Literary Brooding

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain A friend recommended this to me and I am glad I took the time to read this book, otherwise I would have missed out on this gem. What I liked about this book is that it is a not a how to. Cain does a wonderful job of exploring the world that both extroverts and introverts inhabit and how they come into conflict with each other. Cain does not decry or champion either side in this battle but looks at how being an extrovert in some cultures has almost become a requirement. There are some wonderful case studies in this book that look how the rise of extroverts has overwhelmed those who are thinkers, who need time to construct a response.  The in depth look at Tony Robbins is extremely well done. It really does bring to light the difficulties anyone who is slightly introvert has in a world that tells you the only way to succeed is to be loud and proud. For some people this will be a beacon of light, ha

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen Hodder & Stoughton, 2007, 209 pages Handed down through the generations is the Waverley curse and Claire and her sister Sydney have dealt with the situation in different ways. Each of the Waverley women has a unique ability that brings them into some sort of conflict with the townspeople. For Claire staying in Bascom has meant accepting she is different and accepting she will never truly belong. Sydney runs away and hopes to forge a life but an abusive husband has her returning home. If you like the movie Practical Magic you will like this book. The characters were well developed, some nice touches of humour, through in some romance and this is a pleasant read.