Loneliness is an epidemic. It's changing our politics, our culture and our health. It's killing us. So how do we fix it?

'A classic' - MALCOLM GLADWELL
'Essential reading' - ATUL GAWANDE
'A gift' - SUSAN CAIN

This elegant, profound book will revolutionise everything you thought you knew about physical health, public policy and the human condition.

Loneliness is an epidemic, whose impact on our health is on par with tobacco. No one is untouched: our healthcare system, our politics and our culture are buckling under its effects. And it has never been more urgent to address - this ground-breaking book shows the way.

Dr Vivek Murthy has been at the forefront of identifying and tackling the global loneliness crisis: as the chief medical doctor of the US under both Obama and Biden, he witnessed first-hand its impact on everyday lives. Tracing the links between loneliness, health and some of our greatest personal and social challenges - from addiction to depression, obesity, anxiety and violence - here he talks to doctors, scientists and community leaders to reveal the solutions. Human connection is simple, and it is within everyone's power to enact - the tools in this book will transform lives, but only if you apply them.

Instant New York Times Bestseller
'Together stands with Atul Gawande's classic, Being Mortal.' MALCOLM GLADWELL, author of Outliers
'A welcome beacon towards meaningful connection' ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, author of Thrive
'Fascinating, moving and essential reading.' ATUL GAWANDE, author of Being Mortal
'This book is a gift' SUSAN CAIN, author of Quiet
'Exactly what the doctor ordered' ANGELA DUCKWORTH, author of Grit
'The most important book you'll read this year.' DANIEL H. PINK, author of Drive

The book we need NOW to avoid a social recession, Murthy's prescient message is about the importance of human connection, the hidden impact of loneliness on our health, and the social power of community.

The world seems more connected than ever, and yet loneliness is at epidemic levels. But what effect is it having on us, and how can we treat it – even at a distance?

When Obama appointed him Surgeon General of the United States, Dr Vivek Murthy observed the growing health crisis of isolation first-hand. In this ground-breaking book, he traces the roots of the problem, and shows how loneliness lies behind some of our greatest personal and social challenges, from anxiety and depression to addiction and violence. But he also reveals the cure. His search led him to talk to doctors, scientists, parents and community members around the world. The solutions are deceptively simple and easily applicable – and the effects are transformative. And one thing is clear: real human connection is a medical necessity if we want to stay healthy, emotionally and physically. We can all create it, and benefit from it, and it is more urgent than ever that we start now.

Instant New York Times Bestseller
'Together stands with Atul Gawande's classic, Being Mortal.' MALCOLM GLADWELL, author of Outliers
'A welcome beacon towards meaningful connection' ARIANNA HUFFINGTON, author of Thrive
'Fascinating, moving and essential reading.' ATUL GAWANDE, author of Being Mortal
'This book is a gift' SUSAN CAIN, author of Quiet
'Exactly what the doctor ordered' ANGELA DUCKWORTH, author of Grit
'The most important book you'll read this year.' DANIEL H. PINK, author of Drive

The book we need NOW to avoid a social recession, Murthy's prescient message is about the importance of human connection, the hidden impact of loneliness on our health, and the social power of community.

The world seems more connected than ever, and yet loneliness is at epidemic levels. But what effect is it having on us, and how can we treat it - even at a distance?

When Obama appointed him Surgeon General of the United States, Dr Vivek Murthy observed the growing health crisis of isolation first-hand. In this ground-breaking book, he traces the roots of the problem, and shows how loneliness lies behind some of our greatest personal and social challenges, from anxiety and depression to addiction and violence. But he also reveals the cure. His search led him to talk to doctors, scientists, parents and community members around the world. The solutions are deceptively simple and easily applicable - and the effects are transformative. And one thing is clear: real human connection is a medical necessity if we want to stay healthy, emotionally and physically. We can all create it, and benefit from it, and it is more urgent than ever that we start now.

Loneliness is an epidemic. It's changing our politics, our culture and our health. It's killing us. So how do we fix it?

'A classic' - MALCOLM GLADWELL
'Essential reading' - ATUL GAWANDE
'A gift' - SUSAN CAIN

This elegant, profound book will revolutionise everything you thought you knew about physical health, public policy and the human condition.

Loneliness is an epidemic, whose impact on our health is on par with tobacco. No one is untouched: our healthcare system, our politics and our culture are buckling under its effects. And it has never been more urgent to address - this ground-breaking book shows the way.

Dr Vivek Murthy has been at the forefront of identifying and tackling the global loneliness crisis: as the chief medical doctor of the US under both Obama and Biden, he witnessed first-hand its impact on everyday lives. Tracing the links between loneliness, health and some of our greatest personal and social challenges - from addiction to depression, obesity, anxiety and violence - here he talks to doctors, scientists and community leaders to reveal the solutions. Human connection is simple, and it is within everyone's power to enact - the tools in this book will transform lives, but only if you apply them.