What do you think?
Rate this book
41 Reasons I'm Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts
In a world of seemingly unending social obligations, we could all use a night off.
In 41 Reasons I'm Staying In, illustrator and self-proclaimed introvert Hallie Heald imaginatively portrays engaging and sometimes outlandish excuses to avoid leaving home.
With each page comes a new room and character, pursuing their obsessions, hobbies, interests, and sudden whims with gusto:
plotting world takeover, learning magic, mooning over a crush, evading taxes, and beyond.
This dark and humorous celebration of introverts offers a unique look into their private worlds and reminds us of the deep fulfillment and joy we can find in spending time alone.
In 41 Reasons I'm Staying In, illustrator and self-proclaimed introvert Hallie Heald imaginatively portrays engaging and sometimes outlandish excuses to avoid leaving home.
With each page comes a new room and character, pursuing their obsessions, hobbies, interests, and sudden whims with gusto:
plotting world takeover, learning magic, mooning over a crush, evading taxes, and beyond.
This dark and humorous celebration of introverts offers a unique look into their private worlds and reminds us of the deep fulfillment and joy we can find in spending time alone.
96 pages, ebook
Published January 29, 2019
17 people are currently reading
386 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
August 16, 2019
This is not a story. It is 41 scenes meant to be humorous about things one can do in their room to enjoy being alone. This seems like it’s more for older kids and up. The artwork holds lots of interesting details to look at and many of them were very funny.
I didn’t read this to etiher kid as there is not much to read. The only words are on the door of the room that give an idea of what is going on inside the room. It’s cute. It’s meant to entertain.
I didn’t read this to etiher kid as there is not much to read. The only words are on the door of the room that give an idea of what is going on inside the room. It’s cute. It’s meant to entertain.
June 29, 2019
A beautiful picture book for adults.
June 14, 2019
I saw this come into the library, gave it a quick flip and decided to pass. But then it kept coming through over and over, with dozens of holds on a dozen copies, and I was overcome with FOMO and put myself into the queue.
Turns out my initial impression was right and it really is a sort of nothing book. (Which is appropriate, I suppose, since it was inspired by an episode of Seinfeld.)
The detailed art is sort of eye-catching and loaded with Easter eggs, the occasional bit of wit, and the tiniest tidbits of continuity. But taken as a whole it is not particularly humorous or interesting.
I'm an introvert. I like being alone. Just not with this book.
Turns out my initial impression was right and it really is a sort of nothing book. (Which is appropriate, I suppose, since it was inspired by an episode of Seinfeld.)
The detailed art is sort of eye-catching and loaded with Easter eggs, the occasional bit of wit, and the tiniest tidbits of continuity. But taken as a whole it is not particularly humorous or interesting.
I'm an introvert. I like being alone. Just not with this book.
June 26, 2021
I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I'm sure if I read it 10 more times I would discover new things to laugh about each time!
June 28, 2021
Man, I wish I had read this back in quarantine for some inspiration on things to do...
This book was just fun :)
This book was just fun :)
February 22, 2022
This was fine. I mostly just needed a distraction from someone sitting near me who would not stop talking very loudly and was therefore keeping me from doing anything remotely related to work.
January 21, 2019
According to the promo material, this is supposed to be based off or inspired by a Seinfeld episode. I don’t know anything about Seinfeld so I can’t attest to that — but what I do know is that this was a super cute read with amazing illustrations! I don’t consider myself an introvert but these reasons for being so we’re totally relatable & I loved it.
February 21, 2019
This wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but it's still cute. The illustrations were detailed and fun.
Read
October 19, 2023My reading of this was much more rushed than I'd have liked, as each illustration is so full of depth and detail. It made me laugh out loud more than once, (which I had to stifle since I was in a library), and there are definitely some new ideas for excuses to stay in within these pages.
February 16, 2019
Wish there had been a little more text to this book.
February 26, 2019
relatable.
June 14, 2019
Great illustrations but nothing special.
