The Reading Warehouse

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.

Hallie Heald is a freelance book illustrator and portrait painter in New York. 41 Reasons I'm Staying In, is her first book to write and second to illustrate. Heald was born a lone introvert in a family of nine kids, and spent her days painting and listening to audiobooks, years later she's doing the same thing in a different room. The idea for the book was inspired by season 1 episode 4 of Seinfeld, entitled: "Male Unbonding," when Jerry and Elaine invent excuses to avoid an unwanted lunch date: jury duty, choir practice, etc. Her work can also be found in The Women Who Made New York and has been featured in The New York Times, NY Mag, The Cut, The Voice, Elle, and Brain Pickings.