"The stories in this collection ... give nuances to the theme of touch, with all its complex emotional and physical connotations. ... The theme has been interpreted in diverse, often surprising and inventive ways. Whether fictional or autobiographical, the contributions focus not only on emotional and bodily contact, but also on such concepts as 'staying in touch' and 'easy touch'. With the exception of two pieces, the stories in Touch were written specifically for this collection."--P. ix-x.