This book is exactly what it says it is -- a fairly simple primer on social media. I had already learned these things from kids, and the advice seems to be accurate. As a teacher, I think that my students already know all of these things, but people who grew up before social media could benefit from this book.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SOCIAL MEDIA by celebrity author Greta Van Susteren might be fine if you consider the subtitle: "without having to call a kid." Otherwise, it just seems like a rather long and over-simplified take on social media. There are chapters on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and more. This would be most helpful to someone who is not very familiar with these platforms and who needs instruction on setting up profiles and privacy settings. I say, ask a kid instead – why not support his/her confidence and build a relationship with some real face time?

It's okay. Van Susteren thinks social media is important as a personal connectivity tool, as a newsmaker and as a news gatherer.

There are multiple social media avenues a person could choose today, and the power of the Internet allows us to walk down as many as we want, and all at the same time. Social media allows us access to more ways to communicate than a talented multi-tasker could handle, and the chance of making a major blunder and find a post or tweet with your name attached going viral is enough to deter folks from even dipping a toe in the social waters.

Granted, there are tons of books out there informing the general public on the wonders of Facebook/Twitter/LinkedIn/etc. So why would one choose to purchase a book written by a personality such as Greta Van Susteren?

Well, it does have a title – Everything You Need to Know about Social Media (without having to call a kid) – that resonates because of its humor and wry truthfulness. Admittedly, having a well-known television personality may sell a few more books, but I believe Ms. Van Susteren understands the responsibility of putting your name on a book like this. If it is poorly written, the general public will let her know.

The happy news is that this book is very informative. It is aimed at those people who have little or no knowledge of how the social media platforms work, and the author explains each of them in detail. She begins with the obvious, explaining how that platform is used by most people before moving on to the basics of how to sign up as well as setting up the different options. Ms. Van Susteren writes as a friend might, using personal anecdotes and real-life examples to demonstrate best practices and how to avoid that accidental, embarrassing viral moment. The use of pictures and screen shots are great aids, and the author makes generous use of them. The only issue I had was the sidebar stories, some of which would go on for pages and interrupt the flow of the book. Some of this could have been avoided, especially the interviews with other people. Perhaps these could have been relocated to the end of the chapter, thus providing more of a cohesiveness to the explanatory text.

I thought the chapter on Social Media, Privacy, and You was a good inclusion. Driving a car has its advantages, but if used improperly, people can be hurt. Social media can have its downside, but becoming knowledgeable and taking reasonable precautions to protect yourself makes sense. The author covers this topic well, even offering thoughts on warning your children to be safe.

If you are looking for a book of incredible tips and tricks to enable you to reach tens of thousands of others, this is not the book for you. However, if you recognize that social media has benefits that outweigh the negative aspects and wish to venture into this arena, Ms. Van Susteren’s book will provide you with the information you need, and do it in an entertaining fashion. Four stars.

What drew me to this book? Actually the “Without Having to Call a Kid” in the title! Every time I have some sort of technology snafu, I always say if only I had a child in the house, he/she could fix everything. The title piqued my interest and the content kept me reading until the end. I have social media accounts, so I didn’t start reading with no experience, but I am certainly not as savvy as say an average 5-year-old, so I was hoping to learn some tips and tricks.
I could definitely see someone new to social media benefitting from this book. The author explained the various platforms with step by step instructions and pictures and well as “interviewing” various users who shared how they use social media personally and professionally. The author also shared some personal blunders which made her very relatable and made my own “oops” moments seem pretty insignificant. My own mistakes such as a misspelling or mentioning a picture I forgot to attach bothered me when they happened, but at least I don’t have thousands and thousands of followers who might have jumped on the negative troll train! I know more than I did before I read this book and the author’s own use of various accounts and her personal vs. professional persona was interesting reading.
Thank you, Greta Van Susteren, Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have a few friends and a parent who I know would enjoy this, and as a book lover, I do enjoy giving books during the holiday season.

This is a great book for anyone not well versed in the social media sites, there are plenty of explanation and examples of how they're used in modern society.   For those already using social media there are some good stories and information but most are pretty basic.  This is definitely one I would give my parents to read which will hopefully cut down on the calls when my Dad can't find the funny cat video my Mom sent him on Facebook, you know from her seat on the couch to him in his recliner next to her.   I don't even want to think about them on twitter.....

Many many thanks for this book but I am unable to read it. I can only read on my kindle. Thank you.