What an enjoyable read. I admit that when I ordered this book, I didn't think that I was going to like it very much. I thought that it would be a very dry and academic study. Wow, was I surprised by the content of this book.
"Quiet" gives numerous examples of how the U.S. came to prize extroverts. Ms. Cain illuminates the transition from honoring the quiet, wise elder to idolizing the all American Ken doll ideal. She pointed out things that I had noticed but never put much thought into connecting. Such as, the people that we, as a society, hold up as "pillars" are those that enjoy being in the spotlight, those that enjoy speaking out, or those that can deliver a message the best. They are not those that may have the best idea or those that can relate to a person on an individual basis.
Another aspect of this book that I really enjoyed was the empowerment I felt when reading it. I found myself saying, "that's what I do." or "I always feel that way." It made me understand that I wasn't being anti-social or mean because I needed quiet time. I felt that all the things that I thought made me weird or different than everyone, was really me just being an introvert. That the idea of everyone being a social butterfly was skewed. I had fallen prey to the marketing of the extrovert as an ideal!
For all those closet introverts out there, I would highly recommend this book. For those of you with children that seem withdrawn and you just don't get it, run out and buy this book!
I was given this book by the publisher for the purpose of review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the publisher.
1 comment:
Sally, I ordered this book from our library system here in Tulsa and just got it about a week ago. VERY interesting reading, I would agree!! I still enjoy reading things that remind me of children I've had in my classes or people I know. I don't consider myself an introvert either, but many good thoughts for self-reflection here!
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