Nick Spalding’s wry humor sweetens a strong lesson in Logging Off, his most recent novel and thinly disguised cautionary tale. The book is the farcical account of first-person narrator, Andy, a graphic designer whose addiction to technology and social media has resulted in some serious physical and psychological side effects. When an important client meeting becomes disastrous due disturbing symptoms, Andy decides that he will embark on a 60-day “digital detox” to reset his health. His best friend is a reporter who composes a feature about Andy’s experiment—the publicity acting as a reinforcement to his endeavor. Andy soon discovers how completely obsessed with online activities he has become. The removal of these sources of security illuminate the life skills that have been underdeveloped and highlight his utter dependence on instant information and entertainment. The wacky “fish-out-of-water” misadventures and slapstick episodes that follow are entertaining, if a bit far-fetched. Along the way, a romance blooms and the protagonist finds himself the unwitting object of wide-spread admiration and attention. Despite being ambivalent about pursuing his “detox,” Andy feels compelled to continue by the pressure of his new “followers” and the irrepressible current of a movement he never intended to spark. As he struggles with feelings of hypocrisy and confusion, he also recognizes the benefits that the endeavor has brought. Logging Off is a bit too long and the humor at times is contrived and lowbrow, but the book remains a fun read despite its strong moralistic stance. Spalding’s attempt to preach moderation and life-balance is perhaps obvious and over-stated, but his amusing approach makes it a lesson that is easy to swallow.

Thanks to the author, Lake Union Publishing (Amazon) and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

I absolutely loved this book!! It's been a looong time since a book had me burst into laughter spontaneously. I'll be sure to look out for the writer's other books. The writing is brilliant, witty, and sharp. Andy Bellows has me convinced that logging off has its benefits even if it means having to talk to a duck.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

What a fantastic book! I was literally crying with laugther from the beginning to the end.

Andy is addicted to the Internet: twitter, facebook, online games... and this is starting to alter his everyday life. So, with the help of a friend, he starts a 60-day digital detox, facing hilarious situations.

Totally recommendable if you want a good laugh.

** Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion **

This is a witty, clever story. I giggled out loud every few pages.

This topic could have been a boring tale of events regarding someone quitting online use, but it was interesting and funny because of the author’s sense of humor.

I found it quite eyeopening as to how much I am reliant on the internet - for everything!! And how much the world is is reliant on the internet. Should I log off?

Brace yourself for a silly, quirky read.

A pleasant, funny story. I needed this laugh out loud book.

Andy Bellows, is dying, well at least he thinks he is dying according to his latest google searches. This is when he decides to seek medical care...the diagnosis...digital detox. This is the journey of Andy rediscovering life beyond the screen. He comes to terms with who he is, who he thought he was and who he wants to be. Logging Off is a fun read, with hysterical twists and turns.

I enjoyed reading this book, it was a quick read with a fun, yet realistic plot. It was a little bit of an eye opener to how much we depend on phones and technology, and just how much we can see if we look up every once in a while.

Thank you NetGalley for the copy of Logging Off.

"Life is about finding your balance. No matter how hard it is to get there." 📖 Logging Off by Nick Spalding
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4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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My review:
I received this book as an requested ARC by NetGalley. And I must say I'm glad I did.
I had a blast reading it, is definitely one that will get you laughing out loud.
It truly got me thinking about technology these days, especially social media.
I have to say the first couple of chapters has slow for me, but when the detox came around I was hooked. Normally I don't enjoy very specific details, (that I find common on this book) but this one was something different and I really did like it.

This novel features Andy Bellows who is, I guess, the quintessential modern man. He is totally self obsessed in addition to being addicted to digital media. He suffers from a plethora of physical ailments due to his addiction and is put on a digital detox program by his doc to recover.

There were plenty of laugh out loud moments, but mostly it was silly and over the top with far too many descriptions of bodily functions.

