Introvert Power: Why Your Inner Life Is Your Hidden Strength

I have read most of the recently published books on introversion, and INTROVERT POWER is, by far the best one I've encountered. Even when introversion is acknowledged and explained by many authors, it is regarded as an obstacle that needs to be overcome, or an enemy that should be conquered. Dr. Helgoe identifies introversion as a characteristic of personality that is common, but widely ignored; and explains that when properly understood, introversion can be enjoyed, celebrated and put to productive use. I have discussed the subject of introversion with people who have advanced degrees in psychology, and I have been told that introversion is a personal choice or an attitude. Bull! Dr. Helgoe GETS IT! She understands that some people are plenty of company for themselves. She understands that many of us just don't care for parties or crowds or superficial relationships. She knows the value of just a few good friends and the life enhancing value of a solitary retreat. And she knows the need to have the freedom to think your own thoughts and to feel your own emotions. This is an outstanding book. Introverts will be refreshingly validated by it, and extroverts will be educated.

I'm so grateful that this book found its way to me! Anyone out there who is wondering why they haven't "achieved" extroversion yet needs to read this right away. So many of us wonder, "What is wrong with me", "I should enjoy crowds and groups and parties- all the things that our media and our current American society say makes up a healthy person". No more of that- no more expecting ourselves to transcend into extroversion - like breaking through the glass ceiling and victoriously becoming this social butterfly! A true introvert does not find their power there. This book very aptly tells how we do find it. And for this I say thank you.

I feel that had I known, or my parents and the adults around me, all this information, these helpful insights, I would have saved myself a lot of trouble. Trouble, in every sense of the word. It's bittersweet. I feel justified, vindicated, explained, comprehended, normal. But at the same time, it's almost haunting. "If they had know this or that...things wouldnt have happened that way." This book has thusfar explained every struggle I've ever had, and the truth is I'm not exaggerating. Aside from being wonderfully written, in an accessible and personal tone, the book leaves nothing unanswered, and no room for doubiousness. It's a great investment for people who are introverted, or people who know introverts, or extroverts who can understand introverts....the list goes on. A+