einstein, JK Rowling, Dr. Seuss, Charles Schultz, JM Barrie, Gandhi, and many others.  Throughout the course of the book, a number of scientific studies are referenced and discussed as well as her personal research.

While listening to this book, I found myself often wanting to go back and re-read portions so that I could fully wrap my brain around the topic.  The narrator (Kathe Mazur) did a wonderful job with this book--the narrator can make or break an audio book--but there were times when my brain couldn't keep up with what she was saying.  This is a title that I would actually like to have in print so that I could go back and reread portions.

If you had asked me 20 years ago whether I was an introvert or an extrovert, I would have said that I was a little bit of both. Today, while I enjoy spending time with friends and family, I am much more an introvert than I ever was in high school.  This book provided me with insight into why I do some of the things I do and also gave me lots to think about as well.

If you are an introvert, you love an introvert, or even simply work with an introvert (and chances are you do), this book gives great insight into how an introvert thinks.  I would highly recommend this book!!!

Happy Reading!!