The Introvert Advantage

How to Thrive in an Extrovert World

By: Marti Olsen Laney PsyD

Narrated by: Tamara Marston

Length: 10 hrs and 25 mins

Publisher's summary

Some people - a sizeable minority - prefer to avoid the limelight, tend to listen more than they speak, feel alone in large groups, and require lots of private time to restore their energy. Often they feel different, not right, less than. But as Marti Olsen Laney proves, that is far from the truth.

The Introvert Advantage dispels common myths about introverts - they’re not necessarily shy, aloof, or antisocial - and explains how they are hardwired from birth to focus inward, so outside stimulation such as chitchat, phone calls, parties, or office meetings can easily become "too much". Most importantly, it thoroughly refutes many introverts’ belief that something is wrong with them. Instead, it helps them recognize their inner strengths - their analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and strong powers of concentration. It provides tools to improve relationships with partners, kids, colleagues, and friends, while offering dozens of tips, including eight ways to showcase their abilities at work and strategies for socializing. In short, The Introvert Advantage shows introverts how to take advantage of their special qualities not only to survive in an extrovert-oriented world, but to thrive.

©2002 Marti Olsen Laney (P)2013 HighBridge Company

Good insight, but I was bored

The book had great points in all cases of family and work but it was difficult to finish.

Insightful as well as instructive book!

I enjoyed this book immensely! As an "innie", I gained tremendous insight about myself and about "outies". I appreciated the advice about how to interact productively with the extroverts at work where I spend most of my time. This book equipped me for coping with individuals who are different from myself. An excellent and soothing reader!!

Finally, someone understands!

Would you listen to The Introvert Advantage again? Why?

Yes, I have listened to it once so far but I need this ingrained in me so I will listen to it often

Have you listened to any of Tamara Marston’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, this is the first one

What’s an idea from the book that you will remember?

The tips and tricks to effective communication were excellent, how to maneuver relationships as an introvert was also an eye opener

Any additional comments?

I always thought there was something wrong with me. Why couldn't I be like the rest of my family? Everyone is outgoing, very talkative, always seem to come up with great ideas at the drop of a hat but I found I had to struggle to be like everyone else, at one point I thought I had some type of disorder but reading this book has cleared up so much confusion. This book should be used in schools especially those in the discipline of psychology. I think extroverts need to read this to better understand their introverted partners, family and friends.

Eye Opening and Great Read for an Extrovert

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

I would definitely recommend this book, especially to extroverts. For introverts this book helps show them that they are valuable. For an extrovert, it helps understand how to relate and make the most of relationships with introverts.

Any additional comments?

As an extreme extrovert married to an extreme introvert, I have to say this book has really helped me relate better to my spouse. I have also gained a lot of understanding, respect for and ability to work better with introverts. I used to think some people were just plain stupid but now understand what is going on and see how to respect their talents and help them make the most of them.

The book makes its point about half way through. If you don't go past that, you have probably gained the vast majority of the benefit. The last half of the book helps reinforce the concepts but does get a little tiresome.

If you are an extrovert and you have trouble dealing with "the quiet ones", this is a must read.

If you are an introvert struggling with your self worth, importance and respect in an extrovert driven society, I highly recommend it as well.

Book title says it all

As an introvert, this book has been really insightful. I have read other books related to the subject. However, this book not only presented new information on the subject I was never aware of, for instance the reason I tend to lose a thought or my mind seems to go blank during overstimulating activities.

This book also goes a step further by providing great ways to cope with overstimulating activities and ways to start and maintain conversation.

This book to me is a must read for an introvert, I intend to go back and take notes from about chapter 7, to help me increase my ability to carry on conversations.


Other note, The authors use of the term "inny" and "outty" to describe either introverts or extroverts respectively had a tendency to annoy me. Otherwise, fully recommended.

Tips for Intraverts

Introvert regarded as a disease. But you also deserve to enjoy life having respect from others. There are tips how you live better in this book.

What a Gift!

Where does The Introvert Advantage rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

WAY up there. REALLY helped me understand myself and my hubby more.

Which scene was your favorite?

When I understood why we get "overwhelmed" and how easy it is to pause to recharge the old batteries.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

This book did such a great job of letting me "off the hook." Hubby is an extreme introvert and I am mostly an introvert with a couple extroverted veins. It helped me understand why we work so well together as well as why we don't enjoy socializing. We already knew we didn't enjoy it, but now we know why...and that although we are different, we are not "wrong." Hubby has thanked me several times for downloading it and we are each on our second listen.

Any additional comments?

I didn't see that the "tests" were available in a supplemental pdf. I might be wrong about that, but consider adding them! ;oP

It's okay being me

It was enlightening and informative. With some very good information on how to function better and understand why I feel and deal with situations in a certain way.

not much of an 'advantage' seen here

I thought this book did a good job regarding describing the differences between being an introvert and being an extrovert. I really liked how it illustrated the dynamics between an introvert-extrovert relationship. I thought this was the most useful and practical part of the book. In addition, it also helped me realize that what I had mistaken for my lack of confidence or self-esteem, was actually just my being an introvert. However, despite what the title professes, I felt it didn't really talk about the introvert 'advantage'. I felt like it was more of a pep-talk merely giving us 'permission' and justification to being an introvert. I think I'm interested in reading The Quiet by Susan Cain, and I will be able to give a better review after I 'read' that one. Please let me know if anyone has read both. It would be good to have a discussion. Thanks!

awesome....

very thought provoking...a second read is in order. Clear and concise...narration very good.
Thanks for sharing