This is now one of my all-time favorite books that I will forever be recommending to every introvert I come in contact with! It's so hard to find books that balance the perspectives of faith and psychology, and Holley absolutely NAILED it! She gives such a beautiful perspective on how introverts play a valuable role in the world and it made me so much more grateful to embrace being an introvert. Thank you Holley for always knowing exactly what I need to hear in each season.

Wow, I am so grateful for this book. With a perfect blend of research and her heartfelt story, Holley opens the door and sheds light on the truth about introverts. With the current level of noise and chaos in our world, I had been doubting whether my quieter voice could make a difference. After reading this book, I felt inspired and encouraged to step into all that God has for my introverted heart, for such a time as this. If you are an introvert or know an introvert, this book is well worth your time.

I finally feel empowered as an introvert! Holley not only helps the introvert feel understood but gives us the knowledge we need to be confident in the fact that God has created each of us with a purpose solely our own. He is intentional and intricate and loving in His creation of each of us! I certainly don't want to waste any part of who I am but learn how to use it to the fullest for His glory. Holley has helped me know how to do that best as an introvert.

This book starts out by identifying introverts and then explaining the differences between introverts and extroverts. Holley has quite a few gems in this book. One thing she stated that really resonated with me was "We must give up trying to become someone HE never intended us to be." This is something that I struggled with for years. And another, "An introvert with no time to themselves works in much the same way. We keep showing up, but we're not able to make the fullest contribution." This is something that I wish people understood about introverts; when we don't get time to ourselves it makes us less productive, less attentive because we have not had that time to recharge. This book is written for introverts, people who love an introvert, or for anyone who wants to understand more about what makes introverts tick. The personal stories Holley includes really helps us to connect more to not only the subject matter, but the person behind the story as well. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about the purpose of introverts.

I trust Holley Gerth and was excited to read her new book The Powerful Purpose of Introverts. This book is different than her others but had my attention from the very beginning. I learned so much about myself as an introvert. I enjoyed the fascinating neuroscience facts and assessments. I highly recommend this book.

As an introvert, I nodded my head "yes" many times while reading The Powerful Purpose of Introverts. I appreciated that this book is both full of practical information to do with what make an introvert an introvert (how certain chemicals in the brain impact introverts and extroverts differently, for examples), as well as the other side of things - how to live in a world that seems made to be noisy, fast-paced, and flashy. I especially loved the chapter on anxiety and depression, as I feel like that is a common struggle with introverts, myself included.

Gerth's tone is open and easy to follow, and I loved all of the extra bits of information. She pulls from well-known writers, speakers, leaders, and sometimes figures from history to underline her points, and it really gives the book a well-rounded feeling. It is obvious she has done a great deal of research on the topic and is also willing to share her personal journey as an introvert. Her style is conversational, so I never felt talked down to or bogged down by too much information.

I think introverts will find a lot of value in this book, but extroverts will, too, especially if a close friend or family member are introverted. I actually liked the information about extroverts as well because I do have extroverts in my life who I love dearly and always seek to understand better. Another winning piece of non-fiction from Holley Gerth!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley from the publisher. I was not required to post a review, and these are my honest thoughts and opinions.

With open heart and true to herself, Holley writes with honestly about her introvert-ness. (You'd never know it to look at her, with that bright smile or sweet bubbling voice.) With Powerful Purpose, she shares her awkwardness and nervousness. Her insecurities, and uncomfortable feelings that makes her want to run or hide in the bathroom. Those times when she feels out of place and her brains turn to mush. (I'm sure we've all had those embarrassing moments, where you forget someone's name.) But behind her words are the insight of knowing how these moments or situations can be overcome and used for a purpose. You see introverts may be slow thinkers and they need time to process in any given situations, but that only gives them time to take in all the details others may miss. She writes "As introverts, we also respond slower because we're listening rather than thinking of what we want to say." She has done her research and is sharing it with you.

Yes, I am an introvert. I certainly never thought I was until I read this definitive study of the subject. I also took all the tests, answered the questions, did some research of my own, and discovered I’ve been denying parts of my personality. What a difference!!!

I want to take a few moments of your time to share what I have learned and with that encourage you to read The Powerful Purpose of Introverts by Holley Gerth.

I am a creative person. I like to move furniture around, use color to enhance my home. I like to sew, knit, crochet, cross-stitch, and design my own projects. I like to read, write, and think in quiet places where I can totally focus. I love to teach, sing, and play the piano for God’s glory. I like to share my work with others. Trust me, I am not shy about it. Now you might think, like I did for so long, that makes me an extrovert. Not so! All these things make me who I am. Holley Gerth says, “When we become more aware of ourselves, we become more aware of others too.”