I appreciate this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher, Amazon Publishing UK, in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed reading this book that I got from NetGalley. It follows a man named Andy Bellows who is suffering from neck pain, back pain, bad eyesight, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, and lockjaw. His doctor recommends that he take a break from technology and allow his body time to heal. Through his journey, Andy meets others who, for one reason or another, want to take a break from technology. One of his good friends is a reporter and spreads the story of him and his “logging off” which starts a movement of people who want Andy to lead them in starting their own detox from technology.

For some people, the crude kind of humor used in the book might be off-putting. But for me it was a wonderful thing and had me laughing my way through the book! I enjoyed how the modern people at his job, where he first experiences the lockjaw, begin to even talk like him, as if he was doing it on purpose to make a statement, showing just how into their own lives people can be, that they are blinded to anything that has nothing to do with them.

After reading a streak of books that either were a low rating, or were more on the serious side, it was wonderful to really take a break for this book. It really showed how easy it is to miss out on real life by being so buried in technology. You can be so into technology that just like two people in the book, you can go out to eat with someone and never once speak or look at each other, instead focusing solely on the phone in your hand. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a humorous look at technology, but keep it to adults instead of kids due to the type of humor used.

Andy is addicted to social media and all things digital. He is feeling stressed out trying to fit it in. Meanwhile real life is not good. His work is not going well and he suffers from a series of health issues. When his doctor prescribes a 2 month digital detox to address his health issues, Andy is terrified. How will he be able to cope without the Internet?
Anyone who uses social media will be familiar with elements of Andy's technology addiction. The thought of never using the Internet again would fill most of us with horror. Reading this during Covid-19 lock down has an added dimension. Technology has kept the country connected.
Thanks #Netgalley for the Arc and give an honest review.

This is about the fifth book I’ve read from this author, having loved my first, Dry Hard, and the rest progressively less. There’s definitely a formula - neurotic Everyman takes on a daunting challenge while being followed by some form of media, discovering heart-warming home truths and usually love in the process.
There’s also generally a combination of distinctly puerile comedy and a serious topic that at least gets you thinking at least. They’re quick easy reads and Spalding has an engaging style if you don’t mind the first person present narration.

Andy Bellows, a 36 year old single graphic designer somewhere in Southern England, is a stressed out hypochondriac who is overly dependent on social media and the internet. When his doctor suggests a digital detox, he is appalled, but his best friend, a journalist, persuades him it’ll make a good story, and with raging irritable bowel syndrome, neck pain and bruxism making his life miserable, he agrees to try stopping all non-work-related Internet use for two months. Initially this leads him into some amusing debacles, but will his new-found appreciation for the simple life be enough to hold the course?

It’s deeply ironic to have read this while most of the world are in lockdown from the Covid-19 pandemic and for many the Internet is the only thing that’s made it bearable, so I don’t see this book convincing many people of the benefits of giving it up any time soon. It did make me think about my own level of dependence - I look at GoodReads, Facebook, my emails and news sites multiple times a day, including first thing when I wake up, but have zero interest in celebrities, games or influencers and the only individuals I follow are authors. It would certainly not hurt to cut down on opinion pieces and the comments that follow, and certain groups on Facebook that attract a certain kind of negativity that invariably winds me up, so I’m grateful to the author for making me confront this.

I did not find this one anywhere near as funny as his previous books - there was way too much toilet humour - he’s a big fan of poo jokes - and the slapstick comedy, including humping dogs and people getting stuck in windows did nothing for me either. Andy took a long time for me to warm to, although I enjoyed his eventual maturation and enlightenment and the romance was cute. By coincidence, we watched a TV show set in Bath this week that had already confirmed that it’s somewhere I really must visit one day, and added to that resolution.

Overall this was a light read with a message that was fairly obvious from an author who can be laugh out loud funny at times, but missed the mark with this one. My thanks to NetGalley and Amazon UK Publishing for the ARC which allowed me to give an honest review. Logging Off is available now.

Andy Bellows is so addicted to his electronic devices he has become physically ill. His physician diagnoses his symptoms and recommends a complete detoxification of any and all electronic devices for two months. Andy doesn’t think he can do it, but is grudgingly willing to give it a go.