Read
December 5, 2019Not a story or true celebration of introverts. Just a picture book for adults. Art was ok, but colorful and diverse at least.
November 15, 2020
Nice art but otherwise...
I'm an introvert but this just does not speak to me. Perhaps it is too female centric.
I must state that I am glad I purchased it on sale. If I paid more, I would probably not be very happy.
Wonderful artwork though but that is hardly ever my primary reason to pick up a book unless the artist is the caliber of say Van Gogh.
I'm an introvert but this just does not speak to me. Perhaps it is too female centric.
I must state that I am glad I purchased it on sale. If I paid more, I would probably not be very happy.
Wonderful artwork though but that is hardly ever my primary reason to pick up a book unless the artist is the caliber of say Van Gogh.
October 28, 2021
Thought it would be one of those relatable reads but it’s more like satire and just a list of 41 points alongside some fun illustrations.
Read
August 8, 2024I loved all the tiny details in each of the illustrations.
February 16, 2019
Beautiful art.
April 16, 2022
Introverts' lives don't need to be JUSTIFIED. They need to be CELEBRATED. Jam on. ;)
January 12, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 41 Reasons I’m Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts (eBook)
By Hallie Heald
Another library treasure—seriously, I can’t advocate enough for people to go to the library. This book is presented in a graphic novel format and sits in the self-help genre, but it’s far from dry.
I particularly loved the Voodoo Doll Day graphics—fun, playful, and absolutely delightful. The main character is designed so cutely that you can’t help but smile while reading. Whether you’re a young adult or older, the idea of “41 reasons I’m staying in” will resonate, inspire, and entertain.
It’s also a treasure trove of creative inspiration. If you’re looking for ideas to decorate your room or even your whole house—especially if you’re a book lover—this is a fun, colorful resource. The illustrations are wild, whimsical, and packed with suggestions for all the things you could do on a rainy day. Personally, I now want a bookshelf with a reading circle, just like the one on the cover—books stacked around me, creating the perfect cozy nook.
Final thoughts:
🎨 Playful, colorful, and imaginative artwork
📚 Perfect for introverts and book lovers
💡 Inspires creativity in decorating and cozy reading spaces
☔ Fun ideas for rainy-day adventures
Highly recommend this one—it’s whimsical, cozy, and full of ideas that make staying in feel like the best plan ever.
By Hallie Heald
Another library treasure—seriously, I can’t advocate enough for people to go to the library. This book is presented in a graphic novel format and sits in the self-help genre, but it’s far from dry.
I particularly loved the Voodoo Doll Day graphics—fun, playful, and absolutely delightful. The main character is designed so cutely that you can’t help but smile while reading. Whether you’re a young adult or older, the idea of “41 reasons I’m staying in” will resonate, inspire, and entertain.
It’s also a treasure trove of creative inspiration. If you’re looking for ideas to decorate your room or even your whole house—especially if you’re a book lover—this is a fun, colorful resource. The illustrations are wild, whimsical, and packed with suggestions for all the things you could do on a rainy day. Personally, I now want a bookshelf with a reading circle, just like the one on the cover—books stacked around me, creating the perfect cozy nook.
Final thoughts:
🎨 Playful, colorful, and imaginative artwork
📚 Perfect for introverts and book lovers
💡 Inspires creativity in decorating and cozy reading spaces
☔ Fun ideas for rainy-day adventures
Highly recommend this one—it’s whimsical, cozy, and full of ideas that make staying in feel like the best plan ever.
March 29, 2019
With all the social conventions and outside obligations we put on ourselves, sometimes it’s nice to have an excuse to stay in. A celebration for all the self-proclaimed “introverts” out there, this book will remind you that you are not alone. 41 Reason’s I’m Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts is the perfect check-off list for anyone looking for that new excuse to stay home. With excuses ranging from the plausible to the lavishly hilarious, the book will help any reader find a commonality with at least one of the characters. Whether you enjoy staying home or are just curious about why people stay in, this is the guide that throws the door wide open. With forty-one different characters, each in their own extravagantly detailed rooms, this illustrated guide is a visual feast.
