One book gaining quiet momentum this year is Susan Cain's Quiet: The power of introverts in a world that can't stop talking.    Cain brings together a wide body of research, from business schools, military officers, and education.  She explores several definitions and situations which enriched my awareness of diversity among the people I meet.  I recommend reading this book if you find yourself stressed by the living-out-loud lifestyle expected in America OR  if you live or work with people you do not understand.  Maybe you, too, will find insight on how to "let yourself be" or how to appreciate the differences (along the spectrum of introversion to extroversion) which make the human experience rich and rewarding.

If you aren't ready to dive into the whole book, her website offers a video introduction (shown below, hopefully) and links to her TED talk, too.

One of my favorite parts of the website is the poster, Raising an introverted child (also below).  How much anxiety or bullying might one alleviate through a little awareness and tolerance?

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To end on a positive note, I'll add the Manifesto for Introverts!

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