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Logging Off
From bestselling author Nick Spalding comes a laugh-out-loud story about getting offline—and getting on with life.
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 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?
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 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?
319 pages, Paperback
First published April 23, 2020
1484 people are currently reading
4708 people want to read
About the author
Nick Spalding
36 books1,392 followersNick Spalding is an author who, try as he might, can't seem to write anything serious.
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
Before becoming a full-time author, he worked in the communications industry, mainly in media and marketing. As talking rubbish for a living can get tiresome (for anyone other than a politician), he thought he'd have a crack at writing comedy fiction - with a very agreeable level of success so far, it has to be said. Nick is now a multimillion seller. This flabbergasts him every single day.
Nick is now in his fifties - and is rather annoyed at the universe about it, because it gave him no choice in the matter. He's also addicted to Thai food and roast potatoes (not together), loves Batman and Warhammer, and has a dreadful singing voice.
***
Find out more about Nick and his books at www.nickspalding.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 852 reviews
April 24, 2020
This is a must read book for anyone who has found themselves spending just a little too much time on the Internet (basically all of us). The main character Andy is a normal run-of-the-mill guy who comes to realize that he’s really not living a full life by being so obsessed with social media. The situations that Andy finds himself in are hilarious but also thought-provoking. The great takeaway from this novel is balance - something we all need alittle bit more of in our lives
April 25, 2020
Rebalancing
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 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:
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 is what life is all about.
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 incentive 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.
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 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 is what life is all about.
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 incentive 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.
April 3, 2020
LOGGING OFF by Nick Spalding is classified as British humor and satire. There is some humor and satire in it so that seems to fit. Andy Bellows is a freelance graphic designer that is afflicted with headaches, neck aches, insomnia, muscle aches and gastrointestinal issues. With the help of his phone and tablet, he tries to self-diagnose himself, but ends up going to the doctor. The doctor tells him he needs to do a digital detox for two months and gives him a pamphlet to guide him. His only use of technology would be the minimum amount he needs for his work. How would he survive without texting, tweeting, online dating, and all of the social media that drives his days and nights? How would he even find food? Will it even help him? Can he survive?
Andy is an interesting character that you can root for and sympathize with, but I would not call him a compelling character. Humor and, especially satire are used throughout the novel. The language was a little stronger than I like at times, but I still enjoyed some laughs. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and the secondary characters had were nicely developed. Themes include digital dependence, physical ailments, romance, isolation and self-discovery.
Overall, I liked the book. It was well-crafted and I would recommend it to those that read this and think it might be something they will enjoy.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Nick Spalding for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Andy is an interesting character that you can root for and sympathize with, but I would not call him a compelling character. Humor and, especially satire are used throughout the novel. The language was a little stronger than I like at times, but I still enjoyed some laughs. The internal and external conflicts were well defined and the secondary characters had were nicely developed. Themes include digital dependence, physical ailments, romance, isolation and self-discovery.
Overall, I liked the book. It was well-crafted and I would recommend it to those that read this and think it might be something they will enjoy.
Thanks to Amazon Publishing UK and Nick Spalding for a complimentary ARC of this novel via NetGalley and the opportunity to provide an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
May 4, 2020
Andy is addicted to technology, using it in some form or another for just about every aspect of his life — I was exhausted by his use of apps in the first chapter alone. After a rough day, Andy experiences severe physical symptoms which lead him to believe something is wrong. Of course his online research confirms death is looming, so he makes a doctor’s appointment, at which his doctor prescribes a digital detox. Andy begrudgingly acknowledges his tech addiction and decides to give it a go.
Logging Off follows Andy as he attempts to navigates a digital-free world, using the phone to place takeout orders rather than ordering delivery through an app, not engaging in online arguments through social media, and not swiping right to find potential suitors. His best friend, Fergus, is a journalist for the local paper and writes a story about Andy’s detox, which prompts a movement of enthusiastic supporters. He meets some other interesting characters along the way too. The story has a solid dose of humor and I was curious to see how Andy would fare.
