“Sorry I’m Late I Didn’t Want to Come”

This book popped up on my Libby app as a suggestion and I’ve never had a book title resonate with me more than this. Sorry I’m Late, I Didn’t Want to Come by Jessica Pan is subtitled: One Introvert’s Year of Saying Yes.

Five or so years ago I picked “yes” as my word for the year. It was after watching the movie Yes Man and realizing that my default was always “no.” I said yes to a lot of things that year (not everything, that’s insane) and got out of my comfort zone a bit. I haven’t been that intentional since, so the title of the book really hit.

I loved reading this book. The author is funny, open, and real. It’s not a self-help book telling me I need to go do all these things myself, but a memoir of her experiences. Jessica felt lonely after many changes in her life and the lives of those around her. She realized that her shy, introverted tendencies were not helping her make the friends that she longed for.

With great stories, lots of wit, and the real-life interruptions that happen along the way, she tells of her year being more outgoing and extrovert-like.

The only bummer of this book is that I read it during quarantine. The things she tried like improv classes, stand up comedy, live in-person events, etc. are not as feasible right now. She inspired me to try new things and have an open mind while doing so.

If you tend to lean more introverted and have a desire for more connection, this is a great read. Even if you’re not I think it’s a great read.