I used to think that people who want solitude, time alone, were some kind of weird. I love being with people, talking with people, interacting with people, but it sometimes drains me. All these things are not the opposite of solitude. Allowing myself time ‘alone’ increases my creativity, deepens my Christian growth, and helps me focus on what is really important.

Through this book, I discovered to be the best me I can be I must take time to make and grow positive personal connections. For me, this means listening well, being patient and persistent (always working on this one), and sharing the limelight.

I could almost hear myself talking at one point in my reading. A loud noise of any kind is so deeply offensive to my sensibilities that I will choose not to involve myself in activities that have that potential. Concerts of any kind, including the symphony, require me to always carry earplugs. When Holley commented that she does too I was truly seeing myself. I absolutely love music and good speakers, but they can be overwhelming for this introvert.

Holley Gerth writes about being an introvert with great passion, with the sensitivity of being an introvert, but most of all with the desire to help everyone understand both themselves and the people around them.

Oh, how I have grown through reading this book. Read it! You will grow too.

Blessings on blessings to you and yours!

Marie

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an ebook copy of this book from Net Galley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I have been an introvert my whole life, and I find trying to live by the extrovert rules exhausting. This book gives me hope that I can be who I am and not have to live by the extrovert rules. I find the science behind introversion and extroversion the author includes in the text fascinating. This book has offered me encouragement and I know it will offer so many others hope and encouragement!

I may not be an introvert myself but I certainly know a lot of introverts! Personality and the way God has wired us have always been fascinating to me and with the occasional comment that I exhibit introvert tendencies, I was curious, how did God wire introverts, and how did He wire extroverts and what are the differences and strengths?
Holley Gerth wrote one of my favorite books, You're Loved No Matter What, a book that helped me realize and release my perceived need to be perfect. After finishing that book and reading many of her other books, I knew that she would have amazing insight into the way we are designed and the science behind it. The science piece of The Powerful Purpose of Introverts grabbed my attention because this is not just opinion that drives the message of this book, it's experience and research, something that gives you a reason to believe the words written on the pages.
Gerth gives insight into the differences between the way introvert and extrovert brains are wired. She walks readers through the steps of discovering the aspects of their personalities. We are all complicated human beings, intricately designed, and knowing the way we are wired is exactly what helps us relate to those around us. One of the best tests I ever took was the Enneagram, which is one of the tests Gerth wrote about in this book. The Enneagram helped me to realize what I tend to do when I'm stressed and allowed me to have grace for myself in learning how to react differently and to learn that I need to quiet the inner critic.
Gerth also talks about how loving ourselves through self-acceptance leads to our ability to be able to be our unique selves for the world and through that learn to love others around us in the way that feels best to us. I am a teacher and sincerely believe that we need to teach children how to be kind and love one another and this doesn't change when we are adults. I think the beautiful part of all of our personalities is that we show love in different ways. This is exhibited through our interactions with people at work and at home, it shows up in the way we give and receive love (our love languages). I also believe that as extroverts and introverts the way we pour out love may look different but one is not more effective than the other. Holley writes, "If you want to grow in love, measure nothing. Instead, make one connection, have one conversation, show kindness to one person at a time--which introverts naturally do well." By just being themselves, introverts can make another human being feel noticed and loved. My love language for receiving love is quality time, my sister is an introvert, and her ability to listen and hear what I am saying makes me feel known. If we truly stopped living our lives trying to be someone else, how many lives could we impact by just being us? This is why I love this book because it gives introverts (and extroverts) the freedom to be exactly who they were created to be.
I would highly recommend the book, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts, to anyone, whether extrovert or introvert, who is curious about the way they are wired and wants to learn the next steps to loving those around them, including themselves!

We live in a world that can feel overwhelming at times, where it can feel like everything is geared to extroverts - that those who are outgoing and gregarious are valued while those of us who are quieter and less vocal are sometimes overlooked.
If you're an introvert who has ever felt like that, this book will provide some encouragement!
It explores what it means to be an introvert - delving into the science of how introverts' and extroverts' brains are differently wired and looking at the impact of introversion on different aspects of life.
It addresses some of the struggles that introverts commonly have, such as anxiety and depression, but it also looks at the strengths introversion can bring and encourages that us that these are just as valuable as the strengths of an extrovert.
Whether you are an introvert, or you are close to an introvert, this book is full of helpful insights. Holley Gerth shares her own and others' experiences and writes in a friendly and relatable way. The book is provides valuable encouragement to introverts to understand ourselves more and to embrace our introversion and be who God made us to be.

