Unlocking Your Potential Through Quiet: An Introduction to Susan Cain’s Groundbreaking Book

The world of psychology is constantly evolving, but one concept remains the same: the idea that introverts and extroverts exist on a spectrum. In her book Quiet, Susan Cain dives into how this dichotomy has been viewed through the ages and how embracing both types of personalities can lead to a healthier, more well-rounded society. Let’s explore why this book is so important for introverts and extroverts alike.

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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
  • Cain, Susan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 368 Pages – 01/29/2013 (Publication Date) – Crown (Publisher)

The Rise of the Extrovert Ideal

In Quiet, Susan Cain argues that over time, society has placed an increasingly larger emphasis on extroversion as being the “ideal” personality type. Additionally, she claims that in many circles, there has been a stigma attached to introversion—that quieter people are seen as weak or less capable than their louder counterparts. To back these claims up, Cain provides several examples from our shared history to further illustrate her point.

For instance, she cites examples from early twentieth-century education systems which favored loud students over those who were more contemplative and reflective in their approach to learning. She also touches upon how certain organizations have implemented policies specifically designed to encourage outgoing behavior and discourage quietness in the workplace.

Exploring How Quiet Encourages a Deeper Understanding of Introverts

The core message of Quiet is that every single person is capable of greatness—no matter if they identify as introverted or extroverted. This message comes through clearly throughout the book as Cain shares real-life stories of individuals who have overcome adversity by tapping into their inner voices and using them as tools for success. By reading these stories, readers are encouraged to recognize just how powerful it can be when we embrace both sides of our personalities and use them together in harmony rather than focusing solely on one side or another.

Conclusion

Ultimately, there is no one “right” way to be—introversion and extroversion are equally valuable traits that should be embraced within ourselves and recognized among others in our lives. QUIET offers an eye-opening look at how society has come to value one type over another and encourages us all to take steps toward recognizing both qualities as necessary components for a thriving society.

Uncovering a Historical Mystery: “Shadow Divers” by Robert Kurson

In his riveting narrative, Robert Kurson captures the true story of two relic-seeking divers’ incredible discovery off the coast of New Jersey in 1991. John Chatterton and Richie Kohler are presented with an opportunity to unearth a mysterious secret hidden for over 60 years – a German U-boat from World War II. Through their perilous journey, they set out to identify the submarine and uncover the human bones on board.

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Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II
  • Kurson, Robert (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 432 Pages – 05/24/2005 (Publication Date) – Random House Trade Paperbacks (Publisher)

The Discovery of a German U-boat

In Kurson’s description of Chatterton and Kohler’s initial findings, readers will be drawn into this thrilling narrative as if they were there with them. They embarked on their mission as passionate recreational scuba divers who were searching for sunken relics from wars past. What they discovered was an unidentified submersible structure resting on the ocean floor which led to further investigations into what it could possibly be. After combing through debris littered around it, they made an unsettling discovery – human remains inside the vessel. This evocation of the era of U-boat threats during World War II is truly powerful and serves as a reminder that these war stories are far from just history books pages.

Research Efforts to Identify Submarine China & Human Bones

Chatterton and Kohler quickly understood that reliable information about their find would not come easy, so they assembled a team consisting of historians, scientists, and marine archeologists to assist in their research efforts. By examining items such as submarine china bearing Third Reich insignia, valuable clues were uncovered about its origin. As the investigation continued, speculation arose surrounding what could have caused human bones to be aboard this particular vessel at its time of sinking in 1945. Through this remarkable journey of adversity and unlikely success stories, Kurson masterfully captures all aspects of this enthralling real-life mystery.

Conclusion

From start to finish, Kurson writes with incredible detail that makes destruction palpable and allows readers to truly experience each chapter as if they were part of it themselves. He paints a vivid picture that pays homage to how Chatterton and Kohler were able to uncover such a mysterious secret which was thought lost forever in time – or worse yet – remained buried forever beneath the waves like many other ships whose stories will never be known or honored in such an impactful way. “Shadow Divers” is both humbling and inspiring, leaving behind a poignant reminder that history is not always as it appears on paper or in textbooks.

