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Zoom Into Books Author
Author and speaker Heather Dugan is the founder/director of Cabernet Coaches®, an “all ages, all stages” access group for women that fosters self-betterment through face-to-face friendships and social connection. The Friendship Upgrade: Trade Clickable Connections for Friendships that Matter pinpoints the causes of isolation and offers life-changing solution steps for the socially side-lined as well as those seeking deeper, more meaningful friend connections. Date Like a Grownup: Anecdotes, Admissions of Guilt & Advice Between Friends (self-help/relationships finalist in the USA Book Awards and the Next Generation Indie Book Awards), is “a witty and insightful look at dating the second time around, a refreshing peek into the challenges of building midlife relationships, and a toolkit for moving past the loneliness toward a relationship built for the future.” She has also worked as a professional voice talent for more than twenty-five years and recently completed The Friendship Upgrade audio book.
Heather’s ongoing study of the challenges and opportunities in relationship- and community-building, as well as the success of her 260+ member group, has made her a popular speaker with corporate organizations and community groups. Topics include the impact of transitions, technology, and over-efficiency on relationships, building stronger communities, and bridges to connection and friendship. A responsive and engaging communicator, her talks generate the meaningful discussions that can generate pathways to personal growth and community change.
An Indiana University alumna, Heather resides in Columbus, Ohio, but is an avid traveler and outdoor enthusiast.
Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite
Do you have a deep need for friendship? Connection? Then it is time to plug in. The Friendship Upgrade: Trade Clickable Connections for Friendships that Matter by Heather Dugan demonstrates the reality of life as it exists now. The author speaks about her loneliness and search for friendship in times when it is easier to find an online friend than a real one. Friendships matter and the author speaks about how friend-finding had become her new treasure hunt post-divorce. Dugan gives tips and advice on how to find real friendships, healthy connections, and how these genuine connections make an impact on life. The book is divided into three sections: Easy Avenues to Isolation, Focus on Friendship, and Keys to Connection.
There are many women living in their lonely bubble and in disconnected spaces where no one reaches out to anyone. Facebook friends are easy to collect and they are maintenance-free, yet they do help for entertainment purpose. The author will make readers look at the way they are dealing with their isolation and loneliness. The Friendship Upgrade will encourage readers to choose friendships, activities, and connections that will enhance their lives. The author tackles the topics in each section extensively, along with speaking about her personal stories and the personal experiences of many others to guide readers to look at their connections and wonder how connected they feel. The benefits of a good friendship shared between women are tangible in the chapter My Cabernet Coaches and will help readers realize the joys of real connection. The Friendship Upgrade is a good book for all those looking for respect, kindness, acceptance, inclusion, and a better life.
