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)

Worthy topic, annoying performance

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

Insightful, thought-provoking, inconsistent

Who was your favorite character and why?

N/a - non-fiction

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of Kathe Mazur?

Anyone with a stronger voice. It was exasperating to listen to such a soft, whispery voice. Yeah, the book's title is Quiet, but that shouldn't have been the way it was read.

Any additional comments?

The author provided excellent points about the fact that not all introverts are shy, but then sometimes contradicted herself with guidance about how to overcome shyness as a general strategy. But it was helpful more times than not.

A very relevant and important book!

I simply loved this book! Finally, a voice in the wilderness speaking up for introverts, telling us we no longer have to apologize or feel bad about being "quiet". This book should be read by anyone who has felt they were deficient or "just not good enough" and have been labelled all their lives as "quiet" (certainly not a compliment, right?) It is interesting that so many folks feel perfectly free to call you "quiet" but how often do we tell someone that they are "loud". This book also has very interesting and relevant information for extroverts, and they would be wise to listen to it also.

Kathe Mazur's narration was perfection. Any time I have to keep reminding myself that the narrator is not the author, I know that they are doing a wonderful job. I would definitely seek out other books she has narrated.

Introvert or extrovert, do your self a favor and listen to this excellent book!

Introverts Will Enjoy This

I enjoyed Susan Cain's TED talk and decided to pick this up to hear her elaborate on the topic of introverts.

As I am one myself I was curious as to where the scientific community where in their understanding of the subject.

Susan obviously is extremely biased in her praise for introversion but does attempt to balance her opinions out with warnings throughout the narrative.

Those that are introverts will enjoy listening to this as there will be many "ah ha" moments for them.

"Know thyself" is one reason alone to pick this up.

Very Interesting!

The research and information presented was very interesting and helpful. Narration was clear and kept me listening. Recommend!

Worth listening

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

A book full of introvert smartness

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

The person talking is most probably not the smartest one in the room.

...for all the introverts in my life.

What did you love best about Quiet?

Quiet helped me to better understand the introverts in my life both at work and personal life.

Incredibly informative and insightful.

The effort of research and exploring various perspectives to analyze, in depth, a common but overlooked or misinterpreted style of being, certainly shows. This was a smart and incredibly interesting read.

👍simply terrific

I was shocked to learn the truth finally and the book help me appreciate my husband and kids!!!!!!!! To me it is almost life changing—no need to fight between family members

I don't think I fit in either category

we should celebrate each other's differences rather than strive to be like someone else because it's those differences that make us unique and strong and we're better off as a society because of this mix.

Absolutely Fantastic

Quiet is, most likely, the best book I ever read (and listened to on Audible). Susan Cain is an excellent author and her research for this book is thorough and well presented. Content-wise, I felt like I was reading about myself and receiving affirmation after affirmation that I am not alone and there are many other people like me out there, who may even work in the office down the hall. Highly recommended.