Jenn Granneman

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.… (mehr)

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.… (mehr)

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.… (mehr)