Jenn GrannemanRecensioni

Granneman & Sólo's book explains "sensitive" in psychological terms of temperament and what this means for such people with this characteristic. While the book was clearly written and very informative, most of the HSP aspects were repetitive of earlier work published by the likes of Elaine Aron. What sets this book apart on its own is by clearly delineating the trait "Introvert" versus "Sensitive", and some information in managing stimuli which may overwhelm the deep, emotional processing a sensitive brain is genetically geared to perform.

In addition to this clarification, the authors succinctly cover new findings in brain research, such as the effects on cognitive sensitivity to negative stressors and to positive environments such as empathetic mentoring. The value in covering such research can help a sensitive personality realize where their personal psyche will be best supported in education and in the workplace.

One drawback, for my tastes in such reading, were too many anecdotes. These mini-stories were used to substantiate the research and perhaps establish a credible connection "in real life" stories. At some point, cases with examples would be useful but the reader can't move swiftly through the ideas with long, detailed interruptions just to demonstrate the principles. A seamless thread of factual information would have been more effective in presenting the concepts.½

I was really interested at first, but it became too much. She used the introvert hangover term too much and she also seemed to make too much of some of the behaviors, feelings, etc., almost like making excuses. I have been an introvert all my life, starting out shy, but working through the bullying and other abuse as I matured. I don't identify with much of the later part of the book. There was useful information, but too much to wade through. I did eventually finish the book, but wasn't finding it particularly interesting for me.

Highly recommended for those interested in the different innate temperaments in the introvert-ambivert-extravert categories; outlines strategies for understanding what works best for the highly sensitive person. Very readable. Many insights into how our dopamine centres in the brain contribute to how and where we tend to find the most pleasurable pursuits.

As a lifelong introvert, there was much in this book with which I could identify: the need for solitary downtime to recharge after the over-stimulation of work or social interaction; the stress caused by a dissipation of my mental energies in too many directions simultaneously; the preference for a small number of high quality interactions, rather than a large number of meaningless ones; the preference for meaningful conversations over small talk; avoidance of conflict due to the over-stimulation it inevitably causes. Despite this, there was a little too much repetition in this book, and I did not find it as good or inspirational as Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, which I read seven years ago. Worth a read, though, for anyone interested in introversion/extroversion, or anyone whose significant other or close family member is different from oneself in this respect.

Interesting

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.

I wish I'd had this book 30 years ago so that I could hand it out to bosses, boyfriends and others as a "how-to" manual on dealing with my introvert personality. I am not painfully introverted, but if I don't have my alone time, I become depressed, irritable and extremely fatigued. That is really, really hard to explain to an extrovert. One gets a reputation as "difficult" because an introvert often needs to push back and say "no" to certain situations. And that's a shame because the introverts that I know, myself included, are among the smartest and most creative people when given their space.

I can never resist books about introverts, because I'm the girl who nearly burst into tears after en evening at a family party because everything was just TOO MUCH and who quit her job (in a library, ironically) because I was being forced to 'perform' in front of a crowd. Jenn Granneman's 'self-acceptance' guide, however, is more or less like Susan Cain's Quiet from a few years back. There are only so many ways someone can say 'It's OK to be who you are', after all - a message which is always appreciated, but nothing groundbreaking.

There are the usual 'YES! That's me!' moments - sitting on the sidelines, sloping off for 'alone' time, not speaking to people unless they speak to you first - and some interesting concepts - 'It can take years to build a personality, but temperament is something you're born with' - and also some chapters that I skipped (three on relationships?) I also get the feeling that I'm the type of 'shy' introvert that Jenn doesn't approve of - introversion is positive, shyness is negative. But hey ho. I am just me, and I've accepted that after all these years, but it's always good to know that I'm not alone.