THE GIFT OF TOUCH: How Physical Contact Improves Communication, Pleasure and Health

by Helen Colton ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 7, 1983

The joy of touching--from gentle birth (à la Leboyer), family hugs, and erotic bliss to the outer fringes of touch-healing and the new frontiers of touchy-feelie advertising (like Bell's ""Reach out and touch. . .""). Colton has taken the going idea that physical contact is good for the soul, and blown it up into a mock treatise (Touching in Sports, in Schools, in Business and Politics, in Other Countries)--with citations to diverse studies, quotes from all and sundry, heterogeneous bits of information, remarks on peripheral subject-matters (left-handedness, physical punishment, ""sexual harassment""). Plus, of course, lots of talk about creating a more caring, trusting society--illustrated by the author's touch experiences. (""I admit to having loving feelings about much of humanity."") On the practical side, there are some pointers on the light, lingering touch in sex--and, in the chapter that has the least to do with touch as such, some guidelines on ""physical and social contact"" with the disabled (the causes of disabilities, misguided and welcome forms of help). Chiefly, however, Colton wants to rid us of our inherited ""Puritan"" fears of touching family, friends, and strangers--but as a consciousness-raising exercise, it's long-winded and short on emotional grab.

Pub Date: June 7, 1983

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Seaview/Putnam

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1983

Categories: NONFICTION