Introvert Doodles: An Illustrated Look at Introvert Life in an Extrovert World

by Maureen Marzi Wilson

As seen on Happify Daily!

"Marzi's charming and irreverent illustrations are exactly what young and old introverts need to approach their temperament with wisdom and self-affirmation." --Susan Cain, author of Quiet

Whoever said there's strength in numbers lied.

Meet Marzi. She's an introvert who often finds herself in awkward situations. Marzi used to feel strange about her introverted tendencies. Not anymore! Now she knows that there are tons of introverts out there just like her--introverts who enjoy peace and quiet, need time alone to recharge their battery, and who prefer staying in with their pet and a good book to awkward social interactions.

Just like Marzi, these introverts can often be found in libraries, at home watching Netflix, brainstorming excuses to miss your next party, or doodling cute cartoons. Being an introvert in an extrovert world isn't always easy, but it certainly is an adventure. In Introvert Doodles, follow Marzi through all of her most uncomfortable, charming, honest, and hilarious moments that everyone--introvert, extrovert, or somewhere in between--can relate to.

Genres: Humor, Graphic Novels, Comics, Nonfiction, Psychology, Graphic Novels Comics, Self Help

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 2, 2016

About the author

Maureen Marzi Wilson is an introvert and a doodler. She likes to share her awkward encounters through comics. She created an Instagram account as a way for her to better understand her introversion. Over time she has learned to love her introversion and she hopes that her book will help the readers realize that they are all lovable too.

Reviews

[karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is one adorable book. the older i get, the more i have found myself drifting comfortably into 'introvert' territory. i used to be quite the social butterfly, accepting all invitations and striking up conversations with interesting strangers wherever i happened to be. and i don't know if i just got older and more particular about how i spend my time, or if the years of retail soured me on interacting with the public at large, or the realization that most 'interesting strangers' are actually creeps who misinterpret friendliness for romantic interest, but whatever the cause, this is a very relatable reaction:



i find it increasingly difficult to interact even with people i already know, as my social awkwardness has somehow blossomed in the past few years in a way that makes me come off really creepy myself:



or impatient with the draining niceties of small talk:



or exhausted by the neverending social demands of the civilized world:



and i would apologize for that personality development, but this book makes me feel okay about my decline into elusive hermit territory. because this is absolutely the correct response:



and except for that furniture comment, this is also me all over



working from home = living the dream



because interacting with others can go so wrong so easily







and it's so difficult to modulate:



many of these cartoons seem to speak, not necessarily to introverts, but to all of us booknerds:











and even if you don't identify as an introvert (or a booknerd), there are still things in this book to make you smile:





so if you are an introvert, give yourself a reward:



and if you're not sure if you are, play this game:



and try to giggle at least once today, whether you are alone or fraternizing with others.

i will be here, in my jammies, snuggling my cat nice and cozy.

come to my blog!

[Sheri · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick, humorous read highlighting the life of an introvert. Many comics that we here on Goodreads can identify with especially when we're reading a good page-turner!

[Mridu aka Storypals · Rating 5 out of 5]

My introvert heart is and will always be happy because this book exists.

[Vanessa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The laaaast book of 2017? (Checks watch) Most likely.

I found this cartoonist via this article on Glommable: 10 Absolutely True Comics for Lit-Lovers.. And you should click on that link, because they are adorable. So I used an Amazon gift cert I got over Christmas to check out Marzi Wilson's book.

This is a fun, giftable collection of Wilson's cartoons (there are no page numbers, and that really bugs me, because I'm insane.)



(Girl, haven't you heard? You STILL can't eat at Chick-Fil-A.)





That last one, if you swap the cat for an asshole dog, is pretty much what I look like 99% of the time I'm not at work.

My only real complaint about this collection is I wish Wilson would drop the hammer back on the "I" word. I counted 8 uses of the word "introvert" on the back cover, and that's excluding references to the title, Twitter handles, et cetera. Some of her comics come off too much like, "Extroverts be like 'Blah blah blah' and introverts be all 'I live in world of magic and dreams and burritos...oh, are they still talking?'" We get it, Marzi. You are over branding!

(And some of these are more social anxiety doodles-Wilson says as much in the preface-and some of these don't apply to ALL introverts or ALL extroverts, but this obviously isn't meant to be taken that seriously. Go read The Lonely Crowd if that's what you are looking for.)

