Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
Susan Cain is one of the most respected authorities on introversion and she does not disappoint with this book. The is a great read for anyone who has ever wondered why they don’t necessarily “fit in” with the crowd, especially those of us who work in corporate America. If you are an introvert, this book will not only help you find acceptance within yourself but it will also help to validate and strengthen who you are as an individual. It provides excellent insight, backed by plenty of scientific research into the mind of an introvert.
It also dispels many misguided beliefs and lists the absolute strengths of an introverted personality. The author provides quite an impressive list of achievements given to the world by introverts; achievements such as the theory of gravity, theory of relativity, Chopin’s nocturnes, and even Google. Whether you are a person coming to terms with your introverted nature, or someone seeking to understand an important introvert in your life, this book is a must read.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
by Stephen Chbosky
While this book by Stephen Chbosky is not primarily geared toward the subject of introversion, the primary character, Charlie, brings the subject to life in a captivating way. Charlie is an introvert who has chosen to take a backseat approach to life. The story follows Charlie as he experiences his firsts life lessons, discovers repressed childhood memories, and tries to come to grips with the person he really is.
Chbosky takes the reader through some seriously deep subjects such as eating disorders, abortion, drug use, and even suicide. Charlie takes the reader with him through his times of depression, isolation, struggle to make friends, and the many difficulties of teen adolescence. This book will provoke you to look at those around you in a completely different way and to approach life with a different perspective, accepting all of the ups, downs, and unexpected turns that life can throw at us.
Walden
by Henry David Thoreau
It seems that people either love this book or hate it. I loved it and I think most who consider themselves to be introverts will appreciate most of the views that Thoreau expresses in Walden. He complains of too much noise in the world and decides to go it alone, literally. He built (with his own hands) a cabin in the middle of the woods on Walden Pond in Massachusetts. He completely disconnected from society for more than two years and even ate from the land on which he lived.
This book resonates with me because I have often had similar thoughts, especially when the hustle and bustle of daily life gets to be too much. Sometimes, it takes more than sitting alone in a Starbucks or the quiet confines of my bedroom to recharge. Walden agreed and decided to remove it all, or at least remove himself from the business of the world. If you should ever decide to spend some time alone, take this book with you and it will give you an indulgence like you have never experienced before.
The Introvert Advantage: How Quiet People Can Thrive in an Extrovert World
by Marti Olsen Laney Psy.D.
This book explores the important areas of life that we all deal with. Issues such as parenting, marriage, work, and socializing as an introvert. Many people, introverts included, do not necessarily find the characteristics of introversion to be positive in the many aspects of daily life. The author does a great job of pointing out the advantages and offers a fresh perspective on the subject. The bottom line is that introverts ARE normal, unique, and add many interesting nuances to an otherwise extrovert-dominated world.
If you are an “innie” and constantly push yourself toward extroversion, this book will definitely enlighten you and offer some overdue relief! My only regret is that I did not read this book years ago.
Quiet Influence: The Introvert’s Guide to Making a Difference
by Jennifer B. Kahnweiler PhD
The author offers more than a mere explanation of the differences between extroverts and introverts. She actually explains how introverts can harness their unique qualities and leverage them to balance and exhibit influence in the world around them. Kahnweiler says that “introverts can be highly effective influencers when they stop trying to act like extroverts and instead make the most of their natural, quiet strengths.”
She goes on to list several noteworthy influencers of current and past societies who were introverts including Abraham Lincoln, J.K. Rowling, Steven Spielberg, Warren Buffet, and Eleanor Roosevelt. Influence isn’t about being overbearing or controlling. Power and influence has much more to do with what is said, than how it is said.
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