– Customer review on 02/01/2007

"Introverts are like a rechargeable battery. They need to stop expending energy and rest in order to recharge. Extroverts are like solar panels that need the sun to recharge. Extroverts need to be out and about to refuel." ~Marti Olsen Laney

Imagine feeling alone in a crowd, preferring a quiet corner to the limelight and feeling overwhelmed by phones, parties and office meetings. Do people often think you are shy, aloof or antisocial? If you are an introvert, you are going to completely relate to a variety of comments that are like fireworks going off in recognition of truth. Introverts can hide their talents and only show them in certain situations.

Through reading this wonderful and often humorous book, you will be assured that nothing is wrong with you. In fact, there is a connection between Introversion and Intelligence.

What is fascinating is how Marti Olsen Laney explains how introverts create energy in the opposite way extroverts do. I'm often drained of all energy after being with people for extended periods of time, but being with a book can set me on fire with creativity and energy. I can handle small groups and connecting with familiar faces can actually energize me, but after three hours, I want to find a more peaceful setting.

This book helped me understand why I have deeper thoughts when I'm by myself than in a group setting. People seem to not know who I am in the "real-world," but online, I have found a place to show my true self. This is apparently because introverts are more comfortable with writing than speaking in public.

Are You an Introvert?

Are you detail oriented yet details in public spaces overwhelm you?
Do you prefer small parties with intimate friends?
Do you avoid crowds?
Would you rather be reading books in bed in your pajamas?
Do you get tired when you are around people, but energized when alone?
Do you feel guilty about having to "limit" your social experiences so you can survive?

Does your mind sometimes go blank in group situations?
Do you dislike being interrupted in the middle of a project?

The author has divided her comments into three main sections. First you find out if you really are an introvert, then you discover how to navigate the extrovert world. The last section explains how you can create the perfect life by "extroverting." This is just another way of saying that an introvert can also shine their light out into the world.

After reading the list of famous introverts, you will see similarities in their personalities. The author also gives a list of movies to add to your "must-see" list. Marti also spends time seeking the in-depth answers to brain chemistry. You will also find out if you are a Right or Left-Brained Introvert.

Then onward to "dating." The "Relationships: Face the Music and Dance" chapter shows how personality types collide, how to meet the challenge and then how to appreciate the differences. Even by reading the chapter on Parenting, I started to understand extroverts in a new way. I find extroverts to be fascinating, yet at times they overwhelm my cozy-sit-in-the-corner cat nature with their tiger tactics. Extroverts just seem so aggressive at times. The world can look a little threatening and a party can be overwhelming.

I love the author's ideas about how to be a sea anemone at a party. I've survived many parties with this tactic. If you are worried about what to say at a party, Marti gives plenty of solutions in the form of openers, sustainers, transitions and closers. Then she dives into the hazards from 9 to 5. This chapter will also shed some light on your personal relationships. Ok, by the time I read "Pack Your Survival Kit" this book had been more than helpful. These tips alone will encourage you to create a more peaceful planet.

"The Introvert Advantage" is an encouraging book for anyone who has felt the pain of being an introvert in an extrovert world. Marti Olsen Laney also shows how it can be equally painful and unfulfilling to remain in a state of seclusion. Through reading thoughtful segments on a daily basis, you can finally start to find balance in your daily existence.

This is a must-read book for all Introverts and the people who love them. The author has a comfortable writing style and you will feel "at home" and find yourself "completely" relating to her experiences. It is rare to find a book where you just fall in love with an author's personality. She is cute, witty and intellectual too. Finally someone out there understands! The author has really done her research.

Highly recommended. Add this book to your Top Ten must-read books this year. After all, it will help you understand 25% of the population.

~The Rebecca Review.com, A Right-brained "mostly" Introvert (INFP) and proud of it.

– Customer review on 18/06/2007

This is one of the major popular books about introverts. Introverts need more publicity. At least 25% of the population are introverted, but they're usually the quiet type and regarded as shy or aloof. Most introverts aren't shy or aloof, they just have different ways of gaining and using energy. Extroverts [the majority of the population] are energised by social interaction for social interaction's sake and find it fun and enjoyable. Introverts love and care about people a lot, but social interaction drains their energy and time alone re-energises them. If an introvert seems annoyed, it's because they're stressed because they have no time to recharge their energy alone! Introverts have a very rich inner world and think very complex thoughts inside their heads [the majority are of above-average intelligence] but often have trouble translating these into spoken words, particularly when they have no time to prepare. They can be frustrated that they are unable to communicate the true depth of their thoughts in speech and are usually better at writing because it gives them time to translate the words correctly out of their complex thoughts. It's very likely you know an introvert [if you aren't one yourself], so everyone should read this book and understand this significant proportion of the population.

– Customer review on 18/06/2007

This is one of the major popular books about introverts. Introverts need more publicity. At least 25% of the population are introverted, but they're usually the quiet type and regarded as shy or aloof. Most introverts aren't shy or aloof, they just have different ways of gaining and using energy. Extroverts [the majority of the population] are energised by social interaction for social interaction's sake and find it fun and enjoyable. Introverts love and care about people a lot, but social interaction drains their energy and time alone re-energises them. If an introvert seems annoyed, it's because they're stressed because they have no time to recharge their energy alone! Introverts have a very rich inner world and think very complex thoughts inside their heads [the majority are of above-average intelligence] but often have trouble translating these into spoken words, particularly when they have no time to prepare. They can be frustrated that they are unable to communicate the true depth of their thoughts in speech and are usually better at writing because it gives them time to translate the words correctly out of their complex thoughts. It's likely you know an introvert [if you aren't one yourself], so everyone should read this book and understand this significant proportion of the population.