So, I selected this book for a bookclub with staff because I am not an introvert but I work with a good many introverts so I wanted to understand them better. From that perspective the book didn't quite succeed as it is directed at introverted youth and is kind of like a little "rah-rah" tome to help them cope. That being said, there were nuggets and takeaways. First, the quiz at the beginning made me think -- am I really the extrovert I think I am? I landed right in the 50/50 bucket with the questions, so that stood out. There isn't much research presented but what they do cover is interesting. Who knew that there are actual brain differences between introverts and extroverts? The book did make me rethink, as an instructor, about calling on kids and how I lump in "participation" as a vital part of engagement. Throughout, the insistence that being shy is different than being introverted was kind of lost on me as the point was not well-made. A breezy, light read, it only fell into the lecture-trap a couple times ("don't do drugs") and was a worthwhile exploration. My major issue with the book was the constant characterization of extroverts as "popular", "charismatic" and "pretty". I'm not sure character traits have anything to do with physical appearance and I can assure you, as someone who has always been called an extrovert I have rarely been considered popular (the words "strident" and "outspoken" have been used.) Maybe I need to write my own book to combat these stereotypes! In any case, I can see this book being a solace to those who struggle with large social interactions -- the very center of school life.
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