Member Reviews
Andy Bellows seeks help from his physician after experiencing a terrible bout of jaw-clenching and a series of violent attacks from his IBS. His doctor diagnoses him with an addiction to the Internet and social media, and prescribed a six-month detox, which requires quitting all forms of internet connection except for that required for his work as an online, freelance, graphic artist. This, to Andy, is like a living death, until he discovers not only advantages but important life lessons. This is a very funny book with an important message - that moderation in all things results in a generally happy, fulfilled, life. The characters are delightful, especially those who have bit roles. I received this book as an ARC from the publisher and NetGalley. |
Emma T, Reviewer
I do enjoy a book by Nick Spalding. So light hearted and easy to read. I particularly enjoyed this book as you can relate so easily to how much we tend to do online these days just out of ease! It's much more than you probably realise however I must say I worn be logging off anytime soon..... An enjoyable read that had me laughing out loud at time, I would thoroughly recommend. |
Carol P, Reviewer
This book deals with the after effects of quitting all internet for 2 months. It was funny and relatable. |
Reviewer 645848
What's with the incessant poop jokes? Why? I just couldn't stand them. That said, I appreciated the overall message this book was trying to give. I did find some aspects funny. It might be good for you if you've read Nick Spalding before, but it just seemed pretty meh to me. |
Librarian 445870
I wanted to like this book but, unfortunately I gave up a few chapters in. So the following is based on those chapter and a skim thru. The idea was great. A person totally reliant on technology for their every need going ‘cold turkey’. I could have been great but, it wasn’t. I know to was suppose to be funny but, it wasn’t. Too many toilet jokes. I had to check that this book for for an adult audience because the writing was so flat. Written with only a very limited vocabulary. I know there is a market for easy to read novels for those wishing to destress. However, given the high quality of children's literature these days this book can only have been written for those with the barest knowledge of the English language. Come on Nick you can do better! |
Reviewer 630799
This is the first book I have read from this author. A good moral book for today’s younger generation. This book takes today’s youth and the way technology has taken over so many people’s lives. It has some very funny puns and at times I had to shake my head in disbelief. But that is how many people are today. We all need to find the balance between technology and life. A good read. |
This book gave me a run for my money. It started off so bad, I just couldn’t handle all the poop talk for the first two chapters, I honestly almost stopped reading it because of that. After the first 2 chapters though, I loved it so much. It was fun, witty, hilarious, especially the whipping cream part. The meaning behind it was great too, it actually had me stopping to think about how much I actually rely on technology every day. Over all I really really enjoyed this book and am so grateful for the opportunity to read it. |
Spunky, charming, and oft times snort/chortle/giggle-out-loud worthy, this book is so very, very relevant to most people given how the Internet has turned into both a necessity and a clutch. This was my first Spalding novel and I'm glad I requested it. Admittedly, it did stress me the eff out in the beginning, as the main character's addiction was something I couldn't relate to; not to the extent he gave himself over to social media. I deleted Twitter and Facebook and haven't regretted it for a second. I don't live on Instagram, though I do share pictures of our rattie furbabies, and I rarely play the four games I have (Pokémon GO, Kingdom Hearts χ[Cross], Wordscapes, and Word Stacks). I do rely on the Dictionary/Thesaurus frequently, though. Me aside, "Logging Off" was mostly a fun read. The story behind the coffee shop was in my Top Five Favourite things about the book. And the duck. Definitely the duck. Bonus British English spellings, words, and the like! |
Media 559834
Overall I enjoyed and would recommend LOGGING OFF if you are looking for a light-hearted, personal growth story with a touch of romance. I am a particular fan of British humor and snark, and this had it in spades. LOGGING OFF follows ANDY during a recommended 60 day digital detox in an attempt to help his health ailments. During the detox he has a slew of hilarious encounters and escapades, which he handles with brash indignation and humor. These encounters with funny characters are definitely the highlight of the book. Sometimes LOGGING OFF went around in circles and was a bit heavy handed with the “live your own life” message, but I ultimately think the wit was enough to keep me reading to the end and it recommend it for a very quick, light read with a message that most of us could probably use. |
Thanks to Netgalley for this book. I have read Spaldings previous books & had high expectations. I was not let down. Spaldings trademark whit & charm is really evident in this book. If you want an escape from Covid19 & to laugh for a few hours this is the book for you. A really fun read. |
I am so glad to have read this book. Logging Off was light, funny, and very easy to read. It's exactly what I needed during these stressful times. The books is about Andy Bellows, a man who is addicted to the internet. He experiences a lot of physcial and mental health issues, to which his doctor suggests a total internet detox as a way to help. The story follows his (mis)adventures through a 60-day trial of an internet free life. I had not read anything by Nick Spalding previously, but his writing style and storyline really appeal to me, and I'll be reading more in the future. There were many parts where I literally laughed out loud, and some chapters where I was laughing so hard I had to pause and breathe before getting back to the book. It is a perfect read if you're looking for levity and relief! |
