A humorous look at a man trying to improve his health by stopping his use of digital technology.
He rediscovers various joys from before his dependence on his phone, tablet and computer. Face to face conversations and wandering in a new city without a map are exciting experiences for him.
What he avoids is finding a healthy balance. But I guess it would have made for less humor.
Thank you NetGalley for my complimentary copy in return for my honest review.

Publisher’s description: Andy Bellows is in a right state. Plagued with insomnia, anxiety and neckache, he’s convinced there’s something seriously wrong with him. And the worst thing is that his doctor agrees. The diagnosis: Andy is in the grip of a self-destructive addiction to technology—he just cannot put that bloody mobile phone down.

Texting, tweeting, gaming and online dating—technology rules Andy’s life. His phone even monitors his bowel movements. So how will he cope when he’s forced to follow doctor’s orders and step away from all of his beloved screens?

From having to leave the flat in search of food like some kind of Neanderthal to engaging in conversations with actual people, Andy’s about to discover just how bewildering—and scary—the analogue world can be.

And when his sixty-day detox hits the headlines—making him a hero to suffering technophiles everywhere—Andy is sorely tempted to pack it all in and escape in the nearest Uber.

Can he get himself out of this mess, and work out how to live a better, technologically balanced life…without consulting Google even once?

************
Nick Spalding’s “Logging Off” is one of those books that I had to think about for a couple of days before I reviewed it. For me, it wasn’t “laugh-out-loud” funny and I had a hard time figuring out why Andy Bellows is sooooo obsessed with his poop, but the book did make me smile and shake my head a lot, and I really liked the ending.

In a world where access to information is instantaneous, where there’s an app for everything, I have found myself many times wondering why we all spend so much time with our faces in our devices and trying to remember how we got anything accomplished before the rise of the Internet. (And yes, I absolutely see the irony of reviewing this book on my iPhone after having read a digital copy on my Kindle.) We have become so connected through our devices that we have disconnected from the world around us, and Andy Bellows is feeling the physical consequences of being a slave to his digital addiction.

Andy’s doctor recommends a digital detox, and yes it’s a real thing. What this book details is Andy’s difficult attempt to log off. The results are downright ridiculous, but the point is to demonstrate how dependent we are on technology. I mean, does anyone get a phone book anymore to look up the number of the local pizza place?

Andy clearly would have given up the fight if it weren’t for his friend Fergus writing an article (or two or three) about Andy’s detox. Fergus basically made Andy the figurehead of the local digital detox movement, and Andy, a major introvert, didn’t like it one bit.

This is a fun read. It’s heartwarming at times, and a bit gross at times because of Andy’s focus on his poop. The more I think about it, the more Andy reminds me of Greg Heffley from Jeff Kinney’s “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” series, just all grown up and still getting himself into really bizarre situations.

All in all, not a bad way to spend some quarantine time. ;-)

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Publishing UK for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. This title will be available on April 23, 2020.

In our world of instant communications, information overload, connected devices and online communities have we become slaves to the relentless appetite of the internet? Are we addicted to data? Nick Spalding has a formula for taking many of these real-world (and often sensitive) issues and building an entertaining and thought-provoking story around it. In Logging Off Nick Spalding poses this particular scenario when his main protagonist, Andy Bellows, suddenly finds himself in the middle of a client presentation and his body goes into a breakdown with his jaws locking, his speech slurring and his vision disturbed.

When his doctor checks him he suggests that the episode may be a result of obsessive online activity and his body is not resting enough at night. The doctor suggests that for two months he logs off all online social platforms and doesn’t use any computer technology except that for work and only emails as a means of communication. Andy meets his best friend Fergus to tell him about his new plan and seek some moral support. What he gets from his friend, the editor and journalist of the local newspaper, is:

“Fergus also smiles. ‘And this ginger twat is going to help you do it.’ ‘Really? How?’ ‘I’m going to write a story about you for the paper.’ ‘No you’re bloody not.’ ‘Yes, I bloody am.’ ‘No, Fergus. You really bloody are not.”

Fergus wins Andy round as it also ensures Andy has an added incentive to stick to the challenge. As the news circulates, an array of colourful characters are drawn into the story. Andy forms an oldfashioned group of similarly concerned internet addicts who meet weekly at a local cafe. Each has their own background and life story to tell, and there is always someone you can relate to. One of the people Andy meets is Grace, the owner of the cafe, who has her own issues and as they both deal with everything they are facing, they develop an endearing friendship – hmmm, maybe something stronger.

While this is a repeatable formula from Nick Spalding and initially I felt that I could almost describe how the story would unwind, it is worth pointing out that Nick has developed a winning formula. The humour throughout the narrative is extremely entertaining and engaging. His main character is often hapless which helps expose many issues in more dramatic form. Nothing is ever plain sailing as that wouldn’t help with the insights that often come through – yes life is difficult, there are ups and downs, but learn to address the challenges and enjoy the good moments whenever possible.

