Quiet by Susan Cain

Title: Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking 
Author: Susan Cain 
Type: Audiobook 
Narrator: Kathe Mazur 
Genre: Non-Fiction 
Series: No 
Copyright: 2012 
Publisher: Random House Audio 
Rating: 3.5 out of 5


Summary: from Goodreads
At least one-third of the people we know are introverts. They are the ones who prefer listening to speaking, reading to partying; who innovate and create but dislike self-promotion; who favor working on their own over brainstorming in teams. Although they are often labeled "quiet," it is to introverts that we owe many of the great contributions to society--from van Gogh’s sunflowers to the invention of the personal computer.

Passionately argued, impressively researched, and filled with indelible stories of real people, Quiet shows how dramatically we undervalue introverts, and how much we lose in doing so. Taking the reader on a journey from Dale Carnegie’s birthplace to Harvard Business School, from a Tony Robbins seminar to an evangelical megachurch, Susan Cain charts the rise of the Extrovert Ideal in the twentieth century and explores its far-reaching effects. She talks to Asian-American students who feel alienated from the brash, backslapping atmosphere of American schools. She questions the dominant values of American business culture, where forced collaboration can stand in the way of innovation, and where the leadership potential of introverts is often overlooked. And she draws on cutting-edge research in psychology and neuroscience to reveal the surprising differences between extroverts and introverts.

Perhaps most inspiring, she introduces us to successful introverts--from a witty, high-octane public speaker who recharges in solitude after his talks, to a record-breaking salesman who quietly taps into the power of questions. Finally, she offers invaluable advice on everything from how to better negotiate differences in introvert-extrovert relationships to how to empower an introverted child to when it makes sense to be a "pretend extrovert."

This extraordinary book has the power to permanently change how we see introverts and, equally important, how introverts see themselves.

Feelings:
I found this a very interesting audiobook. It was 10 hours and 3 minutes long which can be long. There were times when I did think maybe something had gone a little longer than it should have and the point was really being hammered home. In a book about the gentle nature of introverts this seemed a bit much to me. However, I did find the topic very interesting and it made me really think about what I like and why I might like it. For instance reading a book at home instead of going out.

I did find that there were some things that made me feel more extroverted. However, I think we are all contradictions and little of both.

I recommend the book it was a well researched and engaging listen.