Off the Grid: Living Blind Without the Internet by Robert Kingett
Narrated in the first person in day-by-day diary style, this thought-provoking book chronicles the experiences of a young computer-savvy person voluntarily cutting off the umbilical cord of internet connectivity for a month. To add to the challenge, Robert Kingett is blind and, therefore, dependent on technology to a much larger degree than others.
It was fascinating to follow his determined efforts to replace the ease and familiarity of internet searches and instant communication options with the almost obsolete alternatives of making telephone calls, looking up addresses in the phone book (by proxy due to his visual impairment), and talking to people in person having made the trip by bus or on foot. Truly mind subverting, some of this stuff! Alongside the predictable obstacles and delays, the author experienced a small epiphany in being forced to relate to human beings one-on-one without the artificial screen of electronic communication. |
In some cases, his self-imposed quest led to chance encounters that resulted in friendships and relationships that a gay man would not normally be open to without putting himself at risk - another unique angle to this challenge that highlighted the author's great courage and willingness to test the waters.
By a strange coincidence, a serious local problem caused me to be without internet for four days. Since we don't own a TV and no longer travel to work, we had a mini-experience of the same sort. Now as a family we are, in relative terms, very loosely “connected” (that is, we use social media sporadically and do not have any sort of following to worry about). Even so, we were utterly lost, resorting to listening to the radio for weather updates, and eventually driving to a local WiFi hotspot to catch up on email and news. So I could relate to the unimaginable challenges of getting along without the convenience of searching, and finding, specific information of all sorts simply by typing keywords in a search box, as well as communicating in ways that go beyond making a phone call.
The book is clearly organized by topic, and offers subjective first-hand experiences that easily suggest how each of us would be affected in our own circumstances. As well as reading the Kindle e-book, I have also listened to the audio narration version available through Audible. Total audio time is around 3 ½ hours of very good quality production. The narrator has a clear voice and lively diction. He made the material come alive.
In summary, a very interesting piece of investigative journalism enriched by the author's quick wit and lively sense of humour. Robert Kingett covers so much ground and gives us so much to consider without forcing a conclusion, because that depends very much on the individual. The one fact that seems incontestable is that going back is not an option.
By a strange coincidence, a serious local problem caused me to be without internet for four days. Since we don't own a TV and no longer travel to work, we had a mini-experience of the same sort. Now as a family we are, in relative terms, very loosely “connected” (that is, we use social media sporadically and do not have any sort of following to worry about). Even so, we were utterly lost, resorting to listening to the radio for weather updates, and eventually driving to a local WiFi hotspot to catch up on email and news. So I could relate to the unimaginable challenges of getting along without the convenience of searching, and finding, specific information of all sorts simply by typing keywords in a search box, as well as communicating in ways that go beyond making a phone call.
The book is clearly organized by topic, and offers subjective first-hand experiences that easily suggest how each of us would be affected in our own circumstances. As well as reading the Kindle e-book, I have also listened to the audio narration version available through Audible. Total audio time is around 3 ½ hours of very good quality production. The narrator has a clear voice and lively diction. He made the material come alive.
In summary, a very interesting piece of investigative journalism enriched by the author's quick wit and lively sense of humour. Robert Kingett covers so much ground and gives us so much to consider without forcing a conclusion, because that depends very much on the individual. The one fact that seems incontestable is that going back is not an option.
As the title suggests, this book is a memoir in small doses, a collection of daily incidents and a running commentary on living in France from the viewpoint of an American expat couple.
Keith and his wife Val have chosen Provence, this most desirable part of France, as their part-time home and return each year for three months to immerse themselves in the essence of French daily life. The fact that the author still spends some months a year in the States only makes his observations more pertinent. Keith Van Sickle imbues his material with dry wit and an amusing matter-of-fact style that makes for a very easy read. I found it perfect as a bedside book to read just before going to sleep. Some of the chapters are really short, truly nuggets of wisdom; others are more involved, providing good variety. Some details and extras that add quality: the chapter names, which have been chosen with inventiveness and a good dose of humour; the line drawings illustrating some of the episodes; and a very comprehensive list of resources with links at the end of the book. |
An enjoyable, light-hearted read which, nevertheless, offers a very realistic glimpse into the French lifestyle, culture and ideology. Having lived near Bordeaux myself for many years, I can attest to the accuracy of the contents. This is not a pie-in-the-sky, pastel-tinted fantasy, but a droll, amusing overview of a very individualistic country and its inhabitants through the insightful filter of a couple who have travelled extensively and see clearly the quirks that make the French sometimes infuriating but always terribly charming.
