Touch Is Really Strange

This book is almost a meditation on paper, wandering through poetic thoughts on the importance of touch, how damaging the lack of touch can be, how we use it to engage with the world, and how touch interacts with the rest of our senses. (There are footnotes, too, with sources and additional quotes.) There’s even a brief digression on how harassment and the pandemic have made touch problematic.The captions are accompanied by lovely, sedate images in shades of sand and night. The author points out a few cultural differences as well as trying to educate on misinformation about massage. The book ends with a set of exercises the reader can try with a partner to learn more about touch interaction. It's something to ponder over, although I wish it wasn't so expensive for what it was. (The publisher provided a review copy. Review originally posted at ComicsWorthReading.com.)

This graphic novel was really amazing. During a time where I can’t even ask for a hug from friends because I’m scared to bring back COVID to my parents, my mental health has been at an all time low. It’s good to see that physical contact is something we need to stay happy and sane in this world. I loved the art style and how the story flowed. The resources as the bottom are a great touch as well. Overall a great graphic novel. I’d love to have this in my collections.

Steve Haines has crafted a science-based, informative visual work that is lovely to look at in terms of artwork and layout, and rich in detail. Touch is Really Strange shows even more of what a graphic novel can be, and is a compelling read.

The books in the “really strange” series are an illustrated introduction to a big concept. They also give some practical exercises to try. I think they are all wonderful. In just 16 pages, Steve Haines packs in lots. “Touch is Really Strange” was poignant and poetic, the footnotes are beautiful. To learn more and to springboard into further learning references are provided at the back of the book.