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)

Fascinating research-based book

Although there were moments when Cain’s political views were none too obvious, I found this book to be fascinating. Often thought of as an extrovert myself. I identified with so much of the introverted character traits: the need for alone time, the love of books, being the listener during conversations, preferring one-on-one time over big group gatherings. I really enjoyed the insights from this book and will refer to it again.

Helps to understand more of ourselves

Very insightful book that helps you travel to the aspects many of us tend to ignore but are essentially important in a way we judge or classify others in terms of introvert and extrovert and how each plays an equally important role for the right society balance.

A life-changing topic for introverts!

Thank you Susan Cain for speaking up about "Quiet." The narrator was excellent too!

Extrovert gains insight

Would you listen to Quiet again? Why?

Yes! The book explores different facets of Western society where the extrovert ideal has been idealized and the consequences it has for introverts. As an extrovert, I found this fascinating and it has made me more sensitive to the way introverts work.

Any additional comments?

Overall, this is a worthwhile read. It offers thoughtful insight, great story-telling re: real world extrovert va. introvert experiences. Will certainly make me more sensitive and aware of the introverts in my life and how/why they function the way they do.

Right in front of our faces and completely invisible

Susan Cain has brought my attention to something that effects me and everyone else I've ever known, yet somehow we have all been completely oblivious to it, I feel tremendously enlightened, and for that I am very thankful.

Such Insight

What made the experience of listening to Quiet the most enjoyable?

Quiet not only delves deeply into the intricacies of how introverts process their world, but also the societal valuing of extroversion over introversion and the impact on our culture.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Quiet?

The notion of "high reactives" was a profound insight. While I may be an extrovert according to Myers-Briggs, it's now clear that not only am I shifting more toward introversion as I age, but that I am and always have been high reactive. Cain also presents an interesting thought: how -- or even if -- the Great Recession would have unfolded differently if more introverts were making the decisions when the financial system seized up.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

It did... That said, Kathy Mazur's narration seemed rather self-conscious in it's soft, gentle, low-volume manner. It was simultaneously appropriate and a bit on the nose for a book about introversion entitled "Quiet". At moments, the delivery facilitated my own need to be still and quiet my environment in order to listen. In others, it bordered on annoying.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I did not want to listen all at once. The volume of information to process in conjunction with Mazur's narration style meant I definitely needed moments away.

Any additional comments?

This is a must-read/listen for everyone. Introverts will find validation in a world that both implicitly and explicitly devalues their personality types. Extroverts will understand the introverts in our lives so much better. As a high school teacher and professional learning provider, Quiet has provided an opportunity to rethink about how I present learning opportunities for both adolescents and adults.

Absolutely fascinating.

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes I would recommend this to anyone interested in learning more of what makes us alike, different and complex.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Quiet?

The "explanation" of what an introvert is.... deeply sensitive which explains so much.

Which scene was your favorite?

Not applicable

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

A different perspective is the one of the best ways to relate to all people.

Perspectves all people need

l enjoyed the content and the narrator. I will listen to this book many timed in the future.

Great study on introversion!

Myself being an introvert, I was drawn to this book. I often wonder why I'm reluctant to speak up or why I feel uncomfortable in large group settings. The author (herself an introvert) does an excellent job of analyzing and deconstructing the behaviors and mind sets of introverts. So many times, during the book, I felt like I was reading exactly about myself and my own experiences.
The author goes into detail on how better to understand introverts and ways in which to use their strengths for greater success.
The few marks against the book is that there a few areas (very few) where the author seems a tad biased towards introverts (as opposed to extroverts), but overall this was an excellent read.
Highly recommended for like-minded introverts and people that want to better understand introverts (Perhaps parents of introverted children. Spouses of introverts.).

Thank you Susan Cain

Made me feel less alone and a little more understood. I appreciate the author for having written this book. So much research and effort put into the chapters of this book.