I read this semi-jokingly as a "scary October read" because it legit sounds terrifying — talking to strangers in public, improv, networking events, public speaking, new friend dates, stand-up comedy. But I was happy to see that 1) she wasn't setting out to "fix her introversion" and 2) she wasn't jumping in on a whim or as a gimmick but was well supported by mentors and research along the way. Pan is a well-traveled journalist, but she started this venture as a deeply lonely, anxious, stuck and unhappy "shintrovert (a portmanteau for "shy introvert" … thanks, I hate it) with a fear of failure and judgment. She pushed herself pretty hard, trying every new thing with good faith and courage, and became a "grintrovert" (a gregarious introvert … I hate that one less). What's significant, I think, is that she was open to strategically being out of her comfort zone long enough to develop the techniques that allowed her to control her anxiety and extend the boundaries of what she could capably, if not entirely comfortably, handle.

There are certainly applicable principles and techniques here for other shi… sorry, I just can't… shy introverts. But it isn't a how-to book. The lessons are integrated into a warm, funny tale of the mild adventures of a fellow introvert. You'll recognize yourself in Pan's reactions and confessions ("Skipping events is one of my top five hobbies, ranking just below watching videos of dogs jumping into piles of leaves.") and, perhaps, be inspired to stretch just a little if that's what your life needs right now. Pair with "The Escape Manual of Introverts" by Katie Vaz just to be safe.

[Content notes: use of alcohol and legal psychedelics]