Looking for a way to spend family time unplugged? Check out Unplug and Play by Brad Berger. The book is filled with 50 games that don’t require electricity. We have reached the age of modern technology, and we spend most of our free time on the Internet playing games, texting, or on social media. It is true, we are loosing our connection to family and friends unless it’s on an electrical device.
I was asked to review this book and jumped at the opportunity. I still play board and card games with my grandchildren, but I thought it would be nice to have access to games other than Candy Land, Trouble, Old Maid etc. I must admit, I don’t usually play games when I’m hanging out with friends and family. So I truly thought the book could be beneficial.
I’ll start with an overview first. The book is filled with 50 games that can be played with various age groups for a variety of events. The book includes games in the matching, memory, puzzles, strategy, bluff, and who can respond the quickest category, which can be played during family time, parties or other social gatherings.
When I first browsed the book, I found it rather confusing. Since I was in the comfort of my home I was able to return to it easily and give it a second chance. I found the content overwhelming. I didn’t know where to start in deciding why I would purchase the book except for the fact that you didn’t have to be on a computer to play it. The cover showed various age groups playing together, but the book isn’t broken down by age group. I had to basically review the entire book to determine which of the 50 games I could use. I wouldn’t have time for that while shopping. It would have gone back on the shelf. I’m just not one to spend my money unless I’m certain of the purchase no matter how big or small.
I returned to the book a few days later and decided that I would look for games that I could play on Girl’s Night and games that I could play with my grandchildren. I found 2 games out of 50 that intrigued me.
Who Am I – Each person lists 20 famous people and you place the names in a hat or bowl, whatever you have handy. Each person takes turns drawing a name and than gives a one – three word hint on who the person is. For example, Vivian Leigh. The hint would be Scarlett. If a person gets the correct answer they earn 30 points. If not, another hint would be Miss Scarlett. They would earn 20 points. Three hints 10 points.
Movie Match – In this game you make two columns, Movies and the second column the Actor/Actress. You match the movie with the actor/actress. The first person or team who matches all 20 wins.
My grandchildren are 6 and 2, so playing these games with them was out unless I really manipulated them. I decided to play both of the games when I hosted Girl’s Night and we had a ball playing them. Besides the fact that you only need a pen and pencil to play the games, I really can’t find many pros for this book. I would recommend browsing it if you come across it in a store you may have a different opinion and may have family members that a older and can play the games; however, for me only finding 2 out of 50 games useful, I would not purchase it. I will play Who Am I and Movie Match again. I loved them.
Note: I was provided a copy of this book for review; however, the opinions are my own.
