I picked up this book by Susan Cain, who I first was aware of after watching her TED talk about the power of introverts. It is a follow up book to her “Quiet” bestseller.

Her intended audience are introverted teenagers, and there are two short chapters aimed at parents and teachers.  Other than this, there are four parts to the book focused on school, socialising, hobbies and home.  The chapters are full of stories of introverts learning how to adapt to their personality type and working out how to achieve success.

The tone of the book is simple and straightforward but not condescending, and I found it to be very readable.  I especially liked the cartoons, but wish there were more of them!

One of the messages of the book is that there is nothing wrong with being an introvert, and Susan gives examples of famous and not-so-famous introverted role models who have achieved marvellous things, which might inspire younger introverts.  She both talks about how to “stretch your rubber band”; reach out of your comfort zone to manage demands that may suit an introvert more, and also how an introvert can manage situations to allow themselves more easily to cope with them.

Brian Little’s concept of the “restorative niche” is explained with practical and realistic ideas of how a teenager might find one.  But at the same time, Susan cautions against using this niche for escaping or running away; rather using it as a way to recharge batteries before facing the world again.

Overall, I think this book is well worth a read for any introvert, teenaged or otherwise, and for anybody who would like a deeper understanding of “the tribe” as Susan Cain calls introverts.