Logging Off reinforces that we could all benefit from a digital detox, at least from time to time. While technology is often convenient and offers many day-to-day benefits, it can also be an intrusive, constant distraction, among other consequences.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Logging Off follows Andy as he attempts to navigates a digital-free world, using the phone to place takeout orders rather than ordering delivery through an app, not engaging in online arguments through social media, and not swiping right to find potential suitors. His best friend, Fergus, is a journalist for the local paper and writes a story about Andy’s detox, which prompts a movement of enthusiastic supporters. He meets some other interesting characters along the way too. The story has a solid dose of humor and I was curious to see how Andy would fare.
Logging Off reinforces that we could all benefit from a digital detox, at least from time to time. While technology is often convenient and offers many day-to-day benefits, it can also be an intrusive, constant distraction, among other consequences.
Thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for providing an advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2020
Andrew is obsessed with Facebook, Twitter and is constantly looking at his phone and playing computer games.
He visits his doctor regarding his health conditions, after googling and jumping to the conclusion that he has Cancer. The Doctor advises to have a “Digital Detox” This sounds easier than what it is, no more looking at weather apps before going out and even ordering food online is now a no go!!
I liked this book as we can all relate to Andrew, spending too much time on the internet, forever looking at our phones land at Facebook afraid we might be missing out on something!!
Next time you go out for a meal in a restaurant just look around at people who are on their phones rather than talking to one another!!
I loved all the characters, a very funny book that had me giggling to myself!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
He visits his doctor regarding his health conditions, after googling and jumping to the conclusion that he has Cancer. The Doctor advises to have a “Digital Detox” This sounds easier than what it is, no more looking at weather apps before going out and even ordering food online is now a no go!!
I liked this book as we can all relate to Andrew, spending too much time on the internet, forever looking at our phones land at Facebook afraid we might be missing out on something!!
Next time you go out for a meal in a restaurant just look around at people who are on their phones rather than talking to one another!!
I loved all the characters, a very funny book that had me giggling to myself!!
Thank you to Netgalley for my copy in exchange for a review.
March 28, 2020
This is a must read book for anyone who has found themselves spending just a little too much time on the Internet (basically all of us). The main character Andy is a normal run-of-the-mill guy who comes to realize that he’s really not living a full life by being so obsessed with social media. The situations that Andy finds himself in are hilarious but also thought-provoking. The great takeaway from this novel is balance - something we all need alittle bit more of in our lives
April 19, 2020
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
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
April 24, 2020
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.
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.
December 30, 2021
If you think you need to do so, then I think this book is right for you. A light-hearted, hilarious read about someone being addicted to social media doing a detox, and then along the way learnt new things about himself and made new relationships. And the ending really puts things into perspective. 5 stars because I was entertained throughout.
June 4, 2020
Overall this was a cute and humorous read that was also excessively wordy in parts and I found myself skimming at times. I thank Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 21, 2024
As someone who spends too much time online, I read this in the hopes that it would inspire me to reduce my own screen time in 2025. Whilst much of it resonates, the actual story-line itself is rather bland. None of the characters are particularly interesting, and whilst Andy BELLOWS gets the job done as the protagonist, he isn’t someone that does much to win over readers. Sometimes funny, sometimes boring, it did manage to get me away from the screen for a few hours, so, in some ways, I suppose that’s one step towards a digital detox.
Read
April 27, 2020Some added irony in this satiric look at the tech-generation, and the joys of logging off and getting out to meet real people. Not the fault of the author, of course, that his book is being released at the height of social distancing.
It's a fun story, if sometimes a tad predictable: Andy, an ordinary guy (or, as this takes place in England, bloke) is having all kinds of physical difficulties. Like everyone else, he turns to the Internet to self-diagnose, and as he notices, all self-diagnosis roads on the Internet lead to terminal cancer.
Desperate, he visits his doctor, to be told that he needs to cut free of tech for 60 days. So we follow along as he tries to wean himself off social media, then to make his way in the world without handy-dandy stuff like satnav and Yelp reviews.
He even turns to the personal ads at the back of the newspaper to try to connect with possible dates. We know that's going to be a disaster, but how it turns out was pretty funny--in fact, one of the best scenes in the book for me.