Fergus, Andy’s best friend, is a columnist for the local newspaper. He jumps on the story, persuading Andy to let him chronical the detox for his readers. Thinking it may be a good way to stay on track, Andy agrees, but soon regrets his decision as he quickly becomes a local icon and reluctant hero for logging off all electronics except using his computer for work.

Almost immediately, Andy realizes he cannot navigate with a paper map, cannot order dinner and must learn to cook and shop at an actual store to survive. Not to mention he has to become part of society again by interacting with people via phone and in person. All of this causes anxiety and worry for him, but he is sleeping better, has actually started to talk to real, live people again and his work has improved because he has logged off. But in the end, he discovers that electronics aren’t all bad, perhaps moderation is the key– but is that possible?

This fast-paced funny romp with Bellows and his detox troubles hit close to home for many readers. His reliance on his cell phone is the norm these days. Who doesn’t use GPS, look up restaurants, shop and play a bit of solitaire or not to mention social media like Facebook and Twitter? The detox recommended is extreme, but most of us could easily stop glancing at our phones every two minutes and panicking when we’ve left it at home while out on a walk.

I loved this book and the laugh out loud humor Spalding delivers. It is the first book I’ve read by him, but certainly not the first he has written. This bestselling author has fifteen novels, two novellas and not one, but two memoirs. You can be sure I’m going to add Nick Spalding’s other work to the top of my reading list.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman

I wouldn’t say this book was great, but it was a good, easy read. Definitely found myself cheering for the main character, while also rolling my eyes at him just as often. I think the topic of this book is one most of us can relate too. Read it!

A quick easy read. I laughed at some of it. But some of it was was not my sense of humour. Maybe it is time for us to think about using our phones and iPads less.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This book has so many wonderful reviews, I unfortunately did not enjoy it. I loved the message this book was trying to convey. We truly do spend way too much time on our phones and other electronics. I personally just thought this book wasn’t for me. But, I would recommend it, based on how many positive reviews it has!

We are a generation filled with technology; the latest mobile phone, tablet or gaming devices are released annually to improve their predecessors. The boom of social media through the last 10 years can be viewed a good and bad thing. Relatives and friends around the world can connect with each other via Facebook/Instagram and the development of Whatsapp and the likes means sending a message can be ever so easy whilst avoiding the awkward wake-up to coincide a time zone.

The downfall, people are more reliant on their technology. Majority will have an internet capable device; most will have an account to the main social media giants, and everyone has mindless scrolled through a page. Parents are worried that exposure to technology at a young age can affect children’s development. The social and cognitive skills learnt whilst spending the playtime running around and playing with Velcro vegetables and plastic cars could be gone. As they approach adolescence the increase stress of trying to fit into the norm is apparent. Being online is becoming the new standard – texting, sharing, trolling to scrolling, everyone is filling every minute of time on the world wide web. As social media grows the mental wellbeing issues are growing as well. Mental wellbeing issues will affect everyone at least once in their lives.

With a click of a button we can find out about the latest news, weather and what celebrity ate for dinner. The digital world is an incredible but dangerous thing. A lot of people are now trying to wean themselves of social media – people are now deleting their Facebook accounts, reducing time spent on phones and mobile tech companies including screen time analytics.

Some are giving themselves digital detoxes. Removing themselves of the digital world for a period to clear their mental and physical states. In Logging Off by Nick Spalding we find Andy doing that exact thing. Andy freelance graphic designer is addicted to the digital world but after countless health issues, his remedy a digital detox as prescribed by his GP. Remove every digital thing in your life for 60 days unless it is essential for work. This will not be an easy ride, but can Andy complete a mere 60 days?

This book is so relatable on many different levels, I found myself reflecting on Andy’s character and questioning myself on my daily habits and becoming aware on the time spent on social media. Nick writes with ease and I was able to get into the books very quickly. I hope everyone will read this book, it’s a great story and also a reflective one, especially in this social era.

I received an advance digital copy of this book from the author, publisher and Netgalley.co.uk.
All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

requested this book on NetGalley to take me out of my comfort zone, as it’s not something that I’d usually find myself reading. It was the blurb which really struck a chord with me, particularly because I think I could do with a detox.

