The gift of not belonging How outsiders thrive in a world of joiners

Psychiatrist Kaminski debuts with an informative guide to otroversion, a personality type defined by a sense of "nonbelonging" to groups. Unlike introverts and extroverts--who are fundamentally oriented toward communities and primed to ascribe to their beliefs--otroverts "never feel part of the shared experience" despite being welcomed into groups. They also lack "apparent behavioral distinctions from well-adjusted individuals." In short chapters bolstered by case studies, the author overviews the challenges inherent to a culture that rewards joiners and distrusts those who fail to adhere to social scripts. He goes on to detail how otroverts can capitalize on such virtues as emotional self-sufficiency (they don't look to others to measure their value) and independent thinking (otroverts reject the opinions of the "hive mind" and excel at coming up with original ideas). Discussing how otroverts can navigate various life stages, Kaminski provides especially valuable advice for parents of otroverts. Noting that childhood is a period during which belonging is particularly emphasized, he advises parents to encourage one-on-one friendships, refrain from forcing their children into communal experiences like summer camps, and recognize that though their child's needs "may be different from the majority's preferences... they are not wrong; they are just different." Those who march to the beat of their own drum will be especially gratified. (June)