Touch: The Power of Human Connection

by Samantha Hess

Technology allows us to communicate across vast distances but something is lost in translation. Busy lives result in neglected relationships and patterns of behavior that discourage intimacy. Touch: The Power of Human Connection illustrates 19 cuddling positions designed to bring you closer to the people you value. This book reveals the science behind cuddling and why it is such a fundamental need. Touch shows you how to improve your health, boost your happiness, strengthen your relationships, satisfy your partner and approach life with confidence.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Psychology

118 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2014

Reviews

[Shea Layton · Rating 4 out of 5]

A simple but quality overview of Hess's experiences, research, and strategies in regards to touch. Much of the book is general interpersonal skills for assertiveness and having your needs met, key elements of healthy platonic touch.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was excited to read this book for awhile now because I remember seeing Samantha on the news when she first started her business. I am from Portland too and do massage therapy. This would be a great book for massage schools so that they can put it out as required reading. Very informative as there is so much to learn about this subject. Thank you Samantha for putting yourself out there and for being you!

She says she was in a relationship with very little touch before she started her business - “I was surviving but not thriving. I was in a rut.”

She goes over ways to say no:
1. Go-to-no: Have a phrase you use
2. Excuse free No: Keep it simple "No thank you." "Not at this time"
3. Alternative No: "No I'm not free this Tuesday. How about Thursday."
4. Postponed No: "My schedule changed. I will have to postpone for now."
5. Transfer the blame no: "No I can't make it. My calendar is crazy at the moment."
5. Reconfirmed No: Keep repeating yourself and use a softer voice each time
6. The rule No: "Sorry, I have a rule where I don't lend this out."

[Juliana Mae · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book. I find the idea of professional cuddling extremely intriguing. The writing wasn't always exactly on point. There were a few spots where I was genuinely like, “I have no idea what that was supposed to say.” Not many, and there were a few spots where I was like, “Wow. That's good writing, mostly because it makes me feel something.”
The quotes were excellent, and some of the scientific information was interesting. I found most of the things in this book to be common sense, though I guess sometimes it's not as obvious to others. The cuddle positions are nice, organized, and numerous, and include helpful tips. I was glad to have pictures. It was nice to have a visual.
Samantha comes across as a really caring person. She's very adamant about helping others have their needs met, but also about getting your own needs met, and she presented both sides of the coin in an understanding way.
If you're thinking about getting this book, I say might as well.

[Squire Whitney: Hufflepuff Book Reviwer · Rating 3 out of 5]

In her illuminating nonfiction piece, Touch, Samantha Hess sheds light on the power and importance of human touch: something that I, as a 28-year-old who had experienced little physical contact in his life, never entirely realized until recently that I craved and needed. I did skim over a few portions of Touched, such as those on communication and cuddling positions, which I was less interested in, but what I did take the time to prove to be beyond worth my time.