Quiet

If you’re a strong, silent type who wants to feel understood, affirmed, and—most important—capable of leadership, you can’t do better than Quiet. With a psychologist’s insight into human character and a storyteller’s panache, Susan Cain demonstrates just how (quietly) effective we introverts can be. I loved her opening story of a reserved young lawyer who wins the day in a fierce negotiation; also her debunking of myths about this oft-overlooked third of the population. Weak? Antisocial? Timid followers? No way. Introverts rule.

I felt like this book peered into my soul. I count myself among the 70 percent of highly sensitive people who are also introverted. That means I need time to think before I act and more space to adjust to changes. I tend to be more reflective, serious, and dislike being observed and being the center of attention. Before reading Quiet, I assumed that these qualities were character faults. But now I understand that they are not only part of my wiring, but that they can also be my greatest superpowers. I love Cain’s use of engaging stories and… show more.

My doctor and therapist, a clinical Psychologist, recommended I read this book. Because she thought it would help me understand people who are fundamentally different from me - introverts. She was right. This book opened my eyes to an entirely novel way of experiencing the environment. I am an extrovert.

I have been called "pig-headed, arrogant, narcissistic, [and] just like your father." This, by a woman I once loved. Okay, by more than one. My doctor doesn’t disagree.

Susan Cain's book is important. She wrote it to empower introverts. However, I think extroverts should also read it. Quiet could be… show more.

I’m sure Susan’s book, Quiet, has shown up on other lists. It probably deserves to be on all of the lists. Am I an introvert? Over the years, I’ve been fortunate enough to become friends with Susan, and she would joke that I’m not an introvert… just socially awkward. Putting our friendship aside, this book helped to ground me, my work, my process, and how to be at peace with content creation (which is mostly a lonely and isolated experience). Great work comes from digging deep… knowing who you really are (and finding acceptance in that) is a huge… show more.

What re-charges extroverts, drains introverts, and vice versa. Extroverts like to “talk” about problems – often over and over as they process their thoughts. Introverts like to “think” about problems and then talk about them – once. An understanding AND appreciation of individual differences are foundational to building a healthy family. In Quiet, Susan Cain provides readers with practical tools for negotiating differences and effective teaching strategies to empower introverted children to thrive in an extroverted world. I love her strength-based approach!

I write letters mostly to dead guys who aren’t about to answer any time soon (but then I wait for years before sending my love letter to André Aciman, who is alive and willing to answer)? I swim wearing my glasses and a hat. I don’t step on a plane without my Magic Flying Shirt and “I am calm” socks. Am I an introvert? Or just offbeat?

This book is helping me understand many things about myself, others, and how the world is organized so that the loudest mouths are too often considered the best leaders even though their ideas… show more.

Quiet is an essential book for extroverts. It brings insight into the power of the introvert mind and the value they offer. It will help close the gap and improve communication between these opposing personality types.