Although I usually don’t read graphic novels, Debbie Tung’sQuiet Girl in a Noisy World caught my attention for two reasons. Lucy Mangan referred to it in her book, Bookish. The subtitle is what drew me in, though, An Introvert’s Story. This black-and-white graphic novel worked for me better than many colored ones when the pictures are overlaid with the text. I just have a hard time reading the words then.
Tung’s book covers three years in her life, the end of college while she dates and meets the man she marries, Jason, and her first job, and decision that she’s unhappy in the work environment. In fact, she’s always been unhappy when she’s in social settings with people. She always liked her time to herself, to read and to dive into her creativity. But, she’s overwhelmed in college when people are all around her, talking, drinking, attending parties. Jason understands that she needs time to read and time to recharge her batteries after she’s had too much people time.
I like my time to myself, but at times I enjoy being in a crowd. Maybe I should say, I enjoy being in an audience when I’m surrounded by people, but I’m still alone. Maybe that’s one reason I like plays. That’s enough peopling for me. I’m not a party person. My mother, who is a social butterfly, really only understood that about me in the last couple years. I think my sisters always understood.
Tung beautifully illustrates the introvert who would rather read, who needs to recharge, and who doesn’t like to be the center of attention. Quiet Girl in a Noisy World works for this introvert who can put on a good face, but would rather be at home with a good book.
Quiet Girl in a Noisy World: An Introvert’s Story by Debbie Tung. Andrews McMeel Publishing, 2017. 184p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I downloaded a Kindle copy.
Gosh! This sounds just like me. Except for the creativity bit; that is definitely not me. Another book I need to seek out.
This sounds a lot like one of my sisters, Lindy.
I think anyone who loves to read sometimes feels the need to withdraw and recharge in the company of books.
I agree, Kim. I think many of us can identify with this book.
And another book for me to read! For all the reasons you stated here so perfectly. thank you!
You’re welcome, Kaye!
I would like to read that book. I took the first three years of my first degree going to I.U. extension in Indianapolis. Then I transferred to the main campus in Bloomington, I wanted to continue studying after classes as I did at home, but the dorm was a weird place for me, a lot of people did not study, instead they drank, smoked pot and went to parties. Very hard to study or even sleep at night. I transferred to grad dorm after enduring one semester. Then I had a private room, and I could sleep most nights. I have one memory before moving of a girl sobbing on the floor in the hallway. A bunch of us gathered around her. She said she was flunking out and that she went to a party at a men’s fraternity, got drunk, and then was gang raped. It was so bad!