The Highly Sensitive Person

By: Elaine N. Aron

Narrated by: Barbara Caruso

Length: 9 hrs and 57 mins

Publisher's summary

Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D., is a world-renowned psychologist and speaker. The Highly Sensitive Person is an in-depth look at characteristics that define sensitivity. Through self-assessment tests and techniques, Aron shows listeners how to identify their own personality traits. This exceptional book can lead to remarkable results for many who suffer from constant stress and anxiety.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©1996 Elaine N. Aron (P)2004 Recorded Books,LLC

I've Learned So Much About Myself

They wrote a book about me. No, it's not a biography. It's “The Highly Sensitive Person”, which are the hyper emotional, empathetic, detail oriented, easily over-stimulated, and introspective 15% of the population in a world where this trait is heavily undervalued and misunderstood, even by ourselves. Every person who might be a qualified HSP should be handed this book when they reach an age where they could make use of the information in it and their families well beforehand. I've known that I've been an 'HSP' for years, but didn't pick up the book until recently. During a very busy afternoon I felt 'anxiety' settling in, but realized that from this book that it was simply overstimulation. I retired to a dark bedroom for an hour, away from light, people and noise and was rejuvenated. If I had known this simple trick from this book I might have saved myself from years of anxiety attacks and lost sleep. That's just one example of the great advice and reflections in this book that completely make sense to me.

There are plenty of anecdotes of self care, how to heal from childhood traumas, interacting with a work environment, interacting in various life phases, making friends, falling in love and why and what makes us fall in love, and even why we stay with our parents well into our twenties. This is one of the best books I have ever read for gaining knowledge on myself. It's very inspiring for taking charge of the aspects of our trait that don't quite correlate with the norm or that trap us into pitfalls that I've discovered from this book are just what HSP's go through, due to the way we perceive the world.

The narrator sounds like a calm, gentle British grandmother who is handing down timeless wisdom. I've seen some other reviews really critique her voice, but it just shows me that the reviewers are a bit biased and don't really hear a variety of British accents and lean on their xenophobic associations via television media in the US. It's very eloquently narrated and her mood always fits what she is reading.

Overall, I suggest this book to anyone who has been told or feels that they are 'overly emotional', 'too deep', or are constantly searching for meaning in every detail. No, you aren't 'weird', you can't 'fix' it, and you won't grow out of it, you might just be a Highly Sensitive Person and you can use this trait advantageously.

Long overdue explanation of the sensitive person

What made the experience of listening to The Highly Sensitive Person the most enjoyable?

Upon conclusion of The Highly Sensitive Person I’m left with a feeling of peace and better understanding of my natural temperament. I’ve always felt like a stranger in a strange land of extroverts who all seem to flourish in social situations, whereas I’ve always craved more intimate low key social interactions. This book is a magnificent tool for anyone who feels marginalized due to their natural inclination towards the quiet life, and is seeking ways to adapt their personality into a fast paced society while still being true to who they really are.

Any additional comments?

The reader of an audio book can make or break the experience. Barbara Caruso did a fabulous job of conveying a nonjudgmental, & almost motherly tone throughout the book, you could feel the tenderness in her voice, and this made the book all the more pleasant to listen to.

Helpful mental context. Awful narrator.

I should have just ordered the written book. The voice narrating is grating and the intonation regularly ranges into patronizing. It was hard to push through solely based on the narrator---content is interesting and helpful as a context for understanding my experience.

Eye opener

Now i know why Im constantly low on energy, and what to do about it.

HSP Operation Manual

WOW!!! Loved It! Finally, an explanation for it all. The HSP's, now have their very own reference manual, including directions explaining how we HSP's operate and how to improve our performance in uncharted waters.

A must read for those to need help understanding themselves

My therapist suggested this book and it didn’t disappoint. It helped me understand myself in a more composed way. I was able to resonate with many important topics discussed. I took notes on ways to work on and improve my moments of arousal.

Highly, highly recommend

I think this might be the single most important book I have ever read on my own personality. I would highly recommend it and I wish that every medical professional, teacher, friend, partner and parent would read this book!

Extremely helpful!

There is so much information in this book that resonated with me. Truly perspective shifting. All my life I have felt like a square peg in a round hole. Moving forward I will begin to cherish my uniqueness and be aware of my “trait”. I would definitely recommend this book to all over thinkers and anyone who feels overwhelmed with figuring out how to be.

Great book choice..

The approach was just a little abrasive. However, I love this book.. have listened to various chapters again.

Mind Blown

It's like this book was written based on my entire life. Wow. I just always thought it was my lot in life to be uncomfortable and constantly figure out a way to be like everyone else.
I have a new and way more positive outlook on myself now