Have you ever thought of going on a digital detox? I’m sure. Have you ever gone on a digital detox? If you’re around the age of 25 and below, I’m sure you have. (I don’t recommend going on a digital detox in this current day, unless you have a bookshelf the size of Beast’s library)
Nick Spalding’s main character, Andy Bellow, a graphic designer, suffers from all the possible ailments that our digitally-integrated lives could give us – neck and back aches, a chronic need to stock up on juicy gossip and the latest updates from celebrities and influencers we follow on various social media sites, irritable bowel syndrome, sleeplessness, a general inability to navigate safely through a road or through a healthy dating life, and so it goes on.
On the recommendation of his doctor, he uncharacteristically decides to go on a digital detox for 2 months. His decision is chronicled in his best friend’s newspaper, and now there is no going back.
Does he succeed? If yes, how? If no, why? You’ll have to read the book to find out.
In “Logging Off”, Andy goes through many adventures in his sixty days, including understanding some of the real realities of Instagram influencers living lives that seem like a fairytale and going on a blind date with someone he met via an ad she placed in the newspaper. Armed with his singular love for flat whites (Howdy, sir!) and relatability, we are taken along for an adventure through the country of England. Near the end of the book, we are introduced to a conundrum to figure out as we enjoy our agonising solitude during this lockdown.
I loved the story of the book and it was intriguing to be in the mind of a 30-something. Though the premise of the book seems commonplace at first, it truly has some memorable moments in it. It was a bit too long-winded for my liking in certain places, but nevertheless, an enjoyable read.
I give this book 3.5 stars and recommend it to anyone pondering the true extent of control that our phones, laptops and e-readers have on us.
I would like to thank Netgalley and Amazon Publishing UK for giving me an e-ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
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