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The Introvert Advantage by Marti Olsen Laney
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The Introvert Advantage (2002)

by Marti Olsen Laney

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847169,650 (3.93)18
Recently added byLujanJ, Philomath4516, sfstatz, ormondbeach, JJBean, private library, hazysaffron, jenniebooks
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I'm somewhere between E and I on the spectrum, and I have friends at both extreme ends, so I thought this would be an interesting and valuable book. I hoped it would, more like. But alas, it was not. The author lost me along about the time she started prattling on about "Hap Hits" which are things that increase a person's happiness or energy levels. The very term made me snort derisively, as did much of the rest of the book.

I can see that there's perhaps some valuable information here, buried under a flurry of pop psychobabble and self-quizzlettes, but I kept looking up from this book thinking I was trapped in a waiting room with a stale copy of Cosmopolitan. Superficial, light, feel-good twaddle, that's my verdict. You're good enough, smart enough, and gosh darn it... you're reading a crap self-help book again.

Bah, humbug.
( )
  satyridae | Apr 5, 2013 |
I still need to figure out whether I'm being unfair to this book or not. ( )
  beabatllori | Apr 2, 2013 |
These kinds of books, books about introverts, say: "Introvert, you are not alone!" Thank you for that.

Chapter about brains of introverts was very interesting for me. ( )
  IvanaG. | Oct 9, 2012 |
This is one of the best books I've ever read. It is page after page of "Ah Ha!" moments. It is healing to find that many of the things that frustrate me about myself, and have previously seemed like unfair short comings, are experienced by other introverts. I feel more at home with myself now, more excepting, and happier to just be me. This is an amazing book. If you are an introvert, you really must read this. ( )
  lyndanorth | Jan 8, 2012 |
It's hard to believe that there are some non-fiction books that one can simply tear through like a trashy thriller or a novel of mystery and suspense. This is one of them. It's a highly readable look at the world of introverts written by an introvert, and it ably discusses the challenges that introverts face in a society that places a higher value on extroverted qualities (speaking one's mind, doing all sorts of things, being a social butterfly, etc.). The book is divided in three distinct parts. The first defines an introvert and discusses how they are perceived and whether people are born to be introverted or extroverted. The second talks about four different aspects of the extroverted world that pose great challenges for introverts: relationships, parenting, socializing, and working. The third discusses how introverts can learn to set their own priorities and parameters in order to feel more comfortable in their own skin, and the last chapter provides techniques on how to become a temporary extrovert when required (as the author points out, you can go right back to being an introvert when you're finished).

I always figured I was an introvert, and indeed I scored on the "Pretty darn introverted" level in the self-assessment found in Chapter 1, but reading this book also made me realize just how far I've come in my life, in terms of social situations especially. (For example, I have mustered up the courage to ask for autographs from musicians I like. A few years ago that would have been unthinkable.) But of course there's always room for improvement, and so I found the chapters on socializing and working to be particularly helpful., especially the sections that talked about speaking one's mind and offering opinions without being prompted. The book is littered with helpful real-life examples of introverts, concrete suggestions for moving forward in one's life, and the tone is friendly without trying too hard to be funny.

This is a worthy addition to an introvert's bookshelves. I borrowed my copy from the library but will likely buy my own for future reference. ( )
3 vote rabbitprincess | Feb 26, 2011 |
Showing 1-5 of 15 (next | show all)
If you've been called shy, a shrinking violet, or a wallflower; if your friends tease you about still waters that run deep; or if you feel that you're just not a "people" person, you may find this book very revealing. Dr. Laney, an introvert herself, convincingly explains the reasons for your behavior, and the differences between an introvert (you) and an extrovert (most of the rest of the world).
 
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Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a gift and not giving it.
—William A. Ward
 

To my Husband of thirty-eight years, Michael,who dragged me out into extroverting and enlarged my universe. I dedicate this book to you for coaching me to keep breathing through the long labor of the book birthing process. And you are awarded the Highest Medal of Husbandry Honor for devoting so many hours to read page after page about introverts (more than any mortal extrovert should ever have to). Last, but not least, a final thank-you for delivering nourishing meals to me as I sat staring and pecking at my computer.

    To my daughters and their families, who I love very much and who have enriched my live in countless ways:

    Tynna, Brian, Alicia, and Christopher DeMellier

    Kristen, Gary, Kaitlin, and Emily Parks

    I also dedicate this book to all my clients who have courageously let me into their lives.
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Amazon.com Product Description (ISBN 0761123695, Paperback)

At least one out of four people prefers to avoid the limelight, tends to listen more than they speak, feels alone in large groups, and requires lots of private time to restore their energy. They're introverts, and here is the book to help them boost their confidence while learning strategies for successfully living in an extrovert world.

After dispelling common myths about introverts-they're not necessarily shy, aloof, or antisocial--The Introvert Advantage explains the real issues. Introverts are hardwired from birth to focus inward, so outside stimulation-chitchat, phone calls, parties, office meetings-can easily become "too much."

The Introvert Advantage dispels introverts' belief that something is wrong with them and instead helps them recognize their inner strengths-their analytical skills, ability to think outside the box, and strong powers of concentration. It helps readers understand introversion and shows them how to determine where they fall on the introvert/extrovert continuum. It provides tools to improve relationships with partners, kids, colleagues, and friends, offering dozens of tips, including 10 ways to talk less and communicate more, 8 ways to showcase your abilities at work, how to take a child's temperament temperature, and strategies for socializing. Finally, it shows how to not just survive, but thrive-how to take advantage of the introvert's special qualities to create a life that's just right for the introvert temperament, to discover new ways to expand their energy reserves, and even how, when necessary, to confidently become a temporary extrovert.

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 04 Jan 2013 21:34:55 -0500)

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