Introvert by Design by Holley Gerth Book Review

About the Book:

God created you as an introvert on purpose, for a purpose, and the world needs your strengths more than ever before.

Building on insights she introduced in her popular book The Powerful Purpose of Introverts, bestselling author and counselor Holley Gerth guides you through a new interactive journey of personal discovery.

Designed to take you from insecurity to holy confidence in who God made you to be, each daily reading includes inspiration from Scripture and practical tips and strategies from Holley, while writing prompts help you

· connect in a deeper way with God through solitude and simple prayers
· become more aware of what's happening in your inner world
· learn to manage what energizes you and drains you as an introvert
· develop helpful habits like reflection, gratitude, and taking the next small step
· live each day in ways that empower you to thrive as an introvert for a lifetime

You don't have to change who you are to fit anyone else's expectations. Discover new freedom, confidence, and clarity in the pages of this beautifully designed guided journal.

You can read an excerpt here.

My Review:

I'm an introvert. I struggled with guilt and shame for decades, feeling I should want to be a part of every small group and go to all those church social activities. I identify with Gerth saying her trying to be an extrovert broke her. It has taken years to get back to who she really is.

I need solitude. I need quiet. Gerth shows that is by God's design. I prefer one or two deep friendships rather than a number of “friends.” I now know that is by God's design too. Science shows God created introverts and extroverts differently. I now know I thrive on acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter released when I am focused. Extroverts thrive on dopamine, released in high stimulus situations. I also now know why I like being in nature, especially when I have been in a high stimulus situation, having lost touch with who I am.

Gerth does a good job of encouraging introverts to be who God created us to be but also to not use being an introvert as an excuse, not being willing to allow God to transform us or to call us outside of our comfort zone.

I highly recommend this journaling experience if you are an introvert. It will help you understand yourself as God has created you to be and free you to be who you truly are.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Holley Gerth loves humans, words, and good coffee. She's the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of many books, including The Powerful Purpose of Introverts and What Your Mind Needs for Anxious Moments. In addition to being a life coach and counselor with a master of science degree in mental health, Holley also cofounded the groundbreaking online community (in)courage, cohosts the More Than Small Talk podcast, and is co-owner of The Potentialist Agency. Find out more and connect with Holley at holleygerth.com. Photo Credit: Luke Davis, Main Street Studios

Revell, 224 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)