Together by Vivek H. Murthy, MD

About the Book

Title: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
Author: Vivek H. Murthy, MD
Genre: Health & Wellness / Psychology
Year of Publication: 2020
Pages: 304

Summary: What the Book Is About

The book explains that loneliness is not only a feeling. It can change how we think, how we act, and even how healthy we are. The author shares stories from real people and explains why modern life can make us feel disconnected. He also shows small ways to rebuild connection: stronger friendships, kinder communities, and better conversations. The main message is simple: connection is not “extra.” It is a basic human need, like sleep and safety.

“Loneliness is more than a bad feeling.”

English Level

• CEFR level: B2

• Learners preparing for: IELTS 6.5 (or a similar score on TOEFL or another international exam)

Why B2? The writing is readable, but it includes health terms, social science language, and longer sentences. If you are B1, you can still read it—just go slower and choose shorter parts each day.

Why this book is helpful for English learners

This is nonfiction, but it does not feel cold or academic. You get real stories, clear ideas, and repeated words around emotions, relationships, and community. That makes it great for learning English you can actually use in daily life.

Language skills you can build

• Reading: long nonfiction chapters with stories + explanations

• Vocabulary: emotions, mental health basics, relationships, society

• Idioms & common phrases: “reach out,” “feel seen,” “show up,” “drift apart”

• Grammar in context: contrast and cause/effect (because, however, while, therefore)

Estimated unique word count: ~8,000–12,000 (approximate)

Vocabulary themes you will see many times

• connection, belonging, community

• trust, empathy, compassion

• isolation, stress, anxiety

• purpose, meaning, service

• habits, routines, attention

If you want a simple learning plan, collect words that feel useful in real conversations, then review them weekly in Linguapress app.

How to read Together by Vivek H. Murthy, MD as an English learner

You don’t need to read fast. This book works better when you read slowly and reflect. Here are three simple ways to learn English with it.

1) Read in “story + idea” pairs

Many parts follow a pattern: first a story, then an explanation. Use that structure:

• Read the story part first (focus on the situation and emotions)

• Read the idea part second (focus on the key message)

• Write one sentence: “The point is…”

2) Turn each chapter into a speaking exercise

After a section, practice speaking for 30–60 seconds. Keep it simple:

• What happened in the story?

• What problem did it show?

• What solution did the author suggest?

This is great training for spoken English because you reuse the same useful structures again and again.

3) Use a “tiny notes” method (no long summaries)

Long summaries are tiring. Try short notes instead:

• 3 key words

• 1 key sentence you liked

• 1 personal example from your life in the US (work, school, neighbors, family)

Then save the key words in Linguapress app and review them later.

Table: reading plan that fits busy schedules

User Reviews

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “It’s easy to follow and very human. I learned useful words for feelings and relationships, not only ‘book English.’”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Some parts are slow, but the message stays with you. I started calling friends more often after reading a few chapters.”

⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Great for B2 readers. The stories helped me understand the ideas without checking the dictionary every minute.”

Average Rating: 4.3 / 5

Did You Know?

1. The author is a physician who became widely known in the US for speaking about public health and human connection.
2. The book focuses on loneliness as a serious public health issue, not just a private personal problem.
3. Many readers say the book feels like a mix of research, personal stories, and practical actions—so it reads more like a conversation than a textbook.

Similar Books You Might Enjoy

If you like the theme (connection, belonging, and healthier relationships), these books often feel like a good next step:

1. Loneliness — John T. Cacioppo & William Patrick

2. Bowling Alone — Robert D. Putnam

3. The Art of Gathering — Priya Parker