This book got archived before I could download it so I decided to purchase it myself because I was so interested.
This is going to be a very short review because although the book has many many positive features and had interesting content, there were two things that bothered me about it a lot.

The smaller problem was timing. It was a very unfortunate timing to publish a book such as this when people had no other ways to connect than digital technology. People with mental health problems or just a tendency towards depression had a hard time already, giving them a message to isolate themselves even more, might be a tad bit concerning. Also kids had their schooling online as well. They had no other way to "meet" with their freinds either.

The second and bigger issue I had with this book was the aspect of religion. I respect the freedom of religious views and I have no problem with it in books, but I would like to know about it prior to my purchase, especially if I follow a different religion. Encountering it in every chapter became a bit annoying for me. I would advise the publisher to advertise the book with an appropriate disclaimer.

Otherwise he book itself is a great and short collection of wisdoms and fun facts. It teaches people a lot of useful and thoughtful ideas about what we can do differently (in a non-pandemic situation) in our everyday life and how we might be able to connect with each other more on a personal face-to-face manner.

My rating is 3.5

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World
40 Tips to Meaningful Communication
by Jonathan McKee; Alyssa McKee
Barbour Publishing, Inc.
Shiloh Run Press
Christian | Teens & YA
Pub Date 01 Nov 2020


This book is a unique one written by people of two generations, Jonathan is in his forties, Alyssa is in her twenties, for all their differences, they have things in common, like realizing how much screen time they used,




In 2000 a year after SMS were available on cell phones, the average amount of texts that were sent were 35, that’s equivalent to about one a day.



Cell Phones that could replace your computer, iPod, or other devices did not exist until 2007, when Steve Jobs launched the first iPhone. And Social Media did not go mobile until 2012, Instagram launched late in. 2010, but did not become popular until 2012, and Snapchat was released in 2012 as well.


The Teens Guide to Face to Face Connections in A Screen to Screen World reminds us that our conversations become more enjoyable when everyone puts their phone in their pockets, and interacts.



Adults spend an average of eleven hours and twenty seven minutes on screen time while teenagers spend an average of Mine hours and forty nine minutes, leaving very little time for face to face conversations.







The authors remind us that while our mobile devices may be connecting us to those across the country from us or even across the world they are disconnecting us from those in the same room with us, basically to much screen time is making us socially stupid.



We are reminded that more is not always better, that is true with many things including screen time. And on that end in 2018 over ten years after the first IPhone was released, both Apple and Android introduced updates that included the ability to set screen limits because the consumers demanded it.




This books goes on to point out too that sometimes the people who love us the most are the ones we ignored all day. When we take the time away from the screen to really get to understand someone we come to realize that empathy is the gateway to deeper friendships.





It is pointed out too that when Social Media starts to hijack our lives, it is time for us to take a break. And that we can’t unsend or unpost something, because disappearing posts tend to reappear.



This book reminds us too that hiding behind our masks, or screens doesn’t work, because eventually we are going to be exposed.




We are reminded too that screens can become dangerous when they distract us from those we care about. We are reminded too that when we engage in deep conversations and ask second level questions people are more likely to put their phone away so they can engage in the conversation.





It is pointed out too that our posts can affect our future in ways we don’t realize, from destroying friendships, to blocking job opportunities, or even causing you to be fired from your current job. It’s important to be mindful of what you post!




We are reminded too that meals are always better without our screens. It is pointed out that occasional tech free days can be surprisingly refreshing. It is pointed out too that the best way to escape temptations on our screen is to talk honestly about our struggles...It doesn’t matter how uncomfortable.



The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World points out too that texting is prone to misinterpretation. And the authors go on to point out too that dinner is better when we are focused on the people at our table, not the ones in our palm. This book points out too that texting is not a way to deal with conflict.




This book reminds us too that the irresponsible use of screens can lead to repercussions that burn out of control. It goes on to point out that sometimes when we pull our noses out of our screens we discover we have a relationship right under our noses. And we are reminded that if our device is distracting us from the goals in our lives it is time for a digital detox.





We are reminded too that when we seek a face to face relationship with a wise mentor, it is beneficial to everyone involved.



This book goes on to warn you that it doesn’t matter whether they are nice, friendly, rich or funny if you haven’t met them in person, they are still strangers and it’s a horrible idea to meet them in person, especially alone.



It is pointed out too that phones are like detonators, if you push the wrong button everything will blow up. We are reminded too that Social Media can create a pressurized environment where we allow likes and follows to determine our value.





We are reminded too that phones can create a fun way to connect with friends who live far away.





The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World reminds us too that life is far to short to leave conflict unresolved. We are reminded too that some apps on our phones can be helpful while others are harmful, we must decide which apps are worth our time. We are reminded too that when we can’t be face to face, screens can be a good way to connect.





It is pointed out too that we should use Holidays as a time to instigate interaction with the entire family, prompting them to put their phones away and interact face to face.




