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Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life book cover by Dr. Gillian Sandstrom
Hardcover

Once Upon a Stranger: The Science of How “Small” Talk Can Add Up to a Big Life

by Dr. Gillian Sandstrom

$17.69 / copy at 25+ copies As low as $14.70 at 1,000+Your best volume price

Total $442.25

Hardcover · 304 pages HarperCollins · 2026

Format

Hardcover
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About the book

Once Upon a Stranger

"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

Discover 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.

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.”



Details

Publisher
HarperCollins
Author
Dr. Gillian Sandstrom
Format
Hardcover
Published
Mar 31, 2026
ISBN-13
9780063385412
ISBN-10
0063385414
Pages
304
Carton quantity
32 copies
Buying for a group

Once Upon a Stranger for groups: pricing

Volume pricing applies automatically in your cart. No codes, no account needed.

CopiesPrice per copyYou save
25 – 99 $17.69 41% off list
100 – 249 $16.79 44% off list
250 – 499 $15.89 47% off list
500 – 999 $15.29 49% off list
1,000+ $14.70 51% off list
Ways groups use it

Popular for

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Leadership development

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2
Company book clubs

A shared vocabulary for the whole organization.

3
Offsites and conferences

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Where can I buy 100 copies of Once Upon a Stranger?

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  • New books only, straight from the publisher
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Ask a specialist about a larger or mixed order

What does Once Upon a Stranger cost when I buy for a group?

Volume pricing applies automatically in your cart, with no code needed. Price per copy: 25 to 99 copies, $17.69 (41% off list); 100 to 249 copies, $16.79 (44% off list); 250 to 499 copies, $15.89 (47% off list); 500 to 999 copies, $15.29 (49% off list); 1,000+ copies, $14.70 (51% off list). Need a different quantity, or a quote to forward for approval? Ask a specialist and we will confirm pricing before you pay.

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