What happens, how he becomes an influencer for the logged-off, and its results, forms the rest. It was a fun read, thoroughly enjoyable as I sit here in the house I haven't left except for masked-and-gloved grocery runs for the very two months he has to stay off the Internet. I could have done with less bathroom humor, but that might be one of those Brith/Yank humor divides. The rest was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed the romance.
Copy provided by NetGalley
It's a fun story, if sometimes a tad predictable: Andy, an ordinary guy (or, as this takes place in England, bloke) is having all kinds of physical difficulties. Like everyone else, he turns to the Internet to self-diagnose, and as he notices, all self-diagnosis roads on the Internet lead to terminal cancer.
Desperate, he visits his doctor, to be told that he needs to cut free of tech for 60 days. So we follow along as he tries to wean himself off social media, then to make his way in the world without handy-dandy stuff like satnav and Yelp reviews.
He even turns to the personal ads at the back of the newspaper to try to connect with possible dates. We know that's going to be a disaster, but how it turns out was pretty funny--in fact, one of the best scenes in the book for me.
What happens, how he becomes an influencer for the logged-off, and its results, forms the rest. It was a fun read, thoroughly enjoyable as I sit here in the house I haven't left except for masked-and-gloved grocery runs for the very two months he has to stay off the Internet. I could have done with less bathroom humor, but that might be one of those Brith/Yank humor divides. The rest was a lot of fun, and I really enjoyed the romance.
Copy provided by NetGalley
June 26, 2020
This entertaining little fictional story tells of the ups and downs of one man's attempt at coping with everyday life without relying on the use of modern day technology and all its trappings. No smartphones, no apps, no ipads, no laptops, no internet. Forget your bloggers, trollers, tweeters and vloggers - all are gone - yes, in short... a total digital detox. The catalyst for change - Ill health brought on by a 24/7 reliance and over-use of these readily available technological aids, so would Andy's health and sense of well-being really improve without them...and for the next 6 weeks? Vital questions needed to be asked and answered: 'Would symptoms relating to stress and anxiety disappear?'-'Would life be enriched, enjoyed and improved?' and 'Would Andy learn to control and take back responsibility for his own actions, choices and decisions leading to a feeling of happiness, fulfilment and contentment whilst on the sometimes rocky, sometimes smooth road of life itself?'
Overall, I found that this story contained both triumphs and torments. High points that kept my keen interest included Grace, Fluidity and the trip to Bath but lows such as daft, contrived and farcical goings on at a duck pond, a dull-ish trip to a theme park and the introduction of a few weaker, pointless characters near the end, made it hard work, irritating and quite frustrating at times. A real mixed bag of emotions - but ultimately perhaps 70/30, in the books favour. A great idea, and lots of good coverage of the various technological uses, applications and portrayal of perceived ideas about the whole online experience but, like the topic of the book itself,"striking the right balance" so often plays a crucial role in determining a correct and successful way forward. Worth a read, but that decision is obviously entirely up to you! Rating: 3.3 stars.
Overall, I found that this story contained both triumphs and torments. High points that kept my keen interest included Grace, Fluidity and the trip to Bath but lows such as daft, contrived and farcical goings on at a duck pond, a dull-ish trip to a theme park and the introduction of a few weaker, pointless characters near the end, made it hard work, irritating and quite frustrating at times. A real mixed bag of emotions - but ultimately perhaps 70/30, in the books favour. A great idea, and lots of good coverage of the various technological uses, applications and portrayal of perceived ideas about the whole online experience but, like the topic of the book itself,"striking the right balance" so often plays a crucial role in determining a correct and successful way forward. Worth a read, but that decision is obviously entirely up to you! Rating: 3.3 stars.
April 29, 2020
Not too much to say, typical Spalding. Parts were really funny and parts of it were really draggy. I liked the overall premise, Andy is told by his doctor he needs a tech detox because of some medical issues he is having, and shenanigans occur.
