“41 Reasons I’m Staying In” Celebrates Introverts

41 Reasons I'm Staying In by Hallie Heald

As an unabashed introvert, I can say that I have more than a few excuses of my own for skipping an outing. Most of them unsurprisingly coincide with getting my hands on some new books…but every introvert has their favorite household hobbies or rationalizations to avoid venturing out into the world. Author Hallie Heald has quite a few ideas of her own, 41 to be exact. Her upcoming book, 41 Reasons I’m Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts, (William Morrow) is a full-color picture book with stunningly detailed snapshots of 41 hilariously creative reasons for a homebody to stay put. From deviously cunning reasons as “scamming sugar daddies” to comically wild ones as “befriending the monster under my bed,” Heald is able to transport us to the intricately designed rooms of those who refuse to be transported elsewhere.

Using adorably costumed pets, pop culture icons and rich color, Heald takes us on a visual journey behind the closed doors of 41 different introverts to reveal their whims and obsessions. Some are easily relatable like jamming out on a guitar or cleaning your room. Other pastimes are wonderfully extreme and eccentric, hatching nefarious plots for example. All of Heald’s inside peeks project personalities that burst off the page. This book is the perfect gift to give to your favorite fellow shut-in, or to slyly leave to anyone who expressed the thought that introverts were boring (pure slander).

Perhaps the most remarkable part of this book is the obvious time and care Heald has dedicated to fully developing the character behind every door. From hastily scribbled notes tacked on walls to intricate outfits to the over-the-top decor of each room, each picture truly speaks as loudly as words to portray the spirit of each new individual. It’s hard to pick favorites out of all of the unique reasons Heald has come up with to stay in, but here are some of mine: ~Drafting my will: This scene plays on our modern day urges for self-diagnosis in a beautifully comic fashion. The room is in a complete funeral parlor setup with an open computer window visible. WebMD is pulled up and the text reads: Weak ankles=probably cancer.

~Watching paint dry: Another tongue in cheek comment on the importance of taking your me-time. Sometimes you have no real excuse to stay in, but you would rather engage in mundane tasks as watching paint dry than talk with other people. Ugh.

~Setting Records: This quirky and fun scene always takes me back to my childhood. The trampoline Moonshoes, the SkipIt challenges, the perfect nostalgia of a care-free youth bounces vibrantly in full form.

These paintings are just a sampling of the visual treasures waiting in 41 Reasons I’m Staying In. Clearly there many more, you just have to be the one to come to them. 41 Reasons I’m Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts will be available to purchase January 29, 2019.

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