Very interesting book as an introvert I wouldn't do any of what the author did. It seemed as though she put herself through a lot and what was the point? Some people just aren't meant to be extroverts and that's ok.

This is the kind of book that was made for me -- a shy introvert that would rather spend time with her books and blankets than at a raucous get-together. That said, this is a book that chronicles a year of the author's life as she tries to break free from the binds of introversion. Pan does all that an introvert facing this type of challenge would do: turn to apps to find new friends, sign up for improv classes, perform on stage, and take a chance that smiling at someone would make them smile back. Simple, right?

This book does provide inspiration for those introverts like myself who know that with a little push in the right direction, we can occasionally participate in an extroverted world and not die of embarrassment, boredom, or stale cake in Budapest. I think it's a lovely idea to step out of your comfort zone and participate in things that you just couldn't see yourself doing, though like the author, you really do need to have a solid support system in order to encourage the fear to take a backseat. Aside from making me want to do more socially adventurous things, this book is also full of humor and an honesty that you can only get from the introverts of the world.

This was...cute? I guess. As someone who has almost crippling anxiety, I'm unsure how much work this really was, or how the efforts worked out. It seems like she found out some interesting things about herself and it was a neat experiment. It seemed to follow a similar vein of Shonda Rhimes Year of Yes but, not for minorities if that makes sense!

Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come- Otherwise known as what I think EVERY TIME I go to a social event. Jessica Pan is a witty "shintrovert" (shy introvert), that I could relate to in more ways than one. I struggled to start reading this book, but I'm glad I stuck with it. I was intrigued by her decision to quit her job after receiving the award for staying late at work (having no social life), and pretty much hooked after that. The way she described her depression and caving in upon herself in such an honest way made me realize that I may be in the same situation as her. As she repeatedly states, meeting friends after age 30 is ridiculously hard. I, myself, have tried the friend-dating scene and failed miserably at my attempts to make a connection. I laughed and cringed while reading this book. Many of the situations she (willingly!) put herself in were one of my worst nightmares, and many times I was relieved that it was her in the story and not me (sorry, Mrs. Pan)!
Although I read this book mostly for the humor, I'm pleasantly surprised to admit that I may actually have learned something from the book as well. (Why isn't charisma and small talk a subject taught in school?!)
For introverts looking for a good read, with a few chuckles, cringes, and even some ah-ha moments dropped in, I highly recommend Jessica Pan's book.


P.S. I just forgot, does England have a Queen and if so, what's her name?

This was a very relatable and humorous book about an introverted woman who, feeling lonely in a new country without a friend group, decided to attempt to be an extrovert for one year. In this time, she spoke to stranger, traveled alone, went to conferences, parties, and get-togethers, tried improv and comedy, and played hostess. In short, everything every introvert dreads. To her surprise, she found that she made friends and had some fun. That is not to say there weren't some bad moments as well, or that she would choose to live that way full-time for the rest of her life, but she found that sometimes forcing oneself to be extroverted had benefits. I enjoyed her story and her triumphs, though, in classic introvert fashion, I think I'll stick to just reading about most of them myself.

Laughing and trying to understand the pain associated with neurosis, is a twist for this book reader. Seeing the author expand her world is crafty creatively and kept my attention. Some of the "perilous" social situations carried a common ring even for me, not an introvert. Interesting read. loved the unique design in her life of "danger'

Very intriguing and somewhat relatable topic. I was cracking up at some points and scratching my head at others...mostly wondering how the pendulum could swing so much for a true introvert. Regardless, this was a fun, worthwhile read for anyone on the “I” spectrum. The human brain is so trainable—apparently even with personality traits, to a degree. Thanks to the author and publisher for a copy in exchange for an honest review.

I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I am an introvert, through and through, so this book sounded fascinating to me! I know my strengths and my weaknesses, and let me tell you, much of the things she forced herself to do gave me anxiety! Huge props to her! This book was witty and well written. I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Being an introvert, this book was completely relatable. I'm sure there are some people that don't see the big deal in walking up to a stranger and starting a conversation with them, but I am not one of those. Reading about Jessica taking a year to try and be an extrovert made me wonder what it would be like if I were to do the same. Honestly, I think I'm good in my little introvert shell, but I enjoyed reading about her adventures. I do however want to go to England now and ask people who the queen is, because it seems some people like to mess with tourists.

It was interesting to see how her life evolved as she went through the year. It was like she changed but remained the same at the same time, if that makes any sense at all. We all put ourselves in little boxes, but this book shows that sometimes it's okay to leave them for a minute and see what else is out there. The box will still be there when we get back.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Author: Jessica Pan
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: 28 May 2019

I received an e-copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you!

A young woman, self-described introvert (or even "shintrovert" - shy introvert), decides to take time to try and overcome her introverted nature - because she realizes she is very lonely and has no idea how to make new friends. To that end, she attends meetings with "charisma couches", improv classes, and performs onstage. All described in a light, witty voice.

Overall, it was a joy to read, prompting many laugh-out-loud and read-out-loud moments. Still, as a fellow introvert, I have to say that doing improv and performing comedy standup sound like absolute nightmare. I mean, I guess I can see the point of the former - making friends in the improv class - but the latter? Shudder. Nope.

