Unplugged

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Pub Date 07 May 2020 | Archive Date 30 Jan 2023

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Description

The only problem with getting everything you ever wanted is that it forces you to reassess everything you ever wanted in the first place.

Thirty-two-year-old Dan Johnson has it all; a nine-digit net worth, a gorgeous fiancé and a luxury riverside brownstone. The only problem is, he doesn’t want any of it. And the endless distractions of digitized society give him no head space to figure out what he does want.

So, Dan unplugs. He abandons all things digital technology, effectively retreating from society to live an analog lifestyle geared at perfecting the art of avoidance. When a case of mistaken identity launches Dan into a series of bizarro relationships and absurd events, it represents an unexpected path to reconnect him with a world he never knew existed.  

Dark, offbeat and laugh-out-loud funny, Unplugged is a coming of middle-age story about finding authentic connections and meaning in today’s hyper-digitized society.

The only problem with getting everything you ever wanted is that it forces you to reassess everything you ever wanted in the first place.

Thirty-two-year-old Dan Johnson has it all; a nine-digit...


A Note From the Publisher

Award-winning author Joe Barrett has spent the past twenty-five years as a chief executive of entrepreneurial organizations ranging from private, venture-funded companies to large publicly listed multinational corporations. He has been a frequent speaker at National Retail Federation conferences and has sat on the boards of several for-profit and non-profit companies. His short fiction has been published in Iconoclast, The Storyteller and The Palo Alto Review. He lives with his wife and two children in Tampa.

Award-winning author Joe Barrett has spent the past twenty-five years as a chief executive of entrepreneurial organizations ranging from private, venture-funded companies to large publicly listed...


Advance Praise

Kirkus Reviews says Joe Barrett’s writing is, “Witty, occasionally crass, and an unqualified delight.”

Authors Reading calls Joe Barrett, “A master storyteller and humorist."

Kirkus Reviews says Joe Barrett’s writing is, “Witty, occasionally crass, and an unqualified delight.”

Authors Reading calls Joe Barrett, “A master storyteller and humorist."


Available Editions

EDITION Ebook
ISBN 9781684334926
PRICE $6.99 (USD)

Available on NetGalley

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Average rating from 14 members


Featured Reviews

This is not a typical book I'd read, but I'm glad I did!
It was interesting. The characters were truly quirky but likeable. It's a fun, crazy, unusual book. A fast read. Sometimes you'll laugh. Sometimes you'll scratch your head, but the story is always interesting!

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Thank you #Netgalley for the advanced copy!

This book follows the path of a young 30 year old Dan, a man who sold his tech company and is now "unplugging" from social media and technology. He purchases a brownstone and has his brother become the handy man. During his time at home, Dan helps out his brother by walking some tenants dogs. Little did he know that this small act would change his perspective on life. During this experience, he meets new people and learns about how others live.

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What can I say? I really liked this book; it wasn’t quite what I expected but was so much more! This follows the story of Dan, a young and unintentionally retired 30-year-old. When all your dreams come true and more what do you do next?

His friends and family think he has lost his mind, he has everything but has chosen to disconnect and live very unconventionally with nothing left to achieve or gain Dan isn’t looking for a new challenge, he drifts through life. Very reluctantly, he helps his brother out with his dog walking gig one day his eyes are opened; Dan discovers a whole new world outside his current reality.

There are some slightly strange additions to the story, mostly in the form of his new group of friends, his strange ex-fiancé who can’t seem to keep her body covered up for five minutes, and Dan’s brothers’ odd stories. With new perspective, Dan meets and makes some brilliant new friends and finds a whole new life, something with more purpose, which fulfils him more and maybe another lovely addition along the way.

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This is quite good. It includes lots of interesting characters and situations, an d humor and the author has a natural writing style. With nice pacing and an engaging plot, I read it rather quickly. Recommended for literature fans.

I really appreciate the ARC for review!!

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I enjoyed this for what it was--a fun, quirky, and quick read. Unplugged provided a fresh and interesting take on what can happen when one actually, well, unplugs! This was laugh out loud funny and the unique premise of the story kept me engaged the whole time. I gave it 4 stars as I did find it ventured into the absurd at times. If you're looking for something out of the ordinary, it would definitely be worth your while to plug into Unplugged,
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The only problem with getting everything you ever wanted is that it forces you to reassess everything you ever wanted in the first place.

Thirty-two-year-old Dan Johnson has it all; a nine-digit net worth, a gorgeous fiancé and a luxury riverside brownstone. The only problem is, he doesn’t want any of it. And the endless distractions of digitized society give him no head space to figure out what he does want.

So, Dan unplugs. He abandons all things digital technology, effectively retreating from society to live an analog lifestyle geared at perfecting the art of avoidance. When a case of mistaken identity launches Dan into a series of bizarro relationships and absurd events, it represents an unexpected path to reconnect him with a world he never knew existed.

Dark, offbeat and laugh-out-loud funny, Unplugged is a coming of middle-age story about finding authentic connections and meaning in today’s hyper-digitized society.

Was this review helpful?

The characters in this book! WOW. Words won't do them justice. They're smart, witty, funny, original, and so much more. Without giving too much away, I can say that this book felt totally original to me. The subject matter is so relevant to me right now after working on a computer since March. I might follow in the footsteps with less of the problems!

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

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This certainly wasn't something I expected from the title. Funny, a bit weird, but clever, this book is really a unique read. Most of the characters were pretty annoying, but it somehow managed to make the experience of reading it even better. It's a quick read and I can recommend it to everyone that wants to read a charming but somehow different love story.

Thank you NetGalley for a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

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A winner! I read this and laughed way too loud. I was reading parts to my husband.!! Finally, found a good book during our stay-at-home year. I did buy a copy to keep in the guest room.I actually got my husband to read it, he laughed and thought it was just "out there"

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This is one of those books that as soon as I downloaded it I wanted to read it and even though I had to wait every time I open my Kindle I was so tempted to sort it and now that I have an finished it I just want to say this book is one of the funniest books I have ever read. When Dan decides to give up life as he knows it it seems the book just gets funnier if you need a pick me up and are in a place where you can laugh out loud read unplugged by Joe Barrett I love his books in this one totally did not disappoint. He is one of those authors you know you’re in for a good laugh and I love that about his box. I highly recommend this book not only for the happy ending but for all the lol moments in between. Are you really happier when you have less? I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher but I am leaving this review voluntarily please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

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