The Connection Cure

The world’s first book exploring the science, the stories, and the spread of social prescribing

  • "A provocative, profound, and pleasurable read on surprising remedies for modern malaise.”

    Adam Grant, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Think Again and host of the podcast Re:Thinking

  • “A hopeful and urgently needed antidote to today’s biggest problems in health and health care.”

    Dr. Andrew Weil, New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona

  • “A brave, fascinating, and persuasive read—and will soon become the definitive book on social prescribing. Full of integrity, humor, and great storytelling, this book will change lives, and possibly the world.”

    Dr. Michael Dixon, OBE, author of Time to Heal and former NHS National Lead for Social Prescription

  • “Julia Hotz shows us, in case after case, the amazing healing power of human connection, and that the journey to better health need not be traveled alone."

    Bill Gifford, coauthor of #1 New York Times bestseller, Outlive

  • “Based on extensive research, this book offers practical solutions for those seeking to find health in a world riddled with preventable illness.”

    Dr. Robert Waldinger, coauthor of The Good Life and professor of psychiatry at Harvard Medical School

  • "In a critical exploration of a branch of medicine long and dangerously ignored, The Connection Cure reminds us that medicine is, and has always been, so much more than just a pill.”

    Dr. Rachel Zoffness, author of The Pain Management Workbook and UCSF Assistant Clinical Professor

  • “What if we treated people based on their passions and potential rather than their symptoms and deficits? Through cutting-edge science and captivating stories, this book shows that when we’re seen as whole people, we can truly thrive.”

    Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, author of Transcend, and host of The Psychology Podcast

  • "In The Connection Cure, Julia Hotz takes readers on a fascinating exploration, effortlessly weaving together history, science and intimate portraits of different social prescriptions, with great flair. This book provides a blueprint for rethinking health care."

    Robert Whitaker, Pulitzer Prize finalist and author of Anatomy of an Epidemic

Book Reviews of The Connection Cure

  • ““Julia’s writing is spectacular. Her ability to weave in science with story all with that solutions frame should be the envy of every writer out there. I found myself constantly highlighting sections that I needed to come back to in order to learn more.”

    —Recommended as 2024 Summer Reading pick in Mental newsletter by Ben Miller, leading mental health advocate and policy expert

  • ““With the ideal blend of journalistic skepticism and humanistic optimism, Julia Hotz makes a compelling case that our well-being depends even more on our connections than we realize.”

    —Recommended as 2024 Summer Reading pick in Granted newsletter by Adam Grant, author of #1 New York Times bestseller Think Again

  • “Hotz’s humor and conversational breakdown of the science within the patient stories kept me turning the pages easily… whether or not one has a diagnosis, I’ve learned that the greatest gift of social prescribing is that it could be good for whatever ails you.”

    — Recommended in a MedShadow Review by Kimberley Bliss, Culture Desk Editor

  • ““I’ve been frustrated that the diagnose-treat-repeat cycle hasn’t been working for me... I’d let myself get stuck in a mental rut, ruminating on my stress and forgetting that, even in this brain fog I’m in, life is still going on around me, waiting to be lived. After reading this book, however, I’ve realized I can do more for myself. ….Why not take the more joyful route? Why not make the most of every moment?”

    —Recommended as Editor’s Choice in a review by Jasmine Gonzalez, Editor at Porchlight Books

  • “With interesting stories and a broad canvas, Hotz connects readers to a different way of thinking about health and wellness.”

    — Recommended in Kirkus Reviews

Podcasts on The Connection Cure

  • Season 3 Episode #5: Hotz Thoughts on Stress, Dress, and Social Prescribing for Wellness

    Pill prescriptions and self-care treatments often ignore the underlying problem: Why are so many people struggling with mental health in the first place? Read hereIn this episode of the Stressed but Well Dressed podcast, host Dahlia Stroud and journalist Julia Hotz discuss how movement, art, nature, service, and belonging can reduce stress. Listen here

  • Episode #456: How Connection Can Cure What Ails Us

    In this episode of the Bossed Up podcast, host Emilie Aries and journalist Julia Hotz explore how social prescribing can alleviate burdens on our health and health care. Listen here

  • Episode #7: Social Prescribing (from October 2021)

    In this episode of the Squirrel News podcast, host Jonathan Widder, comedian Ed Crasnick, and journalist Julia Hotz explore why doctors in the UK offer social prescriptions. Listen here

  • IVY: How to Unlock the Power of Belonging, Movement, Nature, Art and Service

    Watch here

Book Tour

June 2

Virtual
Fireside Chat with Allied Health Professionals for Community as Medicine at 2pm ET

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June 5

San Francisco, CA

Blackbird Cafe and Bookstore at 7pm PT

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June 8

Asheville, NC

Connect Beyond Festival at 2 pm ET

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June 10

New York, NY

WORD Bookstore at 7pm ET

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June 17-18

Lugano, Switzerland

Lugano Happiness Forum

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June 24

Sheffield, UK

Newfield Green Library at 6pm BST

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June 26

Manchester, UK

House of Books and Friends at 6pm BST

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More dates and RSVPs announced soon —

you can stay up to date on the full tour here.