The Book That Reminded Me to Put Down My Phone
Through the Never Sky by Veronica Rossi is a dystopian novel set in a divided world, kinda like the Eloi and the Morlocks from the Time Machine by H.G. Wells. In this one, there are the high-tech domed cities of the Dwellers and the dangerous wilds of the Outsiders. Aria, a Dweller, is exiled and meets Perry, an Outsider. They are forced to build an alliance, built on everything except trust. An incredible example of hate turning to love. And I don’t know about you- but a story like that hooks me every single time.
This one gets me because if you look closely, it's reminiscent of what is in store for humanity if we are not careful. Aria lives in a super high-tech world where everything is virtual. Everything. But when she gets kicked out into the real, wild world (no gadgets, no A/C, and definitely no internet), she has to team up with Perry, a guy from the outdoorsy side of life who’s more “hunter-gatherer” than “screen-scroller.”
It’s a fun reminder that while technology makes life easier, there's still value in stepping outside—literally. Whether it's taking a walk, learning a new skill, or having an actual face-to-face conversation with someone, it’s a story with a gentle nudge for us to reconnect with the real world.
Takeaway? Sometimes the best connections don’t need Wi-Fi—just a little courage, curiosity, and maybe someone who knows how to build a fire.
-Lauren