{"product_id":"once-upon-a-stranger-the-science-of-how-small-talk-can-add-up-to-a-big-life-9780063385412","title":"Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How \"Small\" Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\"If you've ever avoided talking to strangers, this book might change your mind about giving them their space. And that, as Gillian so perfectly explains, might change everything.\" --Angela Duckworth, NEW YORK TIMES bestselling author of GRIT\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eDiscover how making connections with strangers leads to positive shifts in our everyday lives, from preeminent researcher and professor of the psychology of kindness Dr. Gillian Sandstrom.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eDo you ever feel lonely, even in a crowd? Do you feel anxious or worried about what others think of you, or struggle to make friends? You are not alone. But the truth is, opportunities for positive connection and community are all around you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIn this groundbreaking book, Dr. Gillian Sandstrom reveals that by talking to strangers, we can unlock more joy, curiosity, and goodwill every day. In an age when loneliness is a social health crisis and harmful behaviors like groupthink increase our perception of distance and polarization, this transformational guide explains the benefits of stretching our perceived limits and connecting with our fellow humans, including: \u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIncreased happiness and wellbeing\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eImproved social skills and self-esteem\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReduced anxiety and social biases\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExpanded connections and social circles\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eCombining powerful scientific findings with stories from her own life, Dr. Sandstrom offers us a new vision of a life well lived, when we have the courage to reach out and simply say, \"hello.\"\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Gillian Sandstrom\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e HarperOne\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 03\/31\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 304\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.95lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.14h x 5.92w x 1.19d\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780063385412\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eReview Citation(s): \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e 12\/26\/2025 pg. 1\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eSandstrom, Gillian:\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e - \u003cb\u003eGillian Sandstrom\u003c\/b\u003e is an Associate Professor in the Psychology of Kindness at the University of Sussex. Her research has been featured across the media, including the \u003ci\u003eNew York Times\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eThe Wall Street Journal\u003c\/i\u003e, \u003ci\u003eWashington Post\u003c\/i\u003e, and \u003ci\u003eThe Atlantic\u003c\/i\u003e, and has been covered by other outlets around the world. She has been interviewed for major podcasts and radio shows, including \u003ci\u003eHidden Brain\u003c\/i\u003e, NPR's\u003ci\u003e Life Kit\u003c\/i\u003e, and Claudia Hammond's\u003ci\u003e All in the Mind\u003c\/i\u003e. She lives in Brighton, England.\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"booksdeli.com","offers":[{"title":"Gillian Sandstrom \/ Hardcover \/ English","offer_id":47809115160733,"sku":"9780063385412","price":47.34,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0619\/5648\/9373\/files\/img_01a260bb-3cae-4684-8630-b0bb052849d1.jpg?v=1775556638","url":"https:\/\/booksdeli.com\/products\/once-upon-a-stranger-the-science-of-how-small-talk-can-add-up-to-a-big-life-9780063385412","provider":"booksdeli.com","version":"1.0","type":"link"}