A Love Letter to Libraries: Susan Orlean’s The Library Book

In her fascinating 2018 book, The Library Book, Susan Orlean recounts the story of the Los Angeles Public Library and its remarkable journey from destruction to rebirth. On April 29th, 1986, a devastating fire consumed the Central Library of Los Angeles, destroying hundreds of thousands of books and leaving much of its infrastructure in ruins. Through extensive research and interviews with those who lived through this tragedy, Orlean sheds light on how the library could be rebuilt despite such immense destruction.

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The Library Book
  • Orlean, Susan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 336 Pages – 10/01/2019 (Publication Date) – Simon & Schuster (Publisher)

The Fire at the Los Angeles Public Library

The blaze that consumed much of the Central Library in downtown Los Angeles started around 11 pm on April 29th, 1986, and burned until dawn. By then, it had destroyed 400,000 books and damaged 700,000 more. Unfortunately, the building was also left in ruins; its fire-resistant materials had failed to contain the blaze, spreading quickly throughout the library’s many floors and departments.

The Effects of the Blaze

When news of the fire reached Angelenos, many feared that their beloved library was gone for good; however, remarkably enough, it was able to be rebuilt in just over two years due to an outpouring of support from citizens across Los Angeles. While reconstruction efforts were underway, there were still significant obstacles to overcome — they had to reconstruct an entire building and replace hundreds of thousands of lost books.

The Inspiring Stories Behind Rebuilding Efforts

Throughout her narrative, Orlean introduces us to some truly inspiring stories about those involved with rebuilding efforts after the fire. Harry Peak—a young actor, embroiled in a complex case involving arson—and Gene Scott—the eccentric pastor who spearheaded fundraising efforts—are two prime examples whose stories help demonstrate how a community can come together during difficult times and achieve seemingly impossible feats.

Charles Lummis’ Impact on the Rebuilt Library

We also learn about Charles Lummis — one of America’s first conservationists — whose legacy remains alive today at the rebuilt Central Library in downtown Los Angeles. Before becoming a conservationist, he served as a librarian for five years at what is now known as Lummis House; his dedication to reading left a lasting impression on patrons before and after his tenure there. His influence can still be felt today at Lummis House and other libraries across California thanks to initiatives he championed, such as public access points for children living in poverty-stricken areas or those without access to technology or internet service.

Conclusion

Susan Orlean’s The Library Book is ultimately a love letter to public libraries everywhere; she highlights their essential role in society by telling us stories about those involved with rebuilding efforts after the devastating fire that consumed much of downtown LA’s Central Library in April 1986. We are reminded that libraries are more than just places where we go for information or entertainment; they are bastions for knowledge that provide access points for people regardless of their race or economic background and help foster communities within our cities and towns worldwide.

Understanding Harry Truman Through David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-Winning Biography

Presidential biographies are often a great source of information for understanding the character and accomplishments of the presidents who have shaped our country. David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, Truman, serves as a particularly informative and in-depth look into the life and legacy of President Harry Truman.

This book is an important resource for learning about Truman and provides insight into his optimism, diligence, perseverance, political talents, and acumen. Let’s dive deeper into the book and explore what makes it so special.

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Truman by David McCullough (1993-06-14)
  • David McCullough (Author)
  • Simon & Schuster (Publisher)

The Size and Scope of “Truman”

This 936-page work took McCullough eight years to write and was published in 1992. It stands out from other presidential biographies due to its size, depth of research, and narrative style—it reads more like a novel than a history book.

In this biography, McCullough details Truman’s humble beginnings as a failed farmer in Missouri, his rise to become one of the most influential presidents in American history, and his numerous accomplishments during his two terms in office.

