Books: "41 Reasons I'm Staying In"

41 Reasons I'm Staying In: A Celebration of Introverts
By Hallie Heald
Morrow Gift; hardcover, $16.99; eBook, $13.99; available Tuesday, January 29

In a world of in which social obligations seem nonstop, we could all use a night off to relax and focus on oneself.

In the new book 41 Reasons I'm Staying In, illustrator and self-proclaimed introvert Hallie Heald imaginatively portrays engaging and sometimes outlandish excuses to avoid leaving home.

Hallie Heald.

Heald, a freelance book illustrator and portrait painter who is based in Brooklyn, created her debut work with inspiration from a Seinfeld episode, "Male Unbonding," the fourth episode from Season 1. In this landmark episode, Jerry and Elaine invent excuses to avoid an unwanted lunch date, such as jury duty and choir practice.

With each page of 41 Reasons, there is 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 the comfort of the spaces we know best.

From activities such as "Jamming" and " Cleaning My Room," to more nice creations like "Scamming Sugar Daddies" and "Making Voodoo Dolls of My Exes," Hallie juxtaposes each detailed, female-centric illustration with its corresponding reason for staying in, nailed to the bedroom door like a "Do Not Disturb" for the roommate, parent, sibling, or whoever else is a nuisance in an introvert's life.

Heald (@hehyea) was born a lone introvert in a family of nine kids and spent her early days painting and listening to audiobooks. Years later, she is doing the same thins, only with a different hair color. Hallie is the illustrator for the book The Women Who Made New York and has been featured in The New York Times, New York Magazine, The Cut, The Voice, Elle, and Brain Pickings.