To date, I generally have not produced book reviews. However, a few weeks ago, a friend told me I should write about Goodnight iPad. Unrelated, my wife gave me a copy of that book for Christmas. I thought, are the stars aligned? Am I destined to write about this book? If so, that would be sad. Regardless, here you go:
It is worth first mentioning that this book is a parody — it even says so on the cover. The background structure is related to Goodnight Moon, of which I am not a big fan. Perhaps it is because our oldest kid was indifferent to the book early on. Maybe it is because I do not like saying good night to inanimate objects.
The iPad version is about a house full of rabbits (who seem to multiply as the book goes on), all engaged on their various electronic devices. This includes iDevices, phones, big-screen TVs, ereaders, video games, etc., etc. The matriarch of the family — “a fed-up old woman who was trying to sleep” on a rocking chair (perhaps that is her real issue) — gets tired of all of the devices and then throws them out the window. The other family members freak out, naturally. She then makes everybody go to bed. That is basically it.
There are several funny little illustrations and nods to pop culture. My favorite is that Eminem was mentioned twice in this book that was published in 2011. Is he still around? And, his song was a ringtone on a BlackBerry. I will assume that this was a very smart combination of two formerly relevant concepts.
Obviously, the point of the book is about unplugging from the expanding amount of electronic gear in our lives. As a biased user of such gear, I say: to each his/her own.
Have I unplugged for the holidays? Nope, and most of you have not either. Mobile devices and social media platforms provide a great way to connect with family and friends who you cannot see in person.
I also like my work. I still have the passion and drive and have no intent on stopping. Of course, if your work is sucking the life out of you and you need to recharge, then unplug and step away. There is the lesson you can take from the book.
I guess this did not turn out to be a book review. I will keep my streak of avoiding such things alive.
Goodnight, blog readers (sorry, that is a shameful way to end this).
