“These books generally are not bestsellers,” a reader noted recently about the novels and memoirs I feature in my monthly Introvert Book Club posts for paying subscribers. “How do you find them?” Well, I read a lot of books and a lot about books and keep my antenna tuned for several signals that a particular item might have unique perspectives on introverts. The adjective “quiet” about a book as a whole or a main character often gets me investigating. Another such signal is reader complaints that “nothing much happens” in the book, which usually indicates a focus on feelings, thoughts or subtle changes in life philosophy – elements of the inner life that introverts are drawn to.
Although introverts sometimes star in high-drama, action-packed narratives (I am thinking of you, Jack Reacher!), more often they headline contemplative, introspective books with a lot of attention to inner experiences, subtle dilemmas and artful resolutions. This focus fits the realms where introverts naturally find the most meaning and satisfaction. According to a “Need for Drama” study by the website 16Personalities.com of some 24,000 people, introverts are significantly less likely than extroverts to enjoy and engage in public conflict. Chaotic situations in real life make us want to duck with our eyes rolling rather than takes sides and cheer on the protagonists.
No wonder many introverts find the ancient philosophy of the Stoics appealing. Around 2,000 years ago, thinkers like Marcus Aurelius, Seneca and Epictetus discussed the wisdom of letting others revel in their ensnarement over trivial issues while concentrating instead on one’s own character and values. If you can pause and reflect while other people are unspooling their favorite dramas in complaints or clashes, you can stay uninvolved, preserving your energy. A Stoic perspective encourages onlookers to mind our own business. Marcus Aurelius tried to remind himself every morning when he woke up: “The people I deal with today will be meddling, ungrateful, arrogant, dishonest, jealous, and surly.” I imagine him saying that to the mirror while washing his face, then going through his day remaining apart from the histrionics hurled his way.
Books – and people – without high drama or interpersonal fireworks have much to offer. Often their gift is just something to consider rather than wins over losses. In Autumn Rounds, the question is what makes us feel closer to others. All the Beauty in the World gets us thinking about our relationship to the greatness of art. Stoner invites us to weigh the worth of a life without show-stopping triumphs. The Elegance of the Hedgehog describes the age-defying, class-ignoring dynamics of mutual recognition.
For me, such themes are like instrumental airs laced with graceful melodies, in contrast to crashing symphonies. Introverts tend to resonate with these smaller-scale, more interior tales, rich with delicate observations, sensitive truths, tender experiences, evocative rhythms, ambiguous lessons and atmospheric graspings for meaning. Join me in discovering the charms of introverted storytelling by becoming a paid subscriber to Introvert UpThink. You’ll get instant access to four years of past paywalled book posts along with new ones coming out monthly during the next 12 months. As a paid subscriber, you also help support my open-access posts advocating on behalf of introverts. Sign up here. If you’re already a paid subscriber, thank you!
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