Customer Reviews
where's the advantage? 
2008-02-28
Not a great book, and the title and intro are misleading. The book is extremely repetitive, and could have been trimmed down to about half it's present length without losing any content. The major point of the book is that if you are an introvert and you want to succeed, you should become more extroverted. Did I really need to read this book to figure that out?
A great Tool for Introverts 
2008-02-08
I am an extrovert with an introvert daughter. I wish I had had this book when she was little. It gives a profound understanding for the world of the *innie*. I Love her writing style. It is clear, to the point and well developed. I have recommended this book to over twenty people. I think it is a keeper.
A Must-Read!!! 2008-01-19
This is a must-read book for everyone, but especially introverts! I am an introvert and I loved this book. There were so many "ah ha!" moments when I read it, and I finally understand why I often feel I don't fit in.
The book is divided into 3 major sections. In the first section, the author explains that what makes an introvert personality and how it differs from an extrovert personality. She provides a brief explanation based on the work of Carl Jung and also includes some physiological details of these differences. There was a lot of good information in this section that rang true for me.
The next section of the book explains in more detail how introverts approach different aspects of life differently than extroverts. Areas covered include relationships (dating), introvert children, socializing, and the work environment. The relationship section explained what happens when you match up an introvert and an extravert, 2 introverts or 2 extraverts. The book includes some tips and techniques to make things work and avoid pitfalls. The section on introvert children was interesting to me, as my sister is an extravert. Undoubtedly, she and I have often misunderstood each other over the years because we think differently. It wasn't until I read that chapter that I fully understood that fact. For example, my sister and I live far from each other and I really don't like calling her. It's not because I don't care, but because I just hate talking on the phone to anyone. She, on the other hand, loves talking on the phone but thinks I just don't want to talk to her, specifically. Now, email would be a completely different story! We just do things differently and sometimes that leads to misunderstanding and hurt feelings. Now I see that more clearly. The section on work environments also contained a lot of good information that really made me think about the way I act there and the way it is perceived. For example, I am slow to speak up in brainstorming sessions and I am conflict-averse. Apparently there is nothing wrong with me - this is normal introvert behavior.
The last section contains techniques for introverts to feel more fulfilled and at peace. There are also some techniques on how to be more extraverted when the situation calls for it.
All the way through this book, I just kept thinking "this is me!!!" It was so refreshing to know that there is nothing "wrong" with me and the way I do things, I'm just different than the majority of the population. I walked away from this book with a much better understanding of why extraverts just don't "get me" and have a few ideas of how to use my strengths as an introvert to overcome areas where I may have some weaknesses.
There's Nothing Wrong with an Introvert 2008-01-18
This book is very beneficial for both the person who thinks he or she is an introvert as well as for family and friends involved in that person's life. It is well written and is a very helpful tool to better understand how an introvert thinks and relates to others. It also helps to make you realize that there are stereotypes associated with introverts that are not accurate. A worthwhile book...
Great Insights into the World of Introverts 2008-01-13
Marti Olsen Laney's "The Introvert Advantage" is one of the most profound works that I have ever read and I just could not put it down. It has provided great insights into the world of introverts and how one (myself included) can swim through the rough river of life with a strong sense of self-confidence. Before reading this book, all I knew that I am an introvert and that I get my energy by being alone. After reading this book, it has added greatly to my self-confidence and increases my self-understanding as an introvert in the world of extroversion.
I especially enjoyed reading the part about the difference between the introvert's brain pathway (parasympathetic system as activated by acetylcholine) and the extrovert's brain pathway (sympathetic system as activated by dopamine), and the nicotine connection.
Laney has provided a great deal of research and effort into this work, and done so with a clear clarity. This book has 10 chapters, with roughly 320 pages, and written in a clear manner. For both the extrovert, to understand their opposite, and the introvert, to understand oneself better, I would strongly recommend this book.
Great book for an Introvert to Read. 2008-06-26
On the back it says, ¡§Filled with Aha! Moments.¡¨
It is true, as an Introvert, I had many of these reading this book. I scrapbook with a group of wonderful girls. One time Christine brought this book. We took the quiz and all but one of us are introverts. It was fun to realize that about each other and maybe it is why we all get along so well, we can understand each other. One of my Aha moments, was I hate to make phone calls. Apparently this is a situation many introverts face. It made me feel less weird. º
I have learned a lot about personality types for years now and read many different books, mostly focusing on the Myers/Briggs test. It is really interesting because I was an INFJ when I first was married and now I am and ISFJ. You can take the test yourself at mypersonality.info
This was the first book I had seen or read about introverts specifically. It was wonderful to read. It has helped me to understand more about myself and also my son who is an introvert as well. I think it has also helped me to better understand my husband who is an extrovert, because it does have a section about introvert/extrovert couples.
So I recommend The Introvert Advantage to any introvert, or anyone who deals with an introvert on a frequent basis (family member, colleague) Some of my other favorite personality books are Nurture by Nature: How to Raise Happy, Healthy, Responsible Children Through the Insights of Personality Typeand MotherStyles: Using Personality Type to Discover Your Parenting Strengths, both parenting books. The first focuses on your children¡¦s personality styles and how to help them, the second focuses on your personality and how to use your strengths as a mother.
