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Shrinking Violets

The Secret Life of Shyness
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
In Shrinking Violets by Joe Moran, the author explores the concept of shyness, weaving together historical anecdotes, scientific insights, and personal stories. The book delves into the different ways shyness manifests in people's lives, offering a thought-provoking examination of its roots and implications. It invites readers to understand and appreciate the quieter side of human interactions, making it a valuable read for those interested in personal development and the complexities of social behaviour.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you have ever felt the struggle of shyness and are seeking to understand it better, or if you’re interested in how introversion has shaped history and culture. It provides a fascinating exploration of shyness with insightful anecdotes, making it both a comforting and enlightening read for the introspective soul.

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Come on, don't be shy: pick up this outstanding cultural history of shyness from the brilliant Joe Moran.

Come on, don't be shy: pick up this outstanding cultural history of shyness from the brilliant Joe Moran

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Our success as a species is built on sociability, so shyness in humans should be an anomaly. But it's actually remarkably common - we all know what it's like to cringe in embarrassment, stand tongue-tied at the fringe of an unfamiliar group, or flush with humiliation if we suddenly become the unwelcome centre of attention.

In Shrinking Violets, Joe Moran explores the hidden world of shyness, providing insights on everything from timidity in lemon sharks to the role of texting in Finnish love affairs. As he seeks answers to the questions that shyness poses - Why are we shy? Can we overcome it? Does it define us? - he uncovers the fascinating stories of the men and women who were 'of the violet persuasion', from Charles Darwin to Agatha Christie, and from Tove Jansson to Nick Drake.

In their stories - often both heart-breaking and inspiring - and through the myriad ways scientists and thinkers have tried to explain and cure shyness, Moran finds a hopeful conclusion. To be shy, he decides, is not simply a burden - it is also a gift, a different way of seeing the world that can be both enriching and inspiring.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Shrinking Violets by Joe Moran is praised for its insightful exploration of shyness, weaving together a rich cultural history with personal anecdotes. Reviewers appreciate Moran's engaging prose and his ability to uncover the complexities and nuances of shyness in both humans and animals. The book is described as simultaneously poignant and entertaining, making it possible to inspire and resonate with readers regardless of their own extroversion or introversion.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781781252642

Publisher: Profile Books Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 July 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Profile Books Ltd

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 22.0mm

Width: 196.0mm

Height: 128.0mm

Weight: 200g

Pages: 288

About the Author

Joe Moran is Professor of English and Cultural History at Liverpool John Moores University. He contributes regularly to the Guardian and other newspapers. His book On Roads was longlisted for the Samuel Johnson Prize and, together with his previous book, Queuing for Beginners, received unanimous critical acclaim.

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