Summer Reading List - Women in Literature: Review of "Quiet - The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking" with Gayatri Aryan
“True self-esteem comes from competence, not the other way around.” We are excited to kick-off a new series on Women Who Win, called “Women in Literature - Mother-Daughter Book Reviews.” In this series, Gayatri Aryan and her daughter Aneesha bring insightful and candid reviews on books relating to women (strong female protagonists, female authors etc). Gayatri starts us off with a review of Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking”, a New York Times Best check out Gayatri’s review! Let us know what book is on your summer reading list in the comments!
Prefer an audio version? Check out the audio version below!
Book Details:
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking
Author: Susan Cain
Genre: Psychology, Self Help, Business, Parenting
Publication Date: Jan 2012 (was 7 years in the making)
Gayatri’s Review:
In a society where likes of “fake it till you make it” and “the squeaky wheel gets the grease”, Susan elicits a reassuring counter perspective of quiet fortitude. Quiet by Susan Cain starts by delving into the shift from Culture of Character to Culture of Personality with the rise of industrial America. By now, this culture of personality is an integral part of our education system with role-playing games such as Subartic Survival Situation, leveraged at top business schools, feeding into the myth of vocal/charismatic leadership.
Biology definitely has a role, Susan shares her research around differences in brain chemistry. In introverts, the amygdala, part of the brain that controls emotions, is more reactive and excitable than extroverts, so they can be overstimulated by new things. Also, when information from the outside world enters an introvert’s brain, it travels the longer acetylcholine pathway. Much like dopamine (the feel good chemical), acetylcholine is also linked to pleasure; it makes us feel relaxed and content yet enables us to think deeply and focus for long periods of time on one thing.
Susan goes on to explore whether all cultures have an extrovert ideal. Quoting Mahatma Gandhi “In a gentle way, you can shake the world”, she compliments the soft power Asian-Americans practice, not ignoring the dichotomy their children face outside home.
All that said, the fact is we live in a world of mixed-bag-personalities. Therefore, Susan dedicates the last part of the book offering her thoughts around dealing with introversion, whether it's your own, one of your teammates or most importantly your child’s. I’ve to say the last chapter “On Cobblers and Generals” was my favorite chapter of the book wherein Susan’s appeal to parents of introverted children can be summarized in one word: ACCEPTANCE.
As I was building my list of books to review for this column, I was wondering why I would review a decade old book. Doesn’t it already have enough reviews? True. However, as I witness the deliberate social engagement of Gen Z and innocent social engagement of Gen A, I feel hope. Hope, because this engagement is rooted in acceptance; acceptance of a variety of diversities, if I may dare say. In the spirit of this “Acceptance Culture” that Gen Z+ exudes, let me (a Gen X’er) offer this gift of “Quiet” by resurfacing it through my review to help understand the introversion/extroversion spectrum.
I would like to end my review by indicating the target audience for this book.
Certainly, parents; whether your child is introverted or not, this book offers a unique vantage point into winning traits.
Individuals in leadership roles; this book speaks to the importance of making space for the soft-spoken ones in your team.
Most importantly, introverts themselves; the sooner the better!