Key Facts Uncovered by McCullough

In researching this biography, McCullough unearthed many facts that weren’t previously known about Truman’s life—including stories told by family members, friends from childhood days, letters that had been buried away for years in archives or forgotten boxes—and used them to paint an intimate portrait of a man who was determined to serve his country well despite all odds being against him. This helped shape Truman’s legacy as one of strong moral conviction and unwavering commitment to duty even when faced with adversity or unpopular opinions.

Detailed Analysis of “Truman”

McCullough does an impressive job analyzing just how unique Truman’s political talents were. He explains how he could make decisions amidst heated debates without ever wavering from his core values or losing sight of what was best for the nation as a whole (even if those decisions proved unpopular). He also offers readers insight into why Truman was so respected by people on both sides of the aisle—his ability to see the bigger picture while still paying attention to every detail made him stand out among all other presidents before him.

Finally, readers can appreciate how meticulously researched this biography is; every fact is backed up by extensive evidence found through debate transcripts, interviews with people who knew Truman personally throughout various phases of his life, etc., making this book an invaluable resource when studying Truman’s presidency today.

Conclusion

David McCullough’s Pulitzer Prize-winning biography “Truman” has stood out among presidential biographies since its debut in 1992 thanks to its size and depth of research and its narrative style, which reads more like a novel than a history book.

Its importance lies not only in providing readers with an in-depth look at Harry Truman himself but also giving us valuable insight into his optimism, diligence, perseverance, and moral compass, as well as his political talents and acumen, which enabled him to make difficult decisions without ever wavering from what he felt would be best for America overall–making it essential reading for anyone looking for an understanding about one of our most beloved presidents.

Books I Read in November 2022

Another month of 2022 has come and gone, with it, another round of books. I’m very much on track to finish 100 books this year. Actually, I may hit 103-105 before it’s all said and done. A holiday break is an excellent chance to get some extra reading time in while recharging for the new year.

Plus, I’ve been down with the flu for almost a week, allowing me to read when I haven’t been asleep.

This month, as in October, includes several short audiobooks. With a busy fall, I was behind in hitting my reading goal for the year. I focused on getting caught up the past couple of months with audiobooks. I can listen while I’m working or driving, and I’m also able to play the titles at around 2.5x normal speed. I stumbled across several very interesting titles (especially the John Scalzi titles) that I enjoyed immensely.

Here, in no particular order, are the books I read or listened to in November 2022.

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The Dispatcher
  • Audible Audiobook
  • John Scalzi (Author) – Zachary Quinto (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 10/04/2016 (Publication Date) – Audible Originals (Publisher)
The Dispatcher: Murder by Other Means
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Scalzi, John (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 105 Pages – 04/30/2021 (Publication Date) – Subterranean Press (Publisher)
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Travel by Bullet: The Dispatcher, Book 3
  • Audible Audiobook
  • John Scalzi (Author) – Zachary Quinto (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 09/01/2022 (Publication Date) – Audible Originals (Publisher)
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The Poppy War: A Novel (The Poppy War, 1)
  • Kuang, R. F (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 544 Pages – 04/23/2019 (Publication Date) – Harper Voyager (Publisher)
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Before They Are Hanged (The First Law Trilogy, 2)
  • Abercrombie, Joe (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 560 Pages – 09/08/2015 (Publication Date) – Orbit (Publisher)
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I.C.O.N.: Wardens of Issalia, Book 0
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Jeffrey L. Kohanek (Author) – Tim Campbell (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 01/19/2021 (Publication Date) – Podium Audio (Publisher)
This Long Vigil: A Science Fiction Short Story
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Bruno, Rhett C (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 43 Pages – 12/18/2015 (Publication Date) – Aethon Books (Publisher)
Inconstant Moon
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Niven, Larry (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 208 Pages – 06/17/2012 (Publication Date) – Spectrum Literary Agency (Publisher)
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The Messengers
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Lindsay Joelle (Author) – Kaliswa Brewster, Ana Reeder, Zoë Winters (Narrators)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 03/05/2020 (Publication Date) – Audible Originals (Publisher)
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Limitless Mind: Learn, Lead, and Live Without Barriers
  • Hardcover Book
  • Boaler, Jo (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 256 Pages – 09/03/2019 (Publication Date) – HarperOne (Publisher)
Farewell to the Master
  • Bates, Harry (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 84 Pages – 08/01/2013 (Publication Date) – Spastic Cat Press (Publisher)
The Machine Stops
  • Forster, E.M. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 46 Pages – 05/23/2013 (Publication Date) – A Forster Book (Publisher)
Sins of the Past: A Darkness Within Prologue (The Darkness Within Saga)
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Franx, JD (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 79 Pages – 02/23/2014 (Publication Date) – JD Franx (Publisher)
Forest of Memory
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Kowal, Mary Robinette (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 92 Pages – 03/08/2016 (Publication Date) – Tordotcom (Publisher)
Hearts, Keys, and Puppetry
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Neil Gaiman (Author) – Katherine Kellgren (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 02/08/2010 (Publication Date) – Blackstone Audio, Inc. (Publisher)
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The Alloy of Law: A Mistborn Novel (The Mistborn Saga, 4)
  • Sanderson, Brandon (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 416 Pages – 10/30/2012 (Publication Date) – Tor Fantasy (Publisher)

