Psychotherapist Shannon Algeo wants Pasadena residents to ask themselves a question: "Who will you become when you put down your phone and pick up your life?"

Algeo will discuss and sign his new book, "The Power in Your Hands: Liberate Yourself from Attachment to Technology," at Vroman's Bookstore on Thursday, July 16, at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to all.

The hour-long conversation pairs Algeo with Jennifer Pastiloff, the Southern California-based bestselling author of "On Being Human" and "Proof of Life." Pastiloff appeared at Vroman's in July 2025 for her own book event. The two will explore Algeo's central argument: that smartphones have quietly become surrogate attachment figures, filling the role of human intimacy in people's lives.

That idea grew out of Algeo's graduate coursework at Pacifica Graduate Institute. In an interview published by Pacifica, he described the moment the concept clicked: "When learning about attachment theory in graduate school coursework in the M.A. Counseling Psychology program, I kept having a loud and persistent thought, 'I feel like I am in an attachment relationship with my smartphone!'"

He tested the theory on himself, spending 30 days using only a flip phone as part of his thesis experiment. The book's opening poem, "Reaching for the Phone I Left at Home on Purpose," came from a 40-minute walk in Topanga Canyon when his hand reflexively reached for his pocket and he picked up a pen instead.

The research backing the book points to a striking number: Algeo cites studies estimating the average smartphone user spends 61 to 80 cumulative days per year on their device. His clinical research at Pacifica found that people with anxious or avoidant attachment styles are more likely to develop compulsive relationships with their phones.

Algeo holds a master's degree in counseling psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. He hosts the We Human podcast, teaches at the Esalen Institute and Kripalu Center, and has spoken at the United Nations. The book carries an endorsement from Johann Hari, author of "Stolen Focus."

The event takes place at Vroman's, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., in Pasadena's Playhouse Village neighborhood. The store, founded in 1894, hosts more than 400 free community events each year, according to its website. For more information, call (626) 449-5320 or visit vromansbookstore.com.

This week in Pasadena:

  • Wednesday, July 15 — Vroman's Storytime with Mr. Steve and Miss Marie, 11 a.m., free
  • Friday, July 17 — "LA's Garden" exhibition opening reception, Descanso Gardens' Boddy House, 5–7 p.m., free
  • Friday, July 17 — Movies in the Park: SpongeBob, 7 p.m., Washington Park, free
  • Saturday, July 18 — Vroman's Family Coloring Day, noon, $5
  • Saturday, July 18 — Parks After Dark: Aqua Boogie Nights, 6–9 p.m., Villa Parke Pool, free