Bridget M. (bridget) reviewed Better Off : Flipping the Switch on Technology on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
I absolutely loved this book. Brende moves with his new wife to a Amish-like settlement in order to escape technology. The book is a fascinating discussion of how life can work in a low-tech world. Community and family was essential to Brende's experience, and there is good discussion of spirituality and religion.
I was expecting more focus on the harrowing and hard aspects of living without electricity. But the book is much deeper and fuller than that.
I was expecting more focus on the harrowing and hard aspects of living without electricity. But the book is much deeper and fuller than that.
Helpful Score: 3
Good look at "regular" folks looking to reduce their dependence on technology. Actually makes you think about your own use. They continue to practice some of the skills they lived after the move as well. A good drop out book.
Don't be fooled into thinking that a book on technology could not possibly be interesting. This book is an EXCELLENT and very captivating read! If you are interested in Amish culture and would like to "step inside" and experience it, this book will allow you to do so. It will also challenge you to consider just how much technology is actually enough to live life to the fullest. Bibliophiles will enjoy Brende's use of extremely unfamiliar and/or difficult words in some parts of the book (have a dictionary handy; I promise you'll need it, but the challenge is fresh and fun.)
Barbara B. (GrannyGamer) -
Helpful Score: 2
An absolutely fascinating book about a young couple's "experiment" at living without any technology (including electricity) for 18 months in an Amish/Menninite type community.
It's partly about the way this type of community lives, partly about the often funny experience of a city couple in the country, and partly about how we have become overly dependent on technology.
He makes clear the absurdity of working more hours so we can afford a "time saving" device.
It's partly about the way this type of community lives, partly about the often funny experience of a city couple in the country, and partly about how we have become overly dependent on technology.
He makes clear the absurdity of working more hours so we can afford a "time saving" device.
Suzanne A. (suzieqzie) reviewed Better Off : Flipping the Switch on Technology on + 20 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
A candid look at a young couple's adventure in self-sufficiency inside a community of people living without power. It was a very enjoyable read. My only criticism is that the author, being male, represented only the man's experience of this community where men and women move in separate spheres of existence. If his wife were to write about her experiences, that would give the full story much more meaning (especially to female readers, like myself). Still, a fascinating look at how much time time-saving devices take away from our lives.
