Overall, I think this book is still worth a read for anyone interested in learning more about HSPs and trying to figure out if they are one.

I would like to see an updated version of the book, since there are certainly some areas that are out-dated or didn't age well. For example: many of the family examples refer to hetero paired parents, there's a metaphor about how serotonin behaves like police, the author ponders appropriating Indigenous culture, and there's much more information now on medications. I have been exploring the topic of neurodiversity and ADHD in particular, and would like to have seen this discussed in relation to HSP.

There are some instances where the author has included stories about incredibly traumatic experiences like suicide and rape. I don't think these examples were necessary, and they were very jarring for me, and I imagine they'd be especially triggering for anyone that has had similar experiences, even more so if they are HSPs. ( )

The author started studying what she calls the Highly Sensitive Person (HSP) in 1992. She counts herself among HSPs and estimates it pertains to 15 to 20 percent of the population. “Most people ignore sirens, glaring lights, strange odors, clutter and chaos. HSPs are disturbed by them.”

I was interested in this book to find out more about people that experience “sensory overload” in situations with lots of sights and sounds, such as arcades, casinos, and even department stores. They need significant amounts of solitude in order to recover. The root cause is the sensitivity of the person’s nervous system, which is more easily overwhelmed in a stimulating environment.

She opens this updated version with the science behind her own studies and that of others. An initial test will help readers determine if they fall into the HSP category. The bulk of the narrative is targeted at self-help. The author is trained in Jungian psychology and it shows in the jargon she employs. Some of it was a bit too “New Age-y” for my personal taste, but I did find it worthwhile. If you or a significant person in your life may be an HSP, this book will provide useful information.
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A solid book explaining why some people are much more sensitive than others and how to deal with it if you are one of those people. The descriptions of hypersensitivity definitely resonate with my own experiences. I wish it went into much more detail on how to deal with it in real life. Aron tries to cover too many topics-- childhood experiences, work, relationships, etc.-- that makes the book seem a bit unfocused and the information/advice too general to be truly helpful in any practical way. ( )

I read the 2016 updated version and except for an addition section at the beginning, it read like the original version. I've read most of this stuff in other mental health books. ( )

In all honesty, I skimmed this one. I couldn't handle her tone, which seemed to me to be a little condescending. It also bothered me that this is supposed to be scientific but didn't have any studies, just observations. The organization was poorly done as well-- I feel like attachment theory should have been discussed at the beginning, not 3 or 4 chapters in.

The fascinating part was the middle where she discussed the ethics of medicating for anxiety and "shyness." I found that to be interesting but it seriously needed some stats (like the rest of the book). ( )