A most comprehensive and topical guide to starting up a venture which relies heavily on an internet presence; in other words, almost any new business. Like it or not, in the world we live in having a website is not just helpful, it is expected.
This clearly organized guide covers just about everything an entrepreneur needs to know from the planning stages (so often neglected in the rush to actually get stuck in) to developing a business the daily running of which can be delegated to others. There is even a section dealing with the forward planning required to create an entity that can be sold or passed on to a partner. However, the meat in the sandwich is definitely the extensive coverage of website design (lots to learn for someone who does her own) and the step-by-step explanation of diverse and stripped-down strategies to implement social media tasks in a semi-automated way, so that the online presence is effective but not cumbersome. This major portion of the book is made infinitely more useful by the inclusion of names, addresses and links to the various resources advocated, as well as a suggested strategies to take advantage of some or all, in a practical way that anyone should be able to follow. |
While the first part of the book might seem basic and common sense, I recognized all the preliminaries and different stages that my husband and I went through with the business we built from the ground up. We could have used a book like this at the time! There is a shade of self-promotion, as you can expect, since the author is heavily involved in the consulting business but it is of a general nature, basically identifying which steps are best handled by professionals versus the things that an entrepreneur with a tight budget can tackle on his or her own. The book is well written with a refreshing absence of technical jargon. The advice is sound and very clearly presented. If you are contemplating starting up on your own, this book may well provide an invaluable road map to help you navigate through the myriad difficult choices you will face.
I enjoyed this book. The protagonists are relatable and likeable, even the heroine – which is saying a lot these days. Grace has had a tough start in life, involving foster care, child abuse, even sleeping rough. She has a great go-get-them attitude, and she is very beautiful, which turns out to be useful in catching the hero’s attention. Oscar is a dream come true as far as male protagonists go, although at the start we are only shown his cocky, fun-loving side.
The plot is engaging although the love story feels a bit rushed. I loved the focus on the community centre which supports veterans, single mothers, the homeless, and disadvantaged people of every type. Grace sounds caring and sincere in her dedication to helping others in the same situation she has overcome so courageously. Oscar’s solid upbringing and lovely family offer a stark counterpoint to Grace’s grim early life. The many supporting characters are well drawn and enrich the narrative.
I appreciate the care taken with the cover; it faithfully illustrates Oscar’s favourite mannerism, but someone should have told the model that he’s supposed to be hiding a smirk behind his thumb – not look like he’s about to suck it! The writing is competent if a little trite and mechanical. I noticed a lot of repetition and a certain overuse of standard phrases. Most of the characters nod and shake their heads so much that it’s a wonder their noggins haven’t fallen off yet! The bedroom scenes are explicit but tasteful and germane to the storyline. The ending is predictable but satisfying. This is an optimistic tale with a super-smart, wealthy hero who is kind and charitable, and a street-smart, scarred heroine who is insecure but open to embracing a better life. It’s a soothing, comfortable read. Oscar’s two brothers have their own books as sequels within the same world. I would be interested in reading them.
The plot is engaging although the love story feels a bit rushed. I loved the focus on the community centre which supports veterans, single mothers, the homeless, and disadvantaged people of every type. Grace sounds caring and sincere in her dedication to helping others in the same situation she has overcome so courageously. Oscar’s solid upbringing and lovely family offer a stark counterpoint to Grace’s grim early life. The many supporting characters are well drawn and enrich the narrative.
I appreciate the care taken with the cover; it faithfully illustrates Oscar’s favourite mannerism, but someone should have told the model that he’s supposed to be hiding a smirk behind his thumb – not look like he’s about to suck it! The writing is competent if a little trite and mechanical. I noticed a lot of repetition and a certain overuse of standard phrases. Most of the characters nod and shake their heads so much that it’s a wonder their noggins haven’t fallen off yet! The bedroom scenes are explicit but tasteful and germane to the storyline. The ending is predictable but satisfying. This is an optimistic tale with a super-smart, wealthy hero who is kind and charitable, and a street-smart, scarred heroine who is insecure but open to embracing a better life. It’s a soothing, comfortable read. Oscar’s two brothers have their own books as sequels within the same world. I would be interested in reading them.