Quiet

Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
by Susan Cain
published by Broadway Books in 2012

I began reading Quiet in October of 2020. When I was halfway into the book, I realized just how much was packed into it, how much I could personally identify with it, how I decided I needed to take better notes, and that I needed to write down my own reflective thoughts about the book in the moment… so I began reading it again… from the beginning.

In this non-fiction book, Susan Cain, provides superb research regarding how introverts are perceived in our society and she suggests new theories for pathways of incorporating introverts into society without trying to make them into extroverts to be seen or valued. Susan examines the history of the “Extrovert Ideal” from the early 1900’s in America which I found fascinating. She suggests that the way we raise/educate our kids is a system that needs re-evaluating and systemic restructuring for the benefit of all types of temperaments. Susan is an extraordinary storyteller as she beautifully weaves together the stories of many different types of people living many different types of lives.

Quiet is perspective altering for many and an internally supportive book for others. Some of us have “known” these things in our being. It’s great to have research and language to articulate the nuance of the introvert/extrovert spectrum. Reading Quiet really makes me want to be a part of a better solution because it seems to raise with more strength many observations, and questions I’ve had throughout the years… even if it’s simply how I interact with those in my small sphere.