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jts4568's review
3.5
An approachable introspection on what it means to be “real” in our ever more digital age. Philosophical waxing interspersed with personal anecdotes, this book was slow to get through but worth the finish.
notthatcosta's review
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
I had the pleasure of attending a Q&A event with Chris at the London LGBTQ+ Community Centre late last year, which was my introduction to the book.
As a queer person who spent most of my formative years online (chronically, so might say) and have been shaped by my experiences online as a result, this book gave me much to mull over. Since buying my copy I have been reevaluating a lot of aspects of society, technology and existence, so this book had a lot of excellent insights and cited theories within it. I found the theological aspects particularly interesting.
Above all I was impressed by how this was so much more accessible than its more academic counterparts, and how much Chris infused it with his own musings and experiences.
As a queer person who spent most of my formative years online (chronically, so might say) and have been shaped by my experiences online as a result, this book gave me much to mull over. Since buying my copy I have been reevaluating a lot of aspects of society, technology and existence, so this book had a lot of excellent insights and cited theories within it. I found the theological aspects particularly interesting.
Above all I was impressed by how this was so much more accessible than its more academic counterparts, and how much Chris infused it with his own musings and experiences.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Death, Grief, Medical content, and Medical trauma
bookjerm's review against another edition
5.0
This book is up there with Velvet Rage for me. There were some chapters I highlighted so much, I felt like I was coloring it. It is an intimate look at the author's search for meaning and belonging online, and he does so by sharing several personal stories from his own life and discussions with people like map makers, game makers and furries. I'm not much of a Twitter user--there are references throughout--but am a heavy Instagram user. Even if you're not hugely present on social media, this book will give you great insight on self and just how much the internet has changed not only how we interact with each other, but also how we develop our own self image. Highly recommended.
rshelley's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
adrianlarose's review
4.0
Thoughtful look at how we connect online and how that compares to and interacts with offline connections and life changes. Found narrative a bit hard to follow at times, partly due to the many authors cited - bits that dealt with the author's own life and experiences (or related these sources clearly to those experiences) were the strongest for me.
parkypoo's review against another edition
3.0
This book was alright. Chris raises some interesting points, but ultimately leaves you without answers or solutions (in case that's what you're looking for); just a lot to think about...
The chapters are also quite long, and within them he takes a winding road to illustrate the points he's trying to make. Honestly, the plethora of anecdotes and quips don't seem to add too much value. In the end, I was just irritated I spent the time reading them.
He cute tho.
The chapters are also quite long, and within them he takes a winding road to illustrate the points he's trying to make. Honestly, the plethora of anecdotes and quips don't seem to add too much value. In the end, I was just irritated I spent the time reading them.
He cute tho.
tyann's review against another edition
challenging
informative
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
While this was informative and reflective, there were times where the author just stretches for some relatability. He makes it relatable but it veered closer to a more self-exam of the book. I think he brings up a lot of good questions in that it’s not social media we should be questioning but in the personal use of it. Overall, I would recommend but he does talk about having scabies a lot.
nbicks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
davidmorris's review against another edition
5.0
A helpful, revealing memoir about finding identity and community online in a way that isn’t so easy in the everyday world.
thescottcoffey's review against another edition
4.5
A very thoughtful and heartfelt look into what it means to be "real" in the digital world, and how our online and offline lives intersect. Absolutely with reading if you are an online person in any way.