I ultimately wish that the book had actually moved more into a direction of Andy's other interests (he started reading and walking more) instead of him acting like an ass because he couldn't look up what stars were up to via Instagram. I think that a lot of people take social media breaks. I have done so before and it honestly helps. When you read nothing but terrible news and people's perfect lives via social media it is going to skew your perspective. Spalding danced near that with Andy finding about a real life person he was following, but Spalding played it for laughs instead of actually pointing out how everyone does this.
Loved the Easter eggs to other books that he has written and I think this one's ending worked a lot better than the last book of his I read "Dumped, Actually."
I ultimately wish that the book had actually moved more into a direction of Andy's other interests (he started reading and walking more) instead of him acting like an ass because he couldn't look up what stars were up to via Instagram. I think that a lot of people take social media breaks. I have done so before and it honestly helps. When you read nothing but terrible news and people's perfect lives via social media it is going to skew your perspective. Spalding danced near that with Andy finding about a real life person he was following, but Spalding played it for laughs instead of actually pointing out how everyone does this.
Loved the Easter eggs to other books that he has written and I think this one's ending worked a lot better than the last book of his I read "Dumped, Actually."
May 24, 2020
This book was the first book that had me laughing out loud for a long, long time. Even though right at the end it says it's a book about relationships rather than technology I found that while reading it I started to take much more notice of how much time I spent on social media and it did reduce. Some of Andrews' adventures are hilarious and he meets some very odd people neither of which would happen if he was permanently attached to his mobile phone. is blind date in particular had me howling.
I particularly found the idea of whether on social emdia or in real life that we lie or fabricate reality to make people like us - whether that be digital likes and followers or building up 'followers' in real life.
It's a fairly quick read, it brightened up my lockdown experience and I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading a few more of Spaldings' books.
I particularly found the idea of whether on social emdia or in real life that we lie or fabricate reality to make people like us - whether that be digital likes and followers or building up 'followers' in real life.
It's a fairly quick read, it brightened up my lockdown experience and I really enjoyed it and look forward to reading a few more of Spaldings' books.
May 9, 2020
5 hysterical stars!
This book is hilarious. If content largely focused on a poop and tracking it on poop app bothers you, don't despair, it's just the first chapter or 2 and then just sprinkled sporadically throughout.
Andy is addicted to technology, he literally had an app for everything. As we all know, phone addiction is real and can negatively impact your life. For Andy, the problems go beyond the mental state and manifest themselves as physical ailments. It's time for Andy to do a digital detox. And that's when the slapstick comedy really begins. Andy's inner dialog is hilarious. The situations he finds himself in are completely unbelievable. I found this laugh out loud funny. I tend to read mysteries/thrillers or women's lit and I've clearly been missing out on humor.
This is the perfect light read, a great distraction, and who can't benefit from some laughter?
Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This book is hilarious. If content largely focused on a poop and tracking it on poop app bothers you, don't despair, it's just the first chapter or 2 and then just sprinkled sporadically throughout.
Andy is addicted to technology, he literally had an app for everything. As we all know, phone addiction is real and can negatively impact your life. For Andy, the problems go beyond the mental state and manifest themselves as physical ailments. It's time for Andy to do a digital detox. And that's when the slapstick comedy really begins. Andy's inner dialog is hilarious. The situations he finds himself in are completely unbelievable. I found this laugh out loud funny. I tend to read mysteries/thrillers or women's lit and I've clearly been missing out on humor.
This is the perfect light read, a great distraction, and who can't benefit from some laughter?
Thank you Amazon Publishing UK and NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2020
I was given a copy of Logging Off by NetGalley to read and review with a open and honest opinion.
This book takes place in England, so if you are from England this certainly is a Good Read for you. I'm from the USA, and I really enjoyed it.
I'm in my 60's and this book is about folks in their 30's, and I honestly didn't think that I would like it at all... WOW, was I wrong.
I have IBS, and when Andy started talking about his 1st attack of diarrhea, I thought I was going to crap my pants by just laughing so hard. It was so real, but so funny. I'm not addicted to Social Media like Andy and Grace were, but I' am certainly addicted to my electronic devices in , so many other ways, in particular my Kindle and tablet.