The story is entertainingly written, as we follow Andy navigating his technological detox, as a way to improve his health. The witty incident at the beginning really sucked me in - it had me laughing at Nick and cringing for him, all at the same time.

I could really relate to some of the moments in this book and I laughed at the absurdity of doing it, even though you do it (such as googling symptoms). I love that Spalding makes his reader really question the good, the bad and the ugly aspects of technology and the positive and negative impacts that is has on you and your life. It reminds you that balance is important, but I found it ironic that I was reading it (on my Kindle) during “Lockdown” and how reliant on the internet I am - not just to use it socially, but to work from home too. It made me question the role that the internet will play in my life, once this pandemic is over and I can imaging others doing the same: will people rely on it as much as normal or will they be over it, from using it too much? It has provided food for thought.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in return for my honest review.

A very timely read. I think the topic is a very relevant and attractive one for a wide range of readers, as digital maladies, distraction, and even addiction affect many.

Overall, I enjoyed the story, and the fact that it delved somewhat into the challenges of doing a digital detox (though I wish the book had explored that a bit more. Andy seemed to dislike being on his, but didn't delve too deeply into why he was having the struggles or have him go through any relapses.)

I think the part I most struggled with was the satire approach, which felt a bit overdone to me at times. Instead of leaning into the psychology of what Andy was thinking, we got a series of his wacky adventures. These adventures happened ostensibly because he wasn't using tech, but didn't really have anything to do with his detox. I guess it felt like the wackiness was being played up in favor of actually giving the characters depth. (Like how did Grace's detox go for her? We never really know. Instead we got a wacky locket adventure.)

However, I guess if you sign up for a satirical approach to digital detoxes, this is the book you'd expect to read. I think my not loving it was more of it not being a match for my personal taste.

Thanks to the author and NetGalley for granting me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book resonates so well with modern life. It was realistic and very enjoyable, So many young people and increasingly older people are entirely addicted to their mobile phones. They portray spectacular lives, full of adventure and opulence on Facebook, Instagram, Snap Chat, etc, when in reality they struggle to say two words to those the live with. They, like Andy in this book, panic if they realise they have left the house without their phone. A detox is required, necessary, urgent. This was a good book, very thought provoking at times, and contains descriptions that most of us can relate to. It was funny and very enjoyable. I highly recommend it.

What a book - I've never read anything by this author before and this genre of novel is not usually my first pick but I am so glad I received a review copy, thank you Nick Spalding and Net Galley.

This novel felt so right for the times we are living in and in a light hearted way really did make me think about the way I live my life and how technology is affecting everyone day to day whether we realise it or not.

I really liked Andy Bellows, as unlikeable as he sometimes was with his graphic descriptions of things I'd usually prefer less graphic - I found myself increasingly warming to him and cheering him on. I also felt a real connection to Fergus as his best friend.

I'd urge anyone who could do with a smile and a heartwarming tale to give this a go. I will certainly be looking into more books by this author.

If you need a good laugh, and really who doesn’t read this book NOW. It is so spot on to what so many are experiencing and yet not acknowledging and so hysterically funny. Andy Bellows is a smart man who has not looked anyone in the eyes in way too long because what if he misses something on his screen. Ahhh the horror. Every moment of his life is ruled by his phone. Social media, apps for almost everything some of which are just plain gross. He isn’t feeling well so self diagnoses because that never goes wrong! Going to the doctor he is fully expecting a terminal diagnosis. He diagnosis thankfully is not terminal, but in his mind it may as well be. Andy is addicted to his phone. And so begins the process of Logging Off the internet and reentering the world and land of the living. Turning off all technology, using a land line, having to look out the window to know the weather, ordering food without checking Yelp, and holy smokes talking to and interacting with actual humans. The journey of a 60 day internet detox is one you won’t want to miss. Funny, smart, life affirming, at times poignant and did I mention funny?
Do yourself a favor and grab a copy of this book. Also, I am pretty sure I am far from the intended target audience and yet I loved it.