Overview
Preeminent 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.
Do 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.
In 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:
Increased happiness and wellbeing
Improved social skills and self-esteem
Reduced anxiety and social biases
Expanded connections and social circles
Combining 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.”
While major retailers like Amazon may carry Once Upon a Stranger (The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life), we specialize in bulk book sales and offer personalized service from our friendly, book-smart team based in Portland, Oregon. We’re proud to offer a Price Match Guarantee and a streamlined ordering experience from people who truly care.
We’re trusted by over 75,000 customers, many of whom return time and again. Want proof? Just check out our 25,000+ customer reviews—real feedback from people who love how we do business.
Prefer to talk to a real person? Our Book Specialists are here Monday–Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PST and ready to help with your bulk order of Once Upon a Stranger (The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life).