These are rough times we are going thru right now, so if you want a great laugh, you need to read this book, laugh, but see the truth behind the laughs.
Great book....language is a little strong at times, but certainly appropriate for the settings.
What more could you want.. great laughs, romance and a Pug!
I gave it 5 stars for the reality of it and for the laughs.
This book takes place in England, so if you are from England this certainly is a Good Read for you. I'm from the USA, and I really enjoyed it.
I'm in my 60's and this book is about folks in their 30's, and I honestly didn't think that I would like it at all... WOW, was I wrong.
I have IBS, and when Andy started talking about his 1st attack of diarrhea, I thought I was going to crap my pants by just laughing so hard. It was so real, but so funny. I'm not addicted to Social Media like Andy and Grace were, but I' am certainly addicted to my electronic devices in , so many other ways, in particular my Kindle and tablet.
These are rough times we are going thru right now, so if you want a great laugh, you need to read this book, laugh, but see the truth behind the laughs.
Great book....language is a little strong at times, but certainly appropriate for the settings.
What more could you want.. great laughs, romance and a Pug!
I gave it 5 stars for the reality of it and for the laughs.
April 2, 2020
The premise of this book is the wonderful benefits found from disconnecting and actually living without all the devices. I liked the idea of the book, I just couldn't do it. I tried. I suffered through the first 1/4 of the book. I skimmed the next 1/4. There was too much language and the humor was just not my style. I wish I could have read it because I think we need different ways of looking at the need to unplug. This just wasn't the one for me.
Could not finish.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion.
Could not finish.
Thank you NetGalley for an ARC for my honest opinion.
May 6, 2020
This is my first Nick Spalding book. The plotline really intrigued me as I have quite a few times gone through the process of "online" burnout and had to take a break from social media. Nick writes with humour, the main character, a graphic designer lives as so many do from waking to fretfully sleeping - still using apps and keeping well plugged in. How many apps on your phone?
Waking and checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, emails and all before breakfast! Let's be honest a lot of people live like this right? Seeing couples over dinner with their smart phones in their hands, not saying a word to each other. It's gone all a bit mad. Nick's novel takes a character who really could be a lot of people I know and steps him into the unthinkable....logging off. Everything. Brave move.
I really enjoyed the book at the start but the humour quickly became really predictable and dare I say it somewhat "naff". I found the same with the storyline. It became very easy to know where it was heading which kind of removed that feeling of being hooked in, eager to see what came next. It is a VERY light-hearted read but I have read funny novels that do make me laugh out loud and this one didn't hit the mark.
I do like the plot concept overall, a message about what life is like when technology is put away and we have to interact with life and the world like in the olden days. Lots of positives there. With a smattering of romance, some eye-rolling unrealistic moments it was okay. One thing I did notice was a lot of small plot directions were not wrapped up, not followed up and as to what actually happened after the event. I could name a few but that would be spoilers.
It hasn't enticed me to read any of Nick's other novels despite the fact I do love a funny book. I know he has his fan base however. Three stars from me for Logging Off.
Waking and checking Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, emails and all before breakfast! Let's be honest a lot of people live like this right? Seeing couples over dinner with their smart phones in their hands, not saying a word to each other. It's gone all a bit mad. Nick's novel takes a character who really could be a lot of people I know and steps him into the unthinkable....logging off. Everything. Brave move.
I really enjoyed the book at the start but the humour quickly became really predictable and dare I say it somewhat "naff". I found the same with the storyline. It became very easy to know where it was heading which kind of removed that feeling of being hooked in, eager to see what came next. It is a VERY light-hearted read but I have read funny novels that do make me laugh out loud and this one didn't hit the mark.
I do like the plot concept overall, a message about what life is like when technology is put away and we have to interact with life and the world like in the olden days. Lots of positives there. With a smattering of romance, some eye-rolling unrealistic moments it was okay. One thing I did notice was a lot of small plot directions were not wrapped up, not followed up and as to what actually happened after the event. I could name a few but that would be spoilers.
It hasn't enticed me to read any of Nick's other novels despite the fact I do love a funny book. I know he has his fan base however. Three stars from me for Logging Off.
