Quiet

The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking

By: Susan Cain

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur

Length: 10 hrs and 39 mins

Publisher's summary

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • Experience the book that started the Quiet Movement and revolutionized how the world sees introverts—and how introverts see themselves—by offering validation, inclusion, and inspiration

“Superbly researched, deeply insightful, and a fascinating read, Quiet is an indispensable resource for anyone who wants to understand the gifts of the introverted half of the population.”—Gretchen Rubin, author of The Happiness Project

ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR—People, O: The Oprah Magazine, Christian Science Monitor, Inc., Library Journal, Kirkus Reviews

At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over working in teams. It is to introverts—Rosa Parks, Chopin, Dr. Seuss, Steve Wozniak—that we owe many of the great contributions to society.

In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that we dramatically undervalue introverts and shows how much we lose in doing so. She charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal throughout the twentieth century and explores how deeply it has come to permeate our culture. She also introduces us to successful introverts—from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Passionately argued, impeccably researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how they see themselves.

©2012 Susan Cain (P)2012 Random House

Critic reviews

2013, Carnegie Medal, Long-listed

2012, Goodreads.com Readers Choice Award for Best Debut Author and Best Nonfiction Book of the Year, Winner

“As an introvert often called upon to behave like an extrovert, I found the information in this book revealing and helpful. Drawing on neuroscientific research and many case reports, Susan Cain explains the advantages and potentials of introversion and of being quiet in a noisy world.” (Andrew Weil, author of Healthy Aging and Spontaneous Happiness)

“Susan Cain has done a superb job of sifting through decades of complex research on introversion, extroversion, and sensitivity—this book will be a boon for the many highly sensitive people who are also introverts.” (Elaine Aron, author of The Highly Sensitive Person)

This was a book about me.

Really enjoyed this book as I'm always trying to better understand my thought process, how others perceive me, and how I can better operate with others.

great read.

As an introvert, I am happy to hear there IS evidence that there is nothing wrong with me. this book focuses on three main dimensions of introversion: in the workplace, in relationships, and development from childhood to adulthood. I found it all very enlightening.

Extremely insightful

loved this book. I now understand more than ever the unique power of of being an introvert.

Fascinating research and a long time coming

For anyone who has been told to talk more since the time they could talk, this book is for you. Understand once and for all just because you or those close to you are not societal norms for outgoing ness does not mean that there is something wrong with you.

Get past the first part

The book is very good. Parts of it almost made me cry thinking about my childhood and other situations from my past. The beginning of the book deals with alot of statistics which i found boring but i'm glad i stuck with it because the rest of the book is excellent.
Mary Ryan

Finally...proud to be an introvert

If you could sum up Quiet in three words, what would they be?

It was mind-blowing

Which scene was your favorite?

I found the whole book incredibly engaging. Probably one of my favorite parts was the chapter on religion and the introvert. I've been trying for a while to find my place in a religion/church that is very much geared toward extroverts. Wondering why I wasn't motivated to participate and then feeling guilty about it. The short explanation is that it's just part of my personality. Light bulb!!

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

Oh wow, there were so many. The author did an amazing job researching the subject and describing her findings. I really enjoyed her style and the way she presented real-life scenarios of introverts in society.

There was quite a bit of useful information on the way introverts can contribute in the workplace. After reading this book, I feel proud of the ways that I can contribute through my introverted approach to work and leadership style.

Any additional comments?

This book is a must-read (listen) for all introverts! You will finish the book with a better knowledge of your personality traits and the way you can use those traits to contribute to society.

I would also recommend this books for extroverts in close relationship with an introvert or who think they may be raising and introverted child. There is an excellent chapter on tips for raising an introverted child.

The only thing I would have added to this book would have been more info for an introvert raising an extroverted child as it would relate to my particular situation. Hopefully there will be more from this author on the subject of introversion in the future!

WONDERFUL!

I can honestly say that I wish this book was available when I was growing up. If you are "quiet" or have someone in your life that is, this book is a must. I can't recommend it enough.

Wow. A serious study of personality psychology.

Dive in and don’t look back. You will traverse pieces of history, along with pieces of yourself.

You will embrace who you are without apology. You will gain tremendous appreciation for the differences amongst us. Enjoy.

Great book

I am an adult and always felt me being a quiet introvert was a disadvantage. Hearing this book has opened my eyes and helped me realise that I have strengths as well.

Truly Enlightening

Loved it! It gave me insight on my introverted self I desperately needed. A must read for everyone.