This was a quick, cute little read. It's a keeper.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this book while looking for something else at the library yesterday. Perfect for my mood today, as much as I think I've come out of my shell since my youth I still totally related to all of this, so Introvert still! And if you are an introvert or friend/family of an introvert, you might want to check this one out!

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful and breezily fun read for those introverts, like me, who enjoy finding out that the world is not solely filled with extroverts. The author is able to poke fun at her introversion, while giving a comforting and humorous nod to those who share it. It's a short, comic style book - easy to finish in one sitting. If you need a good giggle - I definitely recommend.

★★★★ Stars

[Anusha Narasimhan]

This is now officially my most anticipated book of the year. Why so, you ask? Well, I got acquainted to introvert doodles blog only some time back and I am hooked. The writer seems to be an INFP and I'm an INFJ. She is also a book lover. So, I can relate to most of the posts. The doodles bring a smile to my face or make me nod in agreement or sigh, "Finally! Someone expressed what I've been mulling over for a really long time". Hence, I'm super excited about this book's release.

Though the book releases on Dec 2nd in the U.S. and is available for pre-ordering right now, amazon.in shows the publishing date as Dec 30th. So, I'll get my hands on this only 28 days later. 4 more months to go :(

[Tariqul Ponir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not that everything fits me. But a lot of it does. :3

[TL *Humaning the Best She Can* · Rating 4 out of 5]

*read for free with Kindle Unlimited *

So relatable!

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marzi has created a cute book of doodles that will have you laughing out loud and immediately sharing with your fellow introverts. I knew we were kindred spirits as soon as I landed on her page entitled "Why I'd Rather Be a Cat" (Note: this was only about four pages in, so I was hooked!).

One very positive aspect of the book is that Marzi doesn't take herself too seriously and finds humor even in life's most awkward moments.

I wasn't able to identify with all of her doodles (she commented herself that not every introvert would), but I found that the ones that don't apply so much to me actually represent some of my "even more introverted than I am" friends. I have now discovered a newfound understanding and growing sensitivity for the plight of these folks.

If you're an introvert who has trouble explaining yourself to extroverted friends and family, Marzi's doodles may also serve as a lighthearted way to get a conversation started about your differences!

[T.S. Pagan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think someone wrote my diary!

[Liliana · Rating 4 out of 5]

YES. Perfect in every way (except who doesn't have time to discuss donuts in the break room. WHO?)

[Union County Library · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this graphic novel by Maureen Marzi Wilson, you can get an inside look at the joys and challenges of being an introvert in an extrovert world.

- Reviewed by Danielle C.

[Mehsi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a fan of Marzi's comics, so when I found out she also had a book filled with them, of course I had to get it.

I am not sure if I would qualify for introvert, I have a lot of things that would classify me as such, but the same goes for the extrovert side.

This book was pretty relatable, a lot of the introvert comics made me go: OHHHH, that is exactly me (preferring a quiet day at home, reading books, not a fan of calling people, getting tired from too much interaction, to state a few examples). At times I couldn't relate, they were just too extreme for me. Like making up excuses, or being rude to people when they don't get her.

I definitely saw one comic that I wouldn't mind making reality. The one where she is sitting on a bench and people are bothering her while reading. She has a sign next to her with 4 answers to standard questions people always ask her. I would love such a sign next to me, as people generally don't get it that when one is reading they just want to read and have silence.

The book doesn't only have comics, but also pie charts, single images, normal charts. I definitely like that it made the book more creative and fun to read. You never knew what was on the next page.

The art is pretty decent, but then again, I mostly read this one for the stories/comedy/relatability.

All in all, this was a great book, and I really enjoyed it a lot. I would highly recommend this one to everyone (introverts, extroverts, ambiverts), I am sure everyone can relate to these comics.

Review first posted at https://twirlingbookprincess.com/

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

Is it possible to be an introverted introvert? because that's what this author is. .and I guess that Is the point of the book....Although I consider myself somewhat of a shy person and maybe an introvert.. not to this extent.. and yes.. I have to voice some insult to including librarian as one of the professions best suited to this personality type - not so! children's librarians are part performer to audiences of children and adults alike... so I found this book kind of amusing and a quick read...

