The Peaceful Revolution - One conversation at a time.

I just finished reading Give it a Go - The Peaceful Revolution and I love how the book encourages us all to "Give it a Go, walking with our phones down, our heads up, and our hearts open." The overall message is bright and hopeful – it could easily have come across as browbeating, but instead I felt like I was hanging out with an old friend having a conversation and feeling the connection. It's incredible that more people aren't talking about this. I've also seen the documentary. "Social Dilemma," as Joe mentions in the 'Introduction' to the book, but that's the most I've seen this issue addressed in the wider public, I'm sure there are other popular films, books, articles, or podcasts addressing the issue of screen addiction, but other than this book and the above-mentioned documentary, none that I'm aware of. You'd think it would be hotly debated right now, but I guess denial is part of the nature of addiction.
I felt the analogies made were really effective – the addictions of previous generations, and how this present addiction to screens/ phones is not only worse because it's starting super young, but that it's also not illegal or considered immoral. It's just being allowed to run rampant and overtake our collective will. Actually, that thought is terrifying to me. I was so glad to hear someone giving voice to it in a non-terrifying, matter of fact way. When I finished the book I had that good feeling I used to get when I would spend a cozy afternoon just reading a book by the fire.
Thank you Joe for reminding us of our humanity, and putting a smile on our faces while helping us all feel like we belong to a greater wholeness that is worth putting our phones down, keeping our heads up and opening our hearts for.

Marga Laube, Astrologer - Ashland, Oregon

 “Give it a Go” by Joe Diomede, is a short and simple book that speaks directly to the times. During this age of technology we are becoming less and less accessible to one another. Especially during this time of the pandemic when we are out in public with our masks on, we can often only see each other’s eyes. Now, a simple smile passing another patron in the grocery store is so much harder to convey. Having a way to communicate that we are open to having a conversation together while standing in line or walking around town, is a small but revolutionary idea. One that can make us feel less divided and more connected. I’m an extrovert by nature and being able to relate to strangers while out and about has always been a way to fuel me. I’m often deterred now by technology and hindered by face coverings. Connection with each other is going to be the biggest way to heal so many conflicts that are taking place all over the world! Let’s not forget that up close we are so much harder to hate, let’s try to remember to talk and find some common ground with a stranger! I think this is a perfect time in history for us all to think outside the box a little and just, “Give it a Go!” 

Dana Brown - Home educating mom, gardener, English teacher - Marshall, North Carolina

 While reading Give It A Go, there were a lot of pain points that spoke to me and made me realize that I need to disconnect more from my devices. I have a 5 year old daughter who loves to play games on her tablet, almost to the point that she doesnt want to play with actual toys or go outside. This book has helped me understand that I need to stop this habit now and form new ones for both myself and for her. We have our noses in our devices so often that we miss the REAL things around us. I'm glad I read this book to wake up and realize life is better lived outside of a screen. I would recommend this book to anyone and will be passing it along to a friend to enjoy as well. Thank you Joe, for opening my eyes. 

 Kenzie Wright King: positive thinker, entrepreneur, travel junkie, mom, lover of all things adventurous - Utah, USA 

 Joe is a masterful story teller and when he digresses to share a story,  be ready to fall under his spell. He is empowered with such passionate beliefs that he will forego formalities and dive in with a poignant tale to have you rethinking a new or old situation. 'Give it a Go', his latest book, does just that by prompting us not to put our technology away, just down. When I first tried facebook a friend warned me, “It’s crackbook, be careful." How right Joe was to link an allegorical story from his adolescence about the addictions of the time, with our modern-day screen addictions. While I do feel technology is here to stay, and was designed to make our lives easier, in many cases it has failed. Maybe it's more like a slice of pizza, nice once in a while, but you can’t eat it for every meal, every day. The pages of the short book have helped inspire me to put Joe's ideas into practice, breathe and have a random conversation with the person next to you. Chances are you are going to have a good experience, possibly make a new friend, and your tech will remain safe somewhere in a cloud. Joe's suggestions are gentle, easy and full of unexpected surprises. Only one way to know for sure, read the book and “Give it a Go”! 

Larry Diomede, retired harmonica playing train conductor, juggler, - Connecticut U.S.A.

 I found 'Give it a Go' to be insightful and thought provoking. It deals with how we communicate (or sometimes don't!) and our relationship with technology! A world traveller, Joe's experiences give him a unique perspective on many issues and is well worth a read. It also contains some inspiration  as to how we can come together in a post Covid world! 

Steve Wilson - Singer songwriter, music teacher -  Weymouth, England