Quiet

Update review 5/27/24

I had read this book years ago, back when I was still in college. Back then, I believed that this was a book that was good, with some good ideas on education, in particular. Now, ten years since, I still believe that this book is good, but it does leave me wanting more, in the best way possible.

You see, Cain covers everything that we need to know about being an introvert, from how the term started, to what it means today (as of 2012). She also explores what being introverted means to those of us in the West, versus other cultures, like China. All of this is admirable, as we need to understand ourselves, by looking at others.

The only small downside is that this book (or at least, the edition I read) is old. My edition was published in 2012, and alot has changed in the 12 or so years since this was first published. I cannot help but wonder how our opinions have changed since we have read this book, and how 2020, in particular, has helped us to change the way we view working alone.

On the note of education, I find her to be correct, in that we strive for more collaborative projects and environments, but I can slowly see it changing to having us understand the value of independent work. For example, I'll have my students think about a topic (‘Is a hotdog a sandwich?' for a mundane first day starter), and then I'll have them come together and compare/debate their answers with others in small groups. This, I feel is a change from the pure collaboration that the book seems to portray.

And that makes me wonder what else could be updated on, which means that, if there is ever going to be a revised and updated version of this text, then I am going to buy it, if only for comparison's sake alone.

So I say that this book is still a solid hit for me nearly a decade on. If you haven't read this book, then I suggest you do, as it is a masterpeace that I think, even today, we are only beginning to see the value of. I give it a four out of five.





Original Review 2015
This text was one that I feel should be read by everyone. It studies how introverts have become detested in our society, and how we want and think the ideal person to be in extrovert. As a person training to be in education, I agree with this statement. Many of my education classes tend to focus on group dynamics, and how students need to work in groups in order to accomplish a learning task. Lecture and independent work is often discouraged, in favor of working with students in groups. While I believe that this has it's place, independent work can also be beneficial, and this book makes a case for that at every turn.

This text is simply fascinating. It took me on a journey of discovering that you can not only survive because of you wanting a quiet area, or to work independently, but you can thrive in this world, if given the opportunity. Many of the greatest inventors and thinkers throughout history had some level of introvert tendencies, and that should be celebrated, as opposed to suppressed. I think that people need to read this text because, too often, those who are not comfortable with public speaking and working in groups are forced to do it. Now, I know that everyone has to do a report at or speak publicly at some point in their live, but I would argue, and this text does as well, that we actively discourage those who don't like to speak publicly, that there is something wrong with them if they don't like to do that, or even work with others.

One word of caution: I managed to listen to this on audio, and I would advise against it. The author, while she does a good job, simply does not have the reading voice for this kind of work. Her voice is too soft,and, while good in other applications, does not lend itself well to an audio book. I'd stick to a book copy.

In any case, this text was an eye opening experience and one that I think people should read because the ideas of introverts and extroverts needs to be retold. We should stop hating the people who don't hang out in the croud, and start helping them embrace their need for solitude and contemplation. I give it a four out of five.