To each their own, though, and even if I don't agree (spiritually ;)) with all the choices Jessica Pan has made on the journey described in this book, I still think that it is a book very much worth reading. Not necessarily as a guide, mind you - as a very fun effort.

Hmmmm.... So here's the thing about this book for me. Is Pan for real? Or is she faking it to make it. Could a real introvert actually do ANY of the things she does in this book? When I read her account of an introverts year of living dangerously and really putting herself out there, part of me just felt, you're not an introvert, you're just a normal human being who when push comes to shove prefers staying indoors and hates public speaking!
Why did I feel she was inauthentic? Probably due to some weird fake humility throughout - maybe that's a culture clash for me - she's American, I'm British and come pre-programmed to be introverted and unable to brag about anything I do! It also felt inauthentic as it felt she was afforded opportunities through her connections that were not attainable from the deep cave of your true introvert - I mean, getting to speak at The Moth? Your average dry-mouth, sweaty-palmed, panic-muted introvert would struggle to sit in the audience in case they got asked for an opinion, let alone bathe in the spotlight to tell their story....
So yeah, I found it inauthentic and fake. It was still really entertaining, but something about it just didn't ring true for me.

I liked this book! The author was honest about her shyness and fear of social settings. Though I can't quite relate, but honestly I have no idea if I am more of an introvert or an extrovert (depends on my mood), I admire the courage it took to overcome her fear. There is nothing wrong with being an introvert, but if it is hindering you from meeting new people and experiencing things, time to read this book!

Love Nick's quote: "Nobody waves, but everyone waves back."

Thank you NetGalley and publisher for this book.

Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come was a well-written and thoughtful read. Through Jessica Pan's book, all the self-declared introverts who have ever wondered what it would be like to do "extroverted" things like tell a story on-stage or make friends with strangers can live vicariously. Pan's reflections on the ways in which she socially challenged herself, combined with the advice she obtained from field experts, demonstrate that maybe there can be a comfortable middle-ground between introversion and extroversion after all.

I would like to thank the publisher for giving me a copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read and I really enjoyed it!!

Well, this book made me a bit anxious reading it.
As an introvert myself I really can't imagine myself for a year acting the way this woman did. Being social at parties,being involved in plays,public speaking etc. It makes me cringe to even imagine such a thing.
Now there were admittedly some funny scenes with the repercussions of her actions as I shook my head saying, not me. No way could I do this!

Pub Date 28 May 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

I could not stop nodding my head in agreement while I was reading this book! If you're an introvert, you'll feel the same way. I loved all her personal challenges and felt inspired to try a few of my own! The book is well-written and feels like you're talking with a friend.

3.5 💓

This book was really good. I know, it's just someone talking about a personal experience, and I'm not so into this things, but it was interesting and brainwarming. Reading this book I understanded that I'm not so introvert as I think I was. Well, there are different kind of introvert people around the world and everyone has a personal view of the problems with external world. I thought I was a "big" introvert because I'm not a party-person, but I think it depends on who you are with, if you feel comfortable with these persons and so on. One thing is that: I LOVE talking in front of an audience, expecially when the main theme is something I like and feel passionate about. At University sometime Ineed to make a speech to enter the exams, and I'm anxious, but adrenaline is my friend in these cases and, after the presentation, I feels so good and powerful and happy and I think is because I love talking about interesting things. So, the book can show dfferent sides of the introver theme, and you can see yourself in many lines, but you are a unique person, who has unique abilities and unique interests, and the first step to feel good is to feel comfortable with yourself. Then you can go outside and meet people, try new things and enjoy your time. It's good to be alone sometime, it gives you time to understand yourself and your world, but the human brain needs incentives to work and let you feel good and happy. So, everywhere you are, you need to think that you are not alone, you can find something new in everyday, even if this new thing is like a little cactus to cure. You can find the beauty everywhere, so do not be afraid and go outside. Little by little you'll find something beautiful outside your door.

A lot of the stuff she forced herself to try was waaaaaay out of my comfort zone.
Mad props to her for giving it a go and I was happy to live vicariously through her.
The author is funny and has a way of making you feel a part of the story.
I'm not sure if that's because I related so much to her story or if she is just that awesome.
One will never know.
Thanks to NetGalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for my DRC.

Cancelled plans? Yes, please. A quiet night with just a book and my favorite blanket to cuddle up with while the hours whittle away? You better believe it.

This book was cute and witty while still delivering the point of “Yes! You can and should put yourself out there...because life is best lived when it’s actually lived.”

I look forward to reading more by Jessica Pan, her originality and humor make uncomfortable comfortable when it comes to stepping outside the box...

**4 Stepping Out, Stars**

This book is about how the life of an introvert changed by forcing herself to do extrovert things.

As an extrovert some parts seem kind of weird an not relatable, but it did help me to watch different situations in other personality point of view. It was interesting to read how the life of an introvert is and how they manage certain situations that for me are totally normal. Even when I couldn't relate to certain parts I did enjoy the humor within the story.


Thanks for giving me the opportunity of reading this book.