Finding one’s special niche in life can be hindered by temperament and/or personality. Cain’s book, Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking, digs right into the premise that we live in an Extroverted Culture, and how the socially adept seemingly take on the power positions in life.
However, she then lists introverts who, with their quiet strength, have made huge differences, like Rosa Parks, who quietly had the courage to refuse to get off the bus.
Most of the book shows the studies, beginning with the Myers-Briggs measurement of Extroverts/Introverts, and subsequent work that reveals a possible physiological basis for differences in the style/personality/behavior of individuals.
What I enjoyed most in the book were the anecdotes about people in history and how their accomplishments came about in spite of or because of their personality.
I would recommend the book for those interested in digging into the theories, studies, and findings. It reminded me a lot of psychology texts I read and studied in college, so I found these sections (most of the book) tedious. Others might really enjoy and relish these aspects, however, so my rating of 3.5 stars does not reflect the book itself but my own reaction to it.
AN INTERIOR JOURNEY 
I read this awhile back and like you enjoyed parts of it only. I liked more listening to her speak on I think it was a TED talk.
LikeLike
Yes, as a speaker, I’ll bet she was interesting. But the book dragged for me. Thanks for stopping by, Kathryn.
LikeLike
I read this last year for my book club. We had a lively discussion and I ended up getting more out of it in a group setting than I did from reading it alone.
LikeLike
I think a discussion might be great, Leslie…and I suspect that I just wasn’t in the mood for all the research, etc., which reminded me of my psychology days at college (it was my major). I might try reading it again at a later date.
LikeLike
I listened to this one on audio and being an introvert – I found it to be fantastic and accurate.
LikeLike
Yes, I am definitely an introvert, too, Sheila, and there were parts of the book that I really loved.
LikeLike
I have had this one forever but I have never wanted to actually read it…it’s probably too quiet for me!
LikeLike
Yes, it was too quiet for me, too, Patty….lots of boring stuff that reminded me of my psychology classes, only not as interesting, because I loved psychology. (My undergraduate degree is in it).
LikeLike
I find this topic so interesting probably because like you I love psychology, but I might end up finding all those studies a little tedious too. Thanks for your honest review.
LikeLike
Yes, I think the anecdotes were the most interesting parts, Laura….thanks for stopping by.
LikeLike