Giving permission to those who would rather stay home, Hallie Heald takes staying in and turns it into an extravagant adventure, taking readers behind closed doors and into each character’s private word. From artists, magicians, multitaskers, and even those “scamming sugar daddies," there is a page for every excuse. With artful detail and beautiful illustrations on every page, this illustrated adult humor book is the perfect gift or coffee-table conversation piece.
Giving permission to those who would rather stay home, Hallie Heald takes staying in and turns it into an extravagant adventure, taking readers behind closed doors and into each character’s private word. From artists, magicians, multitaskers, and even those “scamming sugar daddies," there is a page for every excuse. With artful detail and beautiful illustrations on every page, this illustrated adult humor book is the perfect gift or coffee-table conversation piece.
May 24, 2020
In the current coronavirus situation, many people are struggling with what's called lockdown (a prison term, which doesn't help). Hallie Heald illustrates 41 reasons for her to stay inside, an advantage being that she's living by herself, at least in this fantasy.
For some introverts, part of the problem with staying inside can be other people, particularly those whose boundaries are not distant enough at timesor the lack of space. A back yard or garden can be an advantage.
The cover of the book is attractively festooned with dozens of books on bookshelves, personally appealing. Her examples though range far and wide, sometimes crazily or eccentrically. The illustrations are creatively packed with an interpretation of a particular reason, like naming her fish, being in a mood, food, or stargazing.
It didn't take long to flick through this book and experience the colours and inventiveness in it and it's something to look through every so often. As introverts know, the inner world is often colourful and a little strange, although welcoming.
For some introverts, part of the problem with staying inside can be other people, particularly those whose boundaries are not distant enough at timesor the lack of space. A back yard or garden can be an advantage.
The cover of the book is attractively festooned with dozens of books on bookshelves, personally appealing. Her examples though range far and wide, sometimes crazily or eccentrically. The illustrations are creatively packed with an interpretation of a particular reason, like naming her fish, being in a mood, food, or stargazing.
It didn't take long to flick through this book and experience the colours and inventiveness in it and it's something to look through every so often. As introverts know, the inner world is often colourful and a little strange, although welcoming.
June 8, 2019
I'm an introvert and loved the the book's concept. I've seen a few books along this genre: some that went deeper into introversion, some that are more like graphic novels. The cover art looked great, and it seemed like right up my alley.
The book is what it says on the cover. It's basically a a bunch of illustrations with one word reasons. What you see on the cover is similar to what you'll get in the book's pages. It isn't text heavy at all and so it's really up to each reader. I'd argue that it's best seen as a coffee table book for introverts, but it isn't something that will really give you a deeper understanding or talk about what introversion is, etc.
I'll admit to being a little disappointed, but overall I will say that it just wasn't a book for me. It might be for you, though. Recommend thumbing through or finding at least a page or two to see what it's like.
Otherwise, would recommend the library.
The book is what it says on the cover. It's basically a a bunch of illustrations with one word reasons. What you see on the cover is similar to what you'll get in the book's pages. It isn't text heavy at all and so it's really up to each reader. I'd argue that it's best seen as a coffee table book for introverts, but it isn't something that will really give you a deeper understanding or talk about what introversion is, etc.
I'll admit to being a little disappointed, but overall I will say that it just wasn't a book for me. It might be for you, though. Recommend thumbing through or finding at least a page or two to see what it's like.
Otherwise, would recommend the library.
Read
August 18, 201942: writing book reviews
This is brilliant. Okay, not really but it was funny! Reminds me of all the ideas (though not as impressive) I had to come up with in order to get out of doing things with friends.