You're not alone (even if you want to be) 
2008-04-13
Since this book has been reviewed so many times already, I won't go into detail. Besides, I loaned my copy to one of my eighth grade students, (who, to this book's credit, says it is really helping her figure herself out and improve her self-esteem,) so I can't quote any details.
I just wanted to note that, as an introvert, although I found it nice to have many of my feelings validated, this book often makes introverts seem pathetic. Yes, introverts get their "energy" from solitary activities more than from socializing, and yes, parties often take a lot out of us. But the author constantly makes reference to things that make introverts feel "pooped out" and suggests all sorts of self-care techniques so we can nurture ourselves and preserve our "low energy." Firstly, I think that there is a big difference between not enjoying many social situations and finding them tiresome and actually being tired out by them. Even for those occasions when a social situation is overstimulating, which I have experienced, it doesn't make me want to lie on the couch! It just makes me want to do something else! I have taken the Meyers-Briggs type tests, so I am familiar with the concept of "where you get your energy from," and I think the author of this book takes that word too literally. I think it means something more like inspiration and motivation.
However, there were good points about this book, chief of which is that in a culture (and a world) in which hanging out and socializing is the norm, it's important to note that quite a few of us, while loving the people in our lives, need more alone time than others.
The Introvert Advantage: How to Thrive in an Extrovert World 2008-04-08
An excellent must have for every introvert -- and extrovert. Extroverts learn why they push those buttons, introverts learn we are "ok" and "normal" and how to best handle those situations where we are pushed to the limit.
This book improved my self-esteem. 2008-04-03
I wish I had read this book in high school. My teenage years did nothing to help my sense of self-worth, as I was always made to feel weird, different and somewhat abnormal, because I didn't fit the stereotypical mould of how a teenager should act. I hated parties and found teenage friendships too superficial to devote any of my time to.
As I entered my adult years, like many examples that the author illustrates, I began to question my mental health, and wondered if I had some kind of psychological illness that could account for all of my "flaws". I was especially confused by my need to be alone to recharge, and was sure I must have a mental illness to feel drained in social situations.
Thank God for Laney's book! It has eliminated the false assumption that because I am quiet and drained by social interactions, I must have a disorder. This book has given me the freedom to say, "There is nothing wrong with me, I'm introverted!" What a relief!
I found the chapters about neurochemistry to be boring and reluctantly suffered through them, but the rest of the book is gold. Her practical suggestions are very helpful - I have now identified a barely used, lockable room at work where I can go and hide on my tea breaks, if I'm feeling overwhelmed by stimulus.
Since reading this book my health has improved. Armed with the skills to maintain my energy, and recognise when my energy is running low, I no longer run my life like a marathon, pushing myself past the point of exhaustion. When I feel my energy is draining, I schedule a break. I used to be constantly exhausted, now I have much more stamina.
The book has also helped me to understand the extroverts in my life. I can now see that those compact conversations that annoy me so much, provide hap-hits for extroverts. I can see myself through their eyes and now I understand why they get the impression that introverts are "withholding" hap-hits when we don't engage in those quick conversations.
I like the real life examples she uses throughout the book.
The most important thing I can say, is that this book has helped me make sense of myself and has validated my experience. Laney has given me the confidence to be myself, and the ability to accept myself as I am. I no longer think I'm an abnormal person, or suspect I have a mental illness. I'm normal, and proud to be an introvert.
To anyone who has been made to feel like an outcast for not being extroverted enough, this book is for you!
Thank you Laney, for changing my life.
I'm in denial because I am not a low-energy introvert?! 
2008-02-28
I got about as far as pages 225-227 where Laney begins talking about how introverts who refuse to acknowledge that they are of the low energy variety then they are in denial and that you may be secretly mad or critical with yourself if you pretend you are energetic. Why the condescending psychobabble all of a sudden in the book? The textbook definition of introversion isn't always about the level of energy of the person, it's often about how the person GETS increased energy! I'm absolutely an introvert, and have been tested multiple times throughout life with the MBTI. But I am also quite energetic in ways that are very different from extroverts, but the level rates about the same as a mid-level extrovert. I also know very hyper introverts - they just don't express it through social forms.
I think I am repeating multiple reviews when I say that yes, there was definitely too much fluff and repetition. How ironic, considering that many introverts hate these two qualities in reading material. I also much resented being labeled as an 'innie' as if all introverts are exactly the same. I don't require a new pop psychology term that reminds me of those suffering from Asperger's Syndrome being called 'Aspies.' Should an extrovert read this book I think they would be quite mislead about their introverted friends, family, and coworkers. To me it made introverts sound bland, lazy, slow, with few interests, and needing to lay around with a blankie eating cookies and enjoy talking to children more than adults. Yet, Bill Gates was mentioned in this book, and I can think of another computer-related guy, Will Wright, who I've read is absolutely an introvert and both of these introverts are extremely dynamic, quite energetic, mature, multi-faceted adults, and they don't appear to nearly drop dead and become listless after giving speeches or being in the public eye for a little while.
