The Gift of Not Belonging

The first book to explore the distinct personality style of the otrovert—someone who lacks the communal impulse and does not fit in with any social group, regardless of its members—and to reveal all the advantages of being an otrovert and how otroverts contribute to the world.

If you were the kid who never wanted to go to summer camp, if you prefer spending time with friends one-on-one than going to parties, if you would rather forgo your vacation than travel with a tour group, and if you often engage in acts of silent rebellion against group norms and traditions, you are very likely an otrovert.

Dr Kaminski has been studying this personality style for over 30 years. He explains that, while otroverts enjoy deep and fulfilling one-on-one relationships, within groups they feel alienated, uncomfortable, and alone. Unlike introverts, who crave solitude and are easily drained by social interactions, otroverts can be quite gregarious and rarely tire from one-on-one socialising. And unlike loners, or people who have been marginalised based on their identity, otroverts are socially embraced and often popular—yet are unable to conform with what the group collectively thinks or cares about.

And therein lies the great gifts of being an otrovert. When you have no affinity for any particular group, your sense of self-worth is not conditioned on the group's approval. And, best of all, you know no other way to think other than to think for yourself. The Gift of Not Belonging urges otroverts to embrace their unique gifts, and equips them with the knowledge and tools to thrive in a communal world.

'For anyone who ever feels like an outsider, this book is a lifeline. Reading The Gift of Not Belonging felt like being seen in a way I didn't know I needed.'
—Chris Guillebeau, author of Time Anxiety and The Art of Non-Conformity

'As someone who's always believed that outsiders offer the world a unique and valuable perspective, I found this book both validating and illuminating. If you've ever wondered why you feel more like an observer than a participant—this book is for you.'
—Sadie Dingfelder, author of Do I Know You?

'Psychiatrist Kaminski debuts with an informative guide to otroversion, a personality type defined by a sense of "nonbelonging" to groups ... In short chapters bolstered by case studies, the author overviews the challenges inherent to a culture that rewards joiners and distrusts those who fail to adhere to social scripts ... Those who march to the beat of their own drum will be especially gratified.'
—Publishers Weekly