November 1, 2021
Nick Spalding is an acquired taste. At least that is what I am led to believe when I read all the rave reviews of his work. Seemingly well-adjusted, intelligent people are incredibly dedicated Spalding fans, forging a fiery path of cult-like loyalty and leaving scorched earth beneath the ashes of Spalding detractors. This being the case, I am awarding the book a full three stars, which should be enough to keep the over-zealous Spalding groupies from blowing up my social media. I do, however, fear there MUST be something I am missing—that the whole world is in on a joke and refuses to clue me in. Instead, I’m left shaking my head in wide-eyed wonder at the plethora of worshipping reviewers.
So all in all, this was a long way to travel to say that, in the end, while admittedly not a popular opinion, I found this novel to be droll, juvenile and filled with jokes about bodily functions that, seriously boys, JUST AREN’T FUNNY after the age of 12. I hope Spalding continues to write as he matures past the frat boy phase. He has some great chops that would be an asset to a writer for grown-ups.
So all in all, this was a long way to travel to say that, in the end, while admittedly not a popular opinion, I found this novel to be droll, juvenile and filled with jokes about bodily functions that, seriously boys, JUST AREN’T FUNNY after the age of 12. I hope Spalding continues to write as he matures past the frat boy phase. He has some great chops that would be an asset to a writer for grown-ups.
March 16, 2020
This is the most fun filled male centric novel I've ever read. I laughed, giggled almost every single chapter and loved it.
Andy Bellows, a freelance graphic designer is addicted to internet and everything online. So addicted that he has a habit of googling every symptom he has and getting diagnosed online without consulting an actual doctor. Oh did I tell you about the App he uses to monitor his every bowel movement?
One fine day when he's pitching his new design to a probable client, shit happens and he discovers something is terribly wrong with him and it has nothing to do physically. His doc advices a 60 day digital Detox and reluctantly Andy decides to give it a go.
What happens next? It's not easy to stay out of internet these days. Especially if your job involves lot of time googling for designs. Andy has to face his worst fears, fight his urge to give up the Detox just to hold his dear phone in his hands. As days move on, Andy experiences a new way to life that he never knew existed and certainly can't handle without being awkward and funny!
Nick Spalding touches a rather sensitive topic with humor and wit making it a light read for his readers. I love every character in the book. They're well developed and likeable. Uplifting and thoughtful in every way. This is just the book you need to read in the modern world where we're glued to gadgets and just can't live a analog life in the digital world. Highly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book. All opinions mine.
Andy Bellows, a freelance graphic designer is addicted to internet and everything online. So addicted that he has a habit of googling every symptom he has and getting diagnosed online without consulting an actual doctor. Oh did I tell you about the App he uses to monitor his every bowel movement?
One fine day when he's pitching his new design to a probable client, shit happens and he discovers something is terribly wrong with him and it has nothing to do physically. His doc advices a 60 day digital Detox and reluctantly Andy decides to give it a go.
What happens next? It's not easy to stay out of internet these days. Especially if your job involves lot of time googling for designs. Andy has to face his worst fears, fight his urge to give up the Detox just to hold his dear phone in his hands. As days move on, Andy experiences a new way to life that he never knew existed and certainly can't handle without being awkward and funny!
Nick Spalding touches a rather sensitive topic with humor and wit making it a light read for his readers. I love every character in the book. They're well developed and likeable. Uplifting and thoughtful in every way. This is just the book you need to read in the modern world where we're glued to gadgets and just can't live a analog life in the digital world. Highly recommend it. Many thanks to the publisher for my copy of the book. All opinions mine.
January 14, 2021
I actually bought this book by accident. Sort of. I thought it was more of a self-help guide rather than a comedy fiction, but shit happens, lol. I got it for a quid and thought why not?
It was OK. It's a nice, quick, and easy read, sometimes humorous, but a little childish as well. There's names like Herbert Bilch, Wilberforce and his pug dressed as Harry Potter called Puggerlugs, and some sort of estate agent vampire (literally) who's name I can't even remember. And the MC Andy talked a lot about having a poo.