Final Books of the Year

Later this month, I’ll have a final wrap-up of my “best books of 20222.” It’ll be the first time I’ve published a list like this, so bear with me. I want to communicate the reasons behind my selections and hopefully encourage you to begin making your own “best of” lists as you progress through your reading each year.

Reviewing what we read helps to remind us what we learned from the book (yes, you can learn from fiction just as easily as non-fiction). Also, it gives us a chance to practice those ever-important communication skills with another chance to write. It doesn’t matter if you publish your list or keep it in a journal, summarizing and telling someone your thoughts (even if it’s just you) is excellent writing practice.

Books I Read in October 2022

Yes, I’m aware it’s mid-November as I post this. It’s been a busy month 😉

Here are the books I read, re-read, listened to, or re-read in October 2022:

The Fall of the House of Usher and Other Tales (Signet Classics)
  • Edgar Allan Poe (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 24 Pages – 09/23/2023 (Publication Date) – Signet (Publisher)
Boarding Party: Green Zone War, Book 0
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Jake Elwood (Author) – Johnathan McClain (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 01/19/2021 (Publication Date) – Podium Audio (Publisher)
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Frankenstein: The 1818 Text (Penguin Classics)
  • Shelley, Mary (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 288 Pages – 01/16/2018 (Publication Date) – Penguin Classics (Publisher)
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THE CALL OF CTHULHU
  • Hardcover Book
  • Lovecraft, H.P. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 64 Pages – 11/05/2019 (Publication Date) – Design Studio Press (Publisher)
The Strange Case Of Dr. Jekyll And Mr. Hyde
  • Stevenson, Robert Louis (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 113 Pages – 07/09/2022 (Publication Date) – Independently published (Publisher)
Shadow Divers: The True Adventure of Two Americans Who Risked Everything to Solve One of the Last Mysteries of World War II
  • Hardcover Book
  • Kurson, Robert (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 375 Pages – 06/29/2004 (Publication Date) – Random House (Publisher)
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Dracula: Collector’s Special Edition (Deluxe Illustrated Classics)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Stoker, Bram (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 464 Pages – 11/23/2021 (Publication Date) – Union Square & Co. (Publisher)
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow
  • Irving, Washington (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 32 Pages – 02/21/2016 (Publication Date) – CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (Publisher)
The Wise Mans Fear: The Kingkiller Chronicle: Book 2
  • English (Publication Language)
  • Penguin (Publisher)
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Beowulf: A New Verse Translation
  • Hardcover Book
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 256 Pages – 02/15/2000 (Publication Date) – Farrar, Straus and Giroux (Publisher)
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Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking
  • Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking [Hardcover]
  • Susan Cain
  • Hardcover Book
  • Cain, Susan (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
Robots and Roommates: Star Kingdom, Book 0
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Lindsay Buroker (Author) – Fred Berman (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 01/19/2021 (Publication Date) – Podium Audio (Publisher)

Overall, it was a very spooky month as I revisited some of my horror favorites. Hopefully, you had the chance to knock a few items from your TBR.