[Am Y · Rating 3 out of 5]

A collection of colourful comics mostly featuring the author herself as the introvert protagonist character, Marzi. Amusing at first but after a while they got repetitive because it was mostly the same idea over and over again: she hates to talk to people, loves staying at home and reading, and has more to say to animals than humans.

[Michelle Regan · Rating 4 out of 5]

You might be an introvert if....you identified yourself throughout this book! Very cute, fun...and true.

[alisonwonderland (Alison) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered this cartoonist on Instagram, and I enjoy her work. As a sister introvert, I related to many of these cartoons and laughed out loud to a few. Fun read!

[Felice Lam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute all around.

[Sean Goh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Adorable and (some at least) relatable. Though the general characterisation of introverts hate all people and love all animals feels off. Would have been more accurate to say prefer company of a very select group of people. Other than that, quick, light read.

[Heather McC · Rating 5 out of 5]

The essence of this book can be best explained as 'don't define yourself by someone else's standards'. There is so much wisdom, humor, and beauty to be found in Wilson's drawings and musings - a small book with a big punch.

[Kendra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you're an introvert, you are almost guaranteed to love this book. From the "Application to Be My BFF" to "An Introvert in Her Natural Habitat," these doodles struck a chord with me and often made me laugh out loud, too. I'll definitely be checking out the website and keeping up with Marzi's introverted adventures.

[Missamay2003yahoo.com · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed these comics. Many made me lol and feel less alone in the world. Others less so. I would recommend it for all the introverts out there and those who live them.

[Christy Whiteker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Introvert doodles♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡

Loved this book. I related so much to alot of the book. I didn't want it to end. So cute, funny, relatable.

[Jenn Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh-Em-Gee! This is ME! Love these cute illustrations of life as an introvert. It was great there were extrovert comparisons. Almost every page made me say, "Yes, I get her! This is me!"

[Carah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is cute..... a bit repetitive at times, but fun and relatable regardless.

[Sandi · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute little graphic book on introverts, and something you could sit down and read in one setting. Some of the portrayals of introverts are a bit too sarcastic for me and put us in a negative light claiming introverts are anti-social. Perhaps I would say that introverts choose more intentionally who they want to interact with. However, there were some parts that made me smile:

"How to annoy an introvert:
Waste their time.
Start a sentence with 'You should'"

"What I'm thinking during a conversation:
Trying to think of a polite way to end it.
Wondering 'Why are you telling me this? Am I supposed to DO something with this information?'
Staring at the lettuce stuck in your teeth.
Worrying that I have lettuce stuck in my teeth.
Concentrating on maintaining an expression of mild interest."

"Introvert Reward Stickers:
Congrats on answering the phone!
I survived small talk.
I spoke to a human today."

Guy with basketball says to Marzi: "Why are you wasting time inside? It's a beautiful day?"
Marzi replies: "I'm not wasting time. I'm spending it. There's a difference."

Guy to Marzi: "Since I'm an extrovert, I never understood what life was like for you as an introvert. But your comics have made me realize that introverts have different needs and face a unique set of challenges. Hey! Have you ever thought about starting an introvert support group?! Where introverts could meet up and talk?"
Marzi: "I'm going to give you a minute to think about what you just said."

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me so hard. I recently started following the author/illustrator on Instagram, and find her art relatable and funny. Over the last few years I've learned to embrace being an introvert and manage my energy much better so that I can enjoy social gatherings...as much as possible...and in general just be happier. I like that Marzi's themes tend to be around self-acceptance and self-appreciation.

I didn't identify as much with the 'creative' side of being an introvert that was referred to often. And I do think that many of the situations portrayed are sort of the most awkward moments, so not every introvert experiences every day as an endless flow of these encounters/thoughts. I wonder if a couple of them could apply to extroverts too (awkward hall encounters, anyone?).

But overall I found it cute and funny and sweet.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

I thought the art was pretty bad, but most of the comics were relatable and/or funny so it was worth finishing. Sometimes the comics were a bit too extreme, though; they felt more like they were about social anxiety than introversion.
Overall: a quick read that introverts and those with social anxiety will most likely recognize themselves in, probably better to borrow (like from the library) than buy.

[Marcia Conner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet. Quiet. Spot on.

Ya know those thoughts you never share? Let me rephrase that. If you’re an introvert you have thoughts you never share. This book, filled with clever illustration doodles shares them. Brilliant.