The premise of this book seems promising and extremely relatable. As Andy goes about his day engaging in different modes of digital technology, it was eye-opening to read because I think most of us do the same thing. That being said, it was a bit difficult to get into the storyline. I couldn't relate to Andy's thoughts or stream of consciousness. While it may not be my cup of tea, this book still discusses the relevant topic of technology addiction. |
Jacqueline M, Reviewer
What a great book to read during the COVID 19 lockdown! I could totally sympathise with the feelings of deprivation that Andy felt; we are all feeling the same but for the opposite reason. Whilst most of would like nothing better than to log off and get back out again, in the real world, with friends and family, we can still empathise with his addiction. A salutary tale. I am sure most of us have experienced that feeling of panic and being cut off when the Internet fails. Only now are we realising how very unimportant that is. People, health and freedom are what really count. It is, despite this, an amusing and entertaining read, which did succeed in taking my mind of the global situation. Worth reading. |
If you need a vacay from the world this is your go too! Loved, everything about this one from the humor, to the sarcasm, to the romance, to the message that we have to detox from technology. Too much is too much and folks I for one couldn't agree more with Nick when he notes a tech diet is in order. Sure, it's all fun and games but I enjoyed the entire scene with the gaming, the online dating, the revolution that one must correspond and engage in actual face to face conversations. It was all a pleasant ride to reality and away and in essence the ending was what one could only hope would be the finale -like the icing on the cake. It's all about a healthy balance and I hope everyone finds that balance in today's day and age! God bless everyone in their suffering #HighRiskCovid19 |
Thank you to NetGalley & Amazon Publishing UK, for the preread of Logging Off. First, from page one, this book is a riot. Laugh out loud funny. Andy Bellows depends on his iphone/ipad/any technology to get through his day. His latest app? One to record bm's. Yes, seriously. His day goes downhill and Andy is advised to go on a "digital detox" for 60 days. Can he do it? His friend, who is also a newpaper reporter, goads him into it to seal the deal with an article for the paper. What ensues next is both funny and yet so true. Order food? Directions? Try new places & things? You will find yourself laughing, cheering him on and hoping for the best. A must read (especially now, during a pandemic). Thank you Nick Spalding! |
I really wanted to like “Logging Off”. I was excited when I saw the book think it would be a great funny read. While I enjoyed the ideas behind the storyline the book left me wanting more story and less poo. |
I enjoyed this book and it was just what I needed to read at this time. It's a light hearted look at the impact of being online has on our well being and it's written in a funny yet thought provoking way. There is a good underlying story and a principle character you really feel for. Really helped me get out of my reading slump. Thank you. |
Another day. Another book 🙌 #loggingoff #nickspalding #lakeunionpublishing #netgalleyreview #Netgalley what happens when you are addicted to the internet and all of its social media apps? What tolls does it take on your body and your health? How much time do you spend online? Now. I want you to undergo a 60 day #digitaldetox no more #googlemaps #instagram #facebook #tinder you name it. Can you adjust to life in the #realworld? Can you adapt to #humans? Follow #AndyBellows and see just how transformative it is to let go of your digital Life. Or. How it isn't 🤷♀️ #nospoilers #canyoudoit #bookstagram #bookreader #booknerd #books #covid_19 #quarantine #thisisfortyone #thisislifewithautoimmunediseases #livingthedream #minusthepaycheck😂 |
Jodi W, Reviewer
I received this book free of charge from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Andy is addicted tot he internet. He uses if for everything, including tracking when he poops. When he suddenly develops lockjaw during a presentation for a potential client, he starts Googling the symptoms (never, ever do that). Eventually, he makes an appointment with his Dr who tells Andy that he is addicted to the the internet and technology. His Dr suggest a 60 day digital detox. Andy thinks he is crazy but attempts it. His journey during those 60 days is a fun, and at times, laugh out loud experience. I enjoyed the book. The story flowed easily and kept me wanting to read. I feel like doing a digital detox would be a good idea. Maybe not 100% for long periods of time but trying to be more mindful about being present when you are with friends and family and to put the phone away. Talk to people and be present for them. You may learn something. The quote at the end of the book that I loved was "Life is about finding your balance. No matter how long it takes" |
MaryAnn S, Reviewer
Tough review to write because I did request an ARC, but the poo references were far too involved and much too often. There were great parts to this book, especially the message that many of us are far too involved with all things electronic - social media, email, news online etc. It's a very timely message given the Covid19 pandemic and the dire warnings we see daily on social media about it and all the erroneous messages relating to it and other things also. This book was humorous in parts and I enjoyed the romance, but the poo references need to be cut by about 2/3. Thank you to the author, publisher and Netgalley for approving my request for an ARC. All thoughts in this review are my own. |




