The Secret Lives of Introverts: Inside Our Hidden World

I knew the meaning of the word “introvert” from the age of 10,when my teacher told my mum what she already knew.I was an introvert and this helped me write beautiful compositions.The definitions and characteristics Jean Granneman uses to describe the different types of introverts are spot on and I could easily identify myself with many of the examples she mentions.

She writes in a simple,clear language that is a combination of scientific results and well-composed explanations for us, laymen.She covers the fields of education,socializing,how hard it is to find some quality alone time when we have to balance job responsibilities and social life and the only thing we want is to sit quietly and stare into space,alone with our thoughts.I enjoyed her honesty.Granneman and the people to whom she gives voice are honest,never self-indulgent.They don't glorify being an introvert,they don't condemn extroverts to Hell.They tell it like it is.Being an introvert or an extrovert is perfectly natural,like being right-handed or left-handed.There is no right or wrong, it is the way we are.Even in sensitive topics like dealing with relationships, both romantic or work and family related, she provides advice without being dogmatic.I appreciate that because in similar cases,I have noticed many authors acquiring a voice that shows how full of themselves they are.

What moved me and made me angry with frustrating remembrance was her chapter concerning children at school and during the learning process.Personal story alert! Most of my teachers in high-school were good people and adequate professionals.Especially those who were teaching subjects related to Literature and Languages.My math teachers probably thought I had no idea what I was doing but they were kind enough not to show it.Out of all the teachers, they were two that have stayed with me,for very different reasons.One taught me to stay true to myself, the other made me determined to send those who want me to change to....well,you get the point.

There was a male teacher,a seemingly polite man who used to teach Ancient Greek, turning everything into a show.He would read passages from Sophocles and Euripides in a boisterous voice, making grand gestures.Problem was that he was awfully sarcastic to any student whom he considered wrong and incapable to understand what he thought was right. So I was afraid to raise my hand and I didn't, even though I knew the “correct” answer. I always got the best results in tests and projects but for him I was inadequate because I didn't “participate”.Yes, he used that word, exactly as I tell you. A year later,a second teacher,a lovely woman with whom I am still in contact, told me to stay true to myself and work in any way I saw fit, in any event of my life.And when my time came to enter the class as a teacher,I vowed never to tell a child to “participate more”.When parents come and tell me that their treasure is so “quiet”, I always reply “yes,isn't he/she lovely? He/She reminds of myself.” And this ends the discussion.I know that they know.

Jean Granneman's book must be read by everyone.Introverts will recognise many key moments of their lives and extroverts will discover that we don't need to change,we don't want to.We're not all the same.I dare say that this book will make any worried introvert a little more confident, a little less self-conscious.

This review goes out to Mrs.Delli for all her encouragement.To the other one...well,pity that Epidavros lost such a great actor...Except not!
(....I've been waiting 17 years to be this mean,hi hi!)

Many thanks to Skyhorse Publishing and Edelweiss for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.