The Joy of Connections, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer
The Joy of Connections, Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer
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The Joy of Connections
100 Ways to Beat Loneliness and Live a Happier and More Meaningful Life

Author: Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer, Allison Gilbert, Pierre Lehu

Narrator: Tovah Feldshuh, Allison Gilbert, Pierre Lehu

Unabridged: 3 hr 51 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/03/2024

Includes: Bonus Material Bonus Material Included


Synopsis

In Dr. Ruth’s final book, the iconic therapist offers an urgent guide to combating loneliness with 100 ways to increase connectivity right now, based on insights from her life story and her unparalleled career.

“Dr. Ruth’s strategies are essential for building the kinds of bonds that will reduce loneliness and transform lives.”—Gretchen Rubin, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Happiness Project

When Surgeon General Vivek Murthy sounded the alarm that loneliness “represents an urgent public health concern”—exacerbated by social media overuse, the residual effects of the pandemic, and the lack of meaningful relationships—trusted therapist Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer knew that her unique perspective and expertise could help. Long beloved for breaking stigmas around sexual problems, Dr. Ruth made it her mission to help individuals break free from the bonds of hopelessness and isolation.

We are social animals. We have a shared desire to connect and create lasting relationships with the people around us. But the heaviness of loneliness can make this feel impossible. Dr. Ruth, with Emmy Award–winning journalist Allison Gilbert and longtime collaborator Pierre Lehu, tackles the subject with compassion and her trademark no-nonsense approach. She provides practical and creative strategies for finding friends, community, and intimacy. And it’s anchored by Dr. Ruth’s own story, from the horrific loneliness of losing her family in the Holocaust to living in an orphanage to rebuilding her life in America and eventually becoming a world-renowned sex therapist.

With 100 concrete and innovative opportunities that can be put to use immediately, The Joy of Connections isn’t only an action-oriented guidebook on overcoming loneliness from one of the most well-respected therapists of our time; it’s also the vital kick in the pants we all need in order to start seeking—and finding—deep and lasting human connections.

* This audiobook edition includes a downlaodable PDF including the Further Resources section from the book.

About The Author

Dr. Ruth K. Westheimer has been breaking stigmas for more than forty years, beginning in the 1980s with her nationally syndicated radio show Sexually Speaking. She has authored or co-authored forty-seven books on many topics and is now New York’s Ambassador to Loneliness, the first such position in the United States. Allison Gilbert is an Emmy Award-winning journalist and the author or co-author of numerous books. Pierre Lehu has collaborated with Dr. Ruth for four decades.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Russell on August 18, 2024

What a gift. There is a lot of wisdom in this little book. A very fast read, but do not breeze through. Take time to savor the information and ponder the great points and advice. The good doctor shares her years of wisdom in these 100 ways. Be sure to take advantage of them.......more

Goodreads review by Joan on September 24, 2024

Loneliness is a serious problem today. We can even be in the company of people but if there is a feeling we do not matter, there is loneliness. Westheimer reminds us it is not the quantity but quality of relationships that is important. She also reminds us loneliness is a feeling and we can make cho......more

Goodreads review by Betsy on November 09, 2024

I wish I had an opportunity to meet Dr. Ruth during her life time! We could have talked for hours! This USA quick easy read full of good advice- she writes in a direct way that is easy to understand! This book would make a nice gift! She is full of insight and good advice! Check it out of the librar......more

Goodreads review by Analie on November 16, 2024

Fun, easy read with good suggestions. I’m sorry that Dr. Ruth passed away just a few months after publishing this book. I really enjoyed the anecdotes about her life as a Jewish child who escaped the Nazis on the Kindertransport train to Switzerland.......more

Goodreads review by Mimi on December 12, 2024

So so book. The tips are pretty much common knowledge for most people. I learned zero new tips. What I did learn and find interesting was Dr. Ruth’s background story. That was fascinating.......more


Quotes

“Dr. Ruth has done it again! If only I could give this book to my lonely twenty-something self.”—Judy Blume

“The more I study happiness, the more I understand that strong relationships are key—perhaps the key—to living a happy life. To be happy, we need to feel like we belong, that we’re connected to others. This is exactly why we need Dr. Ruth’s new book. Her strategies are essential for building the kinds of bonds that will reduce loneliness and transform lives.”—Gretchen Rubin

“Who better to take on the loneliness epidemic than the legend who helped us talk about sex without blushing. As Dr. Ruth knows, our needs go well beyond the bedroom. This is urgent work. We’re lucky to have her in the fight.”—Dan Harris

“With her newest book, The Joy of Connections, my friend and honorary bubbe Dr. Ruth has brought her particular brand of expertise and insight to address the crisis of loneliness. She is as practical, savvy, enthusiastic, and tough as ever—all her best qualities—to help us all face the challenges of loneliness and improve our well-being.”—Nate Berkus

“Dr. Ruth’s brilliance and insight into human behavior will continue to enlighten and support all those whose loneliness and isolation have been crippling.”—Vera Wang

“I understand from my unique perch that Americans are suffering. We need help learning how to reconnect with each other. Dr. Ruth’s wisdom comes at just the right time.”—Sunny Hostin

“Dr. Ruth brings her decades of therapeutic experience to offer a practical approach for building relationships. Her Menu for Connection is a how-to guide for anyone struggling with loneliness. If you have ever found yourself wondering, ‘How can I do this?,’ now you literally have 100 ways!”—Dr. Julianne Holt-Lunstad, director of the Social Connection & Health Lab and lead scientific editor for the U.S. Surgeon General’s Advisory on loneliness and isolation