I really enjoyed Holley Gerth's new book The Powerful Purpose of Introverts. So much research went into this book and I've been thrilled to see that many of the sources Holley has quoted are familiar to me - the sources, but not necessarily the quotes. This is a must read for any introvert who questions her value in this world. If you are an introvert and have ever questioned where you fit into the grand scheme of things, read this book! It is empowering and validating. Filled with scientific information on why we are the way we are, as well as helpful suggestions on how to embrace being an introvert and live your life to it's fullest potential, this book is one I will go back to again and again to review tips and insights on what it truly means to be an introvert

I like to read what Holley Gerth writes, it is not my first book by her. I find her style very fresh and sincere. I like her as a person and writer, I´d like to have a friend like her around (I feel like she is when I read her). Feel like I know her, and I really like that she embraces who she is, even when she doesn´t have the common or popular famous people personality, that is what attracted to me to this title (also all the people I love who are introverts). I consider myself 50% each so I feel related too. In this book, I found a way to love even better the introverts around me and appreciate their qualities also to enjoy and accept myself in the areas I´m one. I liked the test the author provided in the book/author site, probably is a good idea if you go and get to know your % of introversion.

I like the emphasis she makes explaining the fact that introversion "isn´t about how much someone likes people or enjoy socializing, but it is wired into the brain and nervous system" (I dislike when people says that you are the way you are just because you were raised differently or because your social interactions were a lot or just a few, it is a different design from the womb).

I liked the chapter on HSP Highly Sensitive People, if you are sensitive and observe/feel everything around you, you will resonate with this content, you will feel seen and understood. God made everyone different for a reason.

This book is going to make you value who you and others are and respect them, their own limits, and peculiarities. Diversity has richness.

"It never occurred to me that it takes mental maturity to honor our limits. True strength isn’t gritting our teeth and ignoring our done point and pain. Instead, it’s saying, “That’s all I can do for now. It’s enough. I’m enough.” Never apologize for your sensitivity— no matter what area it’s in for you. It’s not a weakness. It’s not a fault. It’s not something to change. It’s a powerful way God made you." (I´d like to add that some people will never like or understand forget about love some aspects of you), they will always be trying to change you or won't be able to respect your limits, and it is ok to expect that... people are different and won´t love or accept every kind of personality).

While reading this book I wanted to read Sacred Pathways by Gary Thomas... she quotes him and shares about 9 spiritual pathways, I found that interesting, I´ll get it.

The book club questions at the end I believe are so fun to go through and get to know each other's minds.

I really like her little note to extroverts, I think it is so sweet to know she wants to notice everyone and not to divide.

If you’ve wondered why you don’t fit the world’s mold for most of your life, you need to read this book. Maybe you’ve been working against your God-given character traits instead of with them for your entire life. Perhaps you hang on the outskirts of life thinking you’ve done something wrong because what everyone calls ‘fun’ doesn’t seem like fun to you.

Maybe God created you as an introvert, and not an extrovert. Gerth, an introvert, takes readers through the science of why we have no desire to be the life of the party (or even at the party). She urges introverts to practice self-coaching (not self-criticism or self-pity). Gerth defines self-coaching as ‘kindness and empathy plus action.’ Introverts rarely find it difficult to treat others with kindness, but we spend a lot of useless energy beating ourselves up for who we weren’t meant to be.

Gerth also gives practical advice for designing our days to take into account the draining each activity will exact from our system. She also cheers the introverts on, helping them see that different doesn’t equal better or worse—just different. The world needs quiet, contemplative people. The world needs introverts.

This book will help introverts shine the way God intended them to shine. Now, if I can just get my extroverted spouse to read the book so he understands me a bit better! As an educator, this book will help me better understand how to reach both the extroverts and the introverts in my classroom.

"While, yes, we want (and need) time on our own, introverts also share an intense love for people and a drive to make a difference in the world." Holley Gerth, The Powerful Purpose of Introverts. How long I have believed the lie that I must not like people very much if I have this desire to spend time by myself. In her new book, Holley dispels many myths of the introvert and opens up a world of truth and power to encourage even the most introverted among us. Through Holley's well researched conclusions, personal insights, as well as Biblical truths from the pages of Scripture, I am learning that alone time does not make me anti-social, filling my social calendar doesn't make me less lonely and that it is perfectly natural for me to for me to take quiet, solitude in order to recharge. Holley's book has helped me to find an appreciation for my God-designed introvert temperament. I highly recommend this book to introverts and extroverts alike!

I love all Holley Gerth books. They're always encouraging and uplifting. I am 96 percent an introvert who is also a Women's Pastor, so I definitely need this book.