I mean, it got me thinking. Don't get me wrong, I know the benefits of coming offline, and actually detoxed for two days after starting this book, which was a nice break. As mentioned, it's not the book I expected, but it was fine otherwise. Not sure I would read another book by the author though; this sort of simple humour isn't really my thing, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted read.
It was OK. It's a nice, quick, and easy read, sometimes humorous, but a little childish as well. There's names like Herbert Bilch, Wilberforce and his pug dressed as Harry Potter called Puggerlugs, and some sort of estate agent vampire (literally) who's name I can't even remember. And the MC Andy talked a lot about having a poo.
I mean, it got me thinking. Don't get me wrong, I know the benefits of coming offline, and actually detoxed for two days after starting this book, which was a nice break. As mentioned, it's not the book I expected, but it was fine otherwise. Not sure I would read another book by the author though; this sort of simple humour isn't really my thing, but I would recommend it to anyone looking for a lighthearted read.
May 1, 2020
A good funny read as I expected, but with a lot of depth. It really made me assess my use of social media and the time I spend online playing mindless games. An easy read - leading to a challenging decision! The descriptions of Andy's bowel problems were funny - and familiar!! Some real laugh out loud moments. I'm still smiling thinking about the duck pond, which in the current climate means the book was a real success. #netgalley #loggingoff
May 5, 2020
Thanks to #netgalley, #lakeunionpublishing , and #amazonpublishingUK for the opportunity to read this hilarious book.
Pub date April 23, 2020
If you've ever thought about disconnecting from all your electronic devices, you will get a kick out of this book. Andy is suffering from all kinds of physical problems and when his jaw freezes up during a presentation, he make appointment with his doctor. Diagnosis? Technology addiction! Treatment? No technology allowed for 60 days! I laughed out loud at he navigates life without his devices. Recommend!
Pub date April 23, 2020
If you've ever thought about disconnecting from all your electronic devices, you will get a kick out of this book. Andy is suffering from all kinds of physical problems and when his jaw freezes up during a presentation, he make appointment with his doctor. Diagnosis? Technology addiction! Treatment? No technology allowed for 60 days! I laughed out loud at he navigates life without his devices. Recommend!
May 5, 2020
Thanks to #netgalley, #lakeunionpublishing , and #amazonpublishingUK for the opportunity to read this hilarious book.
Pub date April 23, 2020
If you've ever thought about disconnecting from all your electronic devices, you will get a kick out of this book. Andy is suffering from all kinds of physical problems and when his jaw freezes up during a presentation, he make appointment with his doctor. Diagnosis? Technology addiction! Treatment? No technology allowed for 60 days! I laughed out loud at he navigates life without his devices. Recommend!
Pub date April 23, 2020
If you've ever thought about disconnecting from all your electronic devices, you will get a kick out of this book. Andy is suffering from all kinds of physical problems and when his jaw freezes up during a presentation, he make appointment with his doctor. Diagnosis? Technology addiction! Treatment? No technology allowed for 60 days! I laughed out loud at he navigates life without his devices. Recommend!
June 29, 2025
Gave this a try as it was £1 on the Kindle store. Glad I bought it - a very funny, easy to read and relatable book!
April 30, 2020
I'd never read a Nick Spalding book before but this was simply put, hilarious! I literally laughed all the way through the novel. Andy's doctor recommends a "digital detox" as his obsession with social media has manifested itself into physical symptoms that Andy can no longer ignore. The characters are quirky, the humor is constant, and the message is poignant. What Andy comes away with is a sense of balance that, of course makes sense for all of us as he feels lost without his devices. And ironically, he becomes what he initially detested: a media influencer with thousands of fans who join him in "logging off." I thoroughly enjoyed this romp and will read more of Spaulding in the future! I also feel fortunate that I grew up without social media so the only thing I feel addicted to is my kindle (and that's mainly for reading; ok and Words With Friends). I love the idea of unplugging for awhile!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
May 2, 2020
5/5 ⭐️
Super funny and relatable tbh, I kinda wanna try to step away from the internet after reading this book.
