I am always a bit weary and unsure of books that present the solution to all our problems based on the author's research and experiences. We all have seen so little in reference to the amount of time humans have been on this planet so I feel it is a bit self assured for an author to call their book "essential". That being said i do think the book has some good points based on the excerpt and the contents page. I have been talking with several teachers and the overwhelming data and technology our world has and how our students feel more lost than ever. We have so many ways to connect and examine ourselves that we often feel lost. This book is a good addition to the discussion but I would not call it essential.