Cover Image: A Turtle's Guide to Introversion

A Turtle's Guide to Introversion

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Member Reviews

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience.

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At this point in time I don't know why I even choose to read any books about introversion since most of them are always off-point since no single introvert is the same as the next. Most books about introversion mistake introversion for shyness or just being socially awkward around other people.

This book for the most part did hit the nail on the head about some of the important traits for introversion but it threw me off since Turtle says he believes he may be an introvert instead of knowing that he is. Furthermore it felt like the author was trying to force other traits on all introverts such as them being good with plants, wanting to listen to music, meditating and being creative while enjoying to make art. Take for instance myself as I am not that artistic-inclined, don't have a green thumb nor do I like to listen to music as I prefer silence when I have my own alone times.

The book itself is illustrated with very simplistic comic-like illustrations that are colored in green and white. Fortunately not really bad colors together but also not quite that creative when it comes down to it. And it was partially these illustrations, which also helped to contribute to my low star rating of the book for the digital format that I was reading shrank the words in the bubbles so I could barely read them. At the same time I couldn't get the book to flip to horizontal to make the illustrations bigger either.

Another problem that I had with it was the fact that the book was very repetitive. When you connect all these things together it just made for a very meh-type of book for me. Otherwise overlooking the one mild curse word it could make for a decent introductory book for any college kid trying to understand basic introversion.

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Amazing book! I REALLY loved how candid it was and was so soothing to read! Was so excited when i got the book 😍
Thankyou netgalley

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This was a really cute guide that I can see introverts and loved ones of introverts buying as a gift. I like the simple but cute drawings that accompany each page.

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This is a cute, sweet novel on what it means to be an introvert. The Turtle is sweet, the drawings are cute, overall a nice quick read.

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This is an adorably illustrated little ode to introversion that made me smile, and a turtle is such a great metaphor for it. I found the text physically hard to see on the colored backgrounds, at times, which took me a bit out of the story here and there, and the colors were louder than I expected them to be for a quiet book. The characters are so squishable and expressive, and make this such a sweet introduction to the introvert in your life. It would make a great, empowering gift for a quiet older kid or anyone who needs a reminder that it’s okay to slowly come out of your cozy shell. Quiet power!

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great book for anyone willing to understand what being an introvert means. ver well explained and the pictures are a wonderful added bonus. Personally I would not own it as I believe its more a one time read type of book but I would gift to others.

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Introverts don’t have it easy. I am an introvert, and I remember as I was growing up, I was told over and over that I needed to speak up, go out, make more friends. But I didn’t want to. I just wanted to live my life my way, even if that meant I looked like a turtle pulling into its shell. I wish I’d had this book when I was a kid. I would have felt understood.

A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is a charming short book about being an introvert. What the turtle says about being an introvert is universal for those of us who prefer quiet solitude. He explains how he prefers to be alone, and shares that he likes art and music and potting plants.

He is drained by socializing, but he does enjoy conversations with close friends and family, and he enjoys quiet moments spent in the company of others. Loud noises are irritating, but the gentle sounds of nature are soothing and comforting. He is a good listener and wants to be a good friend but worries that he is misunderstood by others.

I’m using the pronoun “he” here for readability, but the book is told from the turtle’s perspective. All the statements are from the perspective of “I,” so a young female reading this could just as easily think of the turtle as a “she.” That’s one of the beautiful things about this book—it’s for any introvert, of any gender or any age. It rings true to us all.

The pages are filled with 2-color illustrations of turtle and his friends, giving a lightness to the words that come from a deep well within. Artist Ton Mak, who also wrote and illustrated A Sloth’s Guide to Mindfulness, shares her inner life with us through these pages, offering up an honest sense of introversion and how she interacts with the world.

Those who have trouble understanding why introverts don’t want to go out with them might use this book to build understanding and empathy for us quiet types. Introverts will read this and feel seen, and they can use it to help explain why they are the way they are and just how important solitude is to them. As I said, it would have helped me when I was younger, as I had extroverts in my family trying to get me to move outside of my comfort zone simply because they couldn’t understand my perspective.

A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion is a quick read, but the ideas in these pages will resonate long after the book is closed. I loved this little book, with it’s whimsical illustrations and powerful insights. It would make a great gift for all ages, to celebrate the introverts and their special powers in a noisy world.