We are reminded too that screens affect your sleep the way that caffeine does, and can cause poor sleeping patterns. It is pointed out too that sometimes the best thing we can do is to just shut up Nd listen to others, ask them how they are doing and take the time to really listen.



I give The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World, five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

This is a short and simple book with a very important message. I recommend this kind of book to parents whose children are not very into reading, the ideas are surrounded by a lot of examples and personal stories and everything is simplified so anyone will understand it. Do not expect very scientific facts or very deep thoughts explained, but it will be an excellent tool if you are seeking help to start sharing ideas about the effects of screens in your teen life this can be helpful for you. If you have read a lot about this topic, you won't find a lot of new information, but I can say I enjoyed a lot the idea of a dad and daughter writing together for a good purpose. I´m always telling my children that once it is on the cloud you can´t delete it... this topic is included. I really like the topic of dealing with conflict in person, not texts, videos, or chats, to give the importance the relationship deserves. You can give it as a present, useful tips.

I was interested in this book because it is important to talk to teens about making connections away from their screens. It is unfortunate that this book is coming out during the COVID-19 pandemic because pushing kids away from their screens isn’t what we are doing right now. Many schools and programs are online right now. Many tweens and teens can’t go visit with their friends right now unless they are outside and socially distant. They are obviously going to heavily rely on their devices, so I think this book may already be outdated.

I also went into this book not realizing it had such a Christian focus. That’s fine, but it was quite a surprise for me when I found that most chapters related back to Scripture. That makes it even less likely for me to recommend it to people because not everyone who needs to learn about managing screen time is religious.

One of the things that interested me is that it has creative titles for chapters like “Attack of the Killer Squirrels,” but I found myself not enjoying the several pages it took to get the metaphor across to where teens are supposed to ask themselves if they are a lizard or a squirrel. In this chapter, I found that I was uncomfortable with the idea that finding “raunchy” material or porn online is listed as always being dangerous. With the Christian focus, I understand that is the route they authors took, but I think it’s dangerous to tell teens that all porn is dangerous because that can can affect them mentally and emotionally and connect sexuality and to being dirty or wrong. I think it’s a much bigger discussion than that.

I did appreciate the beginning history of social media and smart phones. However, one of the draws to this book is supposed to be that there is a younger daughter writing half of it, and this made it clear that she is still far removed from teens currently. If I had a parent looking for this niche category of a book, I’d keep it in mind, but it’s not one I would advocate for due to its problematic content and niche audience.

This conversational novel was a great read! I highly recommend it for any parent who has teens or will in the future. The author talks about the effects of social media and how to navigate it positively. In a world where so many people are so addicted to it, this was refreshing and is so needed! I love how he really makes you question the usefulness of our phones and motivates the reader to use it more for good and less for unnecessary scrolling. There is a big emphasis on the need for person to person contact as the screen-to-screen contact is effecting people more than ever. Finally, I love that the author included scripture verses and spoke of how important it is to unplug for our relationship with others and the Lord. Amazing and thought-provoking book!

I received this as an ARC on NetGalley

Good:
- engaging chatty voice that made me feel friendly
- used related and key biblical verses which gave us a new interpretation and made me think about the way I relate to the bible in everyday life.
- annecodotes kept the book story like, and made it interesting, not just your average infodump book!

Bad:
- a little repetitive and long for my liking, sometimes it felt like wordcount hitting rater than important information.
- some of the conversation written felt awkward and unnecessary

This is an interesting perspective on screen vs irl communication, from people who felt much more relatable to myself as a teen than the usual book in this style, I was pleasantly surprised by the chatty tone which kept me engaged. The annecodotes throughout also kept me interested and I felt like I learnt about the writers, almost like friends! My bad points for this book are definately not things which would stop me from reading again! I did feel I wanted to skip pages, but I'm glad I didn't and continued to read, it was truly an interesting experience

This book made me consider social media detox again, after I did for Lent this year!

One thing I would say is: I found certain stories triggering to my emetophobia (fear of illness), and also could be triggering for rape and murder mentions.

I would recommend this book to Christian teens, and teens who don't mind mentions of biblical themes but want to learn more about screen connection. Also, to parents who aren't sure how to help their teens with social media.

Overall: 4/5 :)

The Teen's Guide to Face-to-Face Connections in a Screen-to-Screen World is an interesting and informative look at social media. It's a great guide for teens with some really cool hints and tips on how they can improve their own experiences with the world of social media and away from it.

"I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own."

I loved the intro, it is literally a conversation that has happened at our table multiple times. "Texts used to cost $0.10 a piece" is like our generation's version of I walked a mile to school in the snow.

I like the back and forth introspective from two distinct view points. Overall good content.

Loved this book had such a great lesson behind how social media affects us. Loved how it included biblical passages they added a huge learning point. Awesome script from both father and daughter. Will definitely recommend to my students, its important to now how to live a balanced life nowadays..