Super funny and relatable tbh, I kinda wanna try to step away from the internet after reading this book.
April 12, 2020
Sort of a weird book to read during the lockdown where I am spending about 13 hours a day on my phone or laptop or Nintendo but Spalding books always make me laugh and I needed that.
I loved it. I laughed a lot. I related a lot to the subject and I almost even decided to google a detox for myself, but I will be sure to avoid the duck ponds for a while.
The characters in this book are likeable from the very beginning and there are so many laugh out loud moments throughout the thing meant I got exactly what I expected from it!
I LOVE that Nick Spalding references his other books in this book too, it's really smart, I love that he's building a universe for his own characters but also appreciate the effort that must take!
The book is a very solid 5/5 for me. A very easy to read funny book with a pretty sweet and sensible takeaway point right at the end.
I loved it. I laughed a lot. I related a lot to the subject and I almost even decided to google a detox for myself, but I will be sure to avoid the duck ponds for a while.
The characters in this book are likeable from the very beginning and there are so many laugh out loud moments throughout the thing meant I got exactly what I expected from it!
I LOVE that Nick Spalding references his other books in this book too, it's really smart, I love that he's building a universe for his own characters but also appreciate the effort that must take!
The book is a very solid 5/5 for me. A very easy to read funny book with a pretty sweet and sensible takeaway point right at the end.
April 6, 2020
As evidenced by the title, Logging Off is a quirky little novel relaying the story of Andy Bellows as he puts himself through a digital detox. He needs his physical and mental health to be transformed, as he is suffering from a wide variety of stress-induced ailments and, most notably, irritable bowel syndrome. Doctor's orders.
Logging Off, while not without its charm in some spots, was silly but not incredibly entertaining. Andy was whiny, lacking a great deal of depth, and, while he held countless chatty sessions via his running internal dialogue, he lacked a certain amount of introspection and variance in his emotions with which would have garnered more empathy. Andy just wasn't a very gripping narrator. He was prone to overdramatics and his traits were limited to being thirty-six years old, white, male, and addicted to the internet. Other than his apparent skill as a graphic designer (a talent we never actually see displayed but are told about several times), Andy doesn't have any unique qualities. Spalding never really hit his stride with Andy, and instead just inserted one too many escapades and near-funny situations where hijinks were likely to ensue . . . and did.
Andy's overall story was supported by the premise of the logging off and detoxing your body by stepping away from the internet. But that level of completely cutting yourself off is unsustainable in this day and age—something of which we should be profoundly aware during the quarantine, as without this level of communication built and established, functionality would be difficult or a proper quarantine level unattainable. However, so many people recognize how they need to strive for a balance of being on- and offline. And in that, I think Spalding succeeded—I just wish we had a better developed companion for the journey (potentially someone who said "poo" a little less often).
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This affected neither my opinion of the book, nor the content of my review.
Logging Off, while not without its charm in some spots, was silly but not incredibly entertaining. Andy was whiny, lacking a great deal of depth, and, while he held countless chatty sessions via his running internal dialogue, he lacked a certain amount of introspection and variance in his emotions with which would have garnered more empathy. Andy just wasn't a very gripping narrator. He was prone to overdramatics and his traits were limited to being thirty-six years old, white, male, and addicted to the internet. Other than his apparent skill as a graphic designer (a talent we never actually see displayed but are told about several times), Andy doesn't have any unique qualities. Spalding never really hit his stride with Andy, and instead just inserted one too many escapades and near-funny situations where hijinks were likely to ensue . . . and did.
Andy's overall story was supported by the premise of the logging off and detoxing your body by stepping away from the internet. But that level of completely cutting yourself off is unsustainable in this day and age—something of which we should be profoundly aware during the quarantine, as without this level of communication built and established, functionality would be difficult or a proper quarantine level unattainable. However, so many people recognize how they need to strive for a balance of being on- and offline. And in that, I think Spalding succeeded—I just wish we had a better developed companion for the journey (potentially someone who said "poo" a little less often).
I received this book for free from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This affected neither my opinion of the book, nor the content of my review.
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