As a daily user of Goodreads, Twitter and other social media platforms, the message coming out from this book is to Log Off, and that fills me with unease. I’m still a software engineer at heart and the owner of a medical software company and this is all part of my life. But am I addicted? Try leaving it alone and see if you have withdrawal symptoms. The sense of this book and in life is balance. When we tend to become obsessed or addicted to any facet of our lives we lose connection with other important aspects. The ultimate message is not about Logging Off Completely but Logging Off Sometimes.

I will continue to read Nick Spalding for the sheer entertainment factor but credit for also making us look at ourselves with the cleverly crafted life message. I would recommend this book and I would like to thank Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC copy in return for an honest review.

A book that I found mildly amusing, but not really to my taste. - But hey, I'm an old f*rt and not really that into technology.

A modern-day view of technology and how it affects us all, especially the downsides. The book was well written, the central character well rounded and quite credible. I'm sure we all know someone like Andy.

If you are suffering from the pressures of IT overload, you may well enjoy this. Indeed, you may well ask yourself if you could 'detox' this way? Could you go the way of Andy and go offline: even for a short while? My bet is that you couldn't!

A prescient warning in a very humorous way that we all need to take a step back from our digital lives at times. This was very amusing & relatable story as we all know someone like Andy and also can see shades of ourselves in his life during every stage of his chaotic detox. Spalding has created characters & situations that you can laugh out loud at which is something that is desperately needed in current times.

This was the first book I had read by the author and on the strength of the quality of the writing, I will certainly look out for more.

At times hysterically funny
At other times irritating as!

Andy needs to ‘log off’ from the internet and social media and get his life in order, this all comes to a head when he goes to ‘sell his wares’ as a graphic designer to a ‘hip and happening’ company, to say he has a meltdown is an understatement and he decides after a trip to the Dr’s that ‘giving it all up’ is for him

The book then charts his success on his 60 day detox in this very 121 author to reader chat style read and as said some of it is nothing short of LOL ribald hilarious.....the trip to Bath, the dog ‘incident’ and the blind date all farcically brilliant

I am not sure why then some of it was irritating,but it was.....maybe the break neck speed of the book?, it really doesn’t stop from the first to the last word or maybe because some of it was too truthful re how the internet and social media takes up all our lives ( although of course especially now this is a blessing, in fact its probably not the best time to release this book when everyone is now relying on it for our sanity ) maybe because he talks a lot about his irritable bowel ( referenced ALL the time ) l honestly am not sure

It’s not a relaxing read but it is a quick read that will make you think, laugh and happily move on to your next read but all in all you will enjoy it, mostly

I read about the author after reading this book and he has a big back catalogue with some I would like to read and the style of this book looks to be his style of writing in all books

7/10
3 Stars

Relevant, humorous and a bit irreverent: very good read👍

4.5🌟stars 🔌📱
Spalding did a fine job confronting the current addiction to technology and social media in a light-hearted, humorous way. After a health scare and an enlightening visit to his physician, lead character Andy logs off except for his work requirements. He pretty quickly realizes how shelving his devices improves his health and opens him up to actual experiences, and even sweet romance, rather than living through swipes and the screens of his smart phone and IPad, though it's not all smooth sailing. The author makes a heap of thoughtful points but in an entertaining way.

My favorite (LOL) scene involves a blind date set up through the local paper's personal ads; my least favorite was Andy's interminable journey through country roads with no electronic navigation assistance. The work road trip was just strung out too long. But there are a number of other memorable moments that made this a relevant and touching tale. Devotees of social media who read Logging Off may well decide to give Andy's detox, or a modified version, a try!😊

This was my first time reading a Nick Spalding novel but it won't be the last. I really like his sense of humor and writing style.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest review and opinions expressed are completely my own.

Thank you for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I have read one of the authors previous books & enjoyed it - but this felt a little more manic and laboured, for me personally. I know the initial set up needed to have that feel, but it felt a caricature - and I didn’t feel I wanted to care about Andy.
Just not for me this time.

I received an advance copy in exchange for an honest review of this book. Andy is addicted to technology and it's starting to affect his health and social life. He decides with advice from his doctor to take a 60 day detox off of all of his media. Cute, light read. #loggingoff #netgalley

* Amazing book – I could not put it down, but then reminded myself that I did not want to end up needing a tech detox (like the hero) and finished it on day 2 ! 😃

Hilarious, satirical and absolutely adorable! 💖 The author has taken a contemporary topic like tech addiction and brought a very fresh look at surviving in the 21st century without the help of modern tech. The romantic angle too, is delightful without seeming forced!

Highly recommend! Looking forward to read other books by this author!
Delighted to recieve this book as an ARC from @netgalley .

This book was recommended, so I thought give it a try. I really enjoyed it. The first chapter as he explained his day was eye opening. Just how much of my day is spent online? The characters were fun and a little quirky. (Wilberforce and his dog!). But the idea now of setting off without a phone or GPS to travel seems scary. Yes, I can use a map, but a nice lady tells me where to go! Try a restaurant without a review or menu first? Definitely a book to make you examine your habits. Could you do it?

