Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come

By: Jessica Pan

Narrated by: Jessica Pan

Length: 8 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's Summary

What would happen if a shy introvert lived like a gregarious extrovert for one year? If she knowingly and willingly put herself in perilous social situations that she’d normally avoid at all costs? Writer Jessica Pan intends to find out. With the help of various extrovert mentors, Jessica sets up a series of personal challenges (talk to strangers, perform stand-up comedy, host a dinner party, travel alone, make friends on the road, and much, much worse) to explore whether living like an extrovert can teach her lessons that might improve the quality of her life. 

Chronicling the author’s hilarious and painful year of misadventures, this book explores what happens when one introvert fights her natural tendencies, takes the plunge, and tries (and sometimes fails) to be a little bit braver.

©2019 Jessica Pan (P)2019 Andrews McMeel Publishing

Perfect for the Shintrovert

Did I write this in my sleep and not know it? Were the words from my earbuds coming from inside my own cranial blob? Thank you for giving hope to all the shy introverts out there who want to blossom, and for doing it with wit and impeccable grammar. I wish this book was around when I lived in London and wanted to make new friends, because I would have pestered the author into friendship via Twitter. Definitely recommend.

9 people found this helpful

Stood out as a favorite listen this year!

I straight up loved this book. It’s Sedaris meets Kate McKinnon (if she were an introvert).

The author is smart, genuine, hilarious and courageously truthful. I expected a light read, and at times it was exactly that, but I was surprised to also find bits where I was deeply moved, inspired, and grateful for the honest insights and feelings she shared. The book was an addictive read (listen), masterful in its ease balancing rich, spot-on descriptions with funny, cringeworthy moments and hearing the author read them aloud was a treat. I honestly have talked about this book with people so much more than I anticipated in the last couple weeks since I listened to it— would recommend!

9 people found this helpful

Humorous and so true for us introverts

I loved Jess’s bravery and triumphant ways she succeeded and failed. Her story has me laughing out loud and shaking my head yes. Of course, all while I was home alone.

8 people found this helpful

great story, poorly narrated

i just couldn’t get past. the fact that. the author could only read. a few words. between pauses. i applaud her willingness. to read. her own book. especially as a shy introvert. but she was poorly coached. and it didn’t sound. natural at all.

11 people found this helpful

Fantastic & Inspiring!

Although I’m just a 21 year old about to start life on my own, this book has inspired me to jump out of my comfort zone right away. I am an introvert, or should I say, a shintrovert. Jess’ year of extroverting shows me that I’ll most likely come out alive if I put myself out there, and that I’ll possibly make random but meaningful friendships along the way.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to live extroverted-vicariously through a book :)

4 people found this helpful

Good, not great

I'm a huge introvert, but I had trouble connecting with this book. It felt too forced, too contrived, too pat. I think maybe there is a danger in writing a book like this about oneself that is too self-depricating. You're left wondering about the perspectives of others in her life. Since it's hard to sympathize with her, you're kind of wondering what the author's redeeming qualities are and why people like her. Maybe I'm just projecting.

I think it would have been less annoying if she had tried to get out of her shell in a way that benefitted others, like volunteering to visit old or sick people, rather than everything being self absorbed.

That said, I am inspired to try to make more friends, so I'm glad I read it.

7 people found this helpful

Shy introverts welcome here!

Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come is Jessica Pan’s hilarious retelling of her year-long quest to change her life. Up front, Ms Pan admits her shyness & introversion have kept her from making new friends, & seeking out adventures because she hasn’t been able to conquer her many fears. If you have any of these tendencies, you will find yourself cheering her on as she forces herself to brave through a series of challenges that would probably terrify even people who wouldn’t consider themselves challenged with social anxiety. Pan sets herself on a series of high-wire stunts, like public speaking, participating in an app that sets up strangers on friend dates, &hosting a dinner party just to name a few of the stunts she tries. She consults experts and fully gives herself over to succeeding while she tries to fly.
Pan is a seasoned traveler so this story will take you all over the world while Pan shares exactly what happened as she sets out to totally redefine the word “brave” (at least in my book!)

I requested this book from Audiobook Boom and was given a copy in return for my honest feedback. I enjoyed listening to the stories & laughing at Ms Pan’s quirky self-deprecating humor during her adventures. There is a bit of swearing that may turn off some listeners. In fact, at one point, I had to start skipping ahead to stop hearing some of the objectionable words. But if that don’t bother you read on!

I found this book very interesting & personally challenging as I’m a shy introvert too, & the story is told so well, I could feel myself becoming anxious as Ms Pan tells what happened in each episode. The author’s voice throughout provides a sense of intimacy as it is her story & she tells it very well. I highly recommend this book to anyone dealing with a life that is becoming “too small.” If you are bothered by swearing, perhaps this isn’t for you. Honestly, I cannot comprehend the amount of courage Jessica Pan has to take on the challenges she set up! More power to her! And thanks for telling us exactly what it would be like to conquer some of those “never nevers.”

1 person found this helpful

Hilarious and Poignant

This memoir is a charming, hilarious story of what it is like to come out of your comfort zone. Introverts and extroverts alike will enjoy Jessica's realistic, honest, and embarrassing stories about navigating through life's challenges.

Trying to make friends as an adult is hard, let's face it. But listening to this book made me realize I am not alone. I consider myself an outgoing introvert, who doesn't really have problems talking to people. But this book definitely reminded me from the very beginning that it's always a good idea to put yourself out there in different ways. Since reading it I have made more of a conscious effort every day to connect with others. It's amazing how a book that was SO fun and enjoyable was also so touching for me personally. I can't recommend this book enough. Light enough for a summer read but with a story that will ring true for any 20, 30, or 40 something who has ever found themselves wondering if they could be doing more.

1 person found this helpful

Very Entertaining!

I really did enjoy listening to this audiobook. When I saw the title I knew I had to listen to this. I am definitely a shy introvert. So I found a lot of this book very relatable. Well, some of its relatable. As a member of the shy introvert club I would NEVER walk up to random people on the regular and ask about the Queen of England or volunteer for public speaking. But I do understand the desire to be more confident or outgoing. I've been looking for this secrete for a while. Xanex works but I can never find any when I need it (lol). But this book was entertaining, interesting, and very well written. And even though she may not be a professional narrator (I assume), I think she did an excellent job. Better than some other professionals out there. <3

This book was given to me at my request (Thank you!). I am providing a voluntary and honest review.

My muse

Extremely insightful and I enjoyed her sense of humor. Looking forward to my year of ‘extroverting’!