This book isn’t all that special and is not a book for children. They probably won’t understand it and it’s intended humor. If you thought “hey, look pictures! My kids would like it” you’re totally wrong but since you already have the book then you already know but if you stumble upon this review without purchasing it or checking it out of the library then do us all a favor and just don’t or we’ll see a negative review about how it’s not what you thought it would be. Lol.
This is brilliant. Okay, not really but it was funny! Reminds me of all the ideas (though not as impressive) I had to come up with in order to get out of doing things with friends.
This book isn’t all that special and is not a book for children. They probably won’t understand it and it’s intended humor. If you thought “hey, look pictures! My kids would like it” you’re totally wrong but since you already have the book then you already know but if you stumble upon this review without purchasing it or checking it out of the library then do us all a favor and just don’t or we’ll see a negative review about how it’s not what you thought it would be. Lol.
February 7, 2019
This book is one of the most creative, witty and beautiful books on my shelf! The author/illustrator provides a peek into 41 different lives by elaborately capturing the intimate, humorous and eccentric details of their bedrooms. The illustrations are so detailed that every time I open it to a page I notice something I hadn't before. (It's like an adult "I Spy" with sophisticated humor.)
I've given this book as a gift to several people (extroverts included) and each has enjoyed flipping through the pages, identifying with the women who make each page come alive.
I've given this book as a gift to several people (extroverts included) and each has enjoyed flipping through the pages, identifying with the women who make each page come alive.
January 17, 2021
Too many people are rating this book for not being something they erroneously expected it to be. It's a work of art in the form of a picture book and I absolutely love it. The gorgeous details remind me of the books I loved as a child, with scenes that are both delightfully absurd and relatable to me as an adult, each giving you time to imagine the story of each character as you take in detail of each illustration. I want a world with more beautiful picture books like this one that adults can enjoy. A definite success!
June 9, 2023
Colorful, humorous, and relatable illustrations for introverts of all walks, shapes, and sizes. The illustrations were truly eye-catching to me, which is what made me pick up the book and leaf through. It's quick and fits the bill if that's what you want. Just a quick something to browse. A picture being worth a thousand words would be a great description of this work. I could think of dozens more reasons (like, perhaps binge-watching a true crime show!) It's fun for that as well, in the sense that you can probably name a thing or two you chose to stay at home and "do" instead of going out.
June 16, 2019
omas žanris (ilusate, detailsete piltidega vaimukas pildiraamat) viis pluss, lugeda pole peale pildiallkirjade küll midagi, aga need on ka ilusad :) iga joonistust see-eest uurisin minutite kaupa, sest lahedaid pisidetaile leidub seal lõputult. ja saab ideid vabanduste jaoks, miks sa just täna õhtul välja minna ei saa - näiteks et on vaja tegelda oma emofaasi tõendusmaterjalide peitmisega või võtta liivahiire sünnitust vastu.
May 7, 2024
The illustrations were very very detailed & fun. It seems that the author has put so much effort for the minor details & I appreciate it. It's not a comic book. It's just what the title says. It's a few of the reasons why author she would rather stay in. And honestly, me too. It'll only take you 5 minutes to read, but if you pay attention to the details of the illustrations, it'll take hours & days.
February 7, 2019
This illustrated book is an absolute treasure! Hallie did a beautiful and meticulous job on each and every drawing. As an introvert who loves Where’s Waldo books as a child, this was like a grown-up version. I spent over an hour picking out each and every humorous detail! Truly an original work with a surprisingly dark humor that will crack you up. Definitely recommend!
January 9, 2020
Do not read this book.
It is awful.
These excuses are preposterous.
I certainly would not use a single one.
But, please please please do not read this book, especially if you plan to be among the next eighty two encouraging extroverts (what?! I like to recycle an idea as much as anyone) to attempt to embolden me into the world.
It is awful.
These excuses are preposterous.
I certainly would not use a single one.
But, please please please do not read this book, especially if you plan to be among the next eighty two encouraging extroverts (what?! I like to recycle an idea as much as anyone) to attempt to embolden me into the world.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews