Crenshaw's Books & Decks

Introvert Power second edition is a very enjoyable read, and an encouraging book for introverts. It helps introverts to feel OK about being introvert, to recognize themselves as such, act in "hot" situations with extroverts, and teach extroverts how we operate. The book is, in part, a bit of a memoir as the author comments how she deals with introversion in her private life.

The book explains things easily and clearly, and kills many myths and assumptions about introversion that have been thriving in the media and in the academia for decades despite their lack of accuracy.

Some of the points the author makes are terrific:

> Introversion is not a flaw, a mental disturbance or an aberration of the character, but a way of being and relating that is intrinsically natural and healthy but different from extroversion.

> Introverts are almost half of the population, not a weird minority.

> The dominant culture in a given country affects the way introverts express and relate in general.

> Shyness and introversion are two very different things.

> Not all introverts are the same. There are the Socially Accessible and the Dark Hidders. (Actually, I think there are the Chameleon Introverts, which go from SS to DH depending on the circumstances, just my personal contribution).

> Seeking silence, solitude and alone time are all empowering means for an introvert to recharge and find harmony.

I also loved:

+ The way the author describes the ways in which introverts think, behave, feel and relate.

+ That the author uses the word p*ss off sparingly. What a lovely verb!

+ The snippets about thoughts and ways of being described by many introverts, which are reproduced throughout the book

+ Some of the techniques used to cut exhausting talkers and how to negotiate, face or say no to parties and noisy stuff.

Having said this, the book is repetitive at times, a bit shallow others, the author offers some generalizations on foreign countries and cultures that are not based on direct experience but on readings that are not produced by locals, the book is unnecessarily wordy at times, and some of the advice given is just obvious. For example, if you are an introvert you do need to retreat and will find ways of retreating no matter what, you don't need a chapter to tell you to do so, or how to do so. There are many examples of the sort.

Most recommended for teenagers and people who feel awkward because they seem to be "boring", "quiet", or a "loner". It will help them to deal better with many of the every-day challenges that introverts face.