"After a brutal evening trying to network amongst a conference hall of strangers, I wrote an email to my wife Jennifer: “It zapped my energy just trying to maintain such a façade. I describe myself lately as puny, timid, socially regressive - basically fragile. I’ve never prided myself as a social butterfly. But lately I feel more like a social wallflower, unable to hold even basic conversations let alone to strike up a discussion of any depth.
Realizing the depressed tone of my letter and not wanting to scare Jennifer from halfway around the world, I tried to reassure her: “However, I must emphasize, I’m okay. I’m not going off the deep end.” But in reality I felt like I was. In the pit of my stomach, I was scared. I felt like I was losing my use of basic logic and communication skills. I was overcome by fear every day: of people, of losing, of speaking, of being quiet, of not providing, of not being enough, of not being courageous."
Are you shy, reserved, introverted? Are you frustrated by forced socializing? Do you feel you have to pretend to be someone else?
In the Award-Winning (March 2020 NonFiction Authors Association Book Awards Program) memoir, In Search of Courage, author Steve Friedman shares his struggles both at work and at home. His long path to overcome countless roadblocks is both "heart-wrenching and heartbreaking."
“In the tradition of Maya Angelou and Paul Monette, In Search of Courage illuminates, through a very personal lens, universal insights bright with wisdom and heart.”
— Roger Leslie, Ph.D., author of From Inspiration to Publication
“Friedman’s story is an authentic one of self-discovery — the pains, joys and acceptance of embracing who you are in spite of the influence of our extroverted society.”
— Norma T. Hollis, author of Ten Steps to Authenticity
"Wow! What a compelling life story. I enjoyed it and found myself pausing to reflect often."
— Blaise Dismer, MSW author of Homebound No More
"Kudos to Steve Friedman for sharing such a personal journey through the challenges of being an introvert in an extroverted world."
— Stephanie Chandler, CEO of the Nonfiction Authors Association
People who are finding Susan Cain's Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking are finding In Search of Courage an inspiring, personal, and relatable story.
Join a community of introverts for insight and support at BeyondIntroversion.com.
Photos accompany each chapter when you purchase the eBook or paperback.
Steve Friedman - Author Bio Steve Friedman grew up in a loving yet turbulent household in Birmingham, Alabama. After graduating from The University of Alabama with a major in Finance, Friedman worked 30 years in various logistics and trading leadership roles with Shell Oil. Besides living in Houston,Detroit, and London, Friedman has traveled worldwide through business trips and family vacations.
In 2018, Friedman retired, ready to relax and focus on personal health and family connections. He has also rejuvenated his passion for introspective writing which has spawned In Search of Courage and other nonfiction projects.
Besides nonfiction writing and blogging, Friedman enjoys running,reading, and family time. Friedman met his love, Jennifer, in Houston.Together, they have raised three amazing children, Gwendolyn, Madolyn, and Noah. They delight in cruising and hanging around the house together.
