Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World Hardcover – April 21, 2020

I am glad I read this book. Chances are, you will, too. It's an important book, especially in this day and age, with the country deeply divided and social media tearing us apart. Modern life is not kind to us and our communities, and loneliness is the result. This book offers many praftical, proven solutions for preventing and combating loneliness, building connections, and healing our nation. A must-read in my opinion.That said, the book can be a little long-winded, and not all the stories are equally intersting or meaningful. And the author tends to bundle all the effects of abuse, trauma, maltreatment and neglect into an umbrella term of loneliness. Which on the one hand is an interesting perspective, but on the other hand seems like an oversimplification. But perhaps that doesn't matter. They are in any case minor quibbles in what is overall an excellent and important book.

Great stories and research about how relationships are the path to healing and happiness. Highly recommended and enjoyable as a read

A truly incredible, powerful, and well-researched book. It answers a lot of questions about loneliness and connection that I have not paid attention to in the past. I feel that anyone can truly benefit from reading and understanding the essential points mentioned in this book: Below are explanations to some of my findings based on what I have read:• People are wired for connection and relationship. It is biologically in our DNA.• Research has shown that the mental pain of loneliness over extended periods of time can equal the physical pain of head injury.• Explains why cults exist, how they grow, and how they prey on the lonely. It also explains why people can be reluctant to leave abusive relationships or circumstances. Some people are more afraid of leaving and being on their own with no support rather than being in abusive situations.• Explains why some groups view solitary confinement as cruel and unusual punishment. Over time, loneliness can become a severe detriment to physical and mental health.• Explains why exile was considered a more severe form of punishment than execution. It is easier to die than deal with years or decades in exile with no connection to other human beings.• Explains why the COVID lockdowns and “social distancing” have physically and mentally impacted even more people than have suffered from the virus itself.• Explains why wealthy and successful people can be some of the most miserable. The author provided an example of a lottery winner who left his neighborhood for a more affluent one and suffered immensely because he could not find community even though he was materially well off.• Identifies the potential negative aspects of connection that can be rooted in hatred, anger, and division.• Differentiates between isolation and loneliness. Unlike loneliness, isolation is important and can help us reflect and build self-awareness.• Therapy, however valuable, cannot replace truly mutual friendship.• Explains why economically abandoned communities struggle with addiction and loneliness, which result in health issues and more deaths at younger ages than people in affluent and supported communities.I’m delighted this man is our country’s Surgeon General once again. We need more people like Dr. Murthy in leadership positions in our government and corporate boards throughout our country. I did not expect this book to be so informative and thought-provoking.

It was appropriate for loneliness to hear other’s stories, and for that this is a good book.I wanted something a little more direct personally, but still appreciated this book. Reads super fast too.

The book arrived in perfect condition. No tears, folds, wrinkles, or stains. Excellent new copy

#Speaking/Listening to the Lonely.#Life is about peopleIncredible insight into the minds of those who feel alone in a very connected/ disconnected world.

I had the pleasure of seeing Dr Murthy live for the first time at a conference last month in San Francisco, right before such gatherings stopped indefinitely. His heartfelt message about the dangers of loneliness and the importance of connection was so powerful that I had to immediately pre-order his book, sight unseen.So glad I did! Its timeliness is crazily prescient, especially during the coronavirus crisis when so many people are cooped up at home feeling disconnected from the rest of the world. Dr Murthy even has the generosity of spirit to add a last-minute "Author's Note" to the book literally minutes before its release, with 4 recommendations addressing the social strains we're experiencing:1) Spend time each day with those you love -- at least 15 minutes.2) Focus on each other and give one another undivided attention. No multitasking. Especially on Zoom.3) Embrace solitude. Connecting with yourself is a prerequisite for connecting with others.4) Help and be helped. Give and receive service to strengthen our social bonds.This is a book that not only aspires to the best version of ourselves -- stronger, healthier, more connected, and more generous -- but also catalyzes the process of healing the rifts growing in our societies. Get a copy for yourself, and another one for every friend you'd like to connect with more meaningfully.-- Ali Binazir, M.D., M.Phil., Happiness Engineer and author of  The Tao of Dating: The Smart Woman's Guide to Being Absolutely Irresistible , the highest-rated dating book on Amazon, and  Should I Go to Medical School?: An Irreverent Guide to the Pros and Cons of a Career in Medicine

This should be required reading in so many venues: schools, colleges, hospitals, places of worship. For all of us, as it highlights the interconnection of community and fulfilling lives. Eloquent and well-researched.

Great stories about real people. Nothing to dislike.Super Resources. Loneliness is all around us & we can help.I have used stories in book for the children's stories I tell in church.

L'Autore ce lo spiega benissimo e fornisce anche alcuni spunti per rimediare il declino della coesione sociale

El principio del libro empieza prometedor. Da buen respaldo para demostrar que establecer relaciones de confianza es muy positivo para la salud mental y desarrollo de los individuos; así como el impacto negativo de la soledad emocional y de lo importante que es tomar medidas para superarla. Pero a medida que avanza el libro pierde impacto y contundencia.Para un autor que ha sido Surgeon General en EEUU, encontré el libro demasiado soft. Más sus opiniones y anécdotas que estudios científicos. Me recordaba a la máxima "Data is not the plural of anecdote". Le falta contundencia.Además está muy centrado en escolares y jóvenes. Con checklists y clasificaciones abcd... Tal vez sea más adecuado para padres con niños escolares que para mí.

In our current technology driven age the importance of fostering meaningful human relationships at all levels of our circle - family, friends, work colleagues, neighbors is highlighted in a very insightful age. The problems of loneliness which are at the root of most of our physical and mental challenges is analysed and simple solutions recommended. It is book which helps us to be better human beings by building supportive and joyful human relationships.

Beautiful book - hard copy recommended for highlighting/underlining/scribbling of notes and for re-reading and sharing with others.