Books I Read in September 2022

I wrapped up several books in September of 2022 because I focused my time better than I had in many months. Beginning my doctoral work at the end of August necessitated that focus.

I also ramped up my audiobook listening this month, taking advantage of my 30-minute commute and a couple of road trips. September was a busy month. Heading into the last three months of the year, my reading stats will drop due to coursework and coaching our high school esports team.

We’ll see how it goes in October. For now, here’s what I read or finished reading in September 2022.

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Blade Itself (08) by Abercrombie, Joe [Paperback (2007)]
  • Abercrombie (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 12/22/2024 (Publication Date) – Pyr, Paperback(2007) (Publisher)
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How to Read a Book: The Classic Guide to Intelligent Reading
  • Simon & Schuster
  • Condition : Good
  • Easy to read text
  • Adler, Mortimer J. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
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Writing the Winning Thesis or Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide
  • Joyner, Randy L. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 344 Pages – 07/13/2018 (Publication Date) – Corwin (Publisher)
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The Name of the Wind: 10th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
  • Hardcover Book
  • Rothfuss, Patrick (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 752 Pages – 10/03/2017 (Publication Date) – DAW (Publisher)
Best of Verne: Journey to the Center of the Earth: Illustrated Classic
  • Verne, Jules (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 236 Pages – 10/15/2020 (Publication Date) – SeaWolf Press (Publisher)
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Meditations (Modern Library)
  • Hardcover Book
  • Aurelius, Marcus (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 272 Pages – 05/14/2002 (Publication Date) – Modern Library (Publisher)
Discipline is Destiny
  • Hardcover Book
  • Ryan Holiday (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 304 Pages – 09/06/2022 (Publication Date) – Profile Books (Publisher)
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Teaching for Deeper Learning: Tools to Engage Students in Meaning Making
  • McTighe, Jay (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 130 Pages – 01/22/2020 (Publication Date) – ASCD (Publisher)
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The Original
  • Audible Audiobook
  • Brandon Sanderson (Author) – Julia Whelan (Narrator)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 09/14/2020 (Publication Date) – Recorded Books (Publisher)
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Leadership: Theory and Practice
  • Northouse, Peter G. (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 600 Pages – 02/08/2021 (Publication Date) – SAGE Publications, Inc (Publisher)

I’ll share my thoughts on a few of these books in the coming weeks. If you haven’t subscribed to my newsletter yet, I hope you do so I can share these thoughts with you!

Books I Read in August 2022

My reading over the summer took a bit of a dip over the first part of this year. My goal this year is to read 75 books, down from 100 last year.

I set that goal knowing that I would begin my doctoral work this fall and would likely have less time to read non-school-related books.

But I seem to be ramping back up heading into September. As I write this, I’m 13 books behind for the year, so the pressure is on!

Books I finished reading in August 2022:

How to Take Smart Notes: One Simple Technique to Boost Writing, Learning and Thinking
  • Amazon Kindle Edition
  • Ahrens, Sönke (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 190 Pages – 03/08/2022 (Publication Date)
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[Leviathan Wakes] [By: Corey, James S. a.] [May, 2012]
  • James S.A. Corey (Author)
  • English (Publication Language)
  • 05/01/2012 (Publication Date) – Orbit (Publisher)

Books I Read in May 2022

I’m consistently working to keep my reading on track this year. I have a book with me wherever I go (physical & ebook) and carve out a little time each day.

Some days more than others 😉

Here are the books I read/finished reading during May 2022: