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)

Everyone, yes everyone, should read this book!

I am married to an introvert and I always feel like introverts are somewhat misunderstood, or undervalued. This book hits the nail on the head and not only explains introverts better, but how they are absolutely useful in their social and interpersonal and introverted ways in all walks of life. I love how she explained the history of when extroverts and an outgoing personality became somewhat of a prized possession and what we should all be striving for, but how really that's not the ideal we should be striving for because if we embrace our true nature and character – whether that be introvert or extrovert, we are so much better off. We need to value and recognize what introverts bring to the table and see the differences as wonderful strengths that contribute rather than something we need to be changing. I seriously think that everyone should read this book because we all know introverts and this helped me to understand them better and recognize what a wonderful differences we have.

perfect sound and content

The book reveals itself slowly and the importance of the message takes hold in a very satisfying conviction. The narrator is so pleasant to listen to any message could be delivered and understood, however, the content is well written and argued. A wonder really.

Good information, albeit slanted.

Very well researched and easy to follow. However, I didn't enjoy every opportunity taken to promote a liberal ideology.

Excellent book!

Very good book overall. The insights are fascinating and I am sure many introverts or extroverts will find this book delightful and thoughtful.

Get an understanding

Would you listen to Quiet again? Why?

Yes! It's just got so many good points that I need to be reminded of

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

That introverts can be some of the most creative people, like writers and artists and engineers. I didn't know that self reflection had such a great benefit.

There's gold in them thar hills!

There's value to be had from both extroverts and Introverts. Essential reading for people managers including parents, teachers, and bosses. unlike the sad reviewer's opinion (who didn't even finish) this is not "introverts rule, extroverts drool". This is an exploration of how western culture traditionally places higher value on extroverted personality and undervalues introverts. There is real value in nurturing both types of personalities (it's a spectrum).

Great Read

This book helped me in better understanding myself and otgers. It helped me feel less alone and embrace my personality instead of trying to fix it. Highly recommend for leaders of organizations and those who seek insight about introversion.

Mandatory Reading

This is the best understanding of introverts and extroverts that I have seen. As an extrovert living with an introvert it not only will help me understand our relationship better, but I will use the knowledge to help my finance business as well. Thank you!

fascinating exploration of the introverts

love this book! great research, examples, and stories that elaborate on the differences between introverts and extroverts.

beautiful

As an introvert, I heard so much of myself in this book. The author's comprehensive approach to describing the advantages of introversion and the beauty of our inner worlds was nourishment for my soul. Highly recommend this book.