I received a copy of this story from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

The cover is probably what drew me in the most. It's simply but well-done and very effective in getting the premise across. And the story itself was entertaining. It's entirely plausible that there are already people like Andy Bellows who would benefit immensely from a digital detox. And while I don't think everyone would have the same wacky experiences he had, I think the essence would be the same.

Nick Spalding does a lovely job of highlighting the pros and cons of technology and its role in our modern lives. The narrative really doesn't make an argument one way or another and I found that refreshing. The over-the-top situations contrast nicely with moments of introspection and self-awareness, giving us a complete picture of the complexity of the issue.

I found it particularly interesting to be reading this during a pandemic and a time of physical distancing. Right now, we are all using our technology to work, to stay in touch with loved ones, to stay informed, to order essential items, to entertain, but also to distract from the reality of our situation. This experience is going to fundamentally change how we interact and utilize technology and social media. And as the characters discuss, it's all about finding that balance that works for you.

Thanks to NetGalley for a pre-published copy of Logging Off. In exchange their only request is an honest review.
How ironic is it that this book should be about our dependence on the internet, social media, gaming etc for our news and entertainment as we are in the midst of COVID 19 pandemic? Protagonist Andy Bellows is sure he has a life threatening disease only to find out that he is having physical reactions to his digital addictions. His doctor provides him with a pamphlet on digital detoxification and recommends that Andy take 60 days to detox from everything other than work emails. What ensues during the next 60 days will make you laugh out loud but also make you stop and think about the benefits of living an analogue life. Take a break from your own digital addiction and escape into Andy’s world for a while. Who knows, you may decide to do a detox of your own.

Quite an apt title for the book giving its something we should all perhaps being doing given our somewhat over dependence of gadgets and the internet! I am a massive fan of the author and I thought there would be a little more humour in the book than there was, although when it came I did literally LOL! I liked how it managed to tie in too with one of the author's other books - nice touch!

However, given we are in a current lockdown situation, its definitely a good book to read to fend off the boredom or as an alternative to being on your gadgets... well unless reading it on your device!

Logging Off is the story of Andy Bellows, internet/technology/online gaming/social media addict. When his Doctor diagnoses that his numerous physical ailments can all be attributed to his internet addiction and recommends a detox, Andy thinks it's a ridiculous idea. Certainly something he could never cope with. But he decides to give it a go and within hours is hating it, absolutely determined that he's giving up.

What follows is a comical almost slapstick narrative of disaster, embarrassment, confusion and frustration as Andy tries to navigate his now analogue life.

The concept of the book is really good - we could all do with a digital detox I'm sure! But unfortunately I found Andy's character, his experiences and the things he says and does irritatingly cringe-worthy and annoying. His innate habit of repeating what has been said to him had me rolling my eyes - and once you've noticed it, it's hard to ignore!

Towards the end of Logged Off, the book overlaps to a scene from Dumped Actually and I thought this was quite well done. Maybe there are more references to Nick's other books in there that I missed, I'm not sure.

Nick Spalding is obviously a good writer and is able to write good literary humour which I'm sure is well received by his target audience. But after reading Logging Off and Dumped Actually a few months back, I've realised that his work is just not for me unfortunately.

Thank you to NetGalley, Nick Spalding and Amazon Publishing UK for the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another fab nick spalding read, you know exactly what you are getting with his reads, you laugh a lot, I know I do, loved it

Greatly enjoyed this book. I was given a copy for my honest review.

Nick Spalding wrote a very funny book. I enjoyed it from beginning to end. Had many a chuckle throughout. The added bonus with this book was it really delivered a message to me on life in general. It was a "ain't that the truth message" for me. Hope it is for many others.

I look forward to reading more from Nick Spalding!

A timely topic: online addict suffers physical ailments directly related to too much on-screen time. When Andy's doctor suggests a 2-month digital detox, he's pretty sure that'll be impossible. Through a series of positive reinforcements, he soldiers on and even gains a following.
A light, entertaining read, but dated by current media.

Logging Off is about a man's digital detox journey. At the start of the novel, Andy, the main character, experiences some sort of nervous breakdown that leads him to do a digital detox for 60 days. During this period, he meets a lot of interesting characters and finds himself in situations he never thought he'd be in.

The novel started off really slow for me, and I found the triggering event for Andy to do a detox to be lacking. It's just like having one really bad day at work -- not something that would warrant a solution as extreme as a 60-day digital detox. However, I enjoyed the story once the character of Grace is introduced. Her personality added a nice balance to Andy's, which is quite immature and pessimistic. I also liked how the story came to a close, which is very realistic to Andy's situation.

Overall, I would recommend this if you're looking for a light, fun read.

A sincere thank you to the publisher, author and Netgalley for providing me with an ebook copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.

This is not my usual genre, I’m more into romance stories and girlie books therefore am extremely pleased and grateful to them for opening up my mind to something totally different.

I enjoyed this very much. 4 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