Primary Genre(s): Graphic Novel, Autobiographical
Published: 17 November 2017 by Andrews McMeel Publishing
Page count: 184
My Format: ebook via Overdrive
Cover: Relatable
Pacing: Quick read
Ending: Positive
Would I recommend it: Yes
Commission Link: Buy Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story
My rating: ★★★★★Synopsis
This illustrated gift book of short comics illuminates author Debbie Tung’s experience as an introvert in an extrovert’s world. Presented in a loose narrative style that can be read front to back or dipped into at one’s leisure, the book spans three years of Debbie’s life, from the end of college to the present day. In these early years of adulthood, Debbie slowly but finally discovers there is a name for her lifelong need to be alone: she’s an introvert.
The first half of the book traces Debbie’s final year in college: socializing with peers, dating, falling in love (with an extrovert!), moving in, getting married, meeting new people, and simply trying to fit in. The second half looks at her life after graduation: finding a job, learning to live with her new husband, trying to understand social obligations when it comes to the in-laws, and navigating office life. Ultimately, Quiet Girl sends a positive, pro-introvert message: our heroine learns to embrace her introversion and finds ways to thrive in the world while fulfilling her need for quiet.
My Thoughts
I think the synopsis tells you everything you need to know about this story; however, I still have a few thoughts. Here are my pros and cons for Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story:
Pros
- I’ve always considered myself an introvert, so this book really made sense to me. Right off the bat I was remembering situations in my own life that were being talked about in the book.
- I liked that the book covered the personality traits a bit – at least so far as defining the girl’s trait as INFJ. While I was constantly recognizing familiar situations in the book, I think I am less insecure than she was/is. I am more of an ISTJ. Interestingly, the INFJ personality is extremely rare, while my personality trait is quite common. I’ve also since learned that INTJs and INFJs tend to be exceptionally smart… so there’s that. 🙂
- Cute, simple, relatable illustrations.
- This isn’t written like a “story” per se. It is more like a snapshot of certain segments of an introvert’s life that can be challenging. I liked the approach because it covered a lot of situations.
Cons
None.
Summary
If you are an introvert or someone that has social anxiety in any way, you should take the time to read this graphic novel. If you are an extrovert who wants to learn more about introverts, you should also read this book. I think this is a simple but thorough introduction to introversion and it presents clear situations to make it relatable. An extrovert may never truly understand an introvert (and vice versa), but maybe this short book can help others understand that introverts aren’t boring, or socially inept, or unfriendly… we just enjoy different things in different ways.
Do you know your personality trait? If not, there are several online tests to find out! A simple one that only takes a few minutes can be found here: https://www.16personalities.com/. Are there any other INFJs out there like the girl in this book? Or how about INTJs like me?
If you would like to read this book and form your own opinion, please consider purchasing through this link: Buy Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Click here for a description of my rating scale.
(image from Goodreads)
KayCKay Book Reviews 