The Disconnect Paperback

The Disconnect by Keren David is a timely and thought-provoking novel that explores the complex relationship teenagers have with their smartphones and social media. The story centers on Esther, a Year 11 student, who takes on a unique challenge: an eccentric entrepreneur offers £1,000 to any student in her year group who can go six weeks without using their smartphone. For Esther, this prize represents her only chance to visit her father, sister, and new baby nephew in New York. However, the challenge proves far more difficult than she imagined, as she grapples with FOMO (fear of missing out), the constant urge to reconnect, and the surprising ways in which disconnecting impacts her friendships and perception of the world. The book offers an astute and balanced examination of the highs and lows of being constantly online, while also delving into themes of family, self-worth, and genuine human connection.