Text, Don’t Call: An Illustrated Guide to the Introverted Life by INFJoe

Posted August 15, 2017 by shooting in Book Review / 32 Comments

Text, Don’t Call: An Illustrated Guide to the Introverted Life by Aaron Caycedo-Kimura

Review by Lauren
source: copy for review; all opinions are my own
Official Summary (add on Goodreads): Introversion is “in.” But there are still many misconceptions about introverts in the world. They’re shy. Anti-social. They don’t want to have close relationships. They’re all cat people. They don’t like big parties (okay, that last one might be true). 

INFJoe, the cartoon persona of artist and introvert Aaron Caycedo-Kimura, is here to set the record straight. Filled with charming comic book style illustrations, this book provides invaluable insights into the introverted life with plenty of humor and wit.

Review: Not long after I added this book to my to-read list on Goodreads, I was contacted about reviewing the book. I couldn’t pass up that opportunity! The author includes information about what it means to be an introvert throughout the book, but it’s short snippets making it fun and informative at the same time. My favorite aspect of the book, which shouldn’t be a surprise, are all the cartoons/comics included that represent various humorous scenarios when it comes to introverts. One of my absolute favorites, harking back to the title of the book, is a person looking at their phone. Every time it rings, they think “please text.” This is definitely me! If I can text you instead of call, then I will. I hate talking on the phone – I do it enough at work so the rest of the time, I’m not likely to call you if I can help it.
Not liking the phone is just one aspect that I share with many introverts, but there are others too, like being in the same room with someone but doing our own things, or needing to “recharge” with alone time after being in a group of people. I like getting out and doing things, but big crowds are often anxiety-inducing for me and I do like to have time to myself if I’ve been with people for awhile. I loved how positive this book was when talking about introverts. Yes, the author is an introvert, so that makes sense, but he also made sure to dispel things that people often think of when it comes to introverts. For example, being an introvert doesn’t mean you are shy or anti-social. I am shy, but I’ve gotten better as I’ve gotten older. My being an introvert is very separate from my shyness. As for being anti-social, this is a very negative thing to call someone and is not synonymous with being an introvert.
This is a quick, but fun, read. It would make a nice stocking stuffer for the upcoming holidays or just a fun gift to show your favorite introvert “I Understand.”

32 responses to “Text, Don’t Call: An Illustrated Guide to the Introverted Life by INFJoe

  1. Like you Lauren, I need some alone time after being with people for long periods of time. I deal with people all day, doing ultrasound I’m managing my patients and dealing with co-workers all day, so when I get home I just want to “recharge” with some quiet time! I think I’d get a kick out of this book! Lovely review! 🙂

  2. This book is on my list since I’m an introvert, lol. I hate talking on the phone, so I love the title alone. Texting was the best thing that happened in the last 15 years in my opinion, ha!

  3. Nice. I think I want this one (and you’re right, it would make a great gift for the right person). So nice to see that people are realizing that introverted doesn’t necessarily mean anti- social. And the phone thing- I hate talking on the phone but never knew why, guess I’m not the only one lol.

  4. THIS SOUNDS AMAZING. And I really appreciate that the book covers that not all introverts are shy! It bugs me how that’s a huge stereotype. I am, personally, shy, but my sister is an introvert and also super out-going! But she needs recharge time so bad. ?And also I really really really would be happy if no one ever called again. Definitely please text.?
    I so need to check this one out!

  5. I could visit big cities, but never live in one. I’ve taken the Myers Briggs twice; once I was I, the other time, E. So I’m in my own conundrum, and want to go out and talk with lots of people about it, but don’t want to go out and talk with lots of people about it.

    See my problem?

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