As an introverted person, I knew I would gain something by reading “Quiet” by Susan Cain. I had received this book as a gift about five years ago, but hadn’t gotten around to reading it until now. I think this was partly because I was sure I already knew everything the book was going to tell me, so what was the point? As it turns out, the book is rich in research and examples of how introverted people can harness their strengths and be a powerful force in this world.

The majority of the book examines case studies and examples of introverted people and traits typically associated with introversion such as shyness, introspection, and sensitivity. I enjoyed learning about the research, especially the sections discussing sensitivity to stimulus. It makes a lot of sense when I think back on my childhood and even the tendencies I have today. I was more reactive to new experiences, which is typical of introverted people. I learned a lot about myself through this book. However, about 2/3rds of the way though the book, I began to feel as if the examples were dragging on. Cain spends a lot of time discussing various research experiments – these were interesting in the beginning, but without some other substance or side story to encourage the reader to read on, they get monotonous.

In the final chapters of the book, however, Cain redeems herself. Finally, the research is over and the real advice can begin. Cain gives recommendations to teachers, schools, parents, spouses, and individuals who are themselves or love a person who is introverted. This is the part of the book I was expecting more of. I enjoyed reading about how to make the most of my talents and bring those out in the young people I work with as well. It is so engrained in our learning culture that students need to be outgoing and “talk more” to learn. But this is not true for many students and I will be careful from now on to tailor my interactions with classes (informal) to cater to both the strengths of extroverts and the strengths of introverts.

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Created Mar 07, 2020 at 4:46pm • Submit your own review...