A review by misshoneybug
Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert's Story by Debbie Tung

5.0

This book got me nodding like if I was listening to my favorite song. It is so relatable that it is scary! Most of my "weird" traits are nothing but normal characteristics of being an introvert: the most typical is that we need time to recharge after social interactions (messaging counts as well, but not as tolling as face to face interaction...usually). What surprised me was how many of Debbie's everyday actions were similar to mine, it made me laugh and feel connected.

The stories Debbie tells are mostly 1 page long divided in panels and show all kinds of "introvert struggles" she has faced along the years; as a college student, working adult, girlfriend and then wife of an extrovert, plus all the hassles of adulting while trying to fit in the world. Even though each mini story is individual, there is a chronological order and her shift in perspective is noticeable. At first everything feels like a struggle and she pushes herself to fit in and act extroverted while feeling alienated from the world. Then, as she discovers she is an introvert and that there is nothing wrong with her, she starts to accept herself. By the end of the book, it is clear that the struggles will continue, but she no longer tries to be someone she is not and embraces her true introverted self. The illustrations are monochromatic and really cute. I like Debbie's drawing style, it is pleasing to the eye, without too much detail but enough to catch the expressions and the general mood of each story.

I cant recommended this enough for all introverts; you will find yourself in most, if not all, pages of this book. For those with an introvert partner, friend or family member, before gifting this book to your loved one, read it first! and then, let them know you read it, or better yet, read it together. I believe there is no greater gift than knowing that there is someone out there who truly understands and accepts you as you are.

Thank you to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for providing me an eARC in exchange for an fair review.