Nigeyb

An interesting and timely investigation into introversion, and how introverts are undervalued and misunderstood in schools, the workplace, and Western society.

One of the most interesting chapters is about how, after industrialisation, the USA quickly evolved into a culture that valued a hearty, sales type personality over more considered personality traits, and how this outgoing stereotype now dominates at the expense of people who are naturally quieter and more thoughtful.

All of the book's more salient points also feature in Susan Cain's presentation on the TED Talks website however the book elaborates on the key points. 

In common with many similar books (e.g Malcolm Gladwell), the main points can easily be summarised in a few pages however, in order to create a book, the central ideas have been filled out into c300 pages of science, research, social history, questionnaires, and anecdote, much of which adds little to the central message. I got impatient throughout the many sections which felt like padding and which added little to the central thesis.

Susan Cain's book contains some important, timely and provocative messages that are worth understanding. That said, it's not necessary to read the book to grasp the key points, which can be understood more quickly by watching this TED talkand/or reading the book's summary on Wikipedia.

3/5