{"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\u003cstrong\u003ePreeminent researcher and professor of the psychology of kindness Dr. Gillian Sandstrom reveals how making connections with strangers leads to positive shifts in our everyday lives.\u003c\/strong\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: \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIncreased happiness and wellbeing\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eImproved social skills and self-esteem\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eReduced anxiety and social biases\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eExpanded connections and social circles\u003c\/p\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\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Hardcover\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e HarperOne\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 03\/31\/2026\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780063385412\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 304\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.42lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eReview Citations: \u003c\/strong\u003e\u003ci\u003eLibrary Journal\u003c\/i\u003e 12\/26\/2025 pg. 1\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Gillian Sandstrom","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52210090180789,"sku":"9780063385412","price":25.49,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/files\/img_d3d5e142-107e-4455-a061-3f8620f76f84.jpg?v=1770132434","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/once-upon-a-stranger-the-science-of-how-small-talk-can-add-up-to-a-big-life-9780063385412","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}