Egalleys for A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion were provided by Chronicle Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

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As an introvert and turtle lover, I really thought I would like this book more than I actually did. It's not a bad book, it's actually quite cute and a fun read, but I felt like it doesn't really say much...

For an introvert, it's kinda relatable, but kinda... to put it simply, it doesn't do anything for introverts. But it would make a nice gift for an extrovert friend if you want to be better understood.

The illustrations weren't my cup of tea either.

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This turtle knows what introversion is all about. Cute characters and illustrations make this a great gift book.

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This was a cute book about introversion, but it just wasn't much special. I don't understand who the intended audience might be from just reading it, and I just wasn't impressed by the content.

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"I enjoy long slow walks . . .
away from social situations."

A TURTLE'S GUIDE TO INTROVERSION is a great reminder that we can allow space for calmness - we even can embrace it. Each page affirmed the validity of doing things at your own pace.

"Confidence doesn't always roar."

I enjoyed the cute pictures and one turtle's thoughts on enjoying their own company.

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A Turtle's Guide to Introversion is a lovely ode to people who are introverts and who might not enjoy large crowds and extended time with others. The author's drawings of Turtle and those he interacts with add to the impact of this book, which explains why introverts feel the way they do, and explains why it's okay. A great gift book for your favorite introvert or those that love one.

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A cute little book. A comfort read and thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations. Though I am not an introvert, still loved this gem of a book.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC

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This is a wonderful book that simply and effectively explains the ins and outs of being an introvert. I believe introverts are incredibly misunderstood and this book only serves to help cut through the confusion.

This book is allocated to adult fiction, but the writing style is simple enough that children 10-12+ would understand the premise and the subject being talked about.

The illustrations and subject matter the the book is absolutely adorable.

I was given a copy of ‘A Turtle’s Guide to Introversion’ by Ton Mak, the publisher, and NetGalley in exchange for ,y honest review

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This is a short and sweet little story about a turtle who is an introvert. All of the turtle's friends are boisterous and outgoing, but little turtle much prefers quiet and calm.

This feels like a child's book, but is too old for a child's book. It feels like a strange in between, wherein an adult wouldn't really be interested, but it's probably over a child's head. But it's a fun and easy way to explain how introversion feels, to people who aren't.

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Being an introvert intrigued by turtles, I was easily lured to read "A Turtle's Guide to Introversion". The concepts covered are quite familiar and easily relatable and may add insight or validation for non-introvert readers.

While reading I found myself struggling to understand the age group of the intended audience. Cute coffee table book for adults? Elementary school age child struggling to enjoy group settings?

Perhaps it's a quality of my reading an advance digital review copy - thank you NetGalley! - that the color schemes inside the book really do not work for me. Bright pink/purple on bright green is hard to read. And, unlike my experience in most illustrated books, I found myself just reading the words and moving on, rather than day-dreaming over the illustrations for many moments. There certainly are fun illustrations: Friends Turtle & Sloth having tea. Turtle exercising on a treadmill. But, my appreciation suffered from the colors on the page which I hope can be changed before publication.

This is my honest review.

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I read this book in about 5 minutes and it was just very sweet. I related to almost everything said and kept thinking to myself while reading "that's exactly how I feel." I think that introverted individuals will find comfort, relatable aspects, and joy in this short little story about a turtle being comfortable in their own shell.

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A turtle explains what it means to be an introvert--and why it's not the same thing as being antisocial. "I deeply enjoy my own company," the turtle says, "But when I see my close friends and family, I enjoy catching up . . . Meaningful interactions are the most fulfilling."

A cute picture book, though more affirming than informative.

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A Turtles Guide to Introversion - how can anyone not want to read a book with a name like that!? The cover and the title immediately drew me in and immediately thought this is a book I can’t pass by without reading. It’s brilliant! It immediately put a smile on my face and I felt like a very happy little introverted turtle after reading this.

The illustrations were fantastic and so well done and it was written in a way where it didn’t poke fun at introverts or make those who may identify in such a way feel small or bad for being so, but really validated and affirmed those of us who are like this.

I am a turtle. An introvert who happily identifies as so. Not ashamed to say I totally see myself in this turtle! The idea for this book is great and a must read for anyone who is an introvert or maybe just finds themselves a bit lost in a big, loud world!

It was a fun little read that I would happily regularly flick through. It doesn’t take too long to read at all, and it’s the perfect little pick me up. It’s also a book I’d happily recommend to any introverted friends out